Komodo is unique because it offers two totally different
marine environments. In the north we experience the warm
clear waters that flow from the Flores and Banda seas. Typical
of most tropical locations throughout the world. The hard
coral reefs are extensive and in pristine condition. To
the south, we encounter cooler waters that flow from deep
in the Indian Ocean. It is not unusual to encounter whales,
whale sharks, mantas, sunfish and other planktonic feeders
during dives on the southern sites. Upwelling, caused by
deep ocean currents colliding with the continental shelf
force an endless supply of planktonic food towards the surface
resulting in a rich coral gardens and an exceptional quantity
of marine life. The confluence of these two distinct marine
ecospheres is responsible for the remarkable diversity found
in the waters of Komodo.
The waters that surround the island are turbulent and teeming
with unparalleled marine life. A marine reserve, it is largely
undocumented and remains largely unexplored. During our
last voyage to Komodo we discovered several additional world
class dive sites which were added to our list of many. The
dives boasted schooling hammerheads and large schools of
pelagic fish.
The park includes 132,000 ha of marine waters. It is one
of the richest areas for coral biodiversity in Indonesia
and one of the richest fish faunas in the world with an
estimated 1000 species. On the reef the vibrant colour quantity
of exotic fish life is spectacular. Riding the waterways
are endless schools of pelagic fish, manta rays, whales,
dolphins, even the occasional dugong. Below, the seabed
is covered with a thick carpet of florescent corals and
marine invertebrates - an underwater photographers paradise.
The seas surrounding the park boil with feeding fish and
marine mammals.
Strong currents and upwellings transport nutrient-rich waters
throughout the Park's marine area and help support a wealth
of biodiversity. The number and variety of islands coupled
with a wide range of environmental conditions, such as wind
exposure, current and wave action, result in a high diversity
of coastal and marine habitats, including coral reefs, vertical
walls, protected bays, rocky shores, sea grass beds, sandy
bays and mangroves. Rapid Ecological Assessments in 1994
and 1995 showed that KNP belongs to the world's richest
and most diverse marine environments.
Fish: An estimated 900-1,000 fish species make Komodo National
Park one of the world's richest fish habitats.
Corals: A total of 253 scleractinian (reef building) coral
species from 70 genera reside within the Park and at nearby
Banta Island. The KNP area supports a particularly high
abundance of Tubipora musica (organ pipe coral), which make
up some of the distinctly pink coral sand beaches.
Sponges:An estimated 70 sponge species were recorded in
a wide variety of coral reef and near-shore marine habitats.
Encrusting sponges made up the vast majority possibly due
to the area's strong currents.
Algae: KNP supports a high diversity of algae, including
economically important species such as gracillaria, gelidium
and caulerpa.
Turtles and Marine mammals: Dolphins, hawksbill turtles
(eretmochelys imbricata), and green turtles (chelonia mydas)
frequent the Park's waters, and hawksbill turtles nest in
the Park. Whales are often sighted, during their regular
migration through the area. Dugong are sighted infrequently.
20 - 28 Degrees Celcius (68-85 °F) , cooler water is
experienced on the southern sites. Full 3mm wetsuit &
hood is recommended. More active people will prefer a sports
suit in northern sites.
10 - 50M year round. Traditionally clearer water on northern
sites.
Komodo experiences a strong tidal flow. Not all sites are
affected by current. Drift diving is excellent, however
during spring tides some sites are impossible to dive. Particular
attention is placed on diving the correct sites at the most
suitable time to ensure optimum conditions, in accordance
with the preferences of the group.
The night diving in Komodo is breathtaking. The sheer beauty,
colour and diversity of life makes it a must see for all
divers.
There are numerous walls to choose from. Both drift and
static wall dives are offered.
Huge chasms drop thousands of meters, fringed by extraordinary
coral gardens.
Found in all locations, however we do offer special sites
for encountering unusual marine species.
Seamounts, fringing reefs, gutters, muck, and sandy locations
are also found in the archipelago.
Komodo has one of the world's most famous snorkel sites(Pink
Beach). Also a number of other first class locations.
Most of the archipelago is uninhabited. This means great
fishing, dragon walks, nature walks, hiking, beach-combing,
early morning excursions or day trips can be arranged from
the vessel at your convenience.
