Is it Safe to Dive in Komodo due to Strong Currents?

This is a common question that we get from those considering to dive in the world class diving destination of Komodo National Park. The simple answer is Yes! But, it takes proper assessment and planning!

Here are three factors that we need to consider:

Moon Phase

The currents in Komodo are not always strong.

They get strongest around full moon and new moon, however in between (called Quarter moon) the currents are not so strong. Check Here for Labuan Bajo Komodo Moon Phase.

Time of Day

The direction of the currents and their strength are not constant during the day. We have two high tides and two low tides during every 24 hours. The direction of the currents changes depending on if the tide is rising or falling. When we get closer to slack (lowest tide and highest tide) the currents are slow and can completely stop.

Dive Sites

Inside of the marine park we have a large number of dive sites. They are differently affected by the currents depending which direction the dive site faces and their underwater topography. Most bays have calmer or no currents so they are suitable for beginners and check dives. We can choose to dive on the lee side of islands and at underwater pinnacles we can decide to dive on the protected side when the currents are strong on the other side.

A famous pinnacle site where we usually dive in the protected side is Batu Bolong. Some of the sites however have no protection, for example Manta Point, here we would make a drift dive and be picked up by the boat downstream.

Currents are Fun!

Currents bring more life! Many reef fish get busy feeding on the planktons that the currents bring. This in turn lures in pelagic fish such as Giant trevally, tunas and sharks, who takes the opportunity to hunt. Where the currents hit a reef we call a current split, these areas can be particularly busy with life, and here we take the experienced divers for the time of their life. We often dive this way at Castle Rock.

At our manta sites more manta rays are encountered when the currents are strong since they can easier stay over the cleaning stations by swimming against the current. Perhaps the most famous current though is The Shotgun, which is a part of the dive plan at the Cauldron.

We enjoy introducing our divers to currents when we feel they are ready for it. We give thorough briefings to explain the plan and how to dive in currents. Our groups are small and our seasoned PADI Divemasters and instructors knows the dive sites like the back of their hands. They know the best time to jump in and will tailor the plan around their divers.