The Ultimate Guide to Komodo National Park: Scuba Diving, Komodo Dragons
Komodo National Park is one of Indonesia’s most iconic travel destinations—and for good reason. Located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, this remote region offers a rare combination of world-class scuba diving, unique wildlife encounters, volcanic landscapes, and liveaboard adventures that redefine the idea of escape.
Whether you’re here for the thrill of diving with manta rays, trekking in search of Komodo dragons, or exploring the islands from the comfort of a luxury liveaboard like Pindito Cruises, Komodo delivers unforgettable experiences both above and below the surface.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Komodo National Park.
What Makes Komodo National Park Special?
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, Komodo National Park spans over 1,700 square kilometers of land and sea. It’s famous for being home to the world’s largest lizard—the Komodo dragon—but the park is just as well-known in the scuba diving world for its marine biodiversity and pristine reefs.
Key highlights:
- Over 1,000 species of fish
- 260+ coral species
- Whales, dolphins, manta rays, reef sharks
- Pink sand beaches and jagged islands
- Year-round liveaboard diving trips
Unlike many other tourist destinations, Komodo still feels raw and remote. That sense of isolation is a big part of its charm.
Scuba Diving in Komodo: What to Expect
Scuba diving is one of the top reasons travelers come to Komodo. The underwater world here is among the most vibrant on Earth. The park sits at the intersection of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where powerful currents bring in nutrient-rich waters that feed an incredible range of marine life.
Top Dive Sites in Komodo
- Batu Bolong – A pinnacle dive with steep walls, packed with reef fish and coral gardens.
- Manta Point (Karang Makassar) – Your best chance to swim alongside multiple manta rays.
- Castle Rock – Expect fast currents and big pelagics like trevallies and reef sharks.
- Crystal Rock – Known for its coral-covered slopes and frequent dolphin sightings.
- The Cauldron (Shotgun) – Strong currents and thrilling drift dives through a narrow channel.
From gentle sloping reefs to deep sea pinnacles, Komodo’s dive sites offer something for everyone. Conditions can be challenging, so diving with experienced guides—like those onboard Pindito Liveaboard—is key to getting the most out of your trip.

The Komodo Dragon Experience
The name “Komodo” is synonymous with the dragon itself. These prehistoric reptiles are native only to this region and are a must-see for visitors.
Trekking on Komodo or Rinca Island lets you see Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. These creatures can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh over 150 pounds. Despite their size, they’re agile predators with a fearsome bite.
Guided ranger-led walks ensure safe encounters. Along the way, you’ll also spot wild deer, monkeys, water buffalo, and exotic birds—adding to the raw beauty of the islands.

Pindito Liveaboard: The Best Way to Explore Komodo
To fully experience Komodo National Park, a liveaboard cruise is the way to go. Day trips from Labuan Bajo are limited in reach, and you’ll miss out on many of the park’s more remote gems.
This is where Pindito Cruises stands out. With over 30 years of experience exploring Indonesia’s waters, Pindito Liveaboard offers unmatched access to Komodo’s best dive sites and island adventures.
Why Choose Pindito?
- Comfort & Service: Traditional phinisi-style boat with modern amenities and private cabins.
- Diving Expertise: Seasoned guides and top-tier equipment for divers of all levels.
- All-Inclusive Trips: Multiple dives per day, all meals, island excursions, and more.
- Sustainability: A focus on eco-friendly operations and marine conservation.
Onboard, you’ll find a balance of adventure and relaxation. Surface intervals are spent watching dolphins from the deck, kayaking through quiet bays, or capturing drone footage of Komodo’s alien landscapes.

Other Things to Do in Komodo National Park
While diving and dragons steal the spotlight, Komodo offers even more:
- Snorkeling – Many of the same reefs that make Komodo great for diving are just as incredible from the surface.
- Trekking – Padar Island’s famous viewpoint is one of the most Instagrammed spots in Indonesia.
- Beach Time – Pink Beach is a surreal stop where crushed red coral meets white sand.
- Wildlife Photography – Both macro and wide-angle opportunities abound, from pygmy seahorses to flying foxes.
Liveaboard cruises like Pindito often include flexible itineraries that combine diving with island time, giving you the best of both worlds.
Best Time to Visit Komodo
Komodo National Park is open year-round, but your ideal timing depends on what you want to see:
- April to November – Dry season and best visibility for diving.
- December to March – Fewer tourists, but occasional rain and reduced visibility.
- Peak manta season – January to March at sites like Manta Alley and Karang Makassar.
- Best weather – May to September for sunny skies and calm seas.
Liveaboards like Pindito Cruises operate in Komodo during the prime months, ensuring you catch the best the park has to offer.

Getting There
Most travelers fly into Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, the gateway to Komodo. From there, you can join a Pindito cruise or other liveaboard departing from the harbor. Flights are available daily from Bali (Denpasar), Jakarta, and other major cities in Indonesia.
Final Thoughts: Why Komodo Needs to Be On Your List
Komodo National Park is one of those rare places that still feels wild. It’s a destination where nature dominates, and every day brings something new—from diving with mantas to watching Komodo dragons sunbathe on volcanic slopes.
If you’re ready to dive into one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth, trek across untamed islands, and experience it all from the comfort of a world-class liveaboard, then Komodo and Pindito Cruises should be at the top of your list.
Upcoming Trips
28
Apr
11 NIGHTS
Komodo
FULL
6400 US$
per Person
View Details
Departure: LBJ
Apr 28, 2025
00:00
Arrival: BIM
May 09, 2025
00:00
BREATHTAKING SIGHTS Komodo National Park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands. The dive spots around Komodo offer unbelievable variety. One day you can admire rare critters creatures in the morning and in the afternoon drift along with giant mantas and schools of big-eye jacks. There are patch reefs, bommies (pinnacles), sheer walls, and shallow coral gardens to be explored. There are more than 1000 fish species, 260 species of corals, 70 different sponge species, 17 species of whales and dolphins and at least 2 different kinds of sea turtles living in the waters of Komodo National Park. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.
Current cabin occupancy
available
reserved
occupied
Sorry! This Tour is booked out.
12
May
11 NIGHTS
Komodo
FULL
6400 US$
per Person
View Details
Departure: BIM
May 12, 2025
00:00
Arrival: BEN
May 23, 2025
00:00
BREATHTAKING SIGHTS Komodo National Park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands. The dive spots around Komodo offer unbelievable variety. One day you can admire rare critters creatures in the morning and in the afternoon drift along with giant mantas and schools of big-eye jacks. There are patch reefs, bommies (pinnacles), sheer walls, and shallow coral gardens to be explored. There are more than 1000 fish species, 260 species of corals, 70 different sponge species, 17 species of whales and dolphins and at least 2 different kinds of sea turtles living in the waters of Komodo National Park. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.
Current cabin occupancy
available
reserved
occupied
Sorry! This Tour is booked out.
30
Jun
11 NIGHTS
Komodo
FULL
6400 US$
per Person
View Details
Departure: BEN
Jun 30, 2025
00:00
Arrival: LBJ
Jul 11, 2025
00:00
BREATHTAKING SIGHTS Komodo National Park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands. The dive spots around Komodo offer unbelievable variety. One day you can admire rare critters creatures in the morning and in the afternoon drift along with giant mantas and schools of big-eye jacks. There are patch reefs, bommies (pinnacles), sheer walls, and shallow coral gardens to be explored. There are more than 1000 fish species, 260 species of corals, 70 different sponge species, 17 species of whales and dolphins and at least 2 different kinds of sea turtles living in the waters of Komodo National Park. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.
Current cabin occupancy
available
reserved
occupied
Sorry! This Tour is booked out.
14
Jul
11 NIGHTS
Komodo
FULL
6400 US$
per Person
View Details
Departure: LBJ
Jul 14, 2025
00:00
Arrival: BEN
Jul 25, 2025
00:00
BREATHTAKING SIGHTS Komodo National Park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands. The dive spots around Komodo offer unbelievable variety. One day you can admire rare critters creatures in the morning and in the afternoon drift along with giant mantas and schools of big-eye jacks. There are patch reefs, bommies (pinnacles), sheer walls, and shallow coral gardens to be explored. There are more than 1000 fish species, 260 species of corals, 70 different sponge species, 17 species of whales and dolphins and at least 2 different kinds of sea turtles living in the waters of Komodo National Park. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.
Current cabin occupancy
available
reserved
occupied
Sorry! This Tour is booked out.
28
Jul
11 NIGHTS
Komodo
16
Spots Available
6400 US$
per Person
View Details
Departure: BEN
Jul 28, 2025
00:00
Arrival: MAU
Aug 08, 2025
00:00
BREATHTAKING SIGHTS Komodo National Park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands. The dive spots around Komodo offer unbelievable variety. One day you can admire rare critters creatures in the morning and in the afternoon drift along with giant mantas and schools of big-eye jacks. There are patch reefs, bommies (pinnacles), sheer walls, and shallow coral gardens to be explored. There are more than 1000 fish species, 260 species of corals, 70 different sponge species, 17 species of whales and dolphins and at least 2 different kinds of sea turtles living in the waters of Komodo National Park. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.
Current cabin occupancy
available
reserved
occupied
INCLUDES
- Transfers from and return to the airport and the MV Pindito
- Accommodation in a double bed or twin bed cabin with en-suite shower bath, toilet and AC
- Full board including all drinks on board, including beer and spirits on board (excluding wine)
- All diving (no diving on arrival/departure day)
- NITROX for whole cruise
- Multi-lingual guides/cruise directors on board
- all offered land excursions
EXCLUDES
- Harbor fees (80 USD)
- Fuel Surcharge (200 USD)
- NITROX course (on request available)
- Souvenirs onboard
- Crew gratuities
- Domestic airport-taxes and departure taxes
- Trip and Dive insurance (please note DAN is specific Dive insurance only)
- National marine park fees:
- Estimated 200 USD per person for the whole trip.
- (Depending on factors such as time spent at the marine parks and activities done)
- Rental equipment pricing:
- Mask, Fins, Snorkel package - 30 USD per cruise
- BCD - 100 USD per cruise
- Regulator set - 100 USD per cruise
- Dive computer - 60 USD per cruise
- Torch rental - 60 USD per cruise/ 5 USD per dive
- 15 Liter tank - 50 USD per cruise
TERMS & CONDITION
At Pindito PT, we commit to all the services offered in any of our literature and promotional materials. The following terms and conditions form the basis of a contract with our customer and Pindito PT. This is the customers’ commitment to our company, and vice versa, our commitment to our customers.
11
Aug
11 NIGHTS
East Flores - Alor
14
Spots Available
6400 US$
per Person
View Details
Departure: MAU
Aug 11, 2025
00:00
Arrival: MAU
Aug 22, 2025
00:00
Current cabin occupancy
available
reserved
occupied
INCLUDES
- Transfers from and return to the airport and the MV Pindito
- Accommodation in a double bed or twin bed cabin with en-suite shower bath, toilet and AC
- Full board including all drinks on board, including beer and spirits on board (excluding wine)
- All diving (no diving on arrival/departure day)
- NITROX for whole cruise
- Multi-lingual guides/cruise directors on board
- all offered land excursions
EXCLUDES
- Harbor fees (80 USD)
- Fuel Surcharge (200 USD)
- NITROX course (on request available)
- Souvenirs onboard
- Crew gratuities
- Domestic airport-taxes and departure taxes
- Trip and Dive insurance (please note DAN is specific Dive insurance only)
- National marine park fees:
- Estimated 200 USD per person for the whole trip.
- (Depending on factors such as time spent at the marine parks and activities done)
- Rental equipment pricing:
- Mask, Fins, Snorkel package - 30 USD per cruise
- BCD - 100 USD per cruise
- Regulator set - 100 USD per cruise
- Dive computer - 60 USD per cruise
- Torch rental - 60 USD per cruise/ 5 USD per dive
- 15 Liter tank - 50 USD per cruise
TERMS & CONDITION
At Pindito PT, we commit to all the services offered in any of our literature and promotional materials. The following terms and conditions form the basis of a contract with our customer and Pindito PT. This is the customers’ commitment to our company, and vice versa, our commitment to our customers.
25
Aug
11 NIGHTS
Komodo
FULL
6400 US$
per Person
View Details
Departure: MAU
Aug 25, 2025
00:00
Arrival: BEN
Sep 05, 2025
00:00
BREATHTAKING SIGHTS Komodo National Park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands. The dive spots around Komodo offer unbelievable variety. One day you can admire rare critters creatures in the morning and in the afternoon drift along with giant mantas and schools of big-eye jacks. There are patch reefs, bommies (pinnacles), sheer walls, and shallow coral gardens to be explored. There are more than 1000 fish species, 260 species of corals, 70 different sponge species, 17 species of whales and dolphins and at least 2 different kinds of sea turtles living in the waters of Komodo National Park. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.
Current cabin occupancy
available
reserved
occupied
Sorry! This Tour is booked out.
08
Sep
11 NIGHTS
Komodo
5
Spots Available
6400 US$
per Person
View Details
Departure: BEN
Sep 08, 2025
00:00
Arrival: MAU
Sep 19, 2025
00:00
BREATHTAKING SIGHTS Komodo National Park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands. The dive spots around Komodo offer unbelievable variety. One day you can admire rare critters creatures in the morning and in the afternoon drift along with giant mantas and schools of big-eye jacks. There are patch reefs, bommies (pinnacles), sheer walls, and shallow coral gardens to be explored. There are more than 1000 fish species, 260 species of corals, 70 different sponge species, 17 species of whales and dolphins and at least 2 different kinds of sea turtles living in the waters of Komodo National Park. Pindito never has a set itinerary. We plan our trips and water activities based on weather, tides and currents. From our expertise and experience, we know the ideal sea conditions for all the best and famous sites and when to dive them. And of course we have the not so famous, and even secret, equally spectacular sites that only a few of us know about.
Current cabin occupancy
available
reserved
occupied
INCLUDES
- Transfers from and return to the airport and the MV Pindito
- Accommodation in a double bed or twin bed cabin with en-suite shower bath, toilet and AC
- Full board including all drinks on board, including beer and spirits on board (excluding wine)
- All diving (no diving on arrival/departure day)
- NITROX for whole cruise
- Multi-lingual guides/cruise directors on board
- all offered land excursions
EXCLUDES
- Harbor fees (80 USD)
- Fuel Surcharge (200 USD)
- NITROX course (on request available)
- Souvenirs onboard
- Crew gratuities
- Domestic airport-taxes and departure taxes
- Trip and Dive insurance (please note DAN is specific Dive insurance only)
- National marine park fees:
- Estimated 200 USD per person for the whole trip.
- (Depending on factors such as time spent at the marine parks and activities done)
- Rental equipment pricing:
- Mask, Fins, Snorkel package - 30 USD per cruise
- BCD - 100 USD per cruise
- Regulator set - 100 USD per cruise
- Dive computer - 60 USD per cruise
- Torch rental - 60 USD per cruise/ 5 USD per dive
- 15 Liter tank - 50 USD per cruise
TERMS & CONDITION
At Pindito PT, we commit to all the services offered in any of our literature and promotional materials. The following terms and conditions form the basis of a contract with our customer and Pindito PT. This is the customers’ commitment to our company, and vice versa, our commitment to our customers.