Komodo National Park was established in 1980 and was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1991. The park was initially established to conserve the unique Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard that can grow to over three meters (nine feet). Conservation goals have since expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial.
Because of its unique geology, the islands have developed equally unique wildlife. With dragons on land and a paradisiac underwater wild life, you will find an array of dive sites and hiking trails to suit every level of experience.
Komodo sits on the boundary between two great Oceans, with the Flores Sea as part of the Pacific in the north and the Indian Ocean in the South – two very different marine environments, with different species over the North to South gradient. The Indonesian Flow Through results in a net current from North to South, but tidal currents bring Indian Ocean water up north on strong rising tides. As a consequence, there’s a mix of species throughout Komodo – and we get to experience the best of both worlds within very short distances, covering a huge variety of sites with a minimal amount of steaming. From pristine corals, mantas, sharks, turtles, dolphins, dugong and giant pelagic to tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and frog fish, the diversity of marine life is mind boggling.
The islands feature a dramatic wild savannah landscape with patches of forest especially on the southern hills of Komodo and Rinca. Hikes to see fauna including Timor deer, water buffalo, wild boar, Rinca rats, wild horses, fruit bats or long-tailed macaque monkeys and of course Komodo dragons. White and red sand beaches, blue lagoons teeming with fish and some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the world entice divers and visitors from around the world. Deserted beaches and surrounding hills are an ideal backdrop for your sunset drinks on the beach, while the bays where Manta Mae anchors are perfect for leisurely afternoons water-skiing, or exploring the coastline on a tender or kayak.
The underwater topography is as varied as the marine life it homes. Dive sites vary from gentle coral slopes to sheer cliff walls, channels, flat bottoms, pinnacles, caves, swim-through and a host of hard and soft corals. From the Flores Sea in the north, the warm waters gradually become cooler as you travel southwards into the Indian Ocean.
