Komodo Diving Guide, Best Dive Sites & Tips for 2025

SEO Accom (Global)
15 Nov 2025 - 10 min read
Diver swimming alongside a giant manta ray in clear blue water

Komodo National Park is easily one of Indonesia’s best places for diving, and for good reason! This area is so special that it is recognised globally, holding UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s renowned for having world-class marine biodiversity, meaning there is an amazing variety of sea life here!

If you love what is under the ocean, Komodo offers everything: from easy spots that are great for beginner-friendly dives to exciting places with strong currents for advanced drift sites for more experienced divers. Get ready to see some incredible things!

After a full day of diving, you can unwind and enjoy the comfort of beautiful hotels in Labuan Bajo or hotels near Komodo National Park, offering stunning ocean views and easy access to your next adventure. Plus, be sure to explore all the other amazing things to do in Labuan Bajo to make your trip complete!

Why Dive in Komodo?

There are so many reasons why Komodo is a must-visit for divers:

1. Amazing Sea Life

This place is truly home to some incredible creatures. You'll swim amongst brightly coloured coral reefs, huge manta rays that glide gracefully, peaceful sea turtles, and many kinds of reef sharks. Seeing these animals up close is what makes the area so special.

2. Rich Variety of Life

The underwater currents here are special. The unique mix of warm and cold water coming together creates a truly rich variety of sea creatures, bringing in life from both the Pacific and Indian oceans. You can see everything from huge schools of big fish to tiny, colourful critters, and everything in between, it’s an ecosystem that has it all!

3. Top Dive Spot

Komodo is known globally as one of the best dive spots in Southeast Asia. It constantly gets high ratings from experienced divers all over the world. If you're looking for a world-class dive experience with beautiful scenery and lots of action, this is definitely the place to go.

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Where is Komodo National Park?


Turquoise crystal clear waters inviting exploration of coral reefs and diverse marine life around Komodo National Park, highlighting the beauty of Indonesian islands from above

Turquoise crystal clear waters inviting exploration of coral reefs and diverse marine life around Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is a protected area located in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. To give you an idea of where it is, you can find the islands situated between the larger islands of Sumbawa and Flores.

The main place to start your adventure to Komodo is from a coastal town called Labuan Bajo, which is on the island of Flores. This town acts as the main access point to the National Park, as all the dive boats and liveaboards leave from its harbour.

Getting there is actually quite easy for travellers coming from Singapore: you can arrange your Singapore to Labuan Bajo Flight with a stopover, usually connecting via Denpasar (Bali), which is a very popular starting point for many holidaymakers.


Best Time for Diving in Komodo


Picking the right time to visit can really change your dive experience:

Dry Season (April–November)

This is generally the best and most popular time to come. The weather is sunny, the water is often very clear, and the seas are usually calm. This means you get the best visibility, allowing you to see far underwater—sometimes up to 30 meters!

Manta Season (December–February)

If seeing giant manta rays is your dream, this period is fantastic for that. The water brings more nutrients, which attracts the mantas. However, the currents can be quite strong during these months, so it’s definitely better for divers who have more experience and feel comfortable with drift dives.

Temperature and Visibility

The good news is that no matter what time of year you go, the water temperature is wonderfully warm, usually staying around 27–30°C. You don't need a thick wetsuit! You can generally expect good visibility, often ranging about 15–30 meters underwater, depending on the site and the current on that specific day.


Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo City, Rangko Cave, Rumah Tenun Baku Peduli, & Sylvia Hill Tour

9.2/10

Labuan Bajo

S$38

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Top Dive Sites in Komodo National Park


Female Asian Scuba Diver encounters a Manta Ray in Komodo National Park in Indonesia

Female Asian Scuba Diver encounters a Manta Ray in Komodo National Park in Indonesia

Komodo has so many amazing places to dive, each offering something different. Here are some of the very best dive sites and why people love going there:

1. Manta Point

People go here for one reason: manta rays! This site is super famous because you can often see many of these huge, gentle creatures swimming around the cleaning stations. It's truly a powerful sight. The currents here are usually gentle enough for divers to stay and watch for a while, which is a nice treat.


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Nusa Penida

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2. Crystal Rock

This spot is like swimming through a flower garden underwater. People come here because it has truly beautiful coral gardens that are full of colour and life. Along with that, you can often spot reef sharks swimming by and watch huge schools of fish passing over the main rock structure.

3. Castle Rock

This is a spot for the more experienced divers. Why? The currents can be strong, which makes it an exciting "drift dive" where you just float along with the water. Divers love coming here because you often see many big fish (pelagics) here, like giant trevallies and barracudas, out in the open water.

4. Tatawa Kecil & Tatawa Besar

These places are popular for intermediate divers because they offer a wonderful balance. They have colourful coral slopes that are absolutely packed with sea life. People visit these sites for the sheer variety they offer—you can see turtles, reef fish, and maybe even some small sharks, all on one dive.

5. Siaba Besar

If you are newer to diving or really love photography, Siaba Besar is the place. It's a calm and easy dive spot, perfect for beginners because the currents are very weak. People often spend a lot of time here because it's great for looking for tiny creatures (macro photography) like nudibranchs or searching for turtles resting quietly.


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Types of Diving in Komodo

Komodo offers different ways to dive, fitting different skill levels and preferences:

Drift Diving: Because the currents can be strong here, drift diving is very common. You simply let the current carry you along, which means you cover a lot of ground and see many things with less effort.
Liveaboard Diving: These are multi-day trips where you live on a boat. This is the best way to reach many remote dive spots in the park and do multiple dives each day.
Day Trips: If you are staying in Labuan Bajo, you can do day trips. These are good for beginners and casual divers who just want a few dives.
Night Diving: Diving at night around places like Siaba Besar and Sebayur is a special experience. You get to see different animals that only come out after dark, especially small macro species.

Dive Centres and Liveaboards

To make sure you have a safe and fun dive trip in Komodo, choosing a good dive operator is absolutely key. These operators provide the boats, the gear, and the essential guides.

1. Reputable Dive Operators

You will find many good dive centres right in Labuan Bajo. When you choose one, look for those that offer PADI-certified courses. This certification means they follow global safety standards. Well-known examples include Dragon Dive Komodo, Blue Marlin Dive, and Scuba Junkie. These places have experienced staff who know the local currents well.

2. Land-Based vs. Liveaboard

You have two main ways to dive in Komodo:

Land-based dive centres mean you stay comfortably in a hotel in Labuan Bajo every night. You go out on faster day boats in the morning for your dives and return to town each evening. This is a good option if you love sleeping on solid ground.
Liveaboard boats are where you sleep, eat, and dive all from the same boat for several days at a time. This is the best way to reach all the remote, faraway dive spots deep inside the park that day boats cannot easily reach.

3. Book Early

Komodo is a very popular destination for divers all over the world. Especially during the dry season (the peak season), dive trips and liveaboard spots fill up incredibly fast. So, it's a great idea to book your dive trips and liveaboard spots well in advance to secure your preferred dates and your spot on the best boats.


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What You Can See While Diving in Komodo


Jackfish and diver in Komodo Island, Indonesia

Jackfish and diver in Komodo Island, Indonesia

Komodo is like a big underwater movie! You will see so many incredible things:

Big Animals: Expect to see graceful manta rays, different kinds of reef sharks, and many turtles.
Schooling Fish: There are huge groups of fish like trevallies, barracudas, and bumphead parrotfish swimming together.
Tiny Creatures: If you love the small stuff, look closely for colourful nudibranchs, funny frogfish, and tiny pygmy seahorses.
Surprise Sightings: Sometimes, if you are lucky, you might even see dolphins or gentle whale sharks!

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Required Dive Level

While there are some easy sites, many dives in Komodo are better for divers with some experience.

Beginner Sites: Yes, there are sites that are calm enough for beginners.
Intermediate to Advanced: Most dives are best for those with at least an Open Water Certification, and ideally, an Advanced Open Water certificate, as this teaches you how to handle stronger currents.
Currents are Real: The currents here can be quite strong. It is very important to always dive with experienced guides who know the local waters well. They will keep you safe.

Safety Tips for Diving in Komodo

Diving in Komodo is amazing, but because of the powerful currents, safety always comes first! Use these tips to ensure your dives are fun and secure:

1. Licensed Guides

You should always dive with guides who are licensed and very experienced, especially since they know the local currents like the back of their hand. They are there to plan the dive entry and exit perfectly and are the most important people for keeping you safe in the water.

2. Check Forecasts

Always check the weather and the current forecasts before you go out for each dive. The conditions in Komodo can change quickly, so knowing what to expect is essential. Your guide should brief you fully regarding the expected currents.

3. Don't Touch

This is a golden rule everywhere, but especially in Komodo. Never touch the corals or any marine life. It can damage the delicate reefs, and some animals could also potentially harm you. Observe everything with your eyes, not your hands!

4. Control Your Floating

Make sure you have really good buoyancy control (which is how you float in the water). This is super important because it protects the delicate reefs from accidental bumps or kicks from your fins. Staying perfectly level in the water keeps both you and the beautiful Komodo reefs safe.


What to Bring for a Dive Trip

Being well-prepared is one of the easiest ways to make your dive trip much more comfortable and safer. This is especially true if you are a beginner!

1. Dive Essentials

You must bring your certification card (like PADI or SSI)—no card, no diving! Along with that, bring your logbook so your guide can sign off and record all your new dives. Finally, always have dive insurance ready; it gives you important peace of mind while you are far from home.

2. Gear

While you can rent big gear (like BCDs and regulators), some items are great to have yourself:

Dive Computer: This is highly recommended for everyone, and essential for safety, as it tracks your depth and time.
Wetsuit: A light wetsuit (like 3mm) is usually enough for the warm Komodo waters, but it protects you from stinging creatures and the sun.
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB): This is a simple but important item for safety. If you surface far from the boat, the bright buoy allows the crew to see you easily in the current.

3. Personal Items

Don't forget the small things! Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the corals from harsh chemicals. A dry bag is essential for keeping your phone and valuables safe from boat spray. And, if you sometimes feel unwell on boats, definitely bring motion-sickness tablets for the longer trips between dive sites.

Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo


Aerial of AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach Resort in Labuan Bajo.

Aerial of AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach Resort in Labuan Bajo.

Labuan Bajo offers many choices for places to stay, fitting every budget, from cheap hostels to high-end resorts. Choosing the right spot can really improve your dive trip!

Options: You can find everything from cheap guesthouses to luxury dive resorts. It all depends on your budget and what kind of comfort you love.
Near the Harbour: It's a great idea to book your hotel near the harbour. This makes it super easy to get to your dive boat or ferry in the early morning, saving you travel time.

Here are some recommended places to stay in Labuan Bajo:

Ayana Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach: This is a luxury resort perfect for a special holiday. Choose this if you want five-star comfort and amazing views, and they have direct boat access for private trips.
Sudamala Resort, Seraya: Ideal if you want a quieter beach getaway just a short boat ride from Labuan Bajo. It is perfect for relaxing after a long day of diving.
Luwansa Beach Hotel: A reliable mid-range option with a pool and comfortable rooms. This hotel is great value for money and is known for its spacious grounds.
Katamaran Hotel & Resort Komodo: Choose this if you want maximum convenience! It's a resort with an in-house dive centre, meaning you sleep and dive all from one place, which is perfect for daily dives.
TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo: This is a brand new and very luxurious resort. It suits you if you are looking for the absolute best comfort after diving. This resort offers world-class service and amazing views, perfect for couples or special celebrations.

Estimated Costs

Here is a rough idea of what you might expect to pay for diving in Komodo (all prices are estimated in SGD):

Fun Dives: These single dives typically cost around SGD 70–110 per dive. This price usually covers the equipment rental and the guide.
PADI Certification: A full course to get certified (like the Open Water certificate) might cost SGD 550–850. This usually includes your theory, pool sessions, and four open water dives.
Liveaboard Trips: These exciting multi-day trips (lasting 3–7 days) can range from SGD 1,100–2,800, depending greatly on the boat's luxury level and how long you choose to stay onboard.
Park Fees: Remember to budget for the National Park entry fee and a marine conservation tax. This fee is mandatory and something everyone has to pay upon entering the park.

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Sustainable Diving Practices

Let's all work together to keep Komodo beautiful for everyone to enjoy! Protecting the amazing underwater environment is super important.

Eco-Certified

When booking your dives, try to choose dive centres that are eco-certified. This certification means the operator genuinely cares about protecting the ocean and follows strict guidelines regarding waste management, boat operations, and how they interact with marine life. Supporting these places helps keep the reefs healthy.

Reduce Plastic

We can all help by avoiding single-use plastics (like plastic water bottles). Instead of buying new bottles every day, bring your own reusable water bottle and ask your dive centre or hotel to refill it. Less plastic means less rubbish ending up in the beautiful Komodo waters.

Respect Life

This is the most important rule: Always respect marine life. Never chase or touch the animals, even if you are excited to see them. Touching corals can damage them severely, and disturbing fish or turtles can stress them out. Just watch from a safe distance and follow all responsible diving rules given by your guide.


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Fri, 5 Dec 2025

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Conclusion

Komodo National Park is truly a must-visit place for divers. Its amazing underwater world, from giant manta rays to tiny seahorses, is something you will never forget.

To make sure your trip is safe and helps protect this special place, always book with certified dive centres that follow good conservation practices. 

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In This Article

• Why Dive in Komodo?
• Where is Komodo National Park?
• Best Time for Diving in Komodo
• Dry Season (April–November)
• Manta Season (December–February)
• Temperature and Visibility
• Top Dive Sites in Komodo National Park
• 1. Manta Point
• 2. Crystal Rock
• 3. Castle Rock
• 4. Tatawa Kecil & Tatawa Besar
• 5. Siaba Besar
• Types of Diving in Komodo
• Dive Centres and Liveaboards
• 1. Reputable Dive Operators
• 2. Land-Based vs. Liveaboard
• 3. Book Early
• What You Can See While Diving in Komodo
• Required Dive Level
• Safety Tips for Diving in Komodo
• What to Bring for a Dive Trip
• 1. Dive Essentials
• 2. Gear
• 3. Personal Items
• Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo
• Estimated Costs
• Sustainable Diving Practices
• Eco-Certified
• Reduce Plastic
• Respect Life
• Conclusion

Flights Featured in This Article

Fri, 5 Dec 2025
KLM
Singapore (SIN) to Labuan Bajo (LBJ)
Start from S$203.00
Book Now
Wed, 26 Nov 2025
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Singapore (SIN) to Labuan Bajo (LBJ)
Start from S$204.87
Book Now
Thu, 18 Dec 2025
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Singapore (SIN) to Labuan Bajo (LBJ)
Start from S$225.47
Book Now

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