Liveaboard Diving in Komodo

Komodo Island is first and foremost known for being the home of the infamous Komodo Dragon. But, what many don’t realise is that it is just as impressive beneath the waves as it is on land.The island is by no means easy to reach, making liveaboard diving in Komodo the best and most practical way to discover this remote diving paradise. With vibrant reefs, sharks and scores of manta rays, Komodo Island deserves a spot on every diver’s bucket list. Here are some of our favourite dive sites in Komodo:

Makasser Reef (Manta Point)

Manta Point, on the east of Komodo Island, is perhaps one of the most popular stops while liveaboard diving in Komodo. Given its name, it's not hard to guess that this dive site is renowned for manta ray sightings.

Sadly, despite being in a protected area (Komodo National Park), the reef at Manta Point has sustained damage from the destructive practice of cyanide fishing. However, most divers are drawn here primarily for the experience of swimming with the rays, and there are plenty of reefs in better condition nearby.

Batu Bolong

Batu Bolong is a truly world-class dive site and one of the best on offer when liveaboard diving in Komodo. The site is an exposed conical rock between Komodo Island and Tatawa Kecil Island and lies in the centre of strong currents, which are subject to the tides.

The thriving reef is in amazing condition, with hard corals near the top that gradually transition to large sponges the deeper you go. The coral garden is home to a plethora of colourful reef fish, invertebrates and large pelagics.

Divers can spot everything under the sun here, from huge napoleon wrasse and tiny orangutan crabs, to well-camouflaged pygmy seahorses and ostentatious nudibranchs.

Crystal Rock

Crystal Rock, in the northern part of Komodo Island, is a seamount with an exposed tip during low tide. Despite it being in the midst of strong currents, the waters surrounding Crystal Rock are renowned for their crystal clear visibility.

The site is teeming with sea life, from the colourful array of soft corals to the large sea fans that sway in the current. It's well known for pelagic species, such as tuna, grey, white tip and black-tip reef sharks, and even the occasional dolphin.

There's no doubt that liveaboard diving in Komodo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The combination of thriving reefs and abundance of pelagic species is spectacular. If you are considering a dive holiday in Komodo, our expert team can put together a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs.