Mawan Komodo - Komodo

Pilena Reef is a solid dive, about a fifteen-minute boat ride east of Papatura, and we’ve always found it a reliable spot. The reef starts shallow, around four metres, then drops to a maximum of 22 metres. It’s mostly a wall, covered in these big, golden coral structures that really pop. We’ve spotted plenty of nudibranchs along the wall, and there’s a good number of reef fish darting in and out of the corals, especially in the shallower sections. While it can get a bit lumpy if the wind picks up, the site itself usually feels pretty protected below the surface, and currents are generally light. Visibility averages around 15 metres, which is decent for a relaxed explore.

Location
Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.555500, 119.632200
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Komodo

Best Time to Dive in Komodo

The warmest water temperatures in Komodo occur in November, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 27.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.2°C
  • February: 28.9°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 29.7°C
  • May: 29.4°C
  • June: 28.9°C
  • July: 28.1°C
  • August: 27.9°C
  • September: 28.2°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 30.3°C
  • December: 30.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Komodo

Nearest Dive Centres to Mawan Komodo

Marine Life in Komodo

Home to 220 recorded species including 95 reef fish, 92 hard corals, 13 seagrass & algae, 5 sharks & rays, 4 sea cucumbers, 3 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Mawan Komodo

Based on average water temperature of 29.1°C, currents 5 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Mawan Komodo?
Divers at Mawan Komodo can typically expect a maximum diving depth of 16 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for a wide range of divers to explore its vibrant reef.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Mawan Komodo?
Mawan Komodo is renowned for its diverse marine life, serving as a cleaning station for reef mantas, which divers and snorkelers alike can enjoy observing. Beyond these majestic creatures, you can also encounter white tip reef sharks, bamboo sharks, turtles, and a fascinating array of macro life including cuttlefish, nudibranchs, orang-utan crabs, frog fish, and mantis boxing shrimp. For more details on species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Mawan Komodo, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Mawan Komodo is rated as intermediate difficulty. While its maximum depth of 16 meters is manageable, the site's conditions might be more suitable for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive at Mawan Komodo for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Mawan Komodo for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the region, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are recommended or required for Mawan Komodo?
The specific diving certifications required or recommended for Mawan Komodo are not explicitly stated in the provided data. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating and maximum depth of 16 meters, an Open Water Diver certification would generally be considered a minimum requirement.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Mawan Komodo?
Divers at Mawan Komodo can typically enjoy an average visibility of 16 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef and its inhabitants. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions at this dive site.