Dive Site: Pink Beach

About Pink Beach

Pink Beach is a renowned dive site within Komodo National Park, famous for its unique pink-hued sands, a result of microscopic red foraminifera. The underwater topography here features vibrant coral gardens that are home to an abundance of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter an impressive array of species, including various types of fish, turtles, and even smaller, more elusive creatures like pygmy seahorses, which thrive among the rich hard and soft corals. The site offers a diverse experience suitable for different interests, from wide-angle photography of the bustling reef to macro observation. Located in the central part of the park, Pink Beach contributes to Komodo's reputation as a diving paradise, sitting within the Coral Triangle and benefitting from nutrient-rich waters caused by powerful tidal exchanges. These conditions contribute to an exceptional marine biodiversity, supporting over 260 coral species and 1,000 fish varieties. While Komodo generally experiences strong currents, specific conditions at Pink Beach can vary, offering different levels of challenge and opportunities for both drift dives and more stationary exploration. Diving at Pink Beach is a highlight of many Komodo itineraries, often included with liveaboard trips that also feature land excursions to see the famous Komodo dragons. The site is generally accessible, though a good understanding of current management can enhance the experience, given the dynamic nature of Komodo's waters. It allows divers to witness the incredible natural spectacle of this protected UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dive site facts: Pink Beach

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

7–30 m

Water temperature

26–29 °C

Entry

Tender / easy descent

Level

All levels, beginners welcome

Dive type

Reef, coral garden, macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Komodo National Park

Coordinates

-8.5789, 119.5678

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Pink Beach are generally manageable, making it an accessible site for divers of various experience levels. While Komodo National Park is renowned for strong currents, this specific site in the central zone typically experiences mild to moderate conditions, especially when approached during slack tide. Entry is often via tender, with divers descending onto the sloping reef. Visibility can range from 7 to 30 meters, influenced by tidal movements and plankton presence. Surface conditions are usually calm during the dry season, though occasional surges can occur. Dive operators meticulously plan visits around tides to ensure optimal and safe diving experiences, allowing for relaxed exploration of the vibrant reef without excessive drift.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray Eel

Year-round · common

Angelfish

Year-round · common

Butterflyfish

Year-round · common

Clownfish

Year-round · common

Stingrays

Year-round · common

Pufferfish

Year-round · common

Lionfish

Year-round · common

Bannerfish

Year-round · common

Parrotfish

Year-round · common

Nudibranch

Year-round · common

Whitetip Reef Shark

Year-round · occasional

Green Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Hawksbill Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Reef Manta Ray

July-August · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Pink Beach typically begins with a tender drop-off directly over the reef, allowing for a gentle descent onto the sloping coral garden. The dive often proceeds westward with the reef on your left, following the contour between 10 to 20 meters. You'll navigate through vibrant hard and soft coral patches, observing numerous reef fish and seeking out macro life among the sponges. The deepest parts of the dive may reach 25-30 meters, where you might spot larger groupers or sharks. As you approach the end of the dive, the route gradually ascends to shallower depths, ideal for extended bottom time and a safety stop along the thriving reef top, typically between 5-7 meters. The dive concludes with a safety stop followed by surfacing for boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Pink Beach offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle, the vibrant coral gardens and schooling fusiliers against the sloping reef provide dynamic compositions. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive beauty and density of fish life. For macro enthusiasts, the site is rich with nudibranchs, frogfish, leaf fish, and various tiny invertebrates hidden among the corals and rubble; a macro lens will be essential to capture these details. Good buoyancy is crucial here to avoid damaging the delicate corals and to get stable shots. Natural light is often sufficient in the shallower areas for wide-angle, but strobes will enhance colors, especially for macro and in deeper sections, bringing out the true brilliance of the corals and cryptic critters.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Siaba Besar

  Siaba Besar, affectionately known as "Turtle City," is a sheltered dive site located in a protected bay within the central region of Komodo…

• Batu Bolong

  Batu Bolong, meaning "Hollow Rock" in Bahasa Indonesian, is a renowned dive site in Komodo National Park, situated in the central Lintah…

• Manta Point (North)

  Manta Point, also known as Karang Makassar, is a renowned dive site in the northern part of Komodo National Park.

• Sebayur Kecil

  Sebayur Kecil is nestled within a protected bay in Central Komodo, presenting a spectacular hard coral garden that sprawls over a bright…

• Tatawa Besar

  Tatawa Besar, meaning 'big laugh' in Bahasa Indonesian, is a picturesque dive site located in the central area of Komodo National Park…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Pink Beach is primarily through liveaboard cruises or day trips departing from Labuan Bajo, the main hub on Flores Island. Labuan Bajo (LBJ) airport receives daily flights from Denpasar (Bali) and Jakarta, with increasing international connections from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Upon arrival, a short taxi ride takes you to the harbor to board your vessel. Liveaboards typically range from 3 to 10 days, covering various sites across Komodo National Park, including Pink Beach. Day trips are also an option for divers staying in resorts in Labuan Bajo, though they offer less extensive exploration. National Park fees apply for all visitors, usually paid as part of your tour package. Pink Beach is commonly integrated into itineraries that explore both central and northern Komodo sites due to its convenient location.

Safety & environment

Diving in Komodo National Park, including Pink Beach, requires adherence to standard safety protocols. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Denpasar, Bali, necessitating air evacuation in case of a serious dive emergency. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering medical evacuation and recompression treatment is not merely recommended but essential for all divers. Pink Beach is generally a mild site, but divers should still be aware of potential currents that can arise with tidal changes. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your dive guide's instructions, and perform thorough buddy checks. Respect marine life by maintaining a safe distance and avoiding contact, which also helps protect the fragile ecosystem. Maintaining good buoyancy is paramount to prevent accidental coral damage.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Pink Beach FAQ

Liveaboards diving Pink Beach

These liveaboards may visit Pink Beach on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$273/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$361/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

$482/day

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$391/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m

Mikumba Dua

Indonesia

10 guests30 m

$335/day

Aliikai Voyage

Indonesia

15 guests40 m

$658/day