Tatawa Kecil - Komodo

Mele 2, or West Side Story, is one of our favourites in Port Vila because it just feels *healthy*. We’ve dived it plenty, and it rarely disappoints. Drop in, and you’ll notice the staghorn coral right away, spreading out in thick, branching fields that seem to go on forever. It’s a bright, busy scene, with deep-body silver biddies flickering in the gaps and dark-fin chromis darting around the branches. We’ve found the best of it sits around 15 to 20 metres. That’s where you’ll spot those banded sea kraits snaking through the coral heads, or if you’re lucky, a big-eye trevally cruising by. The visibility averages around 18 metres, which gives you enough clarity to appreciate the sheer scale of the coral. It’s a calm, easy dive, good for anyone looking to just relax and soak in a vibrant reef without any fuss.

Location
Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.529600, 119.626800
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-30m

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 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 Tatawa 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 maximum diving depth at Tatawa Kecil?
The maximum diving depth at Tatawa Kecil is 21 meters. This depth allows divers to thoroughly explore the vibrant reef and encounter a variety of marine life. It's a fantastic depth for an experienced diver to enjoy.
What marine life can divers expect to see at Tatawa Kecil?
Divers at Tatawa Kecil can expect to encounter a rich diversity of marine life. You might spot large pelagics like mantas, mobula rays, eagle rays, and sharks, alongside schools of giant trevallies, snappers, and oriental sweetlips. The site also offers opportunities to find smaller creatures such as some nudibranchs and the elusive pygmy seahorse, making it a treat for all wildlife enthusiasts.
Is Tatawa Kecil suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered a difficult dive site?
Tatawa Kecil is considered a dive site for experienced divers only. This is primarily due to the very strong currents that can be present. Beginners should gain more experience in less challenging conditions before attempting this exciting but demanding location.
When is the best time of year to dive Tatawa Kecil?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Tatawa Kecil. For general information on optimal diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide. Always check local conditions before planning your trip.
Are there any specific diving certifications required for Tatawa Kecil, especially for cave diving?
The data does not mention any specific diving certifications required for Tatawa Kecil. It is a reef dive site, not a cave diving location, so no cave diving certifications are necessary. However, given the potentially very strong currents, it is recommended for experienced divers who are comfortable with such conditions.
What are the typical current conditions at Tatawa Kecil dive site?
The current conditions at Tatawa Kecil can be very strong. This makes it a thrilling dive for those who enjoy drift diving and are proficient in managing currents. Due to these challenging conditions, the site is recommended exclusively for experienced divers.