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Scuba Diving in Komodo National ParkID

A UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting both the Komodo dragon and one of the most biodiverse marine habitats in the world. Manta cleaning stations, drift dives, and cold-water upwellings are the diving draw.

$$ Mid-rangeMedium crowdsModerate logistics

Why here

The only place on Earth where you can dive manta ray cleaning stations in the morning and watch Komodo dragons from a beach in the afternoon. Cold-water upwellings from the Indian Ocean fuel reef systems with exceptional fish density, and the range of dive environments — drift, wall, reef, muck — is unusually wide for a single park.

Best months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Visibility 10-25m, variable with current direction and season. Water temp 19-27°C — cold upwellings frequent, especially at south sites; 5mm wetsuit or hood advisable. Strong drift currents at key sites (Shotgun, The Cauldron); north Komodo calmer Apr-Aug, south Komodo better Aug-Jan. Mantas at Manta Alley and Cauldron cleaning stations year-round. Reef sharks, pygmy seahorses, wobbegong sharks, Napoleon wrasse throughout.

Getting there & around

Moderate logistics

Fly to Labuan Bajo via Bali or Jakarta — 1-2 connections. Labuan Bajo airport is small but well-handled. Day boats and liveaboards depart from Labuan Bajo harbour. 2-3 day liveaboards cover north and south park sites — recommended over day trips for site range. Combine with a Komodo dragon trek. Park entry fee required.

Skill levels: intermediate, advanced

Schools & guides (3)

Azul Komodo

School

Komodo's first PADI Certified ECO Center, committed to conservation and sustainability. Maximum 4 divers per guide and 3 students per instructor. Covers all key Komodo sites with a focus on responsible, low-impact diving.

Levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Certification offered
Languages: EN, ID

Dive Komodo

School

Pioneer dive operation based in Labuan Bajo since 1996 with roots in Komodo dating to 1981. Offers PADI courses and guided dives across 20+ Komodo sites including Manta Point, Batu Bolong, and the Cauldron. One of the most experienced operators in the park.

Levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Certification offered
Languages: EN, ID

Dragon Dive Komodo

School

PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Center in Labuan Bajo with a 19-room dive resort and the liveaboard Shenron. Professional multilingual team covering Komodo's signature sites. Full PADI range from Open Water to Instructor, plus liveaboard itineraries deeper into the archipelago.

Levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, instructor
Certification offered
Languages: EN, ID, ZH