Is the Advanced Open Water Course Worth Doing in Komodo?

Taking Your AOW Course in Komodo: Is It Worth It?

Completing the Advanced Open Water (AOW) course in Komodo is one of the best decisions a developing diver can make. Here is why it stands out compared to doing it elsewhere.

Why Komodo Is an Exceptional Place to Get AOW

• Training dives at world-class sites: Your 5 adventure dives are conducted at actual Komodo National Park dive sites, not a local quarry or reef. Your deep dive might be at Batu Bolong; your drift dive could be at Tatawa Besar.
• Relevant skill development: The drift dive, deep dive, and navigation skills you learn during AOW are immediately applicable to the sites you want to dive for the rest of your trip.
• Immediate access: Upon completing AOW, you can immediately dive Komodo's advanced sites — Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, The Cauldron, and Batu Bolong — without waiting.
• No classroom time: The AOW course has no exams and no confined water sessions. It is 5 open water dives over 2 days, making it an efficient use of your holiday time.

AOW Course Structure in Komodo

Cost and Value

AOW courses in Labuan Bajo typically cost IDR 5,500,000–7,000,000 (~$335–430 USD) including all dives, equipment, and boat trips. Compared to the cost of a day trip (IDR 2,500,000–3,250,000 per day), the AOW course is essentially 2 days of guided diving with a certification at the end — excellent value.

AOW vs. Continuing to Fun Dive as OWD

Our verdict: If you are visiting Komodo as an Open Water diver, dedicating your first 2 days to the AOW course is the single best investment you can make. The remaining dive days of your trip will be transformed.