Scuba Diving in Komodo National Park

After our Komodo Liveaboard adventure we spent four nights in the town of Labuan Bajo in Flores, Indonesia. The highlight of our time there was our scuba diving trip at Komodo National Park, which we booked in advance with Komodo Dive Center. We were actually the only two divers signed up to go out with Komodo Dive Center that day so we were combined with two small groups from other local scuba companies on a rather large dive boat for the day. Rob and I had a dedicated divemaster named Kris from Komodo Dive Center with us all day. Kris is a native of Flores and was an excellent Komodo guide.  

The top level of the boat had a large area for lounging with bean bags and low tables. They had coffee, tea, fruit, and rolls set out for us for breakfast. The bottom level was where all the scuba equipment was as well as a kitchen and bathroom. The boat was huge for our group of twelve or so divers plus the boat crew.

It took about an hour and forty five minutes to reach our first dive site named Siaba Besar. I lost count of how many sea turtles we saw at this site. Many we saw were tucked down into the reef at the bottom of the ocean. Another area we explored had a sandy bottom, quite a contrast to the reef we saw at the beginning of the dive. 

Our second dive of the day was at the site known as Batu Balong. Batu Bolong is a small island that does not look like much from above the surface. Once we descended into the sea around the island we were treated to seeing the most vibrant and biologically diverse area we have ever seen diving. Due to the very strong currents that flow around the island, our dive consisted of following our divemaster in a zig zag on the side of the island that was safe from the strong currents, starting deeper and working our way up. With our divemaster leading, when we reached the edge where the current was too strong, we would turn and head the other way.

The reef was absolutely exploding with colorful life and we saw a huge quantity and variety of fish. We also saw a small shark, some puffer fish, a lionfish, as well as a hundred other varieties that I can’t identify. Kris happened to have a red camera filter that he lent us for our GroPro camera for this dive and the next one. The difference in the color and clarity in our photos was amazing so we will definitely be looking for a filter to purchase for our future diving.

After our second dive we enjoyed a nice lunch of sauteed tofu, green beans, and cashews over rice on the boat. It was the best food I can recall having on a scuba diving trip. After our break we went to our last dive site of the day named Mawan.

This site is known for spotting Manta Rays and it did not disappoint. We saw several different Manta Rays gracefully swooping and gliding through the water. A large Manta even swam up right beside Rob and I in an almost playful manner. At several points they were quite close to us but we were of course careful not to make any contact with them and did our best not to disturb them in any way. It was incredible to be in the water with and observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.   

Below is a map of all the dive sites in Komodo National Park from the Komodo Dive Center’s website and as you can see there are quite a few. Even though we only scratched the surface with our three dives, Komodo blew our minds and we feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience diving there.