About This Place
Yellow Wall of Texas is a wall dive in the Nusa Kode area south of Rinca. Yellow and orange soft coral, sponges, feather stars and other filter feeders cover the rock, turning the wall's colour into a real ecological feature rather than a nickname alone.
Small life is a major attraction: nudibranchs, shrimp, amphipods, scorpionfish and other camouflaged animals occupy the coral and crevices. Reef fish, turtles and occasional larger animals may move through the blue. The wall also supports snorkeling on a suitably calm, protected section.
This listing treats Yellow Wall as its own established Nusa Kode site. Some operator material groups nearby names together, but official dive-area mapping also identifies Yellow Wall and Secret Garden separately; visitors should confirm the exact planned site with their guide.
At a Glance
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Also known asYellow Wall, Yellow Wall Komodo, Yellow Wall of Texas
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TypeDive Site, Snorkel Site
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Inside Komodo National ParkYes
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How to get thereLiveaboard
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Travel time from Labuan BajoUsually reached on a southern Komodo liveaboard itinerary
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LandingMooring / dinghy
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Last checked2026-09-12
What to Expect
A typical route starts near the outer part of the headland and follows the wall into Loh Dasami with the current. The guide selects depth from the direction of flow and the subjects the group wants to see.
The shallow wall can be dense with colour, while ledges and coral growth hold macro subjects. Recreational profiles commonly use about 5–30 metres even though the wall continues deeper.
Visibility and temperature vary with southern upwelling. Cooler, nutrient-rich water may reduce clarity while increasing the density of filter-feeding life.
Crowds and Timing
Yellow Wall is remote, but it is a recognised Nusa Kode stop and several liveaboards may share the bay. The wall is long enough for spaced groups. Guides should avoid placing divers above another team or repeatedly disturbing one macro subject.
Dive and Snorkel Profile
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Depth range5-35 m
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CurrentModerate
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Dive typeWall, Drift, Night
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Visibility10-25 m
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CertificationAdvanced
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EntryBackroll
How to Visit
Visit by south-Komodo liveaboard. The route is commonly combined with other Nusa Kode dives when wind, swell and current permit. Ask the operator to name the actual site rather than relying on a combined Yellow Wall/Secret Garden label.
Boats That Sail Here
Compare 12 bookable boats that include Yellow Wall of Texas on published itineraries.
Who This Suits
Good for Advanced divers with careful buoyancy. It can be less forceful than exposed northern pinnacles, yet cold water, wall depth and changing current still reward experience. Supported snorkeling is conditional on a calm surface and crew assessment.
What to Bring
- Dive computer and delayed surface marker buoy
- Exposure protection appropriate for cooler southern water
- Primary and backup lights for any planned night dive
- Macro or wide-angle camera rig with secure clips
- Reef-safe sun protection for the tender ride
Safety Notes
Stay beside the wall at the guide's chosen depth and watch for current carrying the group toward the bay entrance. Carry a surface marker and remain within the tender pickup plan.
Soft coral is easily damaged. Keep fins, gauges and camera arms clear, and use enough exposure protection for cooler southern water. Night diving requires a backup light and close buddy contact.
Photography Notes
Both wide angle and macro work, but choose one purpose before entry. Wide angle records the yellow wall and diver scale; macro reveals amphipods, nudibranchs and shrimp. Maintain neutral buoyancy and never brace a camera, pointer or hand on soft coral.
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 Yellow Wall of Texas?
It is in the Nusa Kode area south of Rinca Island, inside Komodo National Park.
Why is the wall yellow?
Dense yellow and orange soft coral, sponges and other filter-feeding organisms cover much of the rock face.
Is Yellow Wall the same as Secret Garden?
Names are sometimes grouped in operator material, but official area mapping also lists them separately. Confirm the precise site with the guide.
How deep is the dive?
Recreational routes commonly use about 5–30 metres along the wall, with shallower coral and deeper sections available.
What is the current like?
It is tide-dependent and can range from mild to strong. The guide chooses entry direction and depth after checking conditions.
What can macro photographers find?
Nudibranchs, shrimp, amphipods, scorpionfish and other camouflaged invertebrates are characteristic southern-Komodo subjects.
Can people snorkel here?
A protected shallow section may work when current, swell and boat traffic are mild. Close tender support is required.
How do I reach Yellow Wall?
It is normally visited on a southern Komodo liveaboard itinerary during a suitable weather window.
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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Yellow Wall of Texas, Loh Dasami, Nusa Kode, southern Rinca, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
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