Rating
4.9 vs 4.8
Visibility
30m vs 25m
Water Temp
28°C vs 27°C
Daily Cost
$250 vs $180
HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON
Side-by-side comparison of visibility, marine life, difficulty, budget, and best season.
Rating
4.9 vs 4.8
Visibility
30m vs 25m
Water Temp
28°C vs 27°C
Daily Cost
$250 vs $180
| Dimension | Raja Ampat | Komodo National Park | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean | pacific | pacific | — |
| Visibility | 30m | 25m | Raja Ampat |
| Water Temp | 27-29C | 25-29C | — |
| Current | Moderate to Strong | Strong | — |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced | Tie (easier) |
| Best Season | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov | — |
| Certification | advanced open water | advanced open water | — |
| Daily Cost | $250 (Luxury) | $180 (Mid-Range) | Komodo National Park (cheaper) |
| Shore Diving | limited | limited | — |
| Liveaboard | Yes | Yes | — |
Sharks
Raja Ampat
Komodo National Park
Manta Rays
Raja Ampat
Komodo National Park
Whale Sharks
Raja Ampat
Komodo National Park
Turtles
Raja Ampat
Komodo National Park
Coral Reefs
Raja Ampat
Komodo National Park
Macro Life
Raja Ampat
Komodo National Park
Pelagics
Raja Ampat
Komodo National Park
Dolphins
Raja Ampat
Komodo National Park
Raja Ampat: ★★★★★ coral | Komodo National Park: ★★★★☆ coral
Raja Ampat: ★★★★★ | Komodo National Park: ★★★★★
Raja Ampat: ★★★★★ | Komodo National Park: ★★★★★
Raja Ampat: ★★★★☆ | Komodo National Park: ★★★★☆
Raja Ampat: 2/5 | Komodo National Park: 2/5
$250/day vs $180/day
Raja Ampat: 5/5 | Komodo National Park: 5/5
30m vs 25m
Indonesia — Intermediate — 4.9/5
Raja Ampat sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle, home to over 1,500 fish species and 75% of the world's known coral species. With pristine reefs, massive schools of fish, and encounters with manta rays, walking sharks, and pygmy seahorses, it is widely considered the best diving destination on Earth for biodiversity.
View full guide →Indonesia — Advanced — 4.8/5
Komodo National Park offers some of the most exciting diving in the world, with powerful currents delivering nutrients that fuel an explosion of marine life. From schooling sharks and manta rays at the famous sites in the north to the macro treasures of the south, Komodo is a diver's playground that rewards experience and strong skills.
View full guide →For biodiversity: Raja Ampat. Beginners: Tie. Budget: Komodo National Park. Sharks: Tie.
Yes — $250/day vs $180/day.
Raja Ampat: Intermediate+. Komodo National Park: Intermediate+.
If you are chasing sharks and big pelagics, both destinations deliver - but the decision should be driven by your experience and travel style. Raja Ampat offers 30m visibility in 28°C water at $250/day, while Komodo National Park counters with 25m visibility in 27°C water at $180/day.
Seasonality matters more than any single stat: Raja Ampat dives best from Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, while Komodo National Park peaks from Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov. If your travel dates fall inside one of those windows, that destination should win your shortlist automatically. If both fit, Komodo National Park offers better value and both suit your experience level.
For most divers, the honest answer is: visit both if you can. They are in the same ocean and can be combined into one trip. Start with the destination whose peak season matches your calendar, then read the full guide to plan the details.
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