The Komodo National Park is part of the famous CORAL TRIANGLE and is declared a UNESCO WORLD HERRITAGE site. Komodo has one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Indonesia with a contrasts between dry savanna on the hills and some thorny green vegetation, white sandy beaches and amazing blue water.
The most famous inhabitant of Komodo (existing no-where else in the world) is the Komodo Dragon. This lizard gets his name due to its appearance and aggressive behavior; it can grow up to 2-3 meters long. Besides the largest living lizard, the Park is a natural reserve for a great diversity of species such as manta rays, sea turtles, whales, and dolphins. Komodo Is known for its cooler waters, beautiful corals, fast currents
and one of the best places in the world where you can find an amazing biodiversity, we can see everything from macro to pelagic fishes.
Situated between the deep sea of Flores reaching 5,000 meters depth and the shallow Indian Ocean, at every tide changes the water must pass between islands at high speed, forming currents that provide nutrients and oxygen rich waters to the fish and the coral reef. The coral reefs are diverse and luxuriant.
The North Side of Komodo offer warm water (27-29°), in the South the water will be a bit cooler (18-24°), that is why a 3-5mm long wetsuit and hoodie are strongly recommended all year round. The best time to discover the Komodo National Park is between April and September.
It is strongly advised to have had previous experience in diving with current before to board a Liveaboard for Komodo, bring your reef hook and if you want to be able to enjoy the dive sites at their best it is advised to either have your Advanced certification or you can do it during on board.
Snorkelers also love Komodo National Park as the shallow reef are also full of colorful corals and amazing fish life. If you are a snorkeler you can also board a Liveaboard for a fantastic adventure. All liveaboard also organize land visits to discover the beautiful landscape and its habitant above water.
Some of the dive sites you shouldn’t miss:
Cannibal Rock: The world-famous seamount in Horseshoe Bay, Rinca Island, Komodo National Park. Fantastic coral growth, and full of critters – Frogfish, Leaf Scorpionfish, Pygmy Seahorses, Zebra Crabs, Coleman Shrimps and lots of Nudibranchs.
Castle Rock: Seamount in north-east Komodo. Packs of Whitetip and Grey Reef Sharks patrol this reef. Plus massive schools of Surgeonfish, Unicornfish, Fusilliers and Jackfish. With a bit of luck you’ll get to see Dolphins here too!
Manta Alley: One-stop facility for Giant Mantas – they feed here, get cleaned and work their wing muscles in the alley. Or they just play around over the reef. Up to 20 Mantas can be here. Occasionally even a Mola-mola shows up!
Torpedo Alley: Best muck-dive in Komodo. Hairy Frogfish, Rhinopias, Ambon Scorpionfish, rare Nudibranchs, Ghost Pipefish, Bobtail Squid and Coconut Octopus.
Batu Bolong: Rocky outcrop in the middle of the channel between Komodo and Flores. Crystal clear water, Whitetip Reef Sharks, Napoleons, Turtles, Tunas and a bazillion of colorful Anthias up in the shallows.
Hot Rocks- Sangeang Island : Active volcano, with fields of bubbles coming up from the sand. Stunning corals in good visibility. Nudibranchs, Frogfish, Leaf Scorpionfish and Ribbon Eels.
Crystal Rock: Three pinnacles with great marine life. Giant Trevallies, Surgeonfish, Whitetip and Grey Reef Sharks, Turtles Napoleons and a chance to see Dolphins hunt for breakfast.
There are few choices for you to enjoy the wonderful Komodo National Park.
You can either fly to Labuan Bajo and stay at one of the Resorts on the island and go on day trips from there.
Another option is to fly to Labuan Bajo and board one of the Liveaboards departing from the closest Island from the National Park.
And finally there are some Liveaboards starting and ending their journey in Bali, it won’t have to take an domestic (internal) flight to dive the amazing Komodo.
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