Indonesia is home to more species of fish and corals than are found in any other single region of the world, and of these species, many of the most incredibly live within the boundaries of Komodo National Park. The park itself lies in a remote area inside the eighty kilometer wide ocean passage which separates the islands of Flores and Sumbawa.
Diving Conditions and What to Expect
This unique environment is nourished by both a massive tidal flow and upwellings from the Indian Ocean, which are cool and rich in nutrients. This water feeds the coral and small reef dwellers, which in turn feed everything else. This densely packed food chain contributes to an almost unbelievable abundance of life.
This steady stream of nutrients and plankton attracts filter feeders by the thousands to the waters of Komodo National Park. When you visit, you will see whale sharks and whales, as well as massive schools of Manta rays consisting of up to a hundred individuals.
The water temperatures here can range between about 18 and 28 degrees Celsius – normally warmer in the north and cooler in the south. A full length, 3mm suit will suffice for warmer sites, however, if you are planning to visit the southern sites, you should pack a 5mm suit with a hood and remember your gloves. The warmer waters to the north are noticeably clearer than the cooler southern water, however, visibility overall is good. It normally ranges between fifteen and forty meters. Despite the steady currents in the area, sea conditions and weather are normally favorable, with monsoon season occurring in January and February. If you want to dive the southern sites, this is the best time to do it since the water is warmer and clearer.
While there are dozens of dive sites available within the boundaries of Komodo National Park, there are some that stand head and shoulders above the rest. Let’s take just a few minutes to look at some of these popular sites.
Cannibal Rock
At Cannibal Rock, you will be treated to the sight of colorful soft corals, sea apples, and a wide variety of sea cucumbers. Coleman shrimp, fire urchins, and an astonishing array of nudibranchs live on this small seamount, which is well protected and offers a light current for easy diving. Most features are at about twenty-five meters or so, and the sandy slopes are popular resting places for small sharks. The entire area is alive with schooling red snapper and surgeons, as well as less-often seen fish. Watch for frogfish and pygmy seahorses!
Yellow Wall
Intriguing day or night, Yellow wall is a spectacular place to dive, and it is also popular with snorkelers. During the day, you can see fish swimming in colorful profusion, and at night, you can view them as they sleep or conduct their nighttime business.
Brilliant red sea apples and vibrant rosy pink Spanish dancers, as well as other nudibranchs and tunicates carpet the walls at night, while spiny lobsters and slipper lobsters, along with decorator crabs and cleaner shrimps share crevice space with sleeping fish. You will see the other worldly sight of parrot fish asleep in their mucous cocoons, cardinal fish, and cat sharks, as well as others. Watch for sleeping turtles, and remember, do not disturb them!
Manta Alley
Manta Alley, which is sometimes simply called “The Alley” is the place to see massive flights of Manta Rays feeding between September and January, when their numbers are highest. Besides the mantas in the area, you’ll see enormous trevally and an assortment of sharks, as well as rocks and mounds of hard coral embellished with even more soft coral and colorful invertebrates. Though this area has some calmer spots that are well protected and popular with snorkelers, the main alley is prone to swift, unpredictable currents and the water can be as chilly as twenty degrees Celsius.
Letuhoh Reef
The best time to visit Letuhoh Reef, with its spires, pinnacles, and massive coral-encrusted boulders is during the outgoing tide, since a countercurrent flows northwards during that time. Just get in the water, head to thirty meters, take shelter along the reef face, and watch the never-ending parade of sharks, giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, and schooling reef fish pass you by.
Langkoi Rock
While there are some dive sites at Komodo National Park that are suitable for relatively inexperienced divers, this is not one of them! There is normally a swift current, however, the submerged pinnacle here offers an excellent vantage point from which you can watch the multitude of sharks that tend to congregate here between July and September. Your best view will be at about thirty meters.
Payung Island
Payung Island has two possible dives: one that heads south from the northwest tip of the island, and another that proceeds from the southeastern side of the island and works its way around the southern tip. Whether you choose to do both of these dives or just one, you will enjoy the sight of the rocky reefs which are coated with soft coral, feather stars, and gorgonians that seem to be piled on top of one another. Watch for schooling yellow snappers, as well as larger pelagics in the canyons and crevices!
Three Sisters
This group of three huge submerged rocks lies just about ten meters from one another, and sits on the sandy seabed in just about twenty to twenty-five meters of water. They rise to between three and five meters from the water’s surface, depending on the tide, and offer shelter to clinging coral and an abundance of fish that range from smaller reef fish to sharks and other pelagics. A fourth “sister” rock lies even further to the west at twenty meters, and offers a drop to forty meters. It is home to some big sea fans and attracts even bigger fish! You can dive these most of the time, but you need to be in good shape as there is quite a bit of swimming involved, and as the current can be gripping at times.
It is important to note that the same rich upwellings and currents that feed the incredible marine life in the park’s waters can be treacherous at times, and can make for some challenging dives. If you want to dive Komodo and enjoy it, then you need to be ready to handle some swift, unpredictable currents. In addition, it is wise to select a dive operator that has an excellent track record working in these waters. By preparing yourself properly and selecting a quality operation to get you to the places you want to see, you will stay safe and you’ll enjoy yourself.