Safety · Destination Guide
Komodo Indonesia
World class drifts, manta encounters, and rugged islands with dragons
Updated Oct 30, 2025 • 22 sources
Safety And Conservation
Komodo is a UNESCO listed national park with strict rules for reef and wildlife protection. Dive conservatively, respect currents, and follow rangers on land. Operators will time dives to tides and may cancel sites for safety.
Top Risks
- Primary risk: Downcurrents and Springs
- Secondary risk: Cool Upwellings in the South
- Emergency contact: Komodo National Park Office (+62 811-382-90000)
- Safety overview: Komodo is a UNESCO listed national park with strict rules for reef and wildlife protection.
Dive safety
- Carry and know how to deploy a DSMB. Signal early if separated.
- Listen for negative entry briefings and descend quickly as a team.
- Stay close to structure if you feel water pulling down or away.
- Park regulations prohibit gloves, reef hooks, DPVs, and collecting. Secure gear to avoid reef contact.
- Use nitrox within training to extend safety margins on repetitive drifts.
Siloam Hospitals Labuan Bajo provides emergency care and coordinates evacuations. Hyperbaric support is available via regional networks and DAN. For serious cases, medical evacuation to Bali may be required. National ambulance is 119. Search and rescue is 115. Carry dive accident cover that includes evacuation.
Snorkel and freedive safety
Downcurrents and Springs
Expect powerful flows on springs at headlands and seamount saddles. Stay close to the reef, look for shelter behind structure, and deploy DSMB early if separated.
Cool Upwellings in the South
Thermoclines can drop water to 22°C or lower. Pack thicker exposure and hoods.
Dragon Safety
Always trek with rangers, keep several meters distance, avoid sudden movements, and do not bring food onto trails.
Wildlife and protected areas
Komodo National Park was established in 1980 and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991 for marine and terrestrial biodiversity. The park protects reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and the endemic Komodo dragon. Visitor fees fund conservation and ranger programs. Follow buoyancy best practice, never touch wildlife, and use moorings where provided.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when downcurrents and springs. Confirm local briefings before committing.
Emergency contacts
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Komodo National Park Office | Park information and rangers | +62 811-382-90000 | Daily during operating hours |
| Siloam Hospitals Labuan Bajo | Emergency department | +62 385-238-1911 | 24 hours |
| BASARNAS | Search and Rescue national hotline | 115 | 24 hours |
| DAN Emergency Hotline Indonesia | Dive medical emergencies | +62 21-5085-8719 | 24 hours |