Komodo National Park, in the south of Indonesia, consists of several islands, the two main ones being Komodo and Rinca. Known for its endemic dragons, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and declared a biosphere reserve. Its underwater world also harbors treasures of biodiversity.To the north the Pacific, to the south the Indian Ocean… This feature contributes to the richness of Komodo Island, offering completely different dives and gathering extremely varied and rich marine life. The entire food chain is present: the meeting of currents from the two oceans brings waters rich in plankton. A real feast awaits surgeonfish, damselfish, and anthias which, in turn, attract pelagic fish (trevallies, tuna, and sharks). The nutrient-rich waters also benefit the corals that feed on them year-round. Many sites such as Batu Bolong in the north offer completely preserved environments where sponges, corals, and gorgonians are resplendent.
Varied and sporty divesThe dives in the National Park are highly appreciated by macro fauna enthusiasts who can notably observe pygmy seahorses, multicolored nudibranchs, shrimps, frogfish, and clownfish. From April to October, it’s pleasant to dive in the north of the island, which offers numerous sites and warm waters. There are fields of large orange soft corals in crystal clear waters. From October to April, head south to discover equally rich sites in pelagic fauna and corals, but in cooler waters. Don’t miss the Manta Alley site where a dozen rays can be seen.
It is prohibited to stay on the islands to protect and avoid any accidents with the dragons. Diving cruises are therefore the only way to easily move from one site to another in the park. Be careful, diving in Komodo is not accessible to everyone, as most immersions are drifts. The currents can be very strong, and even very experienced divers must be accompanied by a guide who knows the sites and the best times to dive (depending on the tides).On land, dragons reign supremeThere are only about 5700 dragons left distributed across the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami. Endemic, the world’s largest lizard is now classified as a vulnerable species. That’s why, starting January 1, 2020, Komodo Island will no longer be accessible to the public for a year. This closure will allow the population to increase and ecosystems to regenerate.
In practice :
Time difference : +7 h in winter and +6 h in summerCurrency : Indonesian rupiah (1 euro = 16,750 IDR)Eau : between 26°C and 30°C in the north, between 21°C and 23°C in the southBest season to dive : all year roundEquipment: wetsuit of 3 to 7 mm depending on the dive sites
Immersions reserved for experienced divers.