TATAWA BESAR South Komodo | Drift through color-drenched coral gardens in one of Komodo’s most beloved sites.

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Overview

Tatawa Besar is a stunning drift dive along the north coast of Tatawa Island, where warm currents deliver a thrilling underwater ride across vibrant hard and soft coral slopes. Known for its kaleidoscopic reef and high-energy drift, this site offers some of the most colorful coral coverage in Komodo National Park — and an unforgettable flying sensation for divers who love to go with the flow.

Expect a dynamic dive that changes with the tide. On the outgoing current, the ride picks up speed, sweeping you past walls of soft coral, dense schools of anthias, and the occasional patrolling shark or cruising turtle. It’s a must-do site on our northern itineraries and a guest favorite for both photography and sheer enjoyment.

What Our Guests Say about Tatawa Besar:

“The underwater view was AMAZING. Especially Tatawa Besar. We loved it. Such a nice experience to dive in a Komodo. THANK YOU SO MUCH for this unforgettable day.”

Jessi and Alex

TripAdvisor

>TAKE ME TO BOOKING

Fast Facts

Dive Type: Drift
Experience Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Depth Range: 5–30m
Best Time to Dive: March–October (north season)
Key Features: Vibrant coral slopes, mild to strong currents, schooling fish
Marine Life Highlights: Green turtles, sweetlips, reef sharks, trevallies, angelfish, giant puffer

The healthy coral at Tatawa Besar is alive with fish — clouds of anthias shimmer in the current, while butterflyfish, angelfish, and triggerfish dart between coral heads. Keep an eye out for cruising green turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and Napoleon wrasse in the blue. During calmer tides, eagle rays and barracudas are sometimes seen gliding by.

Underwater photographers will appreciate the site’s shallow sections, where golden light filters through the surface onto brilliant soft corals. Macro lovers may spot nudibranchs, porcelain crabs, and shrimp clinging to sea fans and bubble coral.

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.