Uber Scuba Komodo
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25 km away as the crow flies
Komodo · Indonesia · Asia
Max. depth · 25 mTatawa Besar, Komodo: Reef Drifting with Green Turtles
Descend into Tatawa Besar, where a moderate current carries you over vibrant soft corals, past green turtles resting on ledges, and alongside patrolling reef sharks.
What makes this site special
- Drift dive along a sloping reef.
- Abundant soft coral gardens.
- Green turtles resting on reef ledges.
- Reef sharks patrolling overhangs.
- Exploration through natural reef passages.
- Depths accessible for all diver levels.
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Tatawa Besar about the site
Diving Tatawa Besar is an immersion into the dynamic underwater world of Komodo. As you drop into the water, you immediately feel the moderate current that defines this site, gently propelling you along a gracefully sloping reef. This isn't a static dive; it's a journey, allowing you to cover significant ground and witness the ever-changing tapestry of marine life unfold as you glide. The reef itself acts as your guide, a vibrant canvas painted with an abundance of soft corals that sway rhythmically with the flow, creating a truly sensory experience.
The topography of Tatawa Besar is characterized by its expansive sloping reef, punctuated by natural ledges and intriguing overhangs that beg for closer inspection. These features aren't just structural; they are integral to the ecosystem here, serving as natural resting spots and hunting perches. You'll find yourself drawn to these recesses, particularly where the green turtles (Chelonia mydas) often choose to settle, seemingly unfazed by your presence. Their calm demeanor offers a rare opportunity for observation as you drift past their sheltered sanctuaries.
Beyond the resting turtles, the deeper sections of Tatawa Besar reveal the presence of reef sharks. These silent sentinels patrol the overhangs and the deeper reef fringe, their sleek forms a constant reminder of the healthy predator-prey dynamics at play. As you drift, keep an eye on these larger inhabitants, observing their patterns and movements within their aquatic domain. The encounters are typically fleeting but always exhilarating, adding an element of wilderness to the dive experience.
Adding an extra dimension to the exploration are the various passages woven into the reef structure. These natural cuts and channels invite you to momentarily alter your drift path, offering new perspectives and unique encounters. Each passage presents a micro-environment within the larger reef, often sheltering different species or providing a stage for their daily routines. Navigating these features enhances the feeling of discovery, making each dive at Tatawa Besar a unique adventure, irrespective of how many times you've explored it before.
Diving Tatawa Besar: the marine life you’ll meet
PufferfishArothron hispidusBlacktip reef sharkCarcharhinus melanopterusDolphinDelphinidaeSweetlipsPlectorhinchusTriggerfishBalistidaeCuttlefishSepiidaeShrimpCarideaFrogfishAntennariusBatfishPlataxSoft coralAlcyonaceaFusilierCaesioSnapperLutjanus
See 6 more species
Reef sharkCarcharhinusEagle rayAetobatusSea turtleCheloniidaeMoray eelMuraenidaeGiant trevallyCaranx ignobilisOctopusOctopus
Diving conditions
Tatawa Besar is accessible to divers of all levels, welcoming everyone from novice to experienced. Dives here range in depth from a shallow 5 meters down to 25 meters. You can expect a moderate current to guide your drift dive along the reef. The optimal period to experience Tatawa Besar's vibrant marine life and clearer waters is typically from April to October.
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Frequently asked questions about Tatawa Besar
When should you dive Tatawa Besar for clearer water and marine life?
You can typically experience Tatawa Besar’s vibrant marine life and clearer waters from April to October. During this period, you drift along the sloping reef while soft corals move with the current. The site’s reef structure, ledges, overhangs, and passages provide changing scenery throughout the dive.
What diving level and depth should you expect at Tatawa Besar?
Tatawa Besar is accessible to divers of all levels, from novice to experienced. You can explore depths ranging from 5 to 25 meters along the sloping reef. This range includes shallower areas as well as deeper sections near reef ledges, overhangs, and the reef fringe, offering varied terrain for your dive.
What current will you encounter at Tatawa Besar?
You can expect a moderate current at Tatawa Besar, which guides your drift dive along the sloping reef. Rather than remaining in one place, you move with the flow and cover ground as soft coral gardens, natural reef passages, ledges, and overhangs pass around you during the dive.
What can you see while diving Tatawa Besar?
At Tatawa Besar, you can see abundant soft coral gardens covering the sloping reef, along with green turtles resting on reef ledges. Reef sharks patrol the overhangs and deeper reef fringe. Natural passages and channels add further places to explore, each offering different perspectives and possible marine-life encounters.
