Diving First

Located in Labuan Bajo, Diving FIRST Komodo is a locally owned and operated centre run by professionals who were raised in the Flores Sea. They have built their reputation on providing a different kind of diving experience, moving away from overcrowded boats and rushed schedules to focus on local wisdom and expert knowledge.

Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or you are a seasoned diver on your 1000th dive, the team provides tailored support. Their approach is built around small groups, ensuring that you get the attention required to navigate the unique conditions of the Komodo National Park safely and effectively.

The team is composed of experienced, multilingual instructors who bring a deep understanding of the local waters to every dive. They maintain a strict maximum ratio of one guide for every four divers, which is essential for managing the currents and topography found in this region.

As a PADI affiliated centre, they offer a comprehensive range of training, from entry-level courses to professional development. Their focus remains on safety and high-quality instruction, supported by 24/7 customer service for all divers under their care.

The centre provides a complete PADI curriculum catering to every stage of a diver's progression. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to advance can pursue the Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver certifications.

For those interested in technical advantages, the Enriched Air (Nitrox) course is available. Professional divers can also train through the Divemaster programme, with EFR (Emergency First Response) training included in their educational offerings.

The centre operates via speedboat, designed to reach the various reefs and pinnacles of the national park efficiently. These trips are organized as daily excursions, allowing you to cover significant distances between sites like Manta Point and the more remote pinnacles.

On board, you will find fresh meals prepared by a chef, alongside coffee, tea, and fresh fruit juices. The team also provides GoPro cameras for use during your trips, ensuring you can capture the marine life without having to manage your own kit.

Full equipment hire is available on-site for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes all the necessary components for a complete dive rig, allowing you to fly to Labuan Bajo without the burden of heavy gear.

For divers looking to extend their bottom time, Nitrox is available. The centre's commitment to safety and modern standards is reflected in the quality of the equipment they maintain for both rental and guided use.

The marine life in Komodo is driven by nutrient-rich currents that attract massive schools of fish and large pelagics. You will frequently encounter schooling fusiliers (Caesio), giant trevally, and various species of snapper (Lutjanus), alongside predators like the Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and various reef sharks.

During the manta season from December to April, the presence of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) is a highlight of the area. You may also spot Eagle ray (Aetobatus) and other large rays cruising the deeper sections of the reefs.

The reef architecture itself is a vibrant display of hard corals and soft corals, including various sea fans (Gorgoniidae) and large sponges (Porifera). These structures provide a home for a vast array of colourful reef fish, including Anthias (Anthias) and various surgeonfish (Acanthuridae).

For macro enthusiasts, the area offers incredible diversity. You can find Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) tucked into the coral, alongside Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti), Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of shrimp (Caridea) and crabs (Brachyura).

The diving in Komodo is defined by its currents, which are often strong and create a highly productive environment for marine life. While some sites like Siaba Besar offer sheltered, low-current conditions suitable for beginners, many of the iconic pinnacles and channels require advanced buoyancy control and experience to navigate the drift.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to November, when visibility is at its highest. Between November and March, the sea can become more agitated and visibility may decrease due to seasonal weather patterns.