North Komodo Diving Guide – Drift Dives, Sharks & Iconic Reefs

For many scuba divers, Komodo National Park sits firmly at the top of the bucket list. Located around 450 km east of Bali, this legendary Indonesian marine reserve offers a unique mix of pristine coral reefs, dramatic underwater landscapes and big marine life.

From breathtaking macro encounters to reef sharks, manta rays and schooling fish, Komodo showcases marine biodiversity at its finest. In this guide we’ll focus on the North Komodo region – home to some of the park’s most powerful drift dives and iconic sites like Crystal Rock, Castle Rock and The Cauldron (Shotgun).

Komodo National Park: Three Different Regions

Komodo National Park includes Komodo, Rinca and Padar islands plus around 26 smaller islets. For diving, the park is usually split into three main regions:

• North Komodo – strong currents, pelagics, sharks and clear water
• Central Komodo – classic sites, colourful reefs and manta cleaning stations
• South Komodo – cooler water, wild topography and incredible soft corals

Which areas you can explore will depend largely on whether you choose a liveaboard or dive from a resort in Labuan Bajo.

Liveaboard vs. Diving Resort in Komodo

Option 1 – Liveaboard (Expedition Style)

If you want to experience the very best of Komodo, a liveaboard is often the top choice. Sleeping on board allows you to:

• Reach remote dive sites at the best times
• Maximise your number of dives over several days
• Avoid crowds and enjoy more relaxed, uncrowded dives
• Combine diving with land excursions (pink beaches, viewpoints, Komodo dragons)

Liveaboards typically cover North, Central and sometimes South Komodo, giving you a complete view of the park’s variety in just a few days.

Option 2 – Dive Resort in Labuan Bajo

If you prefer to sleep on land, staying in Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores is your base. The islands inside Komodo National Park are protected, so all dive operations depart from town.

From Labuan Bajo, day boats mainly reach the Central Komodo region, which is already spectacular: manta cleaning stations, vibrant coral gardens, turtles and gentle drifts. Some operators also offer speedboat or multi-day trips to the more remote areas.

To make logistics easier, choose a dive resort with on-site accommodation and dive centre, such as those offering daily dive trips from Labuan Bajo. You’ll enjoy easy planning, gear storage and relaxed evenings after your dives.

North Komodo: Overview & Conditions

The North Komodo region covers the northern part of Komodo Island and nearby small islands. It’s famous for:

• Powerful drift dives and strong currents
• Big schools of fish and pelagic action
• Reef sharks, mantas and sometimes eagle rays
• Excellent visibility and dramatic reef structures

Because of the currents, many dives in North Komodo are best suited to advanced divers with good buoyancy and drift experience. With the right conditions and guidance, though, they are some of the most rewarding dives in Indonesia.

Signature Dive Sites in North Komodo

Crystal Rock – Clear Water & Schooling Fish

Crystal Rock is one of Komodo’s classic pinnacles and a must for fish lovers. Rising from the seabed, the rock is covered in colourful hard corals, soft corals and sea fans, and surrounded by clear blue water – hence the name.

Expect to see:

• Schools of fusiliers, anthias, trevallies and sweetlips
• Whitetip reef sharks cruising the deeper edges
• Turtles and octopus sheltering in the crevices
• Occasional eagle rays and other pelagics

The visibility often exceeds 30 metres, offering wide panoramic views of the reef and its residents. Currents can be strong and variable, creating thrilling drift conditions that bring in nutrients and big life.

Depth & Level: typically 10–30 m. Suitable for advanced divers and confident intermediates with some drift experience.

Castle Rock – Action-Packed Pinnacle

Castle Rock is another legendary North Komodo site, known for high-energy dives and big fish action. The underwater pinnacle starts shallow and drops deeper, covered in hard coral, sponges and sea fans.

Here you can encounter:

• Schools of trevallies, snappers and fusiliers swirling around the rock
• Barracudas, groupers and batfish
• Whitetip and blacktip reef sharks
• Occasional manta and eagle ray sightings

Strong currents are the norm, making Castle Rock ideal for experienced divers who are comfortable with negative entries and blue-water descents. When conditions line up, it’s one of the most exhilarating dives in the park.

Depth & Level: around 10–35 m. Recommended for advanced divers with solid drift skills.

The Cauldron (Shotgun) – Natural Roller Coaster

The Cauldron, also known as Shotgun, is one of North Komodo’s most unique and exciting dive sites. It gets its name from its bowl-like topography and the powerful current that can literally “shotgun” you through a narrow channel.

Topography: a circular reef with steep walls and a sandy bowl in the middle. As you drift through the channel, you can be propelled like a roller coaster between two reef structures.

Marine life includes:

• Large schools of jacks, barracudas and surgeonfish
• Reef sharks patrolling the blue
• Turtles resting along the walls
• Occasional manta rays gliding through the current

Dives are usually timed carefully around the tides to find the best balance between fun and safety. Good buoyancy and comfort in current are essential here.

Manta Rays in North & Central Komodo

While mantas are more famous around certain central Komodo dive sites, currents and cleaning stations in and around the north can also bring in these gentle giants. On the right day, you may see mantas gliding gracefully over the reef or feeding in the current.

Important Reminders for Divers in North Komodo

1. Dive with a Reputable, Experienced Operator

North Komodo is powerful and wild. Always dive with a certified, responsible dive operator that employs permanent, experienced guides who know the sites and local conditions inside out. They will choose the right time, tide and entry point for each dive.

2. Stay Within Your Limits

Many sites are suitable for advanced or experienced divers because of the strong currents and drift conditions. Be honest about your level, and don’t hesitate to ask for easier sites if you’re not comfortable. Extra training (such as a Drift or Advanced course) is an excellent idea before tackling the most exposed dives.

3. Respect the Marine Environment

Komodo’s reefs are still in excellent condition in many places – let’s keep them that way. Always:

• Maintain good buoyancy and avoid touching corals
• Never chase or touch marine life
• Do not feed fish or interfere with natural behaviour
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and minimise plastic use on board

No gloves, no reef hooks: if a guide or dive centre encourages holding onto corals or using hooks on living reef, simply choose another operator.

4. Follow Park Regulations

Komodo National Park has strict rules to protect its biodiversity. Do not remove anything from the park, keep a safe distance from wildlife, and respect all briefings and instructions given by rangers and your dive team.

Plan Your North Komodo Diving Adventure

Scuba diving in the North Komodo region offers an unforgettable mix of thrilling drifts, healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life. Whether you join a liveaboard expedition or dive from a resort in Labuan Bajo, you’ll be treated to encounters with reef sharks, manta rays and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.

Dive responsibly, respect the environment and choose operators committed to conservation so that future generations can also enjoy this remarkable underwater world.

🐉 If you need help planning your next diving trip, the team at Dragon Dive Komodo is here for you. We can advise you on the best season, dive sites, liveaboard and day-trip options, and help you design an unforgettable adventure in Komodo’s stunning waters.