Three Sisters

Three Sisters (Komodo National Park)

Prepare for an exhilarating advanced dive at Three Sisters, a renowned dive site located off the southern coast of Padar Island in Komodo National Park. This site is aptly named for its three magnificent submerged pinnacles that rise dramatically from a sandy seabed at approximately 30 m, reaching within 3 to 5 m of the surface. These colossal rock formations are close enough to allow divers to traverse between them in a single dive, offering a dynamic and unforgettable experience. Divers with a keen sense of adventure might even discover a rarely visited fourth sister lurking further south.

Dive Site Features

Three Sisters is a captivating blend of pinnacle, seamount, reef, and coral garden diving, often enjoyed as a drift dive. The site is characterized by cold, nutrient-rich upwellings that keep the rock pristine and densely covered in vibrant soft corals, sponges, tunicates, and sea fans. We will find an incredible diversity of hard and soft corals, creating a breathtaking underwater landscape.

Given its location in the south of Komodo National Park, divers should anticipate cooler water temperatures, typically ranging from 20°C to 25°C. We strongly recommend a 5mm wetsuit to ensure comfort during your dive. Currents at Three Sisters are variable and can be strong and unpredictable, making this an advanced dive site requiring an Advanced Open Water certification. For the best experience, we typically time our dives to slack tide, which allows for easier navigation between the pinnacles and optimal appreciation of the abundant macro life. More experienced divers, however, may choose to explore during a mild rising or falling tide to increase their chances of encountering larger schooling fish.

Marine Life Encounters

Three Sisters is a treasure trove of marine biodiversity, offering both thrilling pelagic encounters and fascinating macro discoveries:

• Pelagic Action: Divers can frequently encounter schooling Mobula Rays sweeping through the blue. We often spot Whitetip Reef Sharks patrolling the deeper realms or resting, along with majestic Spotted Eagle Rays. Keep an eye out for large schools of Great Barracuda and impressive Giant Trevally.
• Macro Marvels: The vibrant coral growth provides perfect camouflage for Giant Frogfish, often found perched on sponges. With a keen eye, divers can spot the elusive Pygmy Seahorse nestled within gorgonian fans. The site is also a haven for a variety of colorful Nudibranchs, intricate Blue-ribbon Eels hiding in the sand, and unique Sea Apples feeding in the current.
• Other Residents: We may also encounter other species such as various nudibranchs, scorpionfish, stonefishes, emperor shrimp, green turtles, Napoleon wrasse, sweetlips, anthias, fusiliers, clownfish, blue-spotted stingrays, and moray eels.

While Three Sisters offers unparalleled beauty, divers should be aware of potential hazards including strong and unpredictable currents, the possibility of cold water, and general boat traffic in the area. Its relative remoteness and the fact that it's often unmarked on charts underscore the importance of diving with experienced local instructors. This dive site truly offers a spectacular blend of large marine life and intricate macro subjects, making it a highlight for any advanced diver visiting Komodo National Park.