Nutrition and Hydration for Komodo Dive Days
What you eat and drink directly affects your diving performance, air consumption, and susceptibility to decompression sickness. Here are practical guidelines for Komodo dive days.
Before Your Dive Day
- Dinner the night before: Eat a substantial meal with complex carbohydrates (rice, pasta, bread) and protein. Avoid excessive alcohol — it dehydrates you and impairs morning performance.
- Hydration: Begin hydrating the day before. Drink at least 2 litres of water the day before diving. Dehydration is one of the biggest risk factors for decompression sickness.
- Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours. Fatigue increases air consumption and impairs judgement.
Morning of Your Dive
| Good Choices | Avoid |
|---|
| Toast, eggs, fruit, oatmeal — light but energy-dense | Heavy, greasy breakfast — increases seasickness risk |
| Water, tea, coffee (moderate) | Excessive caffeine — diuretic effect increases dehydration |
| Banana — easy to digest, high in potassium | Dairy-heavy meals — can increase mucus and affect equalisation |
Between Dives
- Water: Drink continuously between every dive. Aim for 500ml minimum between each dive.
- Snacks: Fruit, biscuits, and energy bars keep blood sugar stable
- Lunch: The Indonesian lunch served on board is well-suited to diving — rice-based, moderate portions, flavourful
- Avoid alcohol: No alcohol between dives or until all diving for the day is complete
After Diving
- Rehydrate: Drink 1 to 2 litres of water after your last dive
- Electrolytes: Tropical heat, sun exposure, and diving deplete electrolytes. An electrolyte drink or tablet helps recovery.
- Dinner: Labuan Bajo's restaurants offer excellent seafood. A good post-dive dinner replaces calories burned during the day.
