Komodo National Park Dive Sites
Mawan Central Komodo | Macro life, manta rays, and mellow vibes — a little island that offers it all.
8.6175°S, 119.5290°E
Mawan is a small island in central Komodo that punches far above its weight when it comes to marine life. It’s one of the few places where you can find mantas, macro, and turtles on the same dive — all within a shallow, easy-to-navigate site. With a gentle slope, minimal current (when timed right), and abundant coral bommies, Mawan is perfect for both beginners and seasoned underwater photographers.
This site is a favorite for spotting reef mantas on the feed or cleaning, and equally well-known for mimic octopus, nudibranchs, and ornate ghost pipefish tucked into the sand. Whether you’re after big encounters or small details, Mawan delivers.
Fast Facts
-
Dive Type: Slope / Sandy Coral Garden
-
Experience Level: Beginner – Advanced
-
Depth Range: 5–25m
-
Best Time to Dive: Year-round (best manta sightings: Dec–March)
-
Key Features: Shallow reef, coral bommies, manta cleaning station
-
Marine Life Highlights: Manta rays, mimic octopus, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, turtles, garden eels
-
Tips for Divers
-
Drift gently along the slope — mantas often appear mid-dive and stick around.
-
Bring a macro lens if doing multiple dives here — the critters are worth it.
-
Watch for mimic octopus and cuttlefish near the sand edge.
-
Excellent site for relaxed dives, refreshers, or second-day tuning.
-
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.
