Tatawa Island - Komodo

Tatawa Island, or Tatawa Besar as it’s often called, definitely keeps you on your toes in Komodo. When the current’s running south, you're looking at a pretty swift drift, sometimes 3 knots or more, especially around the northwest corner. We’ve had a few dives there where the initial drop feels like a sprint, complete with an up-current hit just before the current splits. Once you navigate that, the reef opens up to some lovely hard coral formations. You'll often spot schools of snapper, sweetlips, and even a few reef sharks cruising past. It’s a good spot for divers who enjoy a bit of a thrill and aren't afraid of some movement in the water.

Location
Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.525000, 119.583300

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 Tatawa Island

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 Tatawa Island

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 Tatawa Island?
Unfortunately, specific typical diving depths for Tatawa Island are not provided in our current data. Divers should always consult with local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on dive profiles and conditions before planning their trip.
What marine life can I expect to see when diving Tatawa Island?
Our current data for Tatawa Island does not specify the marine life you can expect to encounter. However, Komodo is renowned for its rich biodiversity. For general information on marine species in the region, you can explore our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Tatawa Island, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Tatawa Island is rated as intermediate difficulty. The site can feature strong currents, including 2 or 3+ knot white-water currents and up-currents, especially when the current runs south. These conditions require all of your attention, making it generally unsuitable for beginner divers.
When is the best time of year to dive Tatawa Island?
Our current information does not specify the best time of year to dive Tatawa Island. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the region, please refer to our When to Dive section or consult local operators in Komodo.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Tatawa Island?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in our data for Tatawa Island, its intermediate difficulty and strong current conditions suggest that divers should possess advanced open water certification or equivalent experience. Always check with your dive operator for their specific requirements and recommendations.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Tatawa Island?
Tatawa Island is known for its dynamic current conditions, which can be north or south-flowing. Divers may encounter strong 2 or 3+ knot white-water currents and up-currents, particularly when the current runs south. Our current data does not provide specific details regarding typical visibility at this dive site.