Diving in Komodo National Park

Loggerhead Turtle

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Loggerhead Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, named for its massive head. While less common than Green and Hawksbill turtles on Caribbean reefs, they can be spotted at deeper reef sites.

Bull Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

Bull sharks are one of the most impressive predators divers can encounter in warm coastal waters. These robust sharks are easily recognized by their broad, blunt snout, stocky build, and grey coloration with a white underside. Growing up to 11 feet long, they have a powerful, muscular appearance that commands respect underwater. Bull sharks are known for their curious nature and may approach divers, maintaining a confident but generally non-aggressive demeanor. They're often seen cruising along reef walls or in open water, sometimes in small groups. Their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater makes them unique among sharks, and they're excellent hunters with a varied diet including fish, rays, and other marine life.

Great Hammerhead

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Hammerhead is the largest of all hammerhead species, instantly recognizable by its massive, flattened head extension called a cephalofoil. This prehistoric-looking predator can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, with a distinctive tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Their unique head shape houses electroreceptors that help them hunt stingrays buried in sand. Great Hammerheads are solitary hunters, often seen cruising along reef walls and sandy bottoms. Despite their intimidating size, they're generally shy around divers and will often move away when approached. Their powerful swimming style and graceful movements make encounters truly memorable for fortunate divers.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Guaranteed resident at Siaba Besar (Turtle Town). Multiple individuals seen on every dive. Resident population year-round.

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Common at Batu Bolong and other reef sites. Less abundant than green turtles but regularly observed throughout the park.

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Regularly seen at Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, and The Cauldron. Often in small groups cruising along reef walls during dry season.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Occasional sightings in Komodo waters, particularly in the Lintah Strait and approaches to north Komodo. Pods of 5-20 individuals seen most frequently during calm dry season.

Great Barracuda

Destination note

Common year-round at Castle Rock, Batu Bolong, and Golden Passage. Often seen in small groups hovering in the blue water above the reef crest.

Common Lionfish

Destination note

Common throughout Komodo National Park on reef slopes and under overhangs. Frequently seen at Batu Bolong, Siaba Besar, and central Komodo sites resting in crevices during the day.

Reef Manta Ray

Destination note

Up to 50 individuals at Manta Point cleaning station during peak plankton bloom season (Dec-Mar). Year-round resident population.

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Destination note

Both reef and oceanic mantas can be seen together at Manta Alley in south Komodo. Oceanic mantas more common during cooler upwelling months.

Grey Reef Shark

Destination note

Common year-round at Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, and Batu Bolong. Peak sightings during dry season (Apr-Oct) when visibility is best.