Dive into Paradise: 5 Reasons to Freedive in Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park, nestled amidst the stunning Flores and Komodo Islands, has long been recognised as a haven for ocean enthusiasts. Having recently embarked on our first freediving adventure through this World Heritage Site, I can confirm that Komodo is a freediver's heaven on Earth. In this post, I will give you five compelling reasons why this destination should be at the top of your freedive bucket list.

1. Unparalleled Wildlife Encounters

As a global conservation area and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo National Park boasts untouched marine ecosystems and coral-rich blue waters framed by rugged hillsides, open woodland savanna, and pristine beaches. The impact of conservation is evident in the vibrant coral reefs, diverse fish species, and unique encounters with marine megafauna under the surface, making it a freediver and underwater photographer’s dream.

A sleepy turtle rests on the reef

Endemic to this region, you are able to hike with endangered Komodo Dragons, the largest living lizard and a fascinating reminder of Earth's prehistoric past.

The endangered Komodo Dragon, endemic to only four islands within Komodo National Park

2. Marine Life Extravaganza

Manta rays, the majestic giants of the sea with a wingspan of over five metres, grace the waters of Komodo in abundance. Whilst freediving, you are able to witness these creatures in their natural habitat without the interference of scuba bubbles, offering a unique and intimate experience. Once you descend, you will be able to silently observe these gentle giants as they visit manta ‘cleaning stations’ and feed in the plankton-rich waters.

Freediving with giant manta rays - one of the best marine encounters you can have

Turtles are omnipresent in Komodo, so much so that there are dive sites known as Turtle City and Turtle Airport, where encounters with up to ten turtles at a time are not uncommon.

Flying with turtles at one of many pristine dive sites in Komodo

3. Hiking with Dragons

Komodo offers not only underwater wonders but also a chance to hike through its uninhabited islands and witness the endangered Komodo dragon traversing and even hunting through the hillside. The jurassic landscape providing a captivating backdrop to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The 2023 team hiking through the uninhabited islands of Komodo

4. Deep Diving Paradise

For freedivers seeking depth, Komodo provides ideal conditions. Warm 28-degree water, exceptional visibility often exceeding 30 metres, and calm, sheltered dive sites surrounded by uninhabited islands create the perfect setting for safe and idyllic depth sessions. Our expert captain, Lukas, has decades of experience navigating the tides and currents of Komodo, allowing us to find the perfect depth training locations ranging from sheltered island sanctuaries to blue-water drift dives, making it the perfect place to learn to freedive or to progress your skills. We run both the SSI beginner and advanced freediving certification courses whilst we are on board, with lots of one-on-one time with our instructors.

Line training in the clear blue waters of Komodo

Depth training against the scenic backdrop of Komodo National Park

5. The Liveaboard Experience

Exploring Komodo National Park is best done by boat, allowing unparalleled freedom to explore far-flung and untouched dive sites. Opting for a five-day liveaboard experience provides the opportunity to dive at multiple locations each day or if you fancy a day off from diving, you can engage in other activities such as hiking, dry freediving workshops, or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery from the boat with your newfound dive buddies. The vastness of the park and the length of the trip ensures a sense of exclusivity, where encounters with other divers are rare.

Advanced freediving and lung stretching workshop on board

So, if you're seeking an awe-inspiring freediving retreat in one of the best diving locations in the world, join us as we set sail in paradise once again this May or October.

Komodo awaits, promising an adventure of a lifetime beneath its crystal-clear waters.