When divers and travelers arrive in Labuan Bajo, they’re often drawn by the allure of Komodo National Park diving, healthy coral reefs, and unforgettable marine life encounters. But beneath the surface of this tropical paradise lies a deeper story—one told not just by the currents and corals, but by the coastal communities of Flores whose lives have long been intertwined with the sea.
The Sea as a Sacred Space
In many villages along the Flores coastline, the ocean is not just a place for livelihood—it’s sacred. Communities from West Manggarai Regency, including Labuan Bajo, Seraya, and Mesa Island, practice traditional sea rituals that reflect their belief in the spiritual power of the ocean. Before fishing or sea voyaging, locals often perform a ritual called saji laut, where symbolic offerings like betel leaves, rice, and areca nuts are given to the sea as a gesture of respect.
These rituals are believed to ensure safety, abundance, and harmony with the sea spirits, or penguasa laut. Such traditions remind us that the ocean is not simply a playground—it’s a respected living force.
Traditional Fishing Wisdom
While modern tourism brings growth and opportunity, many locals still rely on traditional fishing methods passed down through generations. Instead of nets and motors, some communities use handmade wooden boats and spearfishing techniques that minimize environmental harm.
This form of eco-friendly sea harvesting has preserved the reefs and marine balance long before terms like “sustainable tourism” existed. As part of our eco-friendly diving philosophy at Amare Divers, we celebrate and learn from this traditional knowledge in our guided dive tours and marine education efforts.
Mesa Island: A Sea Gypsy Legacy
Just a short boat ride from Labuan Bajo lies Mesa Island, home to a Bajo (sea gypsy) community who’ve lived for centuries on the ocean’s edge. The Bajo people are renowned navigators, free divers, and fishermen who teach their children to swim before they can walk.
Their stilted homes are built over the sea, and daily life revolves around the tides. For them, marine life encounters are not rare spectacles but part of everyday life. Stories of manta rays, dugongs, and reef sharks are passed down through folklore, teaching respect and caution.
Visitors can experience this unique culture by joining Labuan Bajo dive trips that include village visits—an unforgettable way to connect with the cultural heart of Flores.
Ceremonial Ties to the Sea
During special events like Penti, a harvest and thanksgiving celebration among the Manggarai people, ocean offerings are often included alongside land rituals. In coastal villages, elders conduct blessings to honor both sea and land guardians, highlighting the holistic balance that the culture seeks.
These ceremonies reflect a worldview where underwater biodiversity and forest spirits are equally revered. It’s this philosophy that underpins why we promote responsible, eco-conscious diving.
Bridging Culture and Conservation
As a dive center in Labuan Bajo, we believe that ocean conservation must include the people who have protected it the longest. That’s why our dive packages and scuba diving experiences often integrate local storytelling, reef etiquette rooted in custom, and even introductions to traditional sea knowledge.
By diving with intention and respect, guests don’t just experience Komodo diving adventures—they become part of a bigger story that values culture as much as coral.
Dive with Purpose in Labuan Bajo
Either you’re taking your first breath underwater through an SSI Open Water course or exploring the deep with drift diving in Komodo, let your journey be more than scenic—it can be soulful.
📍 Amare Divers – Where diving meets culture.
Capture your moments with our free underwater videos and reflect on what the ocean truly means to Flores.
Book your next Labuan Bajo dive trip today and join a movement of divers who explore with respect.
