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Komodo National Park offers some of the best snorkelling in Indonesia, and several world-class dive sites are equally spectacular from the surface. If you are not a certified diver or prefer to snorkel, you will not be disappointed.
| Site | Depth (snorkelling zone) | Current | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manta Point (Karang Makassar) | 2–5 metres | Mild | Manta rays feeding and cleaning in shallow water — world-class surface encounters |
| Pink Beach | 1–5 metres | Minimal | Vibrant coral reef starting right from the shore, colourful fish, rare pink sand |
| Siaba Besar | 2–8 metres | Minimal | Turtles, clownfish, excellent coral coverage in very calm, sheltered water |
| Tatawa Besar | 2–8 metres | Mild drift | Beautiful coral gardens visible from the surface on a gentle drift |
| Kanawa Island | 1–5 metres | Minimal | House reef close to shore, ideal for beginners and children |
| Mawan | 3–8 metres | Mild | Manta rays in shallower water with fewer crowds than Manta Point |
Most dive centres allow snorkellers to join day trip boats for approximately IDR 900,000 to 1,000,000 per day (~$60–67 USD). While divers descend, snorkellers explore the surface reefs and shallows. This works well at sites with shallow marine life, particularly Manta Point where mantas often come within arm''s reach of the surface.
Not all Komodo dive sites are suitable for snorkelling. Sites with strong currents, deep features, or no shallow reef offer little for snorkellers and can be dangerous:
If your primary interest is snorkelling rather than diving, several operators in Labuan Bajo offer dedicated snorkelling and island-hopping tours that visit the best shallow sites, including Pink Beach, Kanawa Island, and Manta Point, combined with Padar hiking and Rinca dragon trekking.
What Is the Coral Like in Komodo National Park?