Komodo Dive Sites — Exploring the Underwater Wonders of Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park isn’t just famous for its prehistoric dragons and dramatic landscapes above water — it’s also one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. Divers from around the globe come here to explore crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, rich marine biodiversity, and exhilarating drift dives. Many of the best Komodo dives are accessed by boat from Labuan Bajo, Flores, and are included in daily dive trips or liveaboard itineraries.

1. Batu Bolong — The Most Iconic Site

Batu Bolong is arguably the most famous dive site in Komodo National Park. This tiny rocky outcrop rises from deep water and supports lush coral life and huge schools of fish. Currents can be strong, but sheltered areas provide incredible visibility and vibrant reef encounters. Expect to see colorful reef fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and barracuda schools — it’s a must-dive spot for advanced divers.

2. Castle Rock — Pelagic Action Central

Located north of Gili Lawa Laut, Castle Rock is a current-splashed seamount pulsing with big-fish action. Encounter sharks, giant trevally, tuna, napoleon wrasse, and other large marine life. Divers often use a reef hook to hold position and watch the animal activity unfold around the rock. This dive rewards experienced divers with rich pelagic biodiversity.

3. Crystal Rock — Clear Water and Colorful Life

Part of the Castle Rock complex but distinctive in its clarity and life, Crystal Rock offers stunning coral coverage, anthias clouds, and regular sightings of reef sharks and large schooling fish. Its name comes from the often crystal-clear water, and although it can be current-swept, it’s an unforgettable dive with excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography.

4. The Cauldron / Shotgun — Drift Dive Thrills

Also known as Shotgun, The Cauldron is a thrilling drift dive where strong currents funneled between islands push divers through dramatic underwater terrain. You’ll marvel at the roaring fish life — barracudas, jacks, mantas, and sharks — before drifting into calmer coral gardens below. This site is for confident divers comfortable with stronger water movement.

5. Manta Point — Dance with Giants

At Manta Point (often referred to locally as Kurang Makassar), divers are likely to encounter graceful manta rays gliding through nutrient-rich water. This site is less about coral and more about the majestic pelagic life that visits seasonally, often in moderate current, making it ideal for experienced divers eager for close manta encounters.

6. Siaba Besar & Siaba Kecil — Macro and Drift Variety

• Siaba Besar — A protected bay site with a sprawling coral reef and abundant marine life. It’s great for macro lovers, with frogfish, nudibranchs, and juvenile fish, and it’s also calm enough for beginners.
• Siaba Kecil — Offers lively drift conditions with schools of fish, tiger groupers, and big blue water encounters. Both sites provide contrasting experiences — peaceful macro spotting and big drift dives alike.

7. Sebayur & Sebayur Kecil — Close and Colorful

Close to Labuan Bajo, Sebayur and Sebayur Kecil are perfect options for divers of all levels. These sites feature coral bommies, abundant small fish, turtles, and occasional reef sharks. They make excellent first dives of the day or “check dives” after travel.

8. Wae Nilu — Macro and Muck Exploration

Wae Nilu is a special macro and muck dive site near Rinca Island, known for its sandy slopes and hidden critters like ribbon eels, zebra crabs, and ghost pipefish. Visibility can be variable, making it ideal for patient divers who enjoy the small inhabitants of the reef.

9. Pengah, Loh Namu & Indihiang — Big Fish and Walls

• Pengah is a pinnacle site with coral gardens and schools of groupers, snappers, and scorpionfish.
• Loh Namu offers large groupers and napoleon wrasse congregations near deep drop-offs.
• Indihiang presents steep walls perfect for drift dives with casts of big fish and pelagics. These sites can be more challenging and are often visited from liveaboard boats.

10. Batu Tiga — Strong Currents, Big Rewards

Batu Tiga is famous for its exhilarating currents and big pelagic life, including mantas, giant trevally, and schooling tunas. Due to powerful water movement, this site is recommended only for experienced divers, and strong currents make it one of Komodo’s more adventurous dives.

Tips for Diving in Komodo

• Current awareness: Komodo is renowned for strong currents; divers should be comfortable with drift diving and current techniques.
• Best season: The peak diving season is generally April–November, when water clarity and marine activity are often at their best.
• Guided dives: Always dive with professional guides who know the local sites and currents for safer and richer experiences.

Final Thoughts

Komodo National Park offers some of the most diverse and exhilarating scuba diving in the world — from gentle coral gardens and macro havens to dramatic drift sites teeming with pelagic giants. Whether you’re a seasoned diver chasing mantas and sharks or a curious intermediate ready for big water fun, Komodo’s dive sites promise unforgettable underwater adventures.

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