The Komodo National Park comprises the three major islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as a number of smaller islands, and covers a total of 1,817 sq km. Located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, the area is best known for the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the world's largest lizard. In 1986, UNESCO declared the Komodo National Park a world heritage site to protect the dragon.

The waters around the islands contain some of the richest marine environments in the world, including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts and other aquatic attractions. There are a variety of established diving sites distributed throughout the National Park, providing a range of diving environments including deep and shallow reefs, walls, dropoffs and pinnacles.

Local waters host an impressive variety of marine life of all sizes, shapes and colours, ranging from minute pygmy seahorses to majestic manta rays and whale sharks. Currents in the area can be both strong and variable, making Komodo best suited for experienced divers.