Sabolan Besar - Komodo

Target Reef, despite its rather grim namesake as a former military target, has developed into something quite unique. We’ve always found it a bit of an oddball, but in the best possible way. The reef itself is small, maybe 40 meters across, but it’s the large concrete structure that really grabs your attention – a block full of holes you can navigate through. It’s a proper swim-through, but do keep an eye out for scorpionfish, they blend in beautifully with the concrete. The artificial structures, those wide metal beams and concrete blocks, are now home to a surprising amount of life. We've seen Atlantic limpets clinging to the surfaces and kelp fish darting between the cracks. Visibility here can be a real challenge; four meters is about average, so be prepared for a more intimate dive. When the swell picks up, the currents can be quite lively too, so we’d suggest timing your dive for calmer days and slack tide. We've had some fantastic encounters with schools of red-eye here, their silver scales flashing in the murk. It's a site that rewards those who enjoy exploring man-made structures and have a keen eye for smaller, camouflaged critters.

Location
Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.400900, 119.807500
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 Sabolan Besar

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 Sabolan Besar

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 maximum depth for diving at Sabolan Besar?
The maximum depth for diving at Sabolan Besar is 16 meters. This makes it an excellent site for relaxed diving, suitable for check-out dives and courses. Its shallower profile also makes it ideal for snorkelers to enjoy the vibrant marine life.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Sabolan Besar?
Divers at Sabolan Besar can expect to encounter a variety of fascinating marine life. You might spot crocodile fish, cuttlefish, batfish, and turtles, alongside some kinds of nudibranchs, clownfish, and glass shrimps. The site is also known for other great macro life, making it a wonderful spot for underwater photography on its reef type environment. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the diving at Sabolan Besar, and is it suitable for beginners?
While the official difficulty for Sabolan Besar is listed as intermediate, the site offers relaxed diving conditions. It is specifically suitable for check-out dives and courses, making it a good option for beginners under supervision. Snorkelers can also enjoy the site, highlighting its calm and accessible nature.
What is the best time of year to dive at Sabolan Besar for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Sabolan Besar for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide. Always check local conditions with dive operators before planning your trip.
What dive certifications are required to dive at Sabolan Besar?
The data indicates that Sabolan Besar is suitable for check-out dives and courses, implying it can accommodate divers with entry-level certifications or those undergoing training. While specific certification requirements are not listed, it's generally recommended to have at least an Open Water Diver certification for independent diving. Always confirm with your dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Sabolan Besar dive site?
At Sabolan Besar, divers can expect an average visibility of 15 meters, offering clear views of the underwater environment. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this dive site. It is always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time current information before your dive.