Snorkeling and Diving in Labuan Bajo – As a maritime country, Indonesia has many beautiful diving sites. Labuan Bajo, one of the fastest-growing travel sites in Indonesia, is definitely one of the destinations that can make divers’ dreams come true.
As one of the government’s super-priority destinations, you should consider Labuan Bajo on your bucket list. If you already have Labuan Bajo on your travel radar, add snorkeling and diving to your to-do list and get ready to have fun!
Do you want to plan for a trip to Labuan Bajo? Book a flight to Labuan Bajo via tiket.com. Check the promo page regularly, who knows you can get the best deals!
Read more:
- Visiting Labuan Bajo: How to Save Money & Explore on a Budget
- Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Labuan Bajo with Ocean Views!
- What and Where to Eat in Labuan Bajo, Flores Island
Explore Labuan Bajo’s Underwater World
Diving into crystal clear water surrounding Labuan Bajo is an experience that connects you to the natural, peaceful, and remarkable marine life. Read on to discover the underwater world that will take your breath away!
1. Batu Bolong Reef
Batu Bolong is a challenging and fun site to dive into. The word bolong translates to ‘hole’ in English, which refers to the rock with a hole in it. One may think it’s just another rock on the water but surprisingly, the rock is gigantic and colorful 🙂
Various marine life and colorful reefs can be seen inside the water. If you’re lucky, you may encounter a whitetip shark as you dive down there. Be prepared for a fascinating experience, t-mates!
You can see some type of fishes on the shallow water, which includes Dogtooth Tuna, Giant Trevallies, and Napoleon Wrasse. Due to its exposure to strong currents, only experienced and licensed divers are allowed to dive there.
2. Kanawa Island
Our next recommendation is not any less fascinating than the first one. Surrounded by white sandy beaches and coral reefs, Kanawa Island is the ultimate answer for people who are looking for a place to dive and snorkel.
Only by looking at the blue-ish green surface of the water, you can already feel how refreshing it is to be on Kanawa island. What could happen if you dive into its water?
In the afternoon, the sea level here recedes and you may find yourself exposed to underwater creatures like starfish or crabs laying on the beach.
Diving is the best decision you can make during your trip to Kanawa Island. Dive deep into the free water around the island and you’ll find manta rays, sunfish, and even sharks.
A blackfin shark is said to be one of the fishes that makes the most appearance in Kanawa Island and oftentimes these fish approach snorkelers or divers around them. Don’t worry, they are not that aggressive 😉
The waves in Kanawa Island are a little more friendly for beginners, but those who’d like to dive still need a diving permit prior to diving.
3. Taka Makassar
Taka Makassar is a unique small island with a size no more than a football field. Due to its small size, the moon-shaped island is only visible when the tide is low.
Other than that, the sandhill is covered by the sea. For a little warm-up, the shallow water around Taka Makassar is a comfortable choice for a quick swim.
The tosca colored clear water in the sea around taka Makassar island makes it a perfect place to dive and snorkel. Due to its shallow water, snorkelers and divers must ride a smaller boat to get to this site. Don’t worry, it is all worth it!
Even though this site features shallow water, keep in mind that you should be extra careful on this site. This diving haven holds strong currents that require experience or assistance when you dive.
Some creatures you may find are jellyfish, starfish, and sea turtles. If you dive deeper into the water, you will be hypnotized by the beauty of the undamaged corals.
4. Manta Point
Only 30 minutes away from our previous site is the site that is also known as the Manta ‘guarantee’ site. Don’t be anxious about not seeing them from the surface, who knows the mantas could be a little shy? Dive deeper and you’ll have a face-to-face encounter with manta rays!
Manta rays are beautiful creatures that could be a danger in disguise. Their width can get as big as 3 meters and can hurt you easily. Therefore, be extra careful and aware of your surroundings, just watch and enjoy!
The site may have strong currents and various potentially aggressive marine creatures. However, it can all be prevented by being well-prepared. Wearing proper equipment is a must, ask a crew to be your instructor if needed.
The key to safe diving on this site is staying calm, the rays (and other creatures) can sense your panic. However, it is almost guaranteed that the second you see all the beauty under its water, you will feel at peace.
5. Tatawa Besar
Tatawa Besar is located at the northwestern tip of Tatawa that houses 15-20 meters deep free water. Plentiful fascinating creatures like various kinds of fish and orange soft corals are what bring people into diving here.
While you drift along with the beautiful Tatawa Besar underwater life, you will be welcomed by captivating hard and soft corals popping up over the landscape. Around you are sea turtles and small fish swimming about living their best life. On your lucky day, you may see a blackfin shark or manta ray swimming by.
This site is considered an easy drift in shallow waters. Congratulations beginners! You finally know where to go.
6. Pink Beach
Pink Beach is one of the must-visit destinations for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The color of the water is a mix of sparkling light blue and green, making it possible for you to see the soft coral only by looking at its surface.
The pollution-free water makes the underwater visibility astounding, it feels as if you can see everything in HD, including the red coral which caused the change of color on the sand. However, don’t get carried away by the unbelievable scenery deep in the sea. Pay attention to the current and make sure you’re holding yourself in the best way possible!
7. Kelor Island
Kelor Island is a small island with a lot to offer. Of course, snorkeling and diving are some of your go-to activities when you visit this island. The sea and shorelines of this island are perfect for water sports enthusiasts. The water is crystal clear and the sand is as soft as it could be.
Diving into this free water may give you an unforgettable experience of meeting a clownfish (yes, we’re talking about Nemo!). This island is where you want to be when you’re looking for tranquility and unspoiled natural scenery.
8. Crystal Rock
Crystal rock is also known as Easy to Find Rock. This site presents a series of large pinnacles situated near the island of Gili Lawa Laut. Commonly, divers are exposed to crystal rocks at the beginning of their dives. Around the rock are usually coral reefs and plenty of types of fish.
Some of the most common fish seen on this site are surgeonfish along with trevallies and napoleon wrasse. Surgeonfish usually swim in a large group that could block the light of the sun as they swim by.
Crystal rock is known for its strong currents and it is ideal to have a knowledgeable guide during your dive here. Don’t be discouraged, rookies! If you’re not into challenging currents, Crystal Rock has a protected and you can dive into.
9. Angel’s Island
Just like its name, being on this island will make you feel like living with angels! Your eyes will be spoiled with exquisite beauties on the land and underwater in the great tropical paradise one boat ride away from Labuan Bajo.
Famous for its underwater heaven, Angel’s Island is an obligatory destination for fellow snorkelers and divers. You can easily find services that could guide a dive group of 5 persons.
Next thing you know, you will find yourself being lost in the beauty of the living creatures ranging from corals, small fish, to manta rays. Watching the beautiful sunset is a perfect way to wrap your diving trip on Angel’s Island!
Dive Your Way into an Extraordinary Getaway!
So, which sites do you want to go for?
Before making a decision, take note that the best time to snorkel and dive is is during the dry season. Therefore, save the dates in April-November and you’re good to go!
To make your journey even more comfortable, you can book a car rental in Labuan Bajo from tiket.com. Your trip will be more time-efficient!
Don’t forget to implement health protocols everywhere you go and support #DiIndonesiaAja campaign by visiting Labuan Bajo.
going anywhere? tiket.com!
*The information is valid at the time of writing. Price and other policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
