Aipysurus laevis
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
0-40 meters
The olive sea snake is one of the larger and more commonly encountered true sea snakes in Komodo National Park, a fully aquatic species that spends its entire life in the ocean without ever needing to return to land. Unlike the amphibious banded sea krait, olive sea snakes give birth to live young in the water, breathe through a single large lung that extends most of the length of their body, and can absorb a significant portion of their oxygen directly through their skin. Reaching up to 2 metres in length, they have a stout, olive to brownish-purple body and a distinctive paddle-shaped tail that provides powerful propulsion through the water. In Komodo, olive sea snakes are occasionally encountered at reef sites, particularly in shallow water and around sandy areas where they hunt for fish sheltering in reef crevices. Their venom is highly potent — among the most toxic of all sea snakes — but they are generally docile and non-aggressive toward divers. Bites typically occur only when snakes are physically handled or accidentally trapped. Olive sea snakes are curious animals and may approach divers to investigate, a behaviour that can be unnerving but is rarely threatening.
Average Size
1.2-1.6m
Size Range
0.8-2m
Maximum Size
2m
Feeds on reef fish, particularly small species sheltering in crevices and under coral. Uses highly potent venom to quickly immobilise prey in confined spaces.
The olive sea snake is one of the larger and more commonly encountered true sea snakes in Komodo National Park, a fully aquatic species that spends its entire life in the ocean without ever needing to return to land. Unlike the amphibious banded sea krait, olive sea snakes give birth to live young in the water, breathe through a single large lung that extends most of the length of their body, and can absorb a significant portion of their oxygen directly through their skin. Reaching up to 2 metres in length, they have a stout, olive to brownish-purple body and a distinctive paddle-shaped tail that provides powerful propulsion through the water. In Komodo, olive sea snakes are occasionally encountered at reef sites, particularly in shallow water and around sandy areas where they hunt for fish sheltering in reef crevices. Their venom is highly potent — among the most toxic of all sea snakes — but they are generally docile and non-aggressive toward divers. Bites typically occur only when snakes are physically handled or accidentally trapped. Olive sea snakes are curious animals and may approach divers to investigate, a behaviour that can be unnerving but is rarely threatening.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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They carry highly potent venom but are generally docile and non-aggressive. Bites on divers are extremely rare and almost always result from handling or accidentally trapping the snake. If you remain calm and give them space, they pose no practical danger.
