The Cauldron

Definitely one of the best dive site in Komodo: for expert divers

Komodo Dive Site The Cauldron
  • Watch the predator/prey action

    The Cauldron is a very popular drift dive, with changing topography, in Komodo National Park. It is located in the channel between Gili Lawa Darat and Gili lawa Laut in the northern part of the park. This site offers a great opportunity to watch the predator/prey action: as schools of smaller fish are threatened by reefs sharks and other larger pelagic species. It is another dive suitable for expert divers, due to the strong currents.

    Cauldron Komodo

    A brief exploration of Komodo National Park

    Diving Cruise KOMODO

    | 5 Days / 4 Nights | 0 € Full Board

    Cruise in Komodo National Park,
    Labuan Bajo to Labuan Bajo

    Next Departure:

    0 per day

    Up to 3 dives/day

    Please refer to the FAQ Section

    Boat Rating *

    Global
    9.8
    Vessel
    9.6
    Life Onboard
    9.8
    Activities
    9.9

    Click on the tabs above for more details.

    Click on the tabs above for more details.

    Drift dive along the channel

    The dive is usually done as a drift dive along the channel and going through the Cauldron. This dive is mostly only made on a falling tide. The dive can be done one way or the other depending on the current direction, but it is usually done when the current flows from west to east. The dive starts on the reef slope west of Gili Lawa Laut island about 100 meters north of the channel, where there is almost no current. Then the reef slopes down to a sandy bottom at 22 meters. As you go down, the current picks up, since there is a constantly increasing current.

    Colorful and Healthy corals in Komodo Cauldron

    Topography of the dive site & dive plan

    In the initial part of this site you will see a gorgeous coral garden densely populated by giant sweetlips, large red snappers and yellow tip snappers, nudibranchs and occasionally octopuses. You will also discover garden eels, sleeping white tips reef sharks and resting rays. You can find turtles and the occasional manta rays.

    The current will pull you along the channel towards “the cauldron”, a bowl shaped hollow, 30 meters deep and 40 meters wide, with a sandy bed surrounded on both sides by walls covered with soft corals, colorful sponges and gorgonian fans that are home to a few pygmy seahorses.

    The exit from the cauldron is done through a small gap on the wall, and as you get close to it, the current will pull you through the channel and you will be out on the other side. This is called the “Komodo shotgun”. After this ride, you will arrive in a wonderful hard coral garden, with mild currents. It is a perfect environment for beginner divers and / or divers who don’t drift dives. This part is also an excellent snorkelling site but better suitable for expert swimmers. You can admire on the way the view of sharks and big pelagic fishes whirling around, as well as giant trevallies and eagle rays. You will encounter midnight snappers in the current. Bumphead parrotfish are very common and gather in large groups around April.

    Drift Diving The Cauldron Komodo

    The ultimate diving destination

    The Cauldron is the ultimate diving destination for divers who want a lot of variety during their diving experiences. This is an unforgettable dive site, best dived with strong current, with an average depth of 16 meters, although the maximum depth is around 30 meters.

    The Cauldron Dive Site Komodo

    THE CRUISE OF YOUR DREAMS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

    Whether you're looking for a private charter, or to live an adventure on the sea while discovering new landscapes & meeting new people, We can help you make your dream come true.

    FAQ

    To enter Indonesia your passport must have:
    •  Expiration date of the applicant’s passport must be at least 6 (six) months at the date of entry.
    •  At least one blank visa page
    •  Round-trip airplane ticket

    There is no Visa required for 61 countries and 1 region.
    Maximum length of stay without Visa is 30 Days, if you are planning to stay up to 60 days, you can buy a visa on arrival for 35 US$ at Airports and Seaports.
    For more details about COVID restrictions, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.


    We choose to work with people we know for years, all offering a high quality service on perfectly maintained Phinisi.

    All boats, Cabins & on-board furniture's have an authentic and sophisticated design, made with quality materials.


    Spacious and Comfortable
    shared space, Lounge, Sun Deck, Restaurant will grant you a maximum comfort.

    You will also enjoy free access to kayaks and stand-up paddles (SUP) if you wish to explore the surrounding.
    Then it's up to you to chose if you want to enjoy a stunning sunset from the lounge with a fresh drink or from the SUP in the middle of pristine water.

    One of the most, if not the most important part of your cruise, The Crew. They all are experienced, they know when to be discreet and how to treat you well.

    Another important part of your journey, the Food., you will enjoy some great dishes cooked with love by some skilled chef. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, you will be delighted all day long. 


    You can refer to the label on the boat description to have a quick overview about the class of the cruise.
    Luxury
     All cabins are equipped with Air conditioning and Private bathroom (ensuite). 
    Comfort: All cabins are equipped with Air conditioning and some cabins may have shared bathroom (Max 2 cabins).

    You should definitely consider the full charter option especially if you are planning this cruise with your family or friends. It will make the experience even more exceptional. As we offer a large choice of boat, no matter if you are 6, 10 or more than 12 we will find the best vessel according the standing you are expecting. From 1000$ per night in adventure standing, 2000$ per night in Comfort standing and from 3000$ in Luxury standing. Contact us for more informations.

    Not at all, beginners can do discover scuba diving during the cruise (let us know to arrange it)


    Open water certified divers or equivalent will have access to most of the dive sites, but to make the best of the cruise Advanced level and experience in drift dive is recommended. You can spend a few days with us in Bali before starting your cruise, by joining our Safari tour or to get your Advanced certification in one of our four dive centers, it will allow you to dive up to 30m depth, to join night dives and be more confident and comfortable while drift diving.

    For an even better training we recommend you to join the drift specialty in Nusa Lembongan.

    If you are more into Leisure, Yoga or Surfing, we can offer you some great cruise experience while practicing some of your favourite activities. Contact us for more informations.

    Indonesia spread over its more than 5000 km along the Equator which offers a tropical climate with only two season, dry & wet.

    Dry season is mainly from May to October Wet season from November to April.
    Keep in mind that Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, so you can visit year-round as wet season won’t start in the same time in different places.

    Landscapes are also pretty different due to Tropical rainforest climate and Tropical savannah climate.

    Komodo: All year around
    North Komodo: April to December
    South Komodo: January to march
    Raja Ampat: October to May
    Banda Island: September to November
    Alor: May to November

    We do recommend you to bring your own gears if you already own it. If not it’s not a big deal, you can rent the full set onboard, some of our partners provide rental equipment for free, maximum you can expect another 60$ per day.
    As a reminder, every scuba diver should be equipped with: Wetsuite/BCD/Regulator set/Fins/Weight system/Dive computer/SMB/Torchlight/Compass.


    Nitrox tanks are available on most of the boats, please refer to the boat description.

    Included: Transportation between airport & boat (return)/ Accommodation/ Meals and snacks/ non alcoholic beverage/ 12L tanks and weight system for divers

    Not Included:
    Marine park and Port authority fees / International and domestic flights/ Traveling - Diving Insurance / alcoholic beverage & espresso/ massage/ 15L tanks and dive gears rental for scuba divers

    Most of the time €, Us$ are accepted onboard, but we do recommend you to bring enough cash in local currency IDR. Payement by card are available on some boats, please refer to the boat description.
    Most of electric outlets on board are European type.

    Tipping from 5 to 10% of the cruise amount are expected, it express your satisfaction level. Tips are also an important income part for crew members.