Diving into Paradise: Exploring Flores' Underwater Wonders
- Margaux Delang
- 1 okt 2024
- 2 minuten om te lezen
Komodo is undeniably one of the top destinations for divers, offering an exceptional underwater experience for both seasoned pros and beginners looking to get their PADI certification. The vibrant marine life and stunning underwater scenery make it a must-visit for diving enthusiasts. One of the biggest draws to Komodo’s waters is the chance to encounter graceful manta rays gliding through the ocean. The pristine reefs and abundant marine biodiversity, including massive schools of fish, colorful corals, and various pelagic species, cement Komodo as a diver’s paradise.
Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo, is home to numerous dive schools, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. You can do your research beforehand, but a great option is to simply stroll through the town’s lively center and visit the dive schools in person.
That’s exactly what we did, and after speaking with a few different schools, we chose Azul Diving. They offered a professional yet welcoming atmosphere that felt like the best fit for us.
Originally, our plan was to do a single introductory dive, but after hearing their persuasive pitch and learning more about their courses, we decided to extend our adventure and complete a three-day PADI certification course. To this day, we have no regrets about that spontaneous decision!
For three consecutive days, we started our mornings early, meeting a small group of about ten divers and instructors from Azul Diving. From there, we set off to the harbor where a boat awaited to take us out to Komodo’s famous dive sites. Each day, we returned around 4 PM, having completed three dives. The preparation before each dive was thorough, with experienced instructors briefing us on what to expect underwater, covering the marine life we’d likely encounter and any important safety protocols. With their guidance, entering the water felt both exciting and safe.
The entire three-day course cost us approximately 470 euros per person. This fee included nine dives, all equipment rentals, and delicious lunches and snacks prepared fresh onboard each day. The experience was truly unforgettable, with the combination of well-organized dives, stunning underwater landscapes, and a professional dive school making it an exceptional part of our Komodo adventure.
Completing the PADI certification in such a breathtaking environment made it even more rewarding and remains one of our most cherished memories.