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Yes, sharks are present at many Komodo dive sites — and encountering them is one of the highlights of diving here. Sharks in Komodo are not dangerous to divers. They are wild animals that should be respected, but unprovoked shark attacks on scuba divers in Komodo are essentially unheard of.
| Species | Size | Behaviour | Where to See Them | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tip reef shark | 1–1.5m | Docile, often resting under coral ledges | Batu Bolong, most reef sites | Very common |
| Blacktip reef shark | 1–1.5m | Shy, patrols shallow reef edges | Gili Lawa Laut, Tatawa Kecil | Common |
| Grey reef shark | 2–2.5m | Bold, curious, patrols reef edges in groups | Castle Rock, Crystal Rock | Common at northern pinnacles |
| Bamboo shark | 0.5–1m | Nocturnal, bottom-dwelling, very docile | Night dive sites | Common on night dives |
| Whale shark | 4–12m | Gentle filter feeder, not a predator | Open water, seasonal | Rare (Dec–Mar, plankton season) |
| Hammerhead shark | 2–3m | Pelagic, usually deep water | Langkoi Rock (reported) | Rare |
Castle Rock is Komodo's premier shark site, with grey reef sharks regularly seen patrolling the pinnacle in groups of 3 to 8 individuals. Crystal Rock offers similar encounters in clearer water. Batu Bolong has resident white-tip reef sharks on virtually every dive, often resting in plain sight under overhangs.
Diver etiquette: When encountering sharks, remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and do not chase them. Sharks are far more likely to approach divers who are still and quiet. Enjoy the encounter from a respectful distance — these are magnificent predators that deserve our admiration, not our fear.