Q: How many days do I need for a Komodo diving trip?

We recommend a minimum of 3-4 days for diving in Komodo. This allows you to cover the main dive sites across different areas of the park. For a more comprehensive experience, 5-7 days lets you explore both the northern and southern sites, experience different current conditions, and have backup days for weather. If you're doing a liveaboard, most trips run 3-4 nights covering 10-15 dive sites. Day trip divers from Labuan Bajo can comfortably do 2-3 dives per day.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Komodo?

Most nationalities can enter Indonesia with a Visa on Arrival (VoA) valid for 30 days, which costs IDR 500,000 (~$32 USD). This is available at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport and other major entry points. Some nationalities qualify for visa-free entry for stays up to 30 days. Check with the Indonesian embassy for your country's specific requirements. You'll also need to pay the Komodo National Park entrance fee , which is IDR 150,000 for foreign tourists per day.

Question 1

What is the best time of year to dive in Komodo?

Accepted Answer

The best time to dive in Komodo is generally between April and November, during the dry season, when visibility is typically at its best and sea conditions are more predictable. However, diving is possible year-round, and different months offer different highlights depending on what you want to see.

April to June offers some of the most balanced conditions of the year. Water temperatures range from 27–29°C in the north and slightly cooler in the south. Visibility often reaches 20–30 meters, and manta rays are frequently seen at sites such as Manta Point and Mawan. These months are considered ideal because marine life activity is high while tourist numbers remain moderate.

July and August are peak diving months in Komodo. Conditions are typically excellent, especially at iconic northern sites like Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, and Crystal Rock. Expect strong currents and dense fish life including reef sharks, trevallies, and large schools of pelagic species. However, these months are also the busiest, and dive sites can be more crowded.

September to November brings cooler, nutrient-rich waters, particularly in the southern part of the park where temperatures can drop to 22–25°C. These cooler conditions attract pelagic species and increase overall marine biodiversity. Visibility remains good, and crowds begin to decrease after September.

December to March is the rainy season. While there is increased rainfall and occasional rougher surface conditions, diving continues throughout this period. Manta ray sightings are often strong due to higher plankton levels in the water. Visibility may be slightly reduced compared to the dry season, but marine life remains abundant.

Water temperatures in Komodo vary by region. Northern dive sites are generally warmer year-round, while southern sites experience cooler upwellings that bring nutrient-rich water and increased marine life. Many divers use a 3mm wetsuit in warmer months and a 5mm wetsuit when diving southern sites during cooler periods.

In summary, May to October is widely considered the best overall time for consistent visibility and stable weather. However, Komodo offers rewarding diving in every month of the year, with seasonal variations influencing marine life, water temperature, and crowd levels rather than limiting access.

Question 2

How do I get to Labuan Bajo?

Accepted Answer

Labuan Bajo is accessible by air from several Indonesian cities. Direct flights operate daily from Bali (Denpasar) taking about 1 hour, with airlines like Citilink, NAM Air, and Wings Air.

You can also fly from Jakarta (2.5 hours) or take connecting flights via Bali. The airport (LBJ) is just 10 minutes from town center.

For a more adventurous route, ferries run from Sape (Sumbawa) to Labuan Bajo, taking approximately 2-3 hours.

Question 3

How many days do I need for a Komodo diving trip?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a minimum of 3-4 days for diving in Komodo. This allows you to cover the main dive sites across different areas of the park.

For a more comprehensive experience, 5-7 days lets you explore both the northern and southern sites, experience different current conditions, and have backup days for weather.

If you're doing a liveaboard, most trips run 3-4 nights covering 10-15 dive sites. Day trip divers from Labuan Bajo can comfortably do 2-3 dives per day.

Question 4

Do I need a visa to visit Komodo?

Accepted Answer

Most nationalities can enter Indonesia with a Visa on Arrival (VoA) valid for 30 days, which costs IDR 500,000 (~$32 USD). This is available at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport and other major entry points.

Some nationalities qualify for visa-free entry for stays up to 30 days. Check with the Indonesian embassy for your country's specific requirements.

You'll also need to pay the Komodo National Park entrance fee, which is IDR 150,000 for foreign tourists per day.

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