Diving in Komodo
Strong currents, manta rays and some of the richest reefs in Indonesia
Why dive here
Komodo National Park, in the Nusa Tenggara islands, sits where cold southern waters meet the warm Flores Sea. The result is some of the most varied diving in Indonesia: nutrient-rich currents that feed huge schools of fish, manta rays at cleaning stations, reef sharks along the walls and pinnacles, turtles, and a long list of macro life on the sheltered reefs.
The park is spread over many islands, so a liveaboard is the best way to see it. Most trips start and end in Labuan Bajo and spend three to seven days moving between the north, the centre and the south of the park, choosing sites by the tides.
Many sites have strong and changing currents, so Komodo suits divers who are comfortable in current and have some experience, although there are calmer sites for less experienced divers. Dive conditions change a lot between sites and seasons, so ask your operator which areas fit your level.
Big animals and big currents: manta rays, reef sharks, turtles and dense schools of fish, with calmer reefs and macro sites for variety. Best on a liveaboard from Labuan Bajo.
- Drift dives with manta rays and reef sharks
- Walls, pinnacles and sheltered macro reefs in one park
- Liveaboards from Labuan Bajo, 3 to 7 days
- Best season April to November
- Day 1Labuan Bajo, Kelor, Rinca
- Day 2Padar, Pink Beach
- Day 3Komodo, Manta Point, Taka Makassar, Labuan Bajo
When to go
Best seasonOutside the best season
Conditions
Marine life
Manta rays and reef sharks are seen year-round at the right sites, with the best conditions generally from April to November. Water in the south of the park is noticeably cooler than in the north.
Liveaboards
Getting there
Fly to Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo, with direct flights from Bali and Jakarta and connections from other Indonesian cities. Most liveaboards board in Labuan Bajo, a short transfer from the airport.
- Nearest airport
- Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo
- Airport code
- LBJ
- Region
- Nusa Tenggara
- Best season
- Apr–Nov
Park fees
Komodo National Park entrance and dive fees are charged separately from the trip price. Ask your operator for the current amounts.
Questions
When is the best time to dive Komodo?
April to November is the dry season and the most popular time, with generally calmer seas. Komodo can be dived at other times of year, but conditions and available sites vary.
Do I need to be an experienced diver?
Many sites have strong or changing currents, so Komodo is best for divers with some experience. Calmer sites exist for less experienced divers: tell your operator your certification and number of dives.
How do I get to Komodo?
Fly to Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo. Liveaboards and day boats leave from the harbour in town.
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