Liveaboard Diving in Komodo
What our customers are saying about diving in Komodo
Absolutely insane energy. The currents at the Shotgun shoot you like a cannonball—sharks hunting everywhere. Best rush of my life.
After barrelling through the Cauldron at Gili Lawa Laut
It feels like two different countries. You get the tropical blue north and the wild, cold south all in one week.
I actually cried in my mask at Manta Alley. We had thirty of them dancing around us for an hour. Pure magic.
Diving with the manta rays at Manta Alley
Don't let the big stuff distract you; the macro is world-class. I ticked off Rhinopias, pygmies, and ghost pipefish on a single dive.
Getting stuck in the muck with the critters at Batu Balong
Guide to Komodo Liveaboard Diving in 2026
Navigating the fierce currents and breathtaking biodiversity of Komodo National Park is a rite of passage for any serious diver, and this year, the liveaboard remains the only way to truly unlock the park's full potential. Choosing the right vessel and itinerary has become more complex due to new environmental regulations and shifting seasonal patterns. This guide breaks down everything from navigating the new 2026 visitor quotas to selecting the perfect cabin for those long crossings, answering the critical questions every diver asks before booking their Indonesian adventure.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What's new for diving in Komodo in 2026
- Starting in April 2026, a strict daily cap of 1,000 visitors will be enforced across the park's core zones. Booking a liveaboard as soon as possible is now essential to secure your spot within these new quotas.
- Several fleet leaders have upgraded to include dedicated camera stations, onboard Nitrox generators as standard, and high-speed satellite internet. Expect improved amenities and better connectivity.
- Many vessels adopted solar-assisted energy systems, imposed zero single-use plastic policies, and provide reef-safe toiletries as a standard to meet UNESCO-backed environmental assessments. Sustainability efforts have increased throughout the last year.
What to expect on a Komodo dive trip
Liveaboards in Komodo are a very popular choice for divers visiting Indonesia and rightly so. Dive cruises will take adventurous divers to some very special dive areas in this region.
Diving with manta rays
Komodo is globally renowned for its high-density manta sightings. Plankton rich water that comes in from the deep surrounding waters makes the area thick with life. Huge shoals of fish and pelagics are on offer all around the islands.
Best places to dive with manta rays
- Manta Point (Karang Makassar)
Most famous and reliable site in the park. It's a shallow drift dive (2m–15m) over a 2km-long rubble plateau featuring numerous cleaning stations where reef mantas congregate to feed and clean almost daily. (Central Route) - Manta Alley
Located at the southern tip of Komodo Island, this site is known for the highest density of mantas. It is common to see aggregations of 20 to 50 individuals in a single dive. (South Route) - Mawan
Often considered a more intimate alternative to Manta Point, Mawan features shallow cleaning stations where mantas are frequently seen hovering in the current. (Central Route) - The Cauldron (Shotgun)
While primarily famous for its "Shotgun" current, the shallow sandy bowl area of this site is a major cleaning and feeding station for manta rays on the northern route. (North Route) - Tatawa Besar
Though best known for its vibrant orange soft corals and turtle sightings, mantas are frequently encountered here as they drift along the reef slope to feed. (Central Route)
Manta Point versus Manta Alley
Manta Point (Karang Makassar) is located in Central Komodo and is characterized by a shallow, high-visibility drift dive (depths of 2m to 15m) that is suitable for both snorkelers and divers. The site consists of a vast underwater plateau of coral rubble and sand where reef mantas, eagle rays, and turtles frequent multiple cleaning stations. It is easily accessible via day boats from Labuan Bajo and features warm tropical waters year-round, with the highest concentration of sightings usually occurring between December and February.
Manta Alley is a more remote and technical site at the southern tip of Komodo, featuring deeper rocky channels and cleaning stations between 10m and 25m. It is famous for massive aggregations of up to 50 manta rays during the peak season from September to April, though divers must contend with significantly colder water (22°C–26°C) and stronger surge. Because of its distant location, Manta Alley is typically only visited by liveaboards, making it a preferred choice for experienced divers seeking a more isolated and high-action environment.
When to dive with manta rays
The best time to dive with manta rays in Komodo is technically year-round, as the park is home to a resident population of over 1,000 individuals. However, for the highest likelihood of seeing large aggregations and specific behaviors like mating trains, you should aim for the following periods.
Peak Manta Season: December – March
During these months, heavy plankton blooms attract massive aggregations of rays to sites like Manta Alley, where it is common to witness courtship "manta trains" involving dozens of individuals. While the water remains warm at 27°C–29°C, visibility is often reduced to 10m–15m due to the high nutrient content that draws the mantas to the surface.
Shoulder Seasons: April – June & September – November
For divers prioritizing better visibility and calmer surface conditions, the shoulder seasons offer a high likelihood of sightings in the Central Route at sites like Manta Point and Mawan. During this time, water clarity often reaches 20m–30m, providing ideal conditions for photography.
Low Season: July – August
The "low season" of July and August sees some mantas move deeper to escape colder upwellings (which can drop to 20°C–24°C in the south), the resident population ensures that encounters are possible year-round if the itinerary is adjusted to follow the seasonal movement of plankton.
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reef Manta Rays | 3% | 2% | 6% | 8% | 7% | 9% | 11% | 14% | 15% | 11% | 8% | 5% |
Monthly distribution of sightings for Manta Rays in the Komodo area1
Other main marine life attractions
Besides manta rays, Komodo is home to a diverse and abundant marine wildlife, including sea turtles, various species of sharks, and a vast array of tropical fish and macro life.
When and where to see reef sharks
While reef sharks are resident and visible year-round, the optimal time for sightings is during the dry season from April to October. This period provides the best visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, which is ideal for spotting sharks in the North and Central sectors. For those seeking more intense pelagic activity, the cooler upwellings in August and September can draw larger numbers of Gray Reef sharks to the pinnacles. Early morning dives are generally recommended across all seasons, as reef sharks are more active and easier to observe before they retreat to deeper or more sheltered areas during the heat of the day.
Top spots to see reef sharks: Castle Rock and Crystal Rock (both on the North Route), and Batu Bolong (Central Route)
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetip Reef Sharks | 1% | 2% | 4% | 6% | 9% | 12% | 15% | 14% | 16% | 11% | 6% | 3% |
| Blacktip Reef Sharks | 1% | 1% | 4% | 5% | 8% | 11% | 15% | 16% | 17% | 11% | 7% | 3% |
Monthly distribution of sightings for Reef Sharks in the Komodo area1
Best time and place to dive with sea turtles
Much like reef sharks, Komodo’s sea turtles are resident species and can be observed year-round. However, the best overall window for sightings is during the dry season from April to October, when underwater visibility is at its peak (often exceeding 30 meters). While the wet season from December to March can bring more plankton and reduced visibility, this time of year is often underrated for turtle encounters because the nutrient-rich, warmer waters in the central and southern sectors keep the turtles highly active. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly rewarding times for divers, as turtles are frequently seen surfacing for air or moving between feeding and resting grounds.
Top spots to dive with turtles: Siaba Besar (aka Turtle City), Batu Bolong, and Tatawa Besar
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Turtle | 1% | 2% | 4% | 5% | 8% | 11% | 15% | 18% | 15% | 11% | 6% | 4% |
| Hawksbill Turtle | 2% | 2% | 5% | 7% | 9% | 10% | 14% | 15% | 14% | 10% | 6% | 5% |
Monthly distribution of sightings for Sea Turtles in the Komodo area1
Most popular spots and times to see corals in Komodo
The best time to experience Komodo's coral reefs is during the dry season from April to October, when underwater visibility is most consistent and often exceeds 30 meters. This clarity is essential for appreciating the full spectrum of colors at sites like Tatawa Besar and Batu Bolong, as bright sunlight penetrates deeper into the water column. While corals can be enjoyed year-round, the northern sites are most accessible during these months, whereas the southern sites—famous for their "Yellow Wall" of soft corals—are best visited from December to March when the southern waters are calmer and exceptionally nutrient-rich.
Best spots for the most vibrant corals: Batu Bolong, Tatawa Besar, Crystal Rock
Muck diving for macro life
In general, divers prefer to go muck diving during the dry season (April to October) due to the calm surface conditions and exceptional water clarity, which makes it easier to spot tiny subjects in the North and Central areas. The wet season (December to March) on the other hand, is preferred by some for macro specifically in the South, as the cooler, nutrient-dense water triggers an explosion of life among the nudibranch and crustacean populations.
Muck diving sites in Komodo
- Wainilu: located in the Central region near Rinca Island, it's a world-class muck diving site where the volcanic sand and rubble harbor rare critters like flamboyant cuttlefish and bobtail squid. (Central Route)
- Siaba Besar: features a protected sandy bay that is famous for its "macro patches" where divers can find ornate ghost pipefish and various species of frogfish. (Central Route)
- Cannibal Rock: nutrient-rich seamount renowned for its incredible invertebrate diversity, including rare nudibranchs, sea apples, and pygmy seahorses clinging to vibrant sea fans. (South Route)
Top 5 Macro Critters in Komodo
- Pygmy Seahorses: Often found perfectly camouflaged on Muricella sea fans at sites like Cannibal Rock.
- Frogfish: Master mimics frequently spotted hiding in plain sight among sponges at Siaba Besar and Wainilu.
- Nudibranchs: Hundreds of colorful sea slug species, including the "Holy Grail" Melibe colemani (Ghost Nudi) and the "Spanish Dancer."
- Blue-Ringed Octopus: A rare and highly sought-after cephalopod often found in the rubble or sandy patches of central muck sites.
- Flamboyant Cuttlefish: Known for their vibrant, pulsing color displays as they "walk" across the seabed at Wainilu or pink beach.
High-octane drift diving
The heart of Komodo’s adrenaline-fueled diving lies at The Cauldron (Shotgun), Manta Point, and The Golden Passage. The Cauldron is perhaps the park's most legendary drift, where the tide squeezes through a narrow channel to create a "slingshot" effect that launches divers over a sandy bowl filled with sharks and rays. For those seeking a more scenic and leisurely pace, Manta Point offers a kilometers-long drift over a shallow plateau, allowing you to glide effortlessly alongside feeding mantas. In the far north, The Golden Passage provides a high-speed tour of a turquoise channel between Komodo and Gili Lawa Darat, where the rushing water carries you past massive schools of sweetlips and hunting trevally.
Top 3 Highlights of Komodo Drifts
- The "Shotgun" Release: The moment the current accelerates at The Cauldron, physically propelling you from a still bowl into a high-speed channel.
- Manta Fly-bys: Drifting at Manta Point where the rays often hover stationary in the current while you glide past them at several knots.
- Pelagic Hunting Action: Watching schools of Giant Trevally and reef sharks use the current at Crystal Rock to ambush smaller fish.
Fantastical underwater formations
Komodo remains one of the world's most geologically diverse diving destinations.
Iconic Wall Diving
Prepare for sheer drops that plunge into the deep blue, where vertical rock faces are transformed into living tapestries of invertebrate life. These vertical structures act as natural focal points for nutrient-rich currents, ensuring that every crevice is packed with life, from camouflaged nudibranchs to resting reef sharks.
Best route: South (Yellow Wall, End of the World) or Central (Batu Bolong, Police Corner, Mini Wall)
Scenic Sloping Reefs
Sloping reefs in Komodo provide some of the park's most relaxing and visually stunning dives, often serving as the perfect setting for long, sun-drenched drifts. They are the preferred grazing grounds for the park's sea turtle populations and serve as the primary locations for manta ray cleaning stations, where the shallow depths offer excellent light for photography.
Best route: North (Golden Passage, China Shop) or Central (Tatawa Besar, Siaba Besar, Mawan)
Adrenaline-Fueled Pinnacles
Pinnacles and seamounts are the "action hubs" of Komodo, where submerged peaks rise from the seafloor to intercept powerful oceanic currents. Diving there often requires a negative entry and a quick descent to find shelter from the flow, but the reward is a front-row seat to high-speed hunting displays by Giant Trevally, Gray Reef sharks, and occasionally dolphins.
Best route: North (Castle Rock, Crystal Rock) or South (The Three Sisters, Langkoi Rock)
Choosing the right Komodo itinerary is the most important decision you'll make for your 2026 trip, as the "North" and "South" routes offer two entirely different worlds. To help you decide, we've broken down the key differences in these grids so you can match the route to your specific diving style and experience level. The North Route is for those chasing high-visibility, "big action" adrenaline; it’s the land of ripping currents, reef sharks, and world-class pinnacles. The South Route is an expedition into the wild; expect cooler, nutrient-rich waters that trade visibility for incredible soft coral colors, rare macro life, and massive manta aggregations. The "best" time depends entirely on which part of the park you wish to dive (North vs. South) because Komodo has two distinct micro-climates affected by opposing monsoons. During the dry season, you can expect consistently sunny skies, arid landscapes, and steady winds (especially from June to August) that keep the air cool but can make the northern seas slightly choppy. The wet season brings a more tropical feel with higher humidity and intermittent afternoon or overnight rain showers that turn the islands a lush, vibrant green. While the north can experience rougher northwest winds during this time, the southern region of the park remains sheltered and calm, offering a peaceful sanctuary for those on liveaboards. There are several ways to get to Komodo for diving, but by far the best is by diving an Indonesian liveaboard, which offers you a range of sites in the area, and you will be in the water before any day boats arrive. The main two departure points for liveaboards are departing from Labuan Bajo or Bali. Labuan Bajo is where you will find the airport on Flores Island. Numerous liveaboards pick up and drop off guests from the port here. Flights to Labuan Bajo are available from Bali International Airport (Ngurah Rai), or if you have plenty of time and an adventurous spirit you can take the day-long ferry ride from Bali. The other option is to take a liveaboard directly from Bali with departures from Bima and Benoa and disembarking at Labuan Bajo. Some liveaboards also offer the other direction starting in Labuan Bajo and ending in Bali. The itineraries often take in sites around Lombok and Komodo National Park. There are a few different kinds of dive liveaboard boats that visit Komodo, most of them very luxurious. There are a few motor vessels with comfortable cabins and rear dive decks. These are generally slightly more expensive than sailing boats and might be a better option if you are working on a budget. The huge Indonesian design sailboats are the height of the liveaboard experience in Komodo; these boats offer a smooth and luxurious sail to the islands. Choosing the best Komodo itinerary for you
North versus South Route: a side-by-side comparison
NORTH SOUTH Overall experience High-energy, "big action" diving characterized by crystal-clear blue water, sun-drenched volcanic landscapes, and adrenaline-fueled drift dives. Wild, remote, and moody expeditions into nutrient-rich "plankton soup" that fuels an explosion of color, soft corals, and rare macro life. Marine life to see Best months April to October (Dry Season). This period offers the calmest surface conditions and the highest visibility in the North. October to April (NW Monsoon). During these months, the South experiences its best visibility and warmest water temperatures. Difficulty level High. Strong, unpredictable currents and frequent "negative entries" require excellent buoyancy and current experience. Moderate to High. While currents can be milder in bays, divers must contend with surge and significantly cooler water temperatures. Pros Cons Go here if… You are a "Big Fish" lover or wide-angle photographer who wants clear water, sharks, and high-speed drift diving. You are a macro enthusiast, a soft-coral lover, or an experienced diver looking for a more rugged and unique underwater world. A Northern Komodo route example
DAY 1 Site Description Diving Marine life Departure Sebayur Kecil Protected bay with a gentle slope that drops off into a wall, widely used as the "check dive" to test weights and equipment Sabolon Kecil Calm, clear-water slope often used as an alternative check dive if Sebayur is crowded with day boats Wainilu A dedicated muck diving site near Rinca, perfect for the first sunset or night dive to find weird critters in the sand DAY 2-3 Site Description Diving Marine life Central Currents Tatawa Besar Classic drift dive along an endless field of vibrant orange soft corals, usually dived on a falling tide Tatawa Kecil Adrenaline-filled playground of rocks and caves. Often swapped with Tatawa Besar depending on current direction Siaba Besar
(Turtle City)Sheltered bay guaranteed to deliver sightings of green and hawksbill turtles resting in the coral DAY 4-5 Site Description Diving Marine life The Far North Castle Rock An open-ocean pinnacle submerged in current, famous for huge schools of predators and shark action Crystal Rock Colorful pinnacle breaking the surface at low tide, surrounded by crystal clear water and swirling fish The Cauldron
(The Shotgun)Adrenaline-filled playground of rocks and caves. Often swapped with Tatawa Besar depending on current direction The Golden Passage Sheltered bay guaranteed to deliver sightings of green and hawksbill turtles resting in the coral DAY 6-7 Site Description Diving Marine life The Icons
(Return Loop)Batu Bolong Komodo’s most famous site, a small rock pinnacle exploding with unmatched colors and fish density. Makassar Reef (Manta Point) A long, shallow rubble drift where divers hook in to watch mantas hovering at cleaning stations Mawan
(Mauan)A cleaning station located near Siaba. If Manta Point has no current or too many boats, captains divert here.
A Southern Komodo route example
DAY 1 Site Description Diving Marine life Departure Sebayur Kecil Standard check dive site near Labuan Bajo. Shallow sandy slope used to calibrate buoyancy before heading South. Wainilu Ideally located for the first sunset or night dive as the boat begins the long steam toward the Southern reaches. DAY 2-3 Site Description Diving Marine life Padar & Central South Three Sisters
(Tiga Dara)Three submerged pinnacles rising from the deep near Padar. Covered in vibrant soft corals and sea fans. Pillarsteen Dramatic underwater topography featuring caves, swim-throughs, and vertical chimneys encrusted in sponges. Secret Garden A sheltered, colorful slope in Padar Bay that provides a relaxed afternoon dive before the overnight crossing. DAY 4-5 Site Description Diving Marine life Horseshoe Bay (South Rinca) Cannibal Rock A world-famous seamount within the bay. It is one of the most bio-diverse sites on Earth due to cold upwellings. Yellow Wall of Texas Vertical wall literally covered in yellow sea cucumbers and soft corals. Visually overwhelming color density. Torpedo Alley The ultimate Southern muck site. Black volcanic sand that holds rare critters and bizarre predators. Crinoid Canyon A steep slope near the cliffs of Rinca where every inch is occupied by colorful feather stars and crinoids. DAY 6-7 Site Description Diving Marine life Manta Alley & Beyond Manta Alley The pinnacle of the Southern route. A series of rocky channels where manta rays aggregate in massive numbers. Pink Beach (South) A shallow, sheltered reef ideal for a relaxed second-to-last dive with excellent light for photography. End of the World A remote, deep wall at the far southern edge of the park. Dramatic drops and the chance for big pelagics.
Best time to dive Komodo
DRY SEASON WET SEASON Overall experience The "Classic Komodo" experience. Characterized by sun-drenched days, calm seas in the North, and the highest visibility of the year across the central park. A "green" season offering lush landscapes and a quieter atmosphere. While the North becomes choppy, the South opens up with calm surface conditions and warm water. Marine life to see Best months April to October. July and August are the peak months with the most consistent winds and clearest skies. November to March. January and February are the peak "Manta months" in the Southern regions. Cost Peak Rates. This is the most expensive time to visit. Liveaboards often book out 12+ months in advance, and "Early Bird" discounts are rare. Value/Off-Peak Rates. You can often find significant discounts (15-25%) or specialized "Manta Expeditions" at lower price points. Crowds High. Expect multiple boats at "Icons" like Batu Bolong. The 2026 daily visitor cap is strictly enforced, so permit slots fill up instantly. Low to Moderate. Many day-trip boats stay in harbor due to wind. You will often have world-class sites like Manta Alley entirely to your own group. Water Conditions North/Central: 27-29ˆC. South: 21-24ˆC (Cold upwellings). Visibility: 30m+ in the North. Entire Park: 26-28ˆC. Warm water pushes into the South. Visibility: 10-15m (Plankton rich). Pros Cons Go now if… You want the iconic blue-water drift diving experience and the best possible weather for trekking. You are a Manta enthusiast who doesn't mind a bit of rain in exchange for warm Southern waters and world-class ray encounters.
Top Tips for Divers
Getting to Komodo
