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July offers dry, sunny weather but the southeastern winds are at their strongest. Surface conditions can be choppy, and some exposed northern sites may be inaccessible.
Water Temperature
25-28°C
Visibility
10-18m
Crowds
Medium
Pricing
Moderate
July is high season in Komodo National Park, coinciding with the European and North American summer holidays. The dry season is in full swing, delivering consistently excellent diving conditions along with the busiest visitor numbers of the year.
Visibility ranges from 15-25 meters with the classic blue-water clarity that defines Komodo's dry season. Water temperatures of 25-28°C are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit, though the cooler southern waters at depth may prompt some divers to add a hooded vest.
The southern manta sites reach their annual peak in July. Manta Alley and Manta Point deliver their most consistent encounters, with feeding mantas congregating in the nutrient-rich upwellings from the south. It's not uncommon to see 5-15 mantas on a single dive at these sites.
The pinnacle sites in the north are equally spectacular, with strong currents driving dense fish aggregations. The Batu Bolong experience in July is quintessential Komodo — descending into blue water to find yourself surrounded by grey reef sharks, massive trevally schools, and carpets of anthias covering every surface.
July's popularity means the park is at its busiest. Multiple boats at popular sites are the norm, and booking well in advance is essential for liveaboards and premium dive operators. However, the extensive network of dive sites means operators can spread divers across the park.
The dry weather makes topside activities equally enjoyable. Island hopping, trekking to see Komodo dragons, and watching stunning sunsets over the archipelago are all enhanced by the reliably clear skies.
Up to 40cm in length
July's clear blue water is perfect for dramatic wide-angle shots. The southern manta sites in particular offer world-class opportunities — shoot from below with natural light for powerful silhouettes. At pinnacle sites, use a fisheye lens to capture the overwhelming scale of fish schools. The strong currents demand fast shutter speeds and good buoyancy. Consider video as well — the dynamic action at current sites is mesmerizing in motion.
July is the month for the southern manta sites. Plan your trip around the new moon for the strongest currents and most concentrated plankton, which brings the largest manta aggregations. Book morning dives at Manta Alley on incoming tides. If combining with pinnacle diving, the current tables show the best windows at Castle Rock are typically 2 hours before high tide.