Flores Diving Centre

Flores Diving Centre has been operating in the Komodo region since 2013, focusing on daily excursions to the marine biodiversity of the Komodo National Park. The centre is conveniently situated on the main street of Labuan Bajo, making it an easy walk from the local harbour to reach the dive boat.

The centre is a PADI affiliated facility known for a personalised approach to both training and guided dives. Instructors are experienced and multilingual, ensuring that communication remains clear for international divers.

For those pursuing professional development or formal training, the centre maintains a strict focus on small group sizes. During PADI courses, students are limited to just two or three individuals per instructor, allowing for focused attention and safety.

A full range of PADI certifications is available, from the Discover Scuba Experience and PADI Scuba Diver through to the PADI Open Water Course. For those looking to progress their skills, the centre offers the PADI Advanced Diver Course and the PADI Rescue Diver Course.

Professional training is also provided through the PADI Divemaster Course. Additionally, the centre conducts the Emergency First Responder (EFR) course to ensure divers have the necessary safety foundations.

The centre operates a wooden boat with a capacity for 15 guests. The vessel is designed for comfort during trips to the national park, featuring a large sun deck with beanbags and a large shaded deck, also equipped with beanbags, for relaxing between dives.

On board, you will find an indoor area, a large dive deck, and a kitchen. Facilities include a freshwater shower, a marine toilet, and two dedicated dip tanks for rinsing gear or camera equipment. Hot and cold drinks and food are provided during the trips.

The shore-based facilities include a reception desk, a classroom for theory work, and a separate warehouse for storing snorkeling and scuba equipment. The centre provides full kit hire, including 3mm full or short wetsuits, Mares BCDs and regulators, and Amscud masks and snorkels.

For fins, both open-heel and full-foot options are available. The centre uses 12-litre Amscud aluminium cylinders equipped with standard DIN/Int valves. All equipment is regularly inspected and replaced to ensure it remains in excellent condition.

The waters of Komodo are famous for large pelagics and vibrant reef life. You can expect to see Manta ray (Mobula alfredi), sharks including Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), and Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus). Other large visitors include various species of turtles, Eagle ray (Aetobatus), and large schools of tuna, trevallies, and barracuda.

The reef structure itself is built from a rich variety of hard corals, soft corals, and giant gorgonians. You will find diverse populations of reef fish such as snappers, surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus), and various species of grouper, alongside colourful anthias and schooling fusiliers.

For those interested in macro life, the area offers significant variety. Look for nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus bargibanti), and various species of octopus, including the mimic octopus. Other small creatures to watch for include mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus), peacock mantis shrimp, and various types of shrimp and crabs.

The centre organises daily trips into the Komodo National Park, where conditions can vary depending on the specific site and current strength.