Komodo: Manggarai Sea Mounts Dive Site – Komodo National Park

Site Overview

The Manggarai Sea Mounts are a series of submerged volcanic pinnacles located in the open water between Komodo and Flores, rising from depths exceeding 100 meters to within 8 meters of the surface. These isolated seamounts create oases of life in the open ocean, attracting pelagic species that are rarely seen on the reef-based sites of central Komodo. The summits at 8 to 15 meters are covered in dense soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, and black coral trees that sway in the strong current, creating a spectacular underwater garden. Grey reef sharks patrol the seamount flanks at 15 to 25 meters, while whitetip reef sharks rest on the ledges. Schools of barracuda, trevally, and rainbow runners swirl in the current around the summits, creating thrilling wide-angle photography opportunities. Dogtooth tuna and Spanish mackerel cruise the deeper flanks at 25 to 35 meters, and hammerhead sharks are occasionally spotted in the blue water beyond the seamount edges. Manta rays pass through during the plankton-rich months, attracted by the nutrient-dense current flowing over the seamounts. The deeper sections at 25 to 35 meters feature dramatic wall formations with overhangs and swim-throughs harboring lobster, moray eels, and large groupers. The Manggarai Sea Mounts are best dived from April through December when the seas are calm enough for the open water crossing. Accessible from Labuan Bajo by speedboat, the site is typically included on liveaboard itineraries. The combination of pelagic encounters, strong currents, and dramatic seamount topography makes the Manggarai Sea Mounts the ultimate advanced diving experience in the Komodo region.