Route Description - Komodo National Park
Dive into the mesmerizing world of Komodo, where unforgettable encounters with diverse marine life await you. From majestic mantas to elusive frogfish and enchanting seahorses, the underwater realm is teeming with extraordinary creatures. Amidst crystal clear waters, immerse yourself in secluded dive sites, away from the crowds, and discover both macro and massive aquatic species. Marvel at the staggering variety of fish, including countless reef fish, massive pelagics, and sharks patrolling the immaculate coral formations. Curious explorers will uncover incredible macro life, such as the blue-ringed octopus, sea horses, and crocodile fish. But, the adventure doesn't end there! This journey also encompasses land excursions to Komodo National Park, allowing you the rare opportunity to witness the world-famous, flesh-eating Komodo dragon up close.
Komodo National Park is a World Heritage site situated in the straits between Sumba and Flores and consists of the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones. Because of its unique geology, the islands have developed equally unique wildlife. With dragons on land and a utopia underwater, you will find an array of dive sites and hiking trails to suit every level of experience.
Komodo sits on the boundary between two great Oceans, with the Flores Sea as part of the Pacific in the north and the Indian Ocean in the South. Two completely different marine environments, with greatly different habitats and rapidly changing species compositions over the North to South gradient. The Indonesian Flow Through results in a net current from North to South, but tidal currents bring Indian Ocean water up North on strong rising tides and offer a mix of species throughout Komodo. Basically the best of both worlds, and all within very short distances making it easy to cover a huge variety of sites with a minimal amount of steaming.
From pristine corals, mantas, sharks, turtles, dolphins, dugong and giant pelagics to tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and frog fish, you'll find the diversity of marine life inspiring if not mind boggling. The islands feature a dramatic wild savannah landscape with patches of forest especially on the southern hills of Komodo and Rinca. White and red sand beaches, blue lagoons teeming with fish and some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the world entice divers and guests from around the world.
The underwater topography is as varied as the marine life it homes. Dive sites vary from gentle coral slopes to sheer cliff walls, channels, flat bottoms, pinnacles, caves, swim-throughs and a host of hard and soft corals. From the Flores Sea in the north, the warm waters gradually become cooler as you travel southwards into the Indian Ocean.
Komodo boasts countless beautiful deserted beaches, hiking trails, great wildlife, shallow reefs for snorkeling and lagoons for water-skiing. Perfect for divers to take their family on a holiday, as there is something to be discovered for everyone.
Diving the Southern sites of Komodo National Park, and surrounding islands, has always been very exciting and unusual. Rocky canyons and pinnacles are heavily encrusted with marine invertebrate life, with lots of color and plenty of fish. Night diving without a doubt is one of the highlights here, lots of critters and far superior to any of the sites in the north. The only problem, during the “traditional” Komodo season from May through September, was that most of the time the water has been cold and murky and when you got back to the boat, your towel had been blown off the deck by the South easterlies.