About This Place
Tatawa Besar lies in central Komodo, northeast of Komodo Island. Its best-known dive follows a reef slope covered with hard and soft coral, using the tidal flow to carry divers past anthias, fusiliers and larger fish.
Compared with the exposed northern seamounts, Tatawa can offer a more readable drift, but it is not automatically gentle. Current speed and direction change with the tide, and some corners accelerate. Turtles, sweetlips, trevally, cuttlefish and reef sharks may appear along the route; the continuous coral garden is the dependable feature.
The site works well as an early trip assessment when conditions are moderate because a guide can observe buoyancy and group discipline in moving water. On a strong tide, the same reef becomes a demanding drift and the plan must change.
At a Glance
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Also known asTatawa Besar Dive Site, Big Tatawa
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TypeIsland, Dive Site, Snorkel Site
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Inside Komodo National ParkYes
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How to get thereLiveaboard, Speedboat Day Trip
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Travel time from Labuan BajoAbout 1.5-2 hours from Labuan Bajo depending on the boat
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LandingMooring / dinghy
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Last checked2026-09-12
What to Expect
The group usually enters near the up-current end of the island and descends onto the reef slope. Depth builds gradually, making it possible to choose a shallower or deeper line without leaving the coral.
The current carries divers across dense coral and fish schools. Sandy pockets and reef ledges break up the route, while turtles and cuttlefish may occupy calmer sections. Visibility is often 15–30 metres.
The dive finishes away from the entry point. A surface marker and following tender are therefore essential even on a mild day.
Crowds and Timing
Tatawa Besar is a standard central-Komodo dive, so several day boats and liveaboards may plan it. The reef is long enough to separate groups if entries are spaced. Operators should avoid dropping teams directly on top of one another.
Dive and Snorkel Profile
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Depth range5-25 m
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CurrentStrong
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Dive typeDrift, Slope
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Visibility15-30 m
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CertificationOpen Water
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EntryBackroll
How to Visit
It is accessible by both day-dive boat from Labuan Bajo and liveaboard. The guide selects the shoreline and direction from the tide. Ask whether the operator matches groups by experience, because the quality of a drift drops quickly when confident and anxious divers are mixed.
Boats That Sail Here
Compare 12 bookable boats that include Tatawa Besar on published itineraries.
Who This Suits
Open Water divers with sound buoyancy may dive Tatawa in mild conditions under close guidance. Faster tides suit experienced drift divers. It is also rewarding for coral photographers and for divers who prefer a moving reef profile to a deep pinnacle.
What to Bring
- Certification card and recent dive history
- Dive computer and delayed surface marker buoy
- Reef-safe sun protection for the boat day
- Streamlined wide-angle camera setup
- Secure fins and exposure protection
Safety Notes
Do not assume the current will remain constant along the island. Stay at the depth and distance set by the guide, monitor gas frequently and keep the group in sight through turns in the reef.
Carry a delayed surface marker buoy and follow the tender-pickup briefing. Avoid contact with coral when changing depth or shooting photographs.
Photography Notes
Wide-angle captures the continuous coral slope and schools of fish. Use a shutter speed that freezes movement, keep strobes close to the housing, and look forward for turtles or sharks rather than stopping abruptly. Macro subjects are better attempted in sheltered pockets where the group can remain together.
Entrance Fee
This site is inside Komodo National Park. Statutory park, activity and vessel charges may apply and can be separate from the operator fare. Ask the operator to itemise the current charges before payment; conditions and permitted activities are confirmed through the park and operator process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tatawa Besar?
It is an island and dive site in central Komodo National Park, northeast of Komodo Island. The mapped dive area is around -8.5101, 119.6384.
How deep is the dive?
Typical routes use about 5–25 metres along a sloping reef, allowing the guide to adjust depth to current and experience.
Is Tatawa Besar suitable for beginners?
It can suit an Open Water diver when the tide is mild and buoyancy is controlled. Stronger current changes the answer.
What is the main attraction?
A long coral garden with dense reef fish is the consistent feature. Turtles, cuttlefish, sweetlips, trevally and reef sharks are possible.
How strong is the current?
It may be mild, moderate or strong depending on the tide and section of reef. The route is selected immediately before the dive.
Is it a drift dive?
Yes. Divers normally enter at one end, move with the current and surface away from the starting point for tender pickup.
Can I snorkel at Tatawa Besar?
Supported snorkeling may be possible over a protected shallow section. The crew must choose the site and tide because current affects the surface too.
Can day boats reach Tatawa?
Yes. It is a common central-Komodo stop for both day-dive boats and liveaboards, subject to the day's route and conditions.
What the Park Costs
| What you pay | Amount | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Park entrance, foreign visitor | Rp 250,000 ≈ $14 | per person, per day The statutory Class I entrance rate. The 150% holiday rule applies to Indonesian visitor and student rates, not this foreign visitor rate. |
| Park entrance, Indonesian visitor, normal day | Rp 50,000 ≈ $3 | per person, per day The normal-day Class I entrance rate. |
| Park entrance, Indonesian visitor, holiday or collective leave | Rp 75,000 ≈ $4 | per person, per day 150% of the normal Indonesian visitor rate on the dates covered by the statutory holiday rule. |
| Indonesian student group, normal day | Rp 25,000 ≈ $1 | per person, per day For Indonesian student groups of at least five people. |
| Indonesian student group, holiday or collective leave | Rp 37,500 ≈ $2 | per person, per day 150% of the normal student-group rate; the minimum group size remains five. |
| Scuba diving activity | Rp 25,000 ≈ $1 | per diver, per day A separate activity charge in addition to the applicable entrance fee. |
| Motorised vessel entry | Rp 100,000–200,000 per boat, per day | Rp 100,000 for 40–100 HP, Rp 150,000 for 101–500 HP, and Rp 200,000 above 500 HP. |
| Drone use | Rp 2,000,000 ≈ $112 | per unit, per day A separate special-use charge. Complete the required SiOra/SIMAKSI process before travel. |
- SiOra is the park’s e-ticketing and SIMAKSI system. Reserve before travel; Ministry guidance recommends completing the reservation by H-1. An operator can assist, and self-service is available at the Komodo Visitor Center and KP3 terminal.
- Payment is cashless through the methods available in SiOra, including BRIVA or bank transfer and supported e-wallets. Keep the e-ticket and ensure the traveller details are correct.
- A 1,000-visitor daily quota has applied since 1 April 2026 to the main visitor islands and 23 dive sites. Availability therefore depends on the travel date and registered itinerary.
- The final SiOra total can include entrance, activity, vessel and special-use charges. Ask the handling operator for an itemised total before issuance.
- Official public guidance does not state one universal refund or rescheduling rule for every reservation. Confirm the current SiOra terms in writing before the ticket is issued, including treatment of weather disruption.
Statutory fees under Peraturan Pemerintah No. 36 Tahun 2024, in force since 30 October 2024. Verified 31 August 2026 against the official PP 36/2024 schedule, the Ministry of Forestry SiOra notice and the Ministry’s 2026 quota notice. Amounts are payable in rupiah; dollar figures are courtesy estimates converted at Rp 17,900 and rounded.
Marine Life
Activities
Cruise Areas
Location
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Tatawa Besar, central Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
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