Manta rays swim gracefully above a coral reef in clear blue ocean water, accompanied by small fish. The sandy seabed and vibrant corals are visible beneath them.
Labuan Bajo isn’t just the gateway to Komodo dragons — it’s also one of the world’s best diving and snorkeling destinations. Located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, Komodo National Park offers vibrant reefs, manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, and an explosion of marine biodiversity.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just looking to snorkel off a pink-sand beach, Labuan Bajo has something for everyone.
Top Dive & Snorkeling Sites
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Manta Point (Makassar Reef)
Swim alongside majestic manta rays gliding through the currents. Best for drift dives and snorkeling. -
Batu Bolong
One of Komodo’s most famous dive spots. A pinnacle teeming with fish, coral, and reef sharks. Recommended for advanced divers due to strong currents. -
Castle Rock
An underwater seamount with swirling schools of fish, reef sharks, and pelagics. Strong currents — for advanced divers only. -
Siaba Besar
Known as “Turtle City.” A calm dive/snorkel site where you’ll almost always see sea turtles. Perfect for beginners. -
Pink Beach
A rare pink-sand beach with shallow coral gardens — great for snorkelers and non-divers.
Snorkel the park Most snorkelers see Pink Beach and Manta Point on a full-day boat trip. This top-rated Komodo day tour with snorkeling includes gear and hotel pickup, and our guide to the best Komodo island tours compares more options. Certified divers usually get better value booking a 3-dive day directly with a local dive shop.
Best Time for Diving & Snorkeling
- Year-round: Diving is possible year-round.
- Best months: April–November (dry season, calmer seas).
- December–March: Wet season, some rough seas, but still good for diving.
💡 Tip: Manta rays are more frequently spotted between December and February. See the best time to see manta rays.
Diving Options in Labuan Bajo
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Day Trips
Join a speedboat for 2–3 dives or snorkeling stops. -
Liveaboards
Spend 3–7 days diving remote sites throughout Komodo National Park. -
Dive Courses
Many operators in Labuan Bajo are PADI-certified and offer Open Water or Advanced courses.
You’ll find a wide selection of professional dive shops and tour operators based in Labuan Bajo, ready to take you into Komodo’s underwater world. Trusted names include Scuba Junkie Komodo, Dragon Dive Komodo, Dive Komodo, Manta Rhei, Sea Creatures Diving, Uber Scuba Komodo, Blue Marlin Dive, Azul Komodo, and Neren Diving Komodo. Each offers day trips, liveaboards, and certification courses, with experienced guides and strong safety standards — making it easy to choose one that fits your style of travel.
Safety & Responsible Diving
- Choose operators with experienced guides & safety briefings.
- Respect strong currents — some sites are for advanced divers only.
- Don’t touch coral or chase marine life.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the ecosystem.
