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Komodo National Park Dive Sites

THE BOULDERS South Komodo | An underrated gem in Loh Dasami Bay — soft coral gardens, Coleman shrimp, and the chance to spot mobula rays.

8º 47’ 27.3" S, 119º 39’ 32.3" E

Overview

Located along the northern curve of Nusa Kode in Loh Dasami Bay, The Boulders is a quiet but captivating site known for its rich invertebrate life and striking underwater topography. Several large rocks sit on the sandy slope here, ranging from 30 meters deep to just 8 meters, creating natural shelter for coral growth, reef fish, and the famously elusive Coleman shrimp.

The dive begins roughly 100 meters south of the point where the coastline turns west. A gentle descent takes you through soft coral “forests” growing directly on the dark volcanic sand. As you swim reef left toward the boulders, scan the fire urchins with a torch — this is one of the best spots in all of Loh Dasami to find Coleman shrimp.

The boulders themselves are home to a wide range of macro critters, reef fish, and vibrant corals, and are occasionally visited by mobula rays (devil rays) gliding through the deeper water. The site is also a fantastic night dive, with creatures emerging from the sand and crevices after dark.

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Fast Facts

  • Dive Type: Slope / Macro / Boulder terrain

  • Experience Level: Intermediate – Advanced

  • Depth Range: 8–35m

  • Best Time to Dive: October–April (south season)

  • Key Features: Soft coral fields, volcanic sand, boulder formations

  • Marine Life Highlights: Coleman shrimp, fire urchins, mobula rays, reef fish, nudibranchs

Tips for Divers

  • Only attempt during slack tide — currents can be extremely strong and unpredictable.

  • A negative entry and quick descent are often required.

  • Bring a reef hook to enjoy the action without drifting.

  • One of the few sites in Komodo worth diving twice in a single trip.

Tips for Divers

  • Bring a torch to search fire urchins for shrimp and spot critters on night dives.

  • Start deep and swim reef left for a natural progression toward the boulders.

  • Maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid disturbing the sand — visibility can drop quickly.

  • Stay alert for passing mobulas, especially around 25–30m.

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.

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