Komodo Currents for Novice Diver

[OnTheSpot]

You probably won't be the only diver on the boat with apprehensions about strong currents, some will keep quiet about it. You're doing the right thing by speaking up, as mentioned above let your guide or tour leader be aware of your concerns and they will look after you. Stick close too your guide and try to relax and enjoy (easier said than done I know). You have a buddy, so also make sure he sticks with you and is completely aware of your concerns. As mentioned above get yourself an SMB and make sure you're comfortable with deploying it. By asking the question you've already made the first step in trying to handle the situation. Well done!

 

[Quero]

The currents in Indonesia where the Indonesian Throughflow runs (which includes some Komodo dive sites) are the strongest I've encountered, and they can be very, very challenging, with no hard bottom possible. What I would recommend for is that you do land-based Komodo diving rather than jumping on a liveaboard. That way you can let the operator know what your comfort level is and they can organize diving at sites that are appropriate for you. Let me know if you'd like some suggestions for land-based operators.

 

[indiedive]

My dive log was 70ish back then when first time diving in Komodo-Rinca Archipelago - and that was the best diving holiday I have ever had! Since you had experience diving in Raja Ampat with current etc, I think you will be ok in Komodo (I had experience with currents in Nusa Penida and Cozumel before Komodo). It really depends on the dive operators and your dive master/instructors as your guide as well. Dive plan is crucial and that they do know the tides and possible currents in the dive sites before jump in to the water! Our guide back then always checked the tides beforehand.

Yup, bring a reef hook, it will be very helpful when diving in Komodo-Rinca.

I stayed 5 days at Sebayur Island (Komodo Diving Resort) and one week at Labuan Bajo. It was in December, and most LOB were sailing to Raja Ampat. The problem staying in land was we could not get too far for diving and had to wake up very early to reach the first dive (in example, it took 2.5 hours to reach Batu Bolong dive site from Labuan Bajo so we had to be in LB port at 7am!). Myself will go for LOB on the next visit to Komodo..

 

[MB2013]

Mepchid I would rest in between dives. When I was on a Komodo liveboard I spent about 2 hours snorkelling after the 2nd dive of the day when everyone else was resting on the boat. The first 2 dives of the day weren't particularly strong currents. 3rd dive of the day was a different story, the energy I needed was used up snorkelling. I would also really listen to the dive briefings. This is a must at all times but even more important when strong currents are involved. I cant wait to get back to Komodo. The Komodo national park is such an awesome place.

 

[ronski101]

In our experience good planning and going with the flow can make current dives a bunch of fun. Where we have had problems in the past is when we are expected to stay with the DM and are forced to huff and puff to stay with him while he is just floating along. We usually have that talk with a new DM on the boat so we don't use up our air chasing and can still get in some pics.

 

[Shasta_man]

Guides should be diving areas where current is not max and direction is with the current for most of the dive. If not, they are doing it wrong. Current tends to form where water has to flow past an object or obstruction, so it can form right along the reef. Right next to the reef it can be flowing strong and difficult to get by, but move 2 feet off the reef and you may barely feel it.

My split fins did fine at Komodo. in or out of current, and other current locales.

I would think a liveaboard could better consistently accommodate your needs across an extended dive trip.

 

[weeksd]

Before booking your trip check to see if it is a full moon. I have done a trip to komodo in a full moon phase and some sites between komodo and rinja were undiveable. Most other sites no problem with the full moon currents. The dive site makasar which has mantas most days was alot of fun but it was a good 6 knot current. We were flying but makasar is 50 feet and gravel bottom and about 5 miles long so no downcurrents.

 

[mepchid]

Thank you guys. It's just amazing to hear about your experiences in Komodo. Appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Guess I would postpone it till Sept/Oct next year as I am still not sure about myself being able to enjoy the dive or being cautious all the time due to the currents.
This time I would do Bunaken (again) and maybe some dives in Similan area...

 

[Quero]

I think that's smart, mepchid.

 

[gee13]

Bunaken can have some areas of strong washing machine downcurrents .. and some wild drift dives (remember sachikos)

Id suggest Tulamben. The strongest current Id experienced there was in my vodka coktail...