Komodo Island in Indonesia ... has anyone dived there?

[Land Fish]

Greetings!

A friend of mine is going to Komodo Island for Xmas, liveaboard, and I'm tempted to join the group. But I've heard the currents can be rather strong there and it's more for experienced divers. I'm certified with AOW but I've only logged a little over 20 dives (although I'm hoping to bring that number to 30+ after the next holiday in Sep)

I'd appreciate if anyone could share the experience diving in Komodo.

Thank you!

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

The best ... as in with the most to see ... dive sites there are current-sensitive, and can be quite challenging. But there are also plenty of excellent sites that are fairly sheltered and more suitable for newer divers. If you're on a liveaboard, the chances are good to excellent that other divers on the boat are going to want the "checklist" sites that are more challenging ... unless you've got the whole boat and folks are amenable to sticking to the more sheltered sites.

Komodo is well worth visiting ... some of the best Indonesia has to offer.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Land Fish]

Thanks Bob.

That's my main concern too... so do you think I should pass this time and wait until I build up enough experience (aka confidence)?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

... either that or just go and be selective about the dives you do ... and honest with yourself and the boat crew about your abilities. There's an awful lot to experience in Komodo above the water too. It really depends on your priorities. But whatever you decide, don't go there and push it on dives that are above your abilities ... they lose people that way. And I mean that literally ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Land Fish]

Thanks! I appreciate the advices.

 

[Centrals]

When we dived there couple of yrs ago, we did not encounter any current whatsoever. So some of the sites were pretty disappointed. Current tends to bring actions.
The position of the moon probably is an important factor.

 

[Land Fish]

Thanks! I'll look into it

 

[Rusty Roo]

i did my dm in komodo and i personally think it's amazing. you have macro stuff, pelagic stuff MANTAS!

i will say it is challenging with the currents and you need to be comfortable in the water. we experienced down currents and rock climbed up the reef. (batu bolong)

i would say the dive guides are used to newbies as many people do their open water in bali - hear komodo is good and come over.

komodo is not to be missed but i personally would wait until you feel comfortable in the water. obviously you could go and be selective but could be expensive if you sit out quite a few of the dives.

 

[charlier]

As others have mentioned, Komodo offers wonderful dive sites. The best diving is generally associated with strong currents that produce cool water upwelling and nutrients that support a variety of pelagics. Inexperienced divers can dive Komodo, but they need a natural ability for neutral buoyancy and a calm mental space. In addition, make sure that you are accompanied really good guides that know the local conditions, tides, currents and lunar cycle. As a DM, it is challenging to accommodate inexperienced divers in strong currents. Even with divers that have 100s++ dives, strong down currents can rattle the most experienced divers. The Indonesian through-flow is the real deal. Perhaps consider going to Bali for a week, find a good guide and begin to experience more challenging sites. With more experience, you will be able to experience and enjoy Komodo Islands or equivalent sites. Why rush it - stay safe and in your comfort zone. My two cents.. charlie

... either that or just go and be selective about the dives you do ... and honest with yourself and the boat crew about your abilities. There's an awful lot to experience in Komodo above the water too. It really depends on your priorities. But whatever you decide, don't go there and push it on dives that are above your abilities ... they lose people that way. And I mean that literally ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Bali's a good suggestion for the newer diver. When Cheng and I were new we did a four-day "tour" of Bali that included Tulamben, Nusa Penida and Menjangen Island. It was amazing ... well within our capabilities ... and we fell in love with Tulamben. Been back there twice since, as more experienced divers, and still loved it.

Plus there's just so much to do that's not diving-related ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)