Skip to content

Komodo National Park Dive Sites

Tatawa Kecil Central Komodo | Fast, colorful, and full of life — a top drift site with reef and pelagic appeal.

8°31'47.4"S 119°37'41.3"E

Overview

Tatawa Kecil is a small islet just off the southern tip of Tatawa Besar, known for its strong currents, vibrant reefscape, and high chance of spotting larger pelagics. This site features a sloping wall on one side and a rugged reef on the other, making it one of Komodo’s most dynamic and rewarding drift dives.

Only suitable during slack or mild current windows, Tatawa Kecil rewards experienced divers with a sensory overload of soft corals, reef fish, and powerful midwater encounters. It’s a standout on any central Komodo itinerary — a perfect blend of beauty and adrenaline.

Rocky islet of Tatawa Kecil in Komodo National Park, surrounded by deep blue waters.

Fast Facts

  • Dive Type: Drift / Slope / Wall

  • Experience Level: Intermediate – Advanced

  • Depth Range: 8–30m

  • Best Time to Dive: March–October

  • Key Features: Sloping reef, small swim-throughs, strong current

  • Marine Life Highlights: Reef sharks, turtles, sweetlips, fusiliers, giant trevally, anthias

Tips for Divers

  • Dive on slack tide or beginning of incoming tide to manage current safely.

  • Use a reef hook if needed — but only on dead rock to protect the reef.

  • Stay close to the slope — currents can push you out quickly in open water.

  • Great for wide-angle shots and reefscapes when visibility is high.

About Lotus Liveaboards

Lotus Liveaboards offers immersive, small-group dive expeditions in the heart of Komodo National Park, operating out of Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia. As the liveaboard division of Azul Komodo — the first PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center (IDC) in Komodo and a certified Green Fins member — we specialize in high-quality, eco-conscious diving experiences aboard our handcrafted wooden vessels.

From our flagship Blue Lotus Phinisi to the beloved day boat Biru Asmara, our fleet blends traditional Indonesian craftsmanship with modern dive functionality and comfort. Every journey is guided by experienced crew and PADI professionals who are passionate about marine life, conservation, and creating unforgettable underwater adventures.

Whether you’re here to complete your next certification, encounter Komodo’s famous manta rays, or simply relax between dives with fresh, chef-prepared meals, Lotus Liveaboards delivers personalized service and five-star experiences — both above and below the surface.

PADI IDC
PADI eco center cropped
GF_Stamp_Silver
dock-new-jpg_off
TC_BOTB_transparent_BF Logo_LL_2024_CMYK