Komodo Island National Park is a treasure trove for diving enthusiasts, boasting some of the most captivating underwater experiences in the world. From vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to dramatic underwater topographies, this park presents divers with an unparalleled opportunity to explore its hidden depths. In this blog post, we take you on a journey to discover 25 uncharted dive sites that should not be missed when visiting Komodo Island National Park.

DIve Requirements

Certification and Experience Level:

• Certification is Required: You cannot dive in Komodo National Park without a qualified guide or instructor.
• Beginner-Friendly Options: While some sites with strong currents are better suited for experienced divers, Komodo also offers calmer areas with shallow reefs suitable for beginners. Look for dive operators offering “Discover Scuba Diving” or Open Water courses.
• Recommended Experience: For more challenging sites like Batu Bolong and Castle Rock, an Advanced Open Water certification with at least 25 logged dives is often recommended. Some dive centers might even restrict certain sites to Advanced certified divers.
• Refresher Dives: If you haven’t dived in a year or more, a scuba tune-up is highly recommended to refresh your skills.

2. Permits and Fees:

• National Park Entrance Fee: All visitors, including divers, must pay a daily entrance fee to the Komodo National Park. The fees vary for international and domestic tourists and are typically higher on weekends and public holidays. As of May 2025, the daily diving fee for international tourists is around IDR 275,000 per person.
• Diving Fee: In addition to the park entrance fee, there is often a separate diving fee per person per day. This fee contributes to the conservation of the marine ecosystem. As of late 2024, this fee was around IDR 100,000 per person per day.
• Payment: Fees are usually paid in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) to park authorities in Labuan Bajo, Rinca, or Komodo Island.
• Check with your Dive Operator: Many dive operators include the basic park entrance fees in their tour packages but may not include the separate diving fees or additional island/activity fees. Clarify what’s included when booking.

3. Dive Operators and Guides:

• Dive with a Certified Operator: Choose a reputable and experienced dive center that adheres to high safety standards.
• Mandatory Dive Guides: Diving without a qualified, local dive guide or instructor is prohibited in Komodo National Park. They are essential for your safety due to the strong and often unpredictable currents and their knowledge of the dive sites.
• Dive Briefings: Pay close attention to the dive briefings provided by your guide, which will cover the dive plan, potential hazards, and safety procedures.
• Group Sizes: Dive operators often maintain small dive group ratios (e.g., max 4 divers per guide) for safety and a better experience.

4. Safety Regulations and Recommendations:

• Dive Within Your Limits: Only dive within your certified level of experience and comfort.
• Listen to Your Guide: Follow your dive guide’s instructions and recommendations at all times.
• Buddy System: Always dive with a buddy and stay within sight of each other.
• Surface Marker Buoy (SMB): Carrying and deploying an SMB is mandatory in Komodo.
• Reef Hooks: The use of reef hooks is common at some pinnacle dive sites with strong currents, allowing you to stay in place to observe marine life. Your dive operator will advise on their use.
• No Gloves: Wearing gloves is generally not permitted in Komodo National Park to discourage touching the marine environment.
• Dive Computer: While not always mandatory, using a dive computer is highly recommended. Rental options are usually available.
• No Decompression Limits: Adhere to no-decompression limits and always perform safety stops.
• Flying After Diving: Wait at least 18 hours after your last dive before flying to prevent decompression sickness.
• Dive Insurance: Having dive insurance that covers you to your certification level is a mandatory requirement with many operators.
• Medical Fitness: Ensure you are physically fit to dive. You may need to fill out a medical form, and a doctor’s sign-off might be required if you have any pre-existing conditions.

5. Environmental Responsibility:

• Respect Marine Life: Observe marine life from a safe distance, avoid touching or disturbing animals, and never feed them.
• Protect the Reef: Maintain good buoyancy to avoid contact with corals and the seabed. Do not touch, kneel, or step on anything underwater.
• Leave No Trace: Do not litter in the water or on the beaches. Take only photos and leave only bubbles.
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Use sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, as these chemicals can harm coral reefs.

In summary, to dive in Komodo National Park, you will generally need to:

• Be a certified diver (at least Open Water).
• Dive with a licensed and reputable dive operator and a certified local guide.
• Pay the required National Park entrance and diving fees.
• Adhere to all safety regulations and guidelines provided by the park authorities and your dive operator.
• Respect the marine environment and follow responsible diving practices.

1. Batu Bolong

Recognized as one of the prime dive sites in the park, Batu Bolong features impressive underwater landscapes, including dramatic wall dives and extensive coral gardens filled with diverse marine species. The current can be quite strong here, attracting pelagic fish and larger species like sharks and rays.

2. Manta Point

Famous for its resident manta rays, this site is a must-visit for anyone hoping to swim alongside these majestic creatures. With its gentle currents and rich biodiversity, Manta Point provides divers with a unique opportunity to observe these elegant rays up close, often in large numbers.

3. Castle Rock

This dive site is characterized by a series of underwater pinnacles, drawing in large schools of fish and providing excellent opportunities for encounters with sharks and barracudas. The visibility is typically great, making it a favorite among divers.

4. Crystal Rock

As the name suggests, Crystal Rock is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning coral formations. This site is ideal for spotting both small and large marine life, including sea turtles and larger pelagic species.

5. Komodo Dream

Komodo Dream offers a diverse range of marine environments, from reef slopes to rocky outcrops. The site is populated with colorful corals and an abundance of fish species, providing a perfect backdrop for underwater photography.

6. Sangeang Island

This site is known for its volcanic features and unique underwater structure. The rich volcanic soil promotes vibrant coral growth and attracts a multitude of fish species, making for an exciting dive experience.

7. Pink Beach

Pink Beach is not just famed for its stunning shoreline; its underwater world is equally impressive. Divers can explore shallow waters filled with colorful corals and a variety of tropical fish, making it an excellent spot for novice divers.

8. Gili Lawa Laut

The site offers a mix of steep walls and shallower sections, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Here, you can spot an array of wildlife, including nudibranchs, lionfish, and sometimes even turtles.

9. Siaba Kecil

Siaba Kecil is particularly famous for its incredible coral gardens and diverse marine flora and fauna. This site is perfect for snorkelers and divers, providing ample opportunities for underwater exploration.

10. Tatawa Kecil

Tatawa Kecil features a sloping reef that offers a wide variety of marine life to observe. Unwind underwater among schools of fish, vibrant coral formations, and picturesque landscapes.

11. Taka Makassar

Taka Makassar is a small sandbank surrounded by clear water that provides a unique diving experience. With its shallow waters and brilliant coral formations, it is a paradise for both beginners and experienced divers alike.

12. Horseshoe Bay

Known for its captivating natural beauty, Horseshoe Bay features a variety of dive spots where you can explore vibrant coral gardens and schools of colorful fish. This location is ideal for underwater photography.

13. Tanjung Kain

Tanjung Kain is recognized for its incredible biodiversity. The site boasts walls covered in corals, providing shelter for various marine life and creating opportunities for awe-inspiring encounters.

14. The Cauldron

The unique geological features at The Cauldron include submerged rock formations that create a mesmerizing diving experience. Here, divers can find numerous species living amongst the rocks and coral, including larger fish species.

15. Nusa Kode

Nusa Kode features a mix of sheer walls and sloping reefs, providing an exciting dive environment for both beginners and advanced divers. The vibrant coral reefs attract diverse marine life, making it a popular choice.

16. Dive Heaven

As the name suggests, Dive Heaven is a diver’s paradise. With remarkable coral structures and diverse marine species, this site is often celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and vibrant life.

17. Seray

Seray Island locality is unique for its remnants of coral reefs and spectacular marine life. The site is ideal for spotting larger species like sharks or rays as they patrol the reef areas.

18. Wainilu

Wainilu is known for its colorful coral gardens and shallow reefs, making it excellent for snorkeling and introductory dives. Expect to see plenty of fish darting through the corals at this site.

19. Kalong Bay

Kalong Bay offers a serene diving experience with shallow areas filled with stunning coral formations. This site is also a great place for macro photography, thanks to its vibrant small creatures.

20. Salahutu

Renowned for its diverse and thriving marine ecosystem, Salahutu offers an exceptional underwater journey. Spot small fish, vibrant corals, and even the occasional sea turtle exploring the reef.

21. Gerokgak Bay

Gerokgak Bay is famed for its diverse coral species, offering divers an array of experiences. The tranquil waters make it ideal for leisurely exploration, while still providing thrilling encounters.

22. Batu Payung

Batu Payung is characterized by its unique underwater rock formations and vibrant coral growth. This site promises incredible sights with ample opportunities for underwater photography.

23. Sangihe Island

Sangihe Island boasts rich biodiversity and striking underwater scenery. Divers will enjoy exploring schools of fish and various coral species in this uncharted location.

24. Menjangan Island

Famous for its rich marine life, Menjangan Island offers spectacular dive sites with vibrant reefs and an abundance of fish. It is perfect for both experienced divers and those just starting out.

25. Rinca Island

Rinca Island provides mesmerizing dive experiences with incredible biodiversity. The vibrant aquatic life and stunning coral formations create unforgettable underwater moments for divers.

Conclusion

Komodo Island National Park is a hidden gem for divers, offering a rich tapestry of underwater experiences just waiting to be explored. From diverse marine ecosystems to stunning geological formations, each dive site provides a unique opportunity to discover the beauty and wonder of the underwater world. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, these 25 uncharted dive sites promise an adventure like no other. Dive into the depths of the unknown and discover the treasures hidden beneath the waves of Komodo Island National Park