Komodo Islands, Indonesia
Where Is It?
Known for it’s land dwelling dragons, Komodo lies in the heart of the Indonesian island chain, Komodo is a rare marvel for underwater lovers due to the fact that it is fantastic for both macro and mega marine species. Diving from a liveaboard gives divers a huge advantage due to the fact that they can access all the best sites with ease. The waters are warm and teaming with life, while upwellings bring nutrient rich currents that entice larger species such as mantas, sharks and sunfish. The reefs are filled with various species of seahorse, nudibranchs and the enigmatic frogfish. The 1,817 square kilometre part includes the islands of Rinca, Padar and Gili Montagne, all accessed by the Indonesia Aggressor yacht.
When To Go?
Liveaboards are available at all times of the year due to the fact that there is something to see at each point of the season. The busiest time of the year is between April and August, peak holiday season for the western clients. This is also the dry season, which stretches into November.
July and August is usually when the waters begin become less calm, however this has no impact on marine life. In addition August is the prime time to encounter the Sunfish.
December to February is the peak time to dive with manta rays, this is also the season with the best visibility, waters can reach 40 metres (120 feet) of clarity.
The water temperature is an average of 28 Celsius (82 Fahrenheit). Therefore a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit is the preferred thickness of suit.
Dive Sites Of Komodo
Batu Bolong
A rock pinnacle that protrudes 75 metres (230 feet) from the ocean floor has some of the strongest currents in the entire island of Komodo. Expect to see big numbers of fish that school around the rock strata, species such as rainbow runners, tuna and wrasse. Batu Bolong is known for its magnitude of turtles and napoleon wrasse. Be sure to explore top of the reef where soft corals are a spectacular sight before walls drop steeply on either side and reef sharks glide in the depths underneath.
Sabolon
Offering large schools of fish and coral life alike, Sabolan sisters are twin islands with amazing marine diversity. Offering a more relaxed diving environment, the site is perfect for photographers who have the chance o find mantis shrimps, pipe fish and other macro wonders. Picturesque islands with stunning white sand beaches, Sabolon is also notorious for its numbers of cuttlefish.
Sangeang
Ambon Scorpionfish, Halimeda ghost pipefish and Mandarinfish can all be witnessed on the black sand of this volcanic island mere kilometres from the island of Komodo. The silt bottom and poor visibility is often overlooked by divers, yet patience will allow divers to encounter some of the most unique species in the underwater world that use these surprising locations as their home.
How To Get There?
Divers will have to catch a domestic flight from Bali to Komodo airport, from there the Indonesia Aggressor will send a representative to collect guests and embark the ship. Park fees apply for Komodo and the Forgotten Islands, 150 dollars and 180 dollars respectively.