Komodo National Park is one of the world’s top diving destinations. With powerful currents, crystal clear waters, and incredible marine biodiversity, it has become a dream location for divers worldwide. Since ocean conditions vary throughout the year, choosing the right time to visit will make your diving experience even more rewarding.

Best Time to Dive in Komodo

Diving is possible all year round in Komodo, but each season offers different highlights:

• April to June
  Calm seas and good visibility. A great time to see manta rays and the beginning of schooling fish season.
• July to September
  Peak diving conditions. Visibility can reach up to 30 meters, with plenty of pelagic fish like trevally, tuna, and reef sharks. It is also the busiest time of year for visitors.
• October to November
  Quieter compared to the previous months. Seas remain calm, manta rays are still frequent, and macro diving is excellent with nudibranchs and unique critters.
• December to March
  Rainy season brings choppier waters, especially in the south. However, manta rays are often seen at this time, particularly at Manta Point. Fewer tourists make it appealing for those seeking a more peaceful trip.

Ocean Conditions

• Water temperature: generally 25 to 29°C, slightly cooler in the southern sites.
• Visibility: up to 30 meters during the dry season from July to September.
• Currents: Komodo is famous for strong drift dives, making it essential to dive with experienced local operators.

Travel Tips for Diving in Komodo

1. How to Get There
   • The gateway to Komodo is Labuan Bajo, a small town in Flores.
   • Daily direct flights from Bali take about 1 hour 15 minutes.
2. Choose Your Diving Style
   • Liveaboard: perfect for exploring multiple dive sites and experiencing traditional Indonesian phinisi boats.
   • Day Trips by Boat: a practical choice if you prefer returning to your hotel each evening or have limited time.
3. Booking in Advance
   • July to September is high season, so trips and liveaboards should be reserved well ahead of time.
4. What to Bring
   • A dive computer is highly recommended because of strong currents.
   • Wetsuit 3mm to 5mm depending on personal comfort with temperature.
   • An underwater camera to capture manta rays and stunning reef scenes.
5. Beyond Diving
   • Hike to the top of Padar Island for a spectacular sunrise.
   • Visit Komodo or Rinca Island to see the legendary Komodo dragons.
   • Relax at Pink Beach or snorkel at Taka Makassar.

There is no single wrong time to dive in Komodo. It all depends on what you hope to see and the atmosphere you prefer. For the best visibility and pelagic action, aim for July to September. For manta encounters, visit between January to March or September to November. Whenever you come, Komodo promises a world class diving adventure you will not forget.