Top 10 dive sites in Labuan Bajo
Diving paradise in Komodo National Park
Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo National Park, home to some of the most diverse and exciting dive sites in the world. Strong currents bring nutrients that support rich coral gardens, massive schools of fish, manta rays, turtles, and even the occasional shark.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for turtle encounters or an advanced diver chasing thrilling drift dives, Komodo has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 dive sites in Labuan Bajo and Komodo you shouldn’t miss.
Batu Bolong – The Jewel of Komodo
A small rock rising out of the water, hiding a world-class reef.
Known for explosions of color, schools of fish, turtles, and sharks.
Strong currents can be tricky, so this site is for experienced divers.
Castle Rock – Shark Territory
A submerged pinnacle attracting big pelagics.
Expect reef sharks, trevally, tuna, and swirling schools of fusiliers.
Best enjoyed on a negative entry with good current control.
3. Crystal Rock – Vibrant & Wild
Neighbor to Castle Rock, full of soft corals and reef life.
Frequent giant trevally hunting among schools of fish.
A top site for advanced divers.
4. Makassar Reef (Manta Point)
One of the most famous dive site in Komodo.
Long drift dive across sandy bottom with manta cleaning stations.
Great for divers of all levels.
5. Mawan – Manta encounters up close
Another manta hotspot, often calmer than Makassar.
Ideal for photography and snorkelers, as mantas hover in the shallows.
6. Siaba Besar – Turtle city
Nicknamed “Turtle City” for a reason, hawksbill and green turtles everywhere!
A calm, shallow site perfect for beginners and training dives.
7. Tatawa Besar – The orange coral drift
Famous for its orange soft corals.
Gentle drift with beautiful scenery and schools of reef fish.
A colorful site suitable for all levels.
8. Cauldron / Shotgun – The rollercoaster dive
A drift through a channel that feels like an underwater rollercoaster.
Watch for mantas riding the currents, sharks, and big pelagics.
Strong currents make it best for advanced divers.
9. Sebayur – Beginner-friendly reef
Great coral gardens, calm conditions.
A good site for Open Water students and night dives.
Often home to nudibranchs, cuttlefish, and reef sharks.
10. Wainilu – Macro heaven
The muck diving capital of Komodo.
Home to nudibranchs, frogfish, seahorses, and flamboyant cuttlefish.
A dream for underwater photographers and critter lovers.
Which dive sites are right for you?
Beginners: Siaba Besar, Sebayur, Tatawa Besar.
Intermediate: Mawan, Makassar Reef.
Advanced: Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Cauldron/Shotgun.
Photographers: Wainilu for macro, Mawan for mantas.
Komodo’s top dive sites await
From turtle-filled shallows to thrilling drift dives with sharks and mantas, Komodo offers unmatched variety. Every dive is different, and that’s what makes Labuan Bajo one of the best diving hubs in the world.
👉 Ready to explore these sites? Join our daily dive trips in Komodo National Park from Labuan Bajo or hop on a Komodo diving liveaboard for full access to Komodo’s top dive sites.
Published on September 16, 2025
