Wainilu Dive Site — Komodo National Park
Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Wainilu. Located off the coast of Rinca Island, this site is a "muck diving" paradise. It may look like a barren sandy slope at first, but it is teeming with some of the rarest and most flamboyant critters in the ocean.
A Hidden Gem for Macro Lovers 🔎
Wainilu stands in stark contrast to the high-voltage drift dives of Komodo. Here, the pace slows down. The site consists of a sloping sandy bottom scattered with rubble and small coral bommies. This unique environment provides the perfect camouflage for the ocean's masters of disguise.
- Location
- Central (Near Rinca)
- Depth
- 3m - 18m
- Skill Level
- Beginner / Intermediate
- Current
- Mild to None
- Temp
- 26°C - 28°C
- Highlight
- Mandarin Fish / Rare Nudis
Why Dive Here?
If you are tired of fighting currents or want to find creatures you've only seen in books, Wainilu is the place. Patience is key here. Pick a small area, hover carefully, and watch the sand come alive. It is arguably the best night dive location in the park.
Typical Dive Plan 🧭
This isn't a race. The plan is usually "Slow and Low."
Critter Paradise 🦑
Common marine life? There is nothing "common" about what you find at Wainilu.
Nearby Central Komodo Sites 🧩
Wainilu is often the "chill" dive after visiting these nearby Rinca/Padar sites.
Love the Little Things? 🔎
Wainilu is a favorite stop for our Liveaboards and custom itineraries. Book a trip with guides who have "Macro Eyes" to show you the hidden wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wainilu is a true "muck dive" site. The bottom is composed of silt and sand. This sediment is exactly what allows these rare creatures to thrive and hide, but it limits visibility to around 5-15 meters.
Yes! The water is calm and shallow (max 18m). However, excellent buoyancy is required. If you kick up the silt, you ruin the visibility for everyone and might scare away the critters.
It is a sunset dive. We enter the water just before dusk and hover near the hard corals. As the light fades, Mandarin Fish rise in pairs to release eggs and sperm—a beautiful and rare mating dance.