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The Cauldron and Shotgun is a two-part dive that ranks among the most adrenaline-fuelled experiences in Komodo National Park. It is a channel drift dive where powerful currents accelerate you through a narrow gap between two islands and deposit you into a calm, pristine coral garden.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | North Komodo, channel between Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat |
| Depth range | 8–30 metres |
| Current | Very strong in the Shotgun section, moderate elsewhere |
| Visibility | 10–25 metres |
| Level | Advanced only — strong drift diving experience required |
| Season | March/April–October/November |
Phase 1 — The Cauldron: You enter at one end of a wide channel and descend to a sandy basin at around 18 to 25 metres. The water here swirls and eddies, creating the "cauldron" effect as currents from different directions converge. Marine life is abundant — reef sharks, turtles, and schooling fish are common in this area.
Phase 2 — The Shotgun: As you approach the narrow gap between the islands, the current accelerates dramatically. The channel narrows and the water speed increases — this is the Shotgun. You are propelled through the gap at speed, maintaining buoyancy while the current does all the work. The sensation is like flying underwater.
Phase 3 — China Shop: After shooting through the Shotgun, you emerge into a calm, sheltered bay known as China Shop. This protected area is a stunning contrast to the preceding chaos — beautiful staghorn corals, table corals, and a peaceful reef teeming with tropical fish. The name refers to the delicate corals that require careful buoyancy to avoid damage.
Experience requirement: This dive is not suitable for newly certified or low-experience divers. Operators typically require Advanced Open Water certification and demonstrable comfort in strong currents before including you in a Cauldron/Shotgun dive.