Pengah Kecil - Komodo

Sea Fan City, a relatively new site in the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve, offers a solid wall dive that feels a bit different from its neighbors. Dropping in, we trace the wall's contours westward, keeping an eye out for residents like the Candy Basslet or a lurking Flamefish. The return journey is the real draw here, shallower on the shelf where massive sea fans dominate the landscape, interspersed with patches of staghorn coral. It’s an easygoing dive, topping out at 19 meters, with plenty of Black Durgons and Bermuda Chub in the shallows. Good for those who appreciate a relaxed pace and a healthy dose of coral formations.

Location
Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.586200, 119.693300
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 Pengah Kecil

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 Pengah Kecil

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 depth range for diving at Pengah Kecil?
Divers at Pengah Kecil can typically explore depths up to 22 meters. The dive site features diverse topography including plateaus, steep walls, and sloping reefs, offering varied exploration opportunities within this range.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Pengah Kecil?
Pengah Kecil is renowned for its vibrant marine life and diverse coral formations, including various species of hard and soft corals, sea fans, and feather stars. Divers can anticipate encounters with larger pelagics like eagle rays, white tip reef sharks, and jackfish, alongside unique creatures such as bumphead parrot fish and frog fish. It's also an excellent spot for macro enthusiasts, offering a rich variety of shrimp and nudibranchs, making it a great site for marine life observation.
Is Pengah Kecil considered a difficult dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Pengah Kecil is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. Due to potentially strong currents, it is not typically recommended for beginner divers. Experienced divers will appreciate the need to plan dives carefully, choosing areas not exposed to the strongest currents for a safe and enjoyable experience.
What is the best time of year to dive Pengah Kecil for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Pengah Kecil. For general information on diving seasons in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to dive safely at Pengah Kecil?
The provided data does not specify particular diving certifications recommended or required for Pengah Kecil. Given its intermediate difficulty and potential for strong currents, divers should possess appropriate experience and training for such conditions. It's always advisable to consult with local dive operators regarding specific certification requirements.
How strong are the currents at Pengah Kecil, and what are the typical visibility conditions?
Currents at Pengah Kecil can be strong, requiring divers to plan their dives carefully and select areas not directly exposed to the main current flow. Despite the currents, the site offers good visibility, with an average of 14 meters, allowing for clear views of its rich marine ecosystem.