Komodo, Indonesia

Dive Site: Pink Beach

1–15 mIntermediate Reef
© EsriSource: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive 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.

Highlights

Pink-hued sand backdropVibrant coral gardensAbundant reef fishChance for turtlesMacro life, pygmy seahorsesRich marine biodiversity

Season calendar

Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Off-Season

Mar – May & Sep – Nov (Mar–May, Sep–Nov)

Best overall conditions with comfortable temperatures. Southern mantas Apr–Jun, northern mantas Sep–Nov. Good visibility and manageable currents.

Dec – Feb (Dec–Feb)

Excellent visibility up to 30m. Warmer water temperatures. Good manta activity in transition. Busiest tourist period.

Jun – Aug (Jun–Aug)

Cooler water from upwellings (24–26°C) brings nutrient-rich plankton. Reduced visibility but exciting pelagic action. Fewer boats and lower prices.

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 at the dive site Pink Beach

Moray Eel

Year-round · common
Angelfish at the dive site Pink Beach

Angelfish

Year-round · common
Butterflyfish at the dive site Pink Beach

Butterflyfish

Year-round · common
Clownfish at the dive site Pink Beach

Clownfish

Year-round · common
Stingrays at the dive site Pink Beach

Stingrays

Year-round · common
Pufferfish at the dive site Pink Beach

Pufferfish

Year-round · common
Lionfish at the dive site Pink Beach

Lionfish

Year-round · common
Bannerfish at the dive site Pink Beach

Bannerfish

Year-round · common
Parrotfish at the dive site Pink Beach

Parrotfish

Year-round · common
Nudibranch at the dive site Pink Beach

Nudibranch

Year-round · common
Whitetip Reef Shark at the dive site Pink Beach

Whitetip Reef Shark

Year-round · occasional
Green Turtle at the dive site Pink Beach

Green Turtle

Year-round · occasional
Hawksbill Turtle at the dive site Pink Beach

Hawksbill Turtle

Year-round · occasional
Reef Manta Ray at the dive site Pink Beach

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

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

Suited for

  • Beginner divers looking for gentle reef experiences
  • Underwater photographers seeking macro opportunities
  • Divers interested in diverse reef ecosystems
  • Families with snorkelers and non-divers
  • Those who appreciate vibrant coral gardens

Less suited for

  • Divers exclusively seeking strong drift dives
  • Those uninterested in macro photography
  • Divers who prefer solely large pelagic encounters
  • Individuals sensitive to boat travel, if on a day trip

FAQ

Pink Beach FAQ

What makes Pink Beach unique for diving?
Pink Beach is unique both above and below the water. Its shoreline is famously pink due to red foraminifera mixing with white sand. Underwater, it offers a gently sloping reef with an exceptional variety of patchy and submerged corals, providing a rich habitat for diverse marine life suitable for all diver levels.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see at Pink Beach?
You can expect to see an abundance of reef fish, including schooling fusiliers, angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. Macro life is prolific, with frequent sightings of nudibranchs, frogfish, and leaf fish. Moray eels, stingrays, and occasional whitetip reef sharks and turtles also inhabit the area.
Is Pink Beach suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, Pink Beach is considered suitable for all levels of divers, including beginners. The currents are generally mild to moderate, and the sloping reef profile allows for relaxed exploration. Dive operators will plan dives during optimal tidal conditions to ensure a comfortable experience.
Can I combine a dive at Pink Beach with other Komodo attractions?
Absolutely. Pink Beach is centrally located within Komodo National Park and is often combined with visits to other popular dive sites like Siaba Besar or Batu Bolong. Many itineraries also include trekking to see Komodo dragons on Rinca or Komodo Island, making it a comprehensive park experience.
What is the water temperature like at Pink Beach?
Water temperatures at Pink Beach are consistently warm throughout the year, typically ranging between 26–29°C (79–84°F). This comfortable temperature usually allows for diving in a 3mm wetsuit, although some divers may prefer a 5mm for multiple dives or if they tend to get cold easily.

Why dive Pink Beach from a liveaboard?

Pink Beach is one of Komodo, Indonesia's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Pink Beach on their Komodo, Indonesia itineraries.

Liveaboards in Indonesia →

Liveaboards diving Pink Beach

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

Panunee liveaboard at Pink Beach

Panunee

Indonesia

18 guests38 m
Naga Biru liveaboard at Pink Beach

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m
Ecopro Duyung Baru liveaboard at Pink Beach

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m
Wellenreng liveaboard at Pink Beach

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m
Komodo Aggressor liveaboard at Pink Beach

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m
Blue Manta liveaboard at Pink Beach

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m
Mari liveaboard at Pink Beach

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32 m
Situju7 liveaboard at Pink Beach

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests33 m
Pindito liveaboard at Pink Beach

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests38 m
Mermaid II liveaboard at Pink Beach

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests
Putri Naga liveaboard at Pink Beach

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m
Mikumba Dua liveaboard at Pink Beach

Mikumba Dua

Indonesia

10 guests30 m

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© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

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Current
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Access
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Depth
—
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Suitable for
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Suitable for
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Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
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Theme
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Akitsushima

Philippines

The Akitsushima is a distinguished World War II Japanese seaplane tender, sunk in September 1944 during an American air raid in Coron Bay, Palawan.

Suitable for
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Current
Strong
Access
Dayboat
Depth
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Theme
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12 liveaboards run the Pink Beach route.

Three to four guided dives a day on Pink Beach and the other signature sites in Komodo, Indonesia, sleeping right above the reef.