Komodo National Park Dive Sites
Tatawa Kecil Central Komodo
8°31'47.4"S 119°37'41.3"E
In the heart of the Linta Strait, where powerful currents create one of Komodo’s most dynamic dive environments, Tatawa Kecil stands as a testament to the raw power of nature. This legendary site, nicknamed “The Washing Machine” for its swirling currents, offers advanced divers an unforgettable adventure through an underwater maze of caves and swim-throughs.
Unlike its gentler neighbor Tatawa Besar, Tatawa Kecil demands respect and experience. Here, in the channel between Komodo and Rinca Islands, unpredictable up-and-down currents create an environment where only seasoned divers venture, rewarding them with some of the park’s most dramatic underwater landscapes.
Dive Type:
Drift dive with sloping reefs.
Plan Your Advanced Adventure
Featured in our advanced Komodo diving itineraries, Tatawa Kecil offers experienced divers an adrenaline-charged journey through one of the park’s most dynamic environments. Our schedule ensures you experience this challenging site under optimal conditions.
Site Characteristics
Boulder Fields:
Intricate swim-through networks, current-swept passage, natural shelter points
Vertical Walls:
Deep cave systems, current protection zones, coral-covered surfaces, pelagic observation points
Reef Structures:
Orange soft coral gardens, pristine hard coral formations, staghorn coral colonies, current-adapted ecosystems
