Pilarsteen
# Pilarsteen Dive Site, Padar, Komodo
Dive Conditions
Pilarsteen, located off Padar Island in Komodo National Park, offers an exhilarating drift dive through the Flores Sea. This site features a dramatic underwater pinnacle with strong currents that attract abundant pelagic marine life, including reef sharks, trevally, and occasionally manta rays. Depths range from 15 to 40 meters, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.
The site’s main attraction is its rich biodiversity within a dynamic current environment. Divers encounter colorful coral formations, schooling fish, and large predatory species characteristic of Komodo’s thriving ecosystem. The pinnacle structure creates nutrient-rich upwelling zones that support prolific marine populations.
Pilarsteen is best suited for experienced divers comfortable with drift diving and strong currents. Diving conditions are highly dependent on seasonal variations and tidal movements in the Flores Sea. Proper buoyancy control and current awareness are essential for safe exploration. Multiple dive operators in Komodo offer guided trips to this spectacular site year-round.
🐠 Marine Life at This Dive Site
Species data from iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)