Komodo, Indonesia: A Diver’s Paradise

Komodo, Indonesia, is famous for its spectacular diving, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. From stunning coral reefs to unique dive sites teeming with sea turtles, vibrant nudibranchs, mantis shrimp, sharks, and, of course, countless manta rays, the experience was nothing short of breathtaking.

Having worked as a dive instructor on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia—a bucket list destination for many—I was genuinely surprised by how Komodo stole my heart. Don’t get me wrong, the Great Barrier Reef is beautiful, but the experience was different. Perhaps it was because I was working at the time and became accustomed to the sites, or maybe it was the stress of managing 60 to 90 people daily on the dive boats. Whatever the reason, Komodo felt like a refreshing change—it was simply better.

While the Great Barrier Reef had its moments (more on that in another post), this story belongs to Komodo.

Arriving in Komodo

When Per and I first arrived, we headed straight to our accommodation for a much-needed shower. After four days on a sailboat with shared bathrooms and no proper showers, cleanliness was our top priority. Feeling refreshed, we set out along the main street to find a dive shop—the reason we had come to Komodo in the first place.

Cheaper than Raja Ampat (still on our bucket list), Komodo is renowned for its incredible diving. We visited about seven or eight dive shops, asking questions about prices, dive sites, boat sizes, and the number of guests on each trip. Having worked with large groups, I craved a more personal experience, with smaller groups and top-notch dive sites.

Ultimately, three factors helped us choose:

Friendliness of the staff. We wanted to feel comfortable asking questions and chatting with the guides.
Language clarity. While perfect English wasn’t necessary, clear communication was important to understand dive briefings and share experiences.
Price and discounts for dive professionals. (If you’ve got the credentials, why not use them?

After careful consideration, we chose UberScuba, and it was the best decision we could have made.

Dive Day 1: A Spectacular Start

We booked two days of diving, with two dives each day. The staff at UberScuba were incredibly accommodating, providing detailed briefings about boat procedures, dive sites, and the currents we’d encounter. They even sketched diagrams of the dive sites, explaining how to navigate the currents and avoid getting swept away—an extra detail I deeply appreciated as a dive instructor.

Though I’m a professional, I’ll admit I was nervous. Strong currents and grappling to avoid being swept to sea were new challenges for me. But the dive guides reassured me, and their expertise made all the difference.

The first day began with a warm welcome on the boat, where we were shown our gear and invited to relax. Tea, coffee, water, snacks, and freshly prepared meals were available throughout the day. The simple pleasure of a hot cup of tea helped calm my nerves.

Dive 1: Batu Balong

The first dive was at Batu Balong, a site with zigzag currents requiring us to start deep and gradually ascend. Highlights included countless eels, distant sharks, and a manta ray gliding gracefully by—a breathtaking sight that left me squealing into my regulator. Spotting my first manta ray was an emotional, unforgettable moment.

Dive 2: Makasar Reef (Manta Point)

The second dive took us to Makasar Reef, also known as Manta Point. Within minutes, we were surrounded by seven or eight manta rays. Settling low to avoid disturbing them, we watched in awe as they circled cleaning stations. One manta, with a black underside, reminded me of Darth Vader’s cloak as it soared overhead. It was a magical experience.

Dive Day 2: Even Better with Friends

Day two started with a pleasant surprise—we noticed some friends from our sailing trip had joined the dive! After walking to the boat together, we headed to our dive sites, adding excitement to an already incredible day.

Dive 1: Siaba Kecil to Mauan

Our guide took us to a unique entry point, allowing us to descend in a quieter area. The dive showcased vibrant nudibranchs, a bamboo shark, and an octopus. While manta rays made brief appearances, the highlight was exploring the intricate reef structures.

Dive 2: Tatawa Besar

The final dive was exhilarating, with the strongest currents of our trip. Starting calmly, we admired mantas, sharks, and colorful coral before being swept into a thrilling drift along the reef wall. The dive ended at a vast, pristine coral garden—the healthiest I’ve ever seen—teeming with life, including nudibranchs and sea turtles.

Final Thoughts

Komodo exceeded every expectation. UberScuba’s professionalism, coupled with the region’s unparalleled biodiversity, made this a 10/10 experience. The vibrant reefs, thrilling currents, and close encounters with majestic creatures created memories I’ll cherish forever.

Next stop: Raja Ampat. I can’t wait to see what it has in store.

well... eventually...