Dive Site: Tatawa Kecil

About Tatawa Kecil

Tatawa Kecil is a renowned dive site located in the heart of Komodo National Park, specifically in the Linta Strait between Komodo and Rinca Islands. Unlike its larger counterpart, Tatawa Besar, this site is famous for its dynamic and sometimes challenging conditions, primarily due to strong currents, making it best suited for experienced divers. The underwater topography is diverse and captivating, featuring dramatic rock formations, numerous caves, impressive swim-throughs, and extensive coral gardens with massive, vibrant hard and soft corals. There are also sandy patches and bommies that create a complex reef system, often described as an 'underwater city' with bustling fish activity. Marine life at Tatawa Kecil is exceptionally rich and varied, rewarding divers with layered reef scenery and abundant biodiversity. Divers frequently encounter pelagic species such as eagle rays, giant trevallies, and various sharks, including white-tip reef sharks, especially in the southwestern and northwestern sections. The site is also teeming with reef fish, including bumphead parrotfish, batfish, snappers, large groupers, and schools of fusiliers. Critter enthusiasts can spot small invertebrates, nudibranchs, and scorpionfish. Cleaning stations are common, with oriental sweetlips and other species engaging in fascinating behavioral interactions. Hawksbill turtles, dogtooth tuna, and barracudas are regular sightings, while lucky divers might spot manta rays and even dugongs. The dive experience at Tatawa Kecil is characterized by drift diving due to the prevailing currents, which range from moderate to strong and can be unpredictable. Divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques and comfortable holding position behind coral heads when necessary. The water temperature typically hovers between 27-28°C, offering comfortable conditions year-round. While the maximum depth can reach 30 meters, much of the vibrant marine life is visible at shallower depths. Visibility is generally excellent, enhancing the breathtaking wide-angle opportunities presented by the colorful and active reef.

Dive site facts: Tatawa Kecil

Depth

8–30 m

Current

Strong

Entry

Liveaboard / tender

Level

Intermediate – Advanced

Dive type

Drift / Slope / Wall

Region / port

Central Komodo National Park

Coordinates

-8.5608, 119.5187

Conditions & Currents

Tatawa Kecil is known for its moderate to strong and sometimes unpredictable currents, characteristic of northern Komodo. These currents are vital in delivering nutrient-rich waters, attracting a high density of marine life, but they necessitate advanced diving skills. Divers should be proficient in drift diving, capable of holding position behind coral heads, and adept at following a dive guide's signals for depth and direction changes. Dives are generally planned during slack tide or the beginning of an incoming tide to manage current strength. Good buoyancy control and situational awareness are crucial for safety and enjoyment, as currents can push divers away from the reef into open water if not properly managed.

Marine life & sighting chances

Whitetip Reef Shark

common

Giant Trevally

common

Oriental Sweetlips

common

Fusilier

common

Turtle

common

Moray Eel

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Pufferfish

common

Anthias

common

Napoleon Wrasse

occasional

Reef Manta Ray

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Tatawa Kecil are typically drift dives, usually initiated from the northern end of the islet. The dive begins by dropping onto the reef slope, keeping the main reef on your right shoulder. You will drift along the sloping wall and coral gardens, progressively exploring depths between 8 and 30 meters. The current will dictate the pace, often sweeping you past vibrant soft corals and schools of fish. The dive typically follows the contours of the reef, allowing opportunities to tuck in behind protected areas for closer inspection of macro life or to observe pelagics in the blue. The turn point is natural, marked by the reef's direction, and the safety stop is usually performed mid-water as the current gently carries you towards the surface for boat pickup.

Underwater photography

Tatawa Kecil offers exceptional opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially during periods of high visibility. The expansive soft coral gardens, schooling fusiliers, and presence of pelagic species like reef sharks and giant trevally create dynamic reefscapes that are ideal for capturing with a wide-angle lens. Consider using strobes to bring out the true colors of the vibrant corals, even in bright sunlight. Maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid accidental contact with the delicate reef during drifts. While primarily a wide-angle site, macro enthusiasts can also find subjects such as nudibranchs and small reef critters in sheltered crevices, but the signature shots here lean towards the grandeur of the reef and its inhabitants in motion.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Tatawa Besar

  A more forgiving drift over shallower, gentler coral gardens, suitable for a broader range of experience levels and often paired with Tatawa Kecil.

• Manta Point

  Famous for consistent manta ray sightings, especially between September and May.

• Batu Bolong

  A legendary site known as the 'Aquarium of the World' for its staggering fish density and pristine corals on a vertical pinnacle.

• Shotgun

  Located in northern Komodo, known for exhilarating drift dives through strong currents with plenty of reef sharks and large schools of fish.

Getting there & logistics

Tatawa Kecil is accessed via liveaboard trips operating out of Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia. The nearest major airport is Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo, which has regular connections to Bali (Denpasar) and other Indonesian hubs. Liveaboard itineraries typically range from 3 to 10 days, combining Tatawa Kecil with other central and northern Komodo dive sites. Komodo National Park entrance fees are required and are usually included in liveaboard packages. It is common for operators to schedule this site during periods of slack tide due to its strong currents, often integrating it into longer itineraries that explore the diverse Komodo waters.

Safety & environment

Diving at Tatawa Kecil requires a high level of situational awareness due to potentially strong and unpredictable currents. All divers must have comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is in Denpasar, Bali, emphasizing the importance of conservative dive planning and strict adherence to no-decompression limits. Divers should be proficient in drift diving, capable of managing their buoyancy and position in dynamic water conditions, and always stay close to their dive guide. Reef hooks may be used on dead rock if necessary, but never on living coral. Always attend and understand the dive briefing, as conditions can change rapidly in Komodo.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tatawa Kecil FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tatawa Kecil

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

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$271/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$361/day

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$423/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

$482/day

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$320/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$388/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m