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A scuba diver swims among fish over a vibrant coral reef in West Papua, Indonesia.
📷 kevin yung · Pexels

Mawan

3.5 — based on 15 community signals
4.1 12 species 17 contributors

Mawan is a year-round dive destination in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara, offering diverse marine life and coral ecosystems to explore.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
BleachingRiskShore entryPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Manta ray, Common octopus

Map

This spot POIs Airport Nearby spots
Mawan location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
5.4 kn
Wave
0.34 m
Water
27.7°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NE (36%)
Now: SSE (158°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.17m

Next: High at 02:00 (+0.91m)

+1.0 m0 m-0.2 m
▲ 02:00 · +0.91m ▼ 11:00 · -0.09m ▲ 03:00 · +0.84m ▼ 12:00 · -0.05m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV9 · very high Air PM2.513 · moderate 05:53 17:57
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 12.3 0.46 9 1mm
09-20 10.8 0.42 9 0mm
09-21 10.6 0.34 9 1mm
09-22 9.5 0.36 9 1mm
09-23 13.2 0.48 9 2mm
09-24 13.3 0.52 9 1mm
09-25 9.4 0.42 9 0mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 1.1°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Mawan, located in West Manggarai Regency of East Nusa Tenggara Province, is a diving destination in eastern Indonesia with growing documentation of marine biodiversity. The site draws divers interested in exploring coral reef systems and observing the species that inhabit them. Community videos and observation records provide glimpses of the underwater environment, though detailed specifications on depth ranges and visibility remain limited. The area shows potential for reef diving with documented marine life encounters across 12 recorded species observations. Being outside a marine protected area, Mawan offers less regulated access than some Indonesian diving zones, though divers should always practice responsible reef etiquette. Coral health monitoring indicates the site warrants attention to bleaching conditions, making current-condition research advisable before planning a trip. The year-round accessibility means divers can visit across seasons, though local conditions may vary. Getting firsthand reports from recent visitors and checking community resources helps set realistic expectations for visibility and marine encounters. The combination of accessible location and active community documentation makes Mawan suitable for divers seeking to explore lesser-known reef systems in the region.

📖 Guide: Diving in Indonesia: 323 Sites, Mantas to Micro-critters

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Manta rayCommon octopus

Dive types

ReefShore

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 12806km · ~2945kg · €53

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 54/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 12h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 12h east · 8 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Mawan?

Mawan is accessible year-round, so diving conditions depend more on local seasonal patterns than overall climate barriers. Check with recent dive reports for current visibility and sea state before booking.

What depth and difficulty level is Mawan?

Specific depth ranges and difficulty ratings for Mawan are not well-documented in available sources. Contact local dive operators or recent visitors for details on what to expect underwater.

What marine life will I see at Mawan?

Mawan has 12 recorded species observations, indicating diverse reef life. Community videos provide visual documentation of encounters. Research recent sightings and video content to learn what divers have encountered.

Do I need permits to dive Mawan?

Mawan is not inside a marine protected area, so standard Indonesia diving regulations apply. Always verify current access requirements and dive responsibly with experienced local guides familiar with the site.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

77 records · 47 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Nembrotha milleri

ミラーリュウグウウミウシ
Gastropoda · Polyceridae
OBIS
Last seen:
8 Jan 2020
×1records
Depth:
8 m

Pteraeolidia semperi

ムカデミノウミウシ
Gastropoda · Facelinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
21 Jul 2015
×1records
Depth:
16 m

Nembrotha lineolata

Gastropoda · Polyceridae
OBIS
Last seen:
21 Jul 2015
×1records
Depth:
10 m

Phyllodesmium crypticum

Gastropoda · Myrrhinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
21 Jul 2015
×1records
Depth:
8 m

Pleurobranchus grandis

ソバカスフシエラガイ
Gastropoda · Pleurobranchidae
OBIS
Last seen:
19 Jul 2015
×1records
Depth:
6 m

Mobula alfredi

Reef manta ray
Elasmobranchii · Mobulidae
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Apr 2015
×1records

Halgerda carlsoni

コンペイトウウミウシ
Gastropoda · Discodorididae
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Sept 2014
×1records
Depth:
8 m

Nembrotha cristata

トサカリュウグウウミウシ
Gastropoda · Polyceridae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 Sept 2014
×1records
Depth:
6 m

Nembrotha milleri

ミラーリュウグウウミウシ
Gastropoda · Polyceridae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 Sept 2014
×1records
Depth:
6 m

Doriprismatica balut

Gastropoda · Chromodorididae
OBIS
Last seen:
8 Sept 2014
×2records
Depth:
15 m

Tambja morosa

ミドリリュウグウウミウシ
Gastropoda · Polyceridae
OBIS
Last seen:
8 Sept 2014
×1records
Depth:
10 m

Chromodoris strigata

シボリイロウミウシ
Gastropoda · Chromodorididae
OBIS
Last seen:
8 Sept 2014
×1records
Depth:
15 m

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

KOMODO DIVING | Manta Mania | Crazy Currents | Indonesia

DEEPAK WILDVISIONS
💬 3 top comments
  • Absolutely stunning - what views 😍 amazing clarity, beautiful detailing and so well shot. Waiting for more!! #DeepDives 🙌

    @adityaagarwal8550 · 👍 1
  • Would love to dive in Komodo islands someday. Loved the Manta rays and sharks. Cinematic! ❤❤❤

    @nidhisanghai5378 · 👍 2
  • Amazing marine lives~ Amazing photographer~ Thank you for giving us a wonderful summary

    @JANE-v3m5c · 👍 2

Diving in Komodo - Dazzling Dive at Mawan | 4K

Ark Adventurers

Dive Mawan, Komodo, Indonesia 250905 1

dpitadive
wind peaks Jul-Aug-Jan, calmest Nov-Mar-Apr, dry Mar-Nov.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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