Page 56 - Diving Indonesia 21 November 2019

Komodo

Conditions

Komodo diving is renowned for its The less challenging dive sites tend to
strong currents, however there are be long shore dive sites featuring gently
numerous dive sites which are suitable sloping reefs or those located in protected
for all levels of diver. Some of Komodo’s bays.
most famous dive sites are underwater
seamounts, open ocean pinnacles, or Water temperatures can be considerably
located near narrow channels between colder than in other areas of Indonesia,
islands and these dive sites tend to be particularly from July to October when
more challenging. Currents can create thermoclines are commonly present.
adrenaline pumping drifts, however,
on small pinnacle sites, up and down Visibility ranges according to the seasons
currents are not unusual. Some pinnacle and while excellent visibility is a highlight
and sea mount sites require negative at some times of year, seasonal plankton
entries and swift descents through blooms (which attract manta rays) may
surface surge. reduce visibility. Due to the low level of
KoMoDo water sources on many islands, run off is
rainfall in the region and lack of fresh
less of a consideration here.

istorically, diving in the
Komodo Marine Park was
Halmost exclusively by Dive Site and Marine Life Highlights of Komodo
liveaboard but an increase in shore
based operators has resulted in Komodo is most famous for its larger with macro photographers and for those
numerous new facilities; restaurants, inhabitants such as manta rays, sharks, who want to see some of Komodo’s more
cafes, bars and shops are cropping up eagle rays, tuna, jacks, trevallies, unusual marine life. This seamount site
along the main drag (Jalan Soekarno bumphead parrotfish and Napoleon is famous for its invertebrate species and
Hatta) which runs along the harbor wrasse but the abundance of smaller fish colourful soft corals. This is a sheltered
coastline. is phenomenal – prepare to be amazed. spot which makes it a good site if you
want a break from the drift dives. Other
The small island of Tatawa Kecil has marine life highlights include frogfish,
a big reputation with divers and this pygmy sea horses, nudibranch and
underwater playground is a Komodo coleman shrimp.
The traditional people of the Komodo The Komodo National Park encompasses classic. Topography here is a mix of swim
islands are fishermen who came from the 3 main islands of Komodo, Rinca throughs, small caves, bommies and
South Flores, Sumbawa and South and Padar plus 26 smaller islands and valleys which harbour huge numbers,
Sulawesi (from the Suku Bajau ethnic was founded in 1980 to protect the and a huge diversity, of fish including reef
group, hence the ‘Bajo’ part of Labuan world’s largest species of lizard, the sharks, jacks, batfish, snappers, groupers,
Bajo). The predominant religion is Muslim Komodo Dragon. In 1991 it was declared sweetlips and occasionally a passing ray.
and the locals are used to tourists who a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and Cannibal Rock is a firm favourite dive site
have been visiting the area to see the conservation efforts have been extended
mighty Komodo Dragons for decades. to cover all aspects of marine and
terrestrial life.

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