Komodo National Park Dive Sites

PINK BEACH (PANTAI MERAH) South Komodo | A famous beach, a shallow reef, and a surprisingly rich underwater world.

8º 32’ 35.5" S, 119º 36’ 58.8" E

Overview

Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) is one of the most visually iconic locations in Komodo National Park — above and below the surface. Known for its blush-colored sand and easy access, this site offers fantastic shallow reef diving, night dives, and snorkeling, making it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned photographers.

The reef fringes a gently sloping bay and surrounds a large rock that breaks the surface at low tide. This is where most dives begin, and it’s teeming with tame reef fish, macro life, and colorful soft corals. Despite its popularity, Pink Beach remains full of surprises — especially for those with a good eye and steady buoyancy.

Wild deer on a rocky beach in Komodo National Park with liveaboard diving boats anchored offshore and dramatic mountain backdrop.

Fast Facts

Dive Type: Shallow reef / Slope / Night
Experience Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Depth Range: 2–20m
Best Time to Dive: Year-round (best visibility on ebbing tide)
Key Features: Fringing reef, coral bommies, macro critters, surface rock
Marine Life Highlights: Leaf scorpionfish, blue ribbon eels, crocodile fish, nudibranchs, anthias

Tips for Divers

Ideal for relaxed afternoon dives, beginner checkouts, and macro spotting.
Excellent night dive site — calm, shallow, and rich in life after dark.
Don’t skip snorkeling — the pink hue of the beach comes from microscopic Foraminifera that tint the sand red.
Stay close to the reef and bring a torch if you’re macro hunting.

Marine Life

The dive typically begins at the submerged rock near the surface, which serves as a haven for reef fish, juvenile sweetlips, and cleaner wrasse. The area is known for leaf scorpionfish, blue ribbon eels, nudibranchs, and crocodile fish camouflaged in sandy patches.

While larger pelagics are rare here, the reef life is dense and diverse — ideal for macro photography, especially during night dives when crustaceans and octopus emerge. Visibility can vary depending on the tide but is usually best during an ebbing tide.

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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.