06/05/2019
So perhaps you’ve been hearing about Labuanbajo, or perhaps this is your first time and you’d like to know more about it. Well, Labuan Bajo is the launching point for trips to Komodo Island and Rinca Island, home to the famous Komodo dragons. While Labuan Bajo draws plenty of tourists, it is nevertheless quite a small town that runs along one main road, making it easy to navigate. People like to say that Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo Kingdom, well, at least we do.
Komodo National Park encompasses a lot of water and islands west of Labuanbajo. Rinca Island, on the other hand is a more convenient place to see Komodo Dragons than Komodo island. We’ve seen big dragons that are often right in front of the pier when we arrived. Pity we didn’t have our camera ready then, but Labuan Bajo is the most convenient point from which to go snorkelling in the Komodo National Park. The snorkeling within the park offers many opportunities to see pristine reefs with some of the greatest fish and coral diversity in the world. The Komodo National Park itself offer dozens of very pristine dive sites, with many migratory pelagics, vibrant reefs- making it one of the world’s richest marine habitats.
Sounds Interesting? Here’s some tips to remember while you’re preparing for your diving trip, because the currents in Komodo can get rather strong, which are also the reason why the marine life here is so abundant and pristine. Currents bring in nutrition and “big stuff” such as sharks and manta rays love a good current!
Safe diving is our primary concern here at Divine Diving. With these tips in mind, the diving here is safe and our experienced guides will take good care of you. Believe us: Currents can be fun!
1. Physical condition
This is of course true for every diving activity: Be rested, hydrated and in a good physical and mental condition. This does not mean you have to be a professional athlete – we do not kick against the currents because it will take too much effort and air to do so. Instead, we will “go with the flow” and enjoy the flying. But if you have concerns or don’t feel up for it, talk to your dive guides. It is okay to skip a dive if you’re not (yet) ready for it. It is worth noting that of course we dive in small groups with divers similar to your own experience level, led by an experienced dive professional (PADI Divemaster or Instructor).
2. Pre-dive briefings
This is also true for any kind of dives: Pay good attention at the detailed pre-dive briefings. Our experienced divemasters and instructors will explain the dive site, dive plan and entry and exit procedures before every dive.
3. Pre-dive safety check
Of course, the equipment and buddy check is another safety procedure we do before every dive, not just dives where we expect currents. We will provide surface signaling devices (SMBs) and there is a whistle attached to your BCD to attract attention should you get separated from the group and have to ascend. We will also provide reef hooks as appropriate. At some dive sites, especially in North Komodo, our guides will assist you to hook yourself to a rock so you can enjoy the “show” without having to kick against the current.
4. Underwater behaviour
Keep the group close together and stay behind your guide. Maintain neutral buoyancy and streamline yourself. If there is current present, stay close to the reef or bottom where the current is less strong (but don’t damage any aquatic life). Imitate your dive guide’s positioning in the water and watch the fish movements (and your bubbles), there might be upward or downward currents. Your dive guide might signal you to deflate or inflate your BCD should an upward or downward current occur. Most commonly though, we will dive on the protected side and your guide will give you the hand signal for the current line. When he or she does this, stay where you are and wait until your guide turns around and places him- or herself in front of the group again.
5. Take the Drift Dive Specialty Course
This can be done as an adventure dive as part of your Advanced Open Water Course or just a PADI Specialty. In this course, you will learn all the necessary skills and safety procedures to make drift dives safe and fun. If you want to learn more about this, we would be happy to help you!
Photo courtesy of thejakartapost.com
