???? Dive into Komodo’s Magic with Audrey, Our Passionate Cruise Director!
Every cruise aboard Jakare is a journey into one of the most breathtaking marine regions on Earth. But when we asked Audrey — who has spent countless hours exploring these waters — which dive sites still make her heart race, she didn’t hesitate. Here are her Top 5 favorite dive spots in Komodo, chosen for their beauty, energy, and that special kind of underwater magic you won’t find anywhere else. From vibrant reefs to dramatic drop-offs, get ready for a sensory journey below the surface… and don’t forget your torch — it’s going to be spectacular.
1) Police Corner: DRAMATIC
The topography here is truly exceptional. After drifting along a sloping reef, you enter a dramatic deep overhang with the open blue as your backdrop. Schools of bigeye, rabbitfish, and batfish are regular residents. Deeper overhangs and scattered boulders create secret passages and perfect hiding spots for larger fish. The macro life is incredibly rich; colorful nudibranchs and a variety of shrimp make it a dream for keen-eyed divers. Don’t forget your torch! The dive ends drifting over a coral garden slope where magic often happens; you just have to keep an eye on the blue for big surprises. This site is only diveable during a special tide and is recommended for advanced divers.
2) Tatawa Kecil: FANTASTIC
Favorite divesite of all times. A mix of stunning topography and shallow reefs straight out of a fairytale. Coral tables, branching staghorn corals, rocky structures, and clouds of anthias and damselfish buzzing all over the reef. The fallen rocks and the plateau on the west side of the island create secret passages and hiding spots for the bigger creatures. Mantas love to swing by for a good cleaning, barracudas often gather in groups, and leopard rays regularly glide past to say hello. It’s one of the healthiest dive sites I’ve ever seen. This site is only diveable during a special tide and is recommended for advanced divers.
3) 3 Sisters: VIBRANT
This dive site lies in the south, near Padar Island. We call it “The Three Sisters” because of the three main underwater pinnacles; but I’m convinced there are more hiding down there. After a quick descent, you’re welcomed into an underwater Disney world. Visibility et temperature in the south can be lower than in the north during the European summer, but the beauty here is simply breathtaking. As soon as you reach the bottom, fusiliers and anthias swirl around the colorful pinnacle like they’re dancing just for you. The macro life is a dream: leaf scorpionfish, frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish… a paradise for macro enthusiasts. And it’s not just about the small stuff; larger visitors often make an appearance. Devil rays sometimes glide around the pinnacles, and on the sandy outskirts, reef sharks and stingrays can be spotted. When the current is at its peak, anything can happen; surprises are always possible. It’s a truly magical world down there. And as you begin your safety stop, it feels like the entire marine kingdom is celebrating right beside you. This site is recommended for advanced divers.
4) Batu Bolong: LEGENDARY
Its name is quite literal: a hole in the rock. One of Komodo’s most iconic dive sites, and for good reason. What makes it truly special? No two dives here ever feel the same. Depending on the tide, it’s like entering a whole new world. On a rising tide, we explore the dramatic north face; vertical walls, deep canyons, swirling schools of trevallies, and the thrill of spotting grey reef sharks. On a falling tide, we drift along the gentler southern slope; a wonderland of boulders, mini walls, and teeming macro life. And if the timing’s just right, during slack tide, we circle the entire rock; a full 360° dive. This playground is for advanced divers only. One rock. Infinite experiences.
5) Castle Rock: ADRENALINE
Castle Rock, one of the best dive sites in northern Komodo, only accessible during the dry season from April to October. Expect crystal-clear waters, incredible visibility, and a true underwater challenge. This vibrant seamount rises from the depths, bursting with marine life. It’s the kind of dive where we drop into the blue in front of the rock and make an active descent straight into the current. As we reach the reef, a breathtaking show begins; fusiliers, batfish, and bannerfish dancing in the flow, while trevallies and reef sharks cruise by, hunting in formation. With moderate to strong current, it feels like watching a high-speed wildlife documentary live. During slack tide, the entire site fills with dense schools; sweetlips, surgeonfish, and more than you can count. Castle Rock is a true underwater playground. Experienced divers only.
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