Turtle Point - Komodo

La Corniza, just off Santa Marta, is a solid wall dive. The reef starts around 8 meters and drops down to about 19 meters, forming coral ledges that break up the face. We often find nurse sharks resting on the sandy bottom where the ledges meet, so keep an eye out for them tucked away. Black whip corals colonize the wall, and if you look closely, you might spot tiny pencil shrimps camouflaged among them. Visibility typically hovers around 10 meters, which is good enough to appreciate the structure and search for the frequent stingrays gliding over the deeper sand. It's a reliable spot for a relaxed dive, good for divers who enjoy exploring a wall's nooks and crannies.

Location
Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-6.471600, 120.435400
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: KK di Perairan di Wilayah Pasi Gusung

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 Turtle Point

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 Turtle Point

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 Turtle Point?
The maximum depth for diving at Turtle Point is 20 meters. This makes it accessible for divers with various certification levels, allowing ample time to explore its beautiful reef.
What marine life, especially turtles, can I expect to see at Turtle Point dive site?
At Turtle Point, you can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including both Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. Beyond turtles, the site is home to impressive species like dogtooth tuna and eagle rays, alongside many types of anthias, groupers, fusiliers, and jacks. The beautiful reef, abundant with hard and soft corals, provides a rich habitat for these creatures.
Is Turtle Point a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginners?
Turtle Point is classified as an intermediate dive site. This is primarily due to the potential for strong, one-way currents, which require a certain level of experience to navigate safely. While not suitable for absolute beginners, certified divers with some experience managing currents will find it a rewarding dive.
What is the best time of year to dive at Turtle Point for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for Turtle Point does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on diving seasons in the Komodo region, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Turtle Point?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated for Turtle Point, its classification as an intermediate dive site suggests that divers should possess at least an Open Water certification with experience in varying current conditions. Given the maximum depth of 20 meters, an Advanced Open Water certification would provide additional comfort and skill for navigating this dynamic site. Always consult with your dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at Turtle Point?
At Turtle Point, divers should be prepared for currents that "can be strong in one way direction." This characteristic contributes to its intermediate difficulty rating. Despite the currents, the site boasts excellent water conditions with an average visibility of 19 meters, allowing for clear views of the beautiful reef and its abundant marine life.