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Liveaboard Diving in Komodo
What To Expect On A Komodo Liveaboard
Liveaboards in Komodo are a very popular choice for divers visiting Indonesia and rightly so. Dive cruises will take adventurous divers to some very special dive areas in this region. The islands that make up the area of Komodo include a number of the Lesser Sunda Islands, a large volcanic chain in the South East of Indonesia. The early significance of Komodo came from the infamous inhabitant the Komodo Dragon, which has been the subject of legends throughout the 20th Century. Liveaboard dive tours will often allow guests to take a land tour to see these amazing Jurassic creatures. Rumours of a fire breathing dragon living on these small Indonesian islands brought this area to international attention. A Dutch expedition even came to the area and captured and took specimens of the Komodos back to be examined.
Of course, the Komodo Dragons were soon discovered not to be the fire breathing monsters they were rumoured. Fortunately, though the lizards and the rich variety of flora and fauna were quickly recognised as being under threat and the islands were brought under the protection of the Komodo National Park.
The waters are also protected by the National Park due to the bounty of life on the reefs and the large pelagic fish which can be seen here. The numerous small islands that can be visited and dived give liveaboard divers here the advantage of being able to take in a hugely diverse number of sites on the different islands. These small islands are quite far-flung and off the well-dived path making for some unique experiences.
There is something on offer for all kinds of diving passions on a Komodo liveaboard. Many of the sites are muck diving with so much going on macro photographers better bring as much camera memory as they can. The big fish are in attendance too with mantas being the staple pelagics, in some areas you can hope to see even three or four in one dive making a Komodo itinerary the perfect choice for critters big and small.
Komodo Underwater
Underwater Komodo is what diver´s dreams are made of with visibility up to 30 meters/ 98 ft. and marine life of all shapes and sizes. Plankton rich water that comes in from the deep surrounding waters makes the area thick with life. Huge shoals of fish and pelagics are on offer all around the islands. The protection from the National Park also means that the waters and reefs are incredibly healthy and well stocked with fish of all shapes and sizes - all the ingredients for a memorable diving safari.
The topography of Komodo and the shallow waters in between the Lesser Sunda Islands make for some serious current. You can experience up to 8 knots while diving and also highly changeable meaning most dives are drift dives. These currents are what brings the big life to Komodo though, with mantas, hammerheads, dolphins and mola mola making the most of the plankton-rich waters.
Macro lovers won´t be disappointed either, with pygmy seahorses wrapped around bright coloured gorgonian fans and a rainbow of different nudibranchs on offer. Photographers can hope to get some great shots in Komodo, whether it is dramatic videos of sharks and mantas or close-ups with the elusive ornate ghost pipefish.
Dive Sites Of Komodo
One of the best things about a Komodo liveaboard cruise is the sheer number of sites available on your dive trip. Hence, you never feel too overcrowded despite the area's popularity.
MANTA ALLEY and MANTA POINT in the Komodo National Park offer the chance to dive with manta rays that can number in the double digits and shouldn’t be missed.
RINCA ISLAND - a trip here gives you a chance to see Komodo dragons on the beach, but it isn’t the only reason to go there either. The visibility can be slightly less, but the sheer number of corals, nudibranchs, and critters makes this the perfect location for macro photographers.
BATU BALONG, or current city, sits at the top of the list of must-see places on a Komodo liveaboard. The corals on the reef are healthy, colorful, and teeming with fish life and reef sharks.
BIMA Most liveaboard itineraries also include several dives in Bima, which is muck diving heaven with nudibranch and blue-ringed octopuses on the cards.
SANGEANG Something completely unique awaits visitors on this volcanic island, an active volcano that has erupted several times up until a few years ago. In the black sand here, bubbles are coming out of the volcanic sand at the bubble reef from underwater vents beneath.
Top Tips for Divers
- The official language is Indonesian, and the predominant religion is Islam so dressing modestly during any land excursions is recommended.
- The temperature from North to South can vary enormously from 20 to 28 degrees, so bringing two suits or multiple layers is wise.
- Photographers should bring as much storage space as possible; there is so much going on.
Getting to Komodo
There are several ways to get to Komodo for diving, but by far the best is by diving an Indonesian liveaboard, which offers you a range of sites in the area, and you will be in the water before any day boats arrive. The main two departure points for liveaboards are departing from Labuan Bajo or Bali. Labuan Bajo is where you will find the airport on Flores Island. Numerous liveaboards pick up and drop off guests from the port here. Flights to Labuan Bajo are available from Bali International Airport (Ngurah Rai), or if you have plenty of time and an adventurous spirit you can take the day-long ferry ride from Bali.
The other option is to take a liveaboard directly from Bali with departures from Bima and Benoa and disembarking at Labuan Bajo. Some liveaboards also offer the other direction starting in Labuan Bajo and ending in Bali. The itineraries often take in sites around Lombok and Komodo National Park.
There are a few different kinds of dive liveaboard boats that visit Komodo, most of them very luxurious. There are a few motor vessels with comfortable cabins and rear dive decks. These are generally slightly more expensive than sailing boats and might be a better option if you are working on a budget. The huge Indonesian design sailboats are the height of the liveaboard experience in Komodo; these boats offer a smooth and luxurious sail to the islands.
Komodo Diving Reviews
- 9.2 Superb
- 260 Verified Reviews
Chillier in the south, but the currents and upwelling brought plenty of life in to feed.
Diving Komodo in July on the Emperor Raja Laut
World-class, not much big stuff so know that going in but the diversity and amount of life is unparalleled
Diving Komodo in August on the Adelaar
Very good. Strong currents at times but great visibility.
Diving Komodo in May on the Tiger Blue
Awesome; lots of creatures and true guides knew how to find the cool stuff and also to safely assure I had a good time (I was the least experienced diver onboard, probably doing about 20 dives total before).
Diving Komodo in May on the Moana
The water is cold, around 22 deg, but well worth it to see the mantas.
Diving Komodo in May on the Mermaid II
Gorgeous reefs and Manta Alley was world class. Really incredible.
Diving Komodo in June on the Mermaid II
Great diving, but lots of currents
Diving Komodo in June on the Jaya
Good. Nice combination of big and small things. VERY healthy and lush reef.
Diving Komodo in August on the Solitude Adventurer
This was my most favorite of five liveaboard experiences. Reefs were pristine and gorgeous, ocean was calm, currents swift and fish life extraordinary.
Diving Komodo in September on the La Galigo
Fantastic. You will find Sharks, large Manta Rays, large Sting Rays, Nudibranch and larger schools of fish. The fish are even bigger.
Diving Komodo in October on the Cajoma IV
Very good, healthy reef, diverse aquatic life
Diving Komodo in October on the Cajoma IV
Fantastic vibrant coral, large schools of fish, manta rays, reef shark, and micro life
Diving Komodo in July on the Seaisee
It wasn't as great as expected but still very nice
Diving Komodo in June on the Mermaid I
Really great, saw lots of variety of fish, corals, nudis, and mantas.
Diving Komodo in June on the Mermaid II
The dives were all awesome. Such a wide area of sea-life and different types of reef and underwater topography to see.
Diving Komodo in July on the Tiare Cruise
Amazing, lots of Mantas, reef sharks, sea turtles and very diverse sea life
Diving Komodo in November on the Sokaraja
There was a dive site or two near inhabited parts of the island with some trash, but the dive experience otherwise was flawless. Super healthy reefs and diverse wildlife.
Diving Komodo in November on the Komodo Sea Dragon
Great! The weather held up very well! Had one night of rain that made for some subpar visibility the next day, but all other days were spectacular. Komodo is a challenging dive spot and we got lucky with currents, swell, etc. all cooperating and had no troubles, but still had some fun and got to stretch my skillset. Great marine life all around!
Diving Komodo in November on the Komodo Sea Dragon
Vis was a little low, however just meant looking for the small stuff.
Diving Komodo in March on the Queenesia II
We had mild current, moderate visibility, a few Mantas, and millions of fish
Diving Komodo in April on the Neptune One
Excellent. Amazing fish and coral. The flying fox (bat migration) was a very nice addition
Diving Komodo in May on the Queenesia
Good diving - occasional lower visibility
Diving Komodo in June on the Moana
Cold green water with less visibility
Diving Komodo in June on the Mermaid I
Diverse wild life. Awesome current dives.
Diving Komodo in June on the Jelajahi Laut
Lower visibility and colder water was worth it for the mantas.
Diving Komodo in July on the Blue Manta
Excellent & diverse - gorgeous hard & soft corals and abundant sea life.
Diving Komodo in July on the Mermaid II
Very good. Some strong currents to be aware of.
Diving Komodo in July on the Coralia
strong current but beautiful
Diving Komodo in August on the Mikumba 2
Amazing!!! Such diversity between all of the dives. I can’t wait to come back.
Diving Komodo in September on the Mermaid II
Best diving I've experienced, better than Sulawesi and Lombok in my opinion.
Diving Komodo in October on the Cajoma IV
It was a great dive, actually better than what I expected to be.
Diving Komodo in July on the Moana
Amazing, though some challenging currents Good mix of reefs, walls, drift dives Lots of mantas, turtles, sharks, big schools of jacks, sweet lips, some large wrasses Good macro diving for night dives
Diving Komodo in August on the Moana
Fun, beautiful, unfogettable
Diving Komodo in August on the La Galigo
Outstanding! Beautiful reef. Some of the best I have seen and I have dived all over the world.
Diving Komodo in August on the Duyung Baru
The diving is challenging. A lot of diversity, pristine dive sites for most of the dives and the crew made it possible so we mostly didn’t run into other people.
Diving Komodo in August on the Emperor Raja Laut
The best we have seen so far. Mantas, sharks, sea snakes and pristine reefs with challenging currents that certainly pack some excitement into each dive.
Diving Komodo in September on the Moana
The dives were amazing and we could see almost everything we were expecting and more!
Diving Komodo in September on the Kira Kira
It is without doubt one of the top spots worldwide
Diving Komodo in September on the Moana
Many mantas make me happy, but it was cold beyond my imagination.
Diving Komodo in December on the Cheng Ho
Very variable given the weather conditions we had. Beautiful reef, good for both big and small marine life.
Diving Komodo in March on the Moana
Amazing dive sites with mix of pelagic action (manta rays, white and black tips, tuna, various huge schools of fish) and macro diversity
Diving Komodo in April on the Adelaar
Enjoyed the current dives with scooling fish and many palegics.
Diving Komodo in May on the Moana
The went above all my expectations. All the life and Coral were a feast for our eyes.
Diving Komodo in May on the Cajoma IV
Amazing - a few sharks, schools of tunas, and outstanding coral reef life
Diving Komodo in June on the Duyung Baru
Outstanding coral reef, mantas, sharks and macro life
Diving Komodo in June on the Kira Kira
world class dive sites! beautiful healthy corals
Diving Komodo in July on the Emperor Raja Laut
Diving was awesome ... drawbacks included the number of other divers and boats in the middle and southern locations.
Diving Komodo in July on the Jaya
I had a lot of fun. Saw some cool stuff I've never seen before and got to dive in some good currents on some of the sites.
Diving Komodo in July on the Kira Kira
Most of the spots were spectacular, some had some damage but even so there was plenty of marine life everywhere.
Diving Komodo in July on the Kira Kira
Komodo is not the remote location I initially expected and as such it was more crowded on a number of dive sites than I had anticipated, despite this there was generally good vis (15-20 metres), lots of life and excellent coral reefs. The sea-mount, pinnacles and the cauldron are particularly memorable dives.
Diving Komodo in July on the Jaya
Great variety and easy diving
Diving Komodo in July on the Lady Denok
Lovely, nice gardens. Especially Tata Besar
Diving Komodo in August on the Jaya
excellent though strong currents some times
Diving Komodo in August on the Carpe Diem
Excellent - some of the best we have been lucky enough to do anywhere in the world.
Diving Komodo in August on the Mutiara Laut
Overall an amazing place, lots of corals and fishes. Though Komodo is known to be having strong currents, there are also many dive sites that do not have strong currents/are manageable and ok for Open Water/Beginner divers. Just make sure to inform your DMs before the trip of your level of diving.
Diving Komodo in August on the Carpe Diem
Crazy. Manta rays, sharks, turtles, very healthy coral.
Diving Komodo in August on the Cajoma IV
Best diving experience I've had so far, each dive better than the last. Amazing variety and quantity of fish and corals, big and small, amazingly colourful sites.
Diving Komodo in August on the Leyla
The diving in Komodo was great, lots of currents, beautiful coral reefs and beautiful fish. Lots of mantas too!
Diving Komodo in August on the Jaya
Diving in Komodo National Park is fun and adventure. Good visibility generally. South Komodo is a bit cool, however 3mm wetsuit with hood is quite enough for me. A few divesites are especially impressive. Healthy corals full of lives. Great variety of creatures. While my trip was taken during full moon, currents were very strong sometimes. Recommended for experienced divers with strong legs.
Diving Komodo in September on the NusaTara
Diverse with some world class dive sites
Diving Komodo in November on the Moana
Strong currents during full moon, water temp 21-26C with decent visibility. Great variety from macro to Mantas, great corals.Calm seas and some nice sheltered bays and coves.
Diving Komodo in November on the NusaTara
Good condition, but cool water in January
Diving Komodo in January on the Cheng Ho
Strong currents but worthwhile!
Diving Komodo in June on the Solitude Adventurer
Beautiful reefs and corals
Diving Komodo in July on the Mermaid II
Diving is really good, corals are great and healthy in some parts. Biodiversity is abundant but not much large fishes. Great for Macro
Diving Komodo in July on the Duyung Baru
Shore dive sites, like at Komodo bay, were sadly a bit dirty. We only did two of them at night.
Diving Komodo in July on the Nusantara
Great if you love currents, healthy reefs, billions of fish, mantas. Fun.
Diving Komodo in August on the Blue Manta
Lot of diverse dive sites & experiences: reef dive, drift dive, coral bummies, sand dive, night dive, …
Diving Komodo in August on the Sokaraja
Great. So many different things to see and do
Diving Komodo in August on the La Galigo
Diving was soso. We couldn't go to the Manta Ally. We saw 1 manta in the shot gun.
Diving Komodo in September on the Mermaid II
Great, but it's not for beginners
Diving Komodo in November on the Queenesia
One of the best we ever did. Mantas where everywhere, we saw 3 different species of sharks. Fishes everywhere and gorgeous corals. We were very lucky with the current as well
Diving Komodo in November on the Nusantara
Surprising, diverse and rewarding.
Diving Komodo in February on the Queenesia
Abundance of manta rays in Manta Alley, beautiful coral, reef and fishes, my diving trip in Komodo was amazing
Diving Komodo in May on the Blue Manta
Great diving, we got to see a lot of mantas, sharks, turtles, nudibranches, coral, clown fish, and loads of other marine life !
Diving Komodo in May on the Busy Girl
Beautiful corals, large pelagics and amazing currents
Diving Komodo in May on the Moana
Nice sites with some courant. Very nice corals in good health. Lack of school of fish
Diving Komodo in May on the Mermaid I
This was amazing. A lot of diversity although the water conditions were not great in some spots but full of life and beautiful coral.
Diving Komodo in May on the Neptune One
Diving in Komodo was exciting - to see Mantas, Sharks and the guides were knowledgeable of the fish and corals and could answer all our questions.
Diving Komodo in May on the Blue Manta
Such good coral and fish life
Diving Komodo in May on the Nusantara
Amazing, couldn’t be better! All from makro up to mantas!
Diving Komodo in June on the Scubaspa Zen
Outstanding coral & general reef life, not so good if Iu want bigger stuff. But with doing.
Diving Komodo in June on the Queenesia
Great, No strong current because of moon
Diving Komodo in June on the Sokaraja
The diving in Komodo is truly world-class. From macro to huge life, from strong currents to easy swims, from wall dives to coral gardens, you have it all here. The variety of life here is extraordinary; everything from pygmy sea horses to oceanic mantas and everything in between. Sharks? Tick. Turtles? Tick. Schooling fish in their hundreds or even thousands? Tick. Whatever you're interested in, you'll find it here.
Diving Komodo in June on the Bajak
The corals were in great condition. During my trip the currents were very mild. There is a great amount of diverse marine life.
Diving Komodo in August on the Neptune One
Komodo is spectacular. The marine diversity, the various dive sites and the adrenaline rush.
Diving Komodo in August on the Neomi
Awesome! Though, the trip was after new moon and currents were not as strong ;)
Diving Komodo in August on the Blue Manta
Great to see manta, sharks and turtles
Diving Komodo in August on the Sokaraja
The Cauldron and Castle Rock were more strenuous and requires good fitness and diving ability.
Diving Komodo in September on the Nusantara
Very beatifull, most of the time a little current, but the dives were plamed that we had as little as possible. A lot of small and beautiful creatures, but also Mantas, whitetip, blacktip and gry reefsharks.
Diving Komodo in September on the Emperor Raja Laut
Diving in Komodo was once in a lifetime experience. It is not for beginner divers though, as the currents can be quite strong and some experience is advised to avoid panic. The sea life is amazing, literally an underwater aquarium with all sorts of species.
Diving Komodo in September on the Nusantara
World class. Mantas, sharks, turtles, nudibranchs, octopus and even dolphins… it has it all (along with some epic currents to ride).
Diving Komodo in September on the Mikumba Dua
Fascinating! During every dive we experienced something new. Quite clean compared to other diving sides in Indonesia.
Diving Komodo in October on the Cajoma IV
The best diving I’ve ever done
Diving Komodo in October on the Sokaraja
Amazing. Huge coral gardens. Fish everywhere you can, sharks, manta rays, a lot of macro as well
Diving Komodo in October on the Sokaraja
Very good, variety of currents, corals, fish.
Diving Komodo in December on the Komodo Sea Dragon
It was at the very end of the season so only two other boats were out. Dive locations were very good. It's a little bit colder at that time of the year so around 24C-25C and a little bit more restricted visibility but the dives were varied and there was lots to see.
Diving Komodo in December on the Sokaraja
Great blue water, lots of life and interesting small caves to explore
Diving Komodo in January on the Queenesia
Beautiful coral, playful mantas, turtles, sharks, drift diving, using a riff hook and watching the spectacle.
Diving Komodo in January on the TemuKira
Corals in good shape, lots of really big groupers, wrasse and other fish. Some sharks, a lot of mantas, and turtles almost on every dive.
Diving Komodo in February on the Komodo Sea Dragon