Beyond Komodo - Whale Shark Special (Badas - Labuan Bajo)

La Galigo · Indonesia · 9 nights

Duration
9 nights
Embarkation
Badas, Indonesia
Disembarkation
Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Dives
Approximately 23 dives in total

About this route

This Komodo Explorer trip takes divers through the rich waters of Komodo National Park and surrounding areas, offering a unique blend of thrilling dives and cultural experiences. The itinerary balances encounters with large pelagics like whale sharks and manta rays, exploration of vibrant coral reefs, and land excursions to witness Komodo dragons. Guests will experience dynamic drift dives, discover diverse macro life, and enjoy picturesque sunsets, making it ideal for those seeking an immersive Indonesian adventure. The journey begins and ends in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Sumbawa Besar – Welcome Aboard

    Upon arrival in Sumbawa Besar, guests will be welcomed aboard and proceed with an orientation and safety briefing. The initial dive serves as an introduction to the region's vibrant reefs, offering a chance to familiarize with the gear and environment while observing colorful corals and schooling fish. The evening includes dinner onboard, relaxation, and a peaceful rhythm of life at sea.

  2. Day 2: Moyo Island – Scenic Exploration & Reef Dives

    Today's exploration centers around Moyo Island, with dives planned at Angel Reef and Panjang Reef. These sites are known for their beautiful coral formations and rich marine biodiversity, offering opportunities for drift dives depending on currents. In the afternoon, a shore excursion to Mata Jitu Waterfall provides a refreshing break, followed by a quiet night's rest under the stars with opportunities for macro life photography on the reef.

    Dive sites: Angel Reef, Panjang Reef

  3. Day 3: Saleh Bay & Satonda – Whale Sharks and Traditional Villages

    This day is dedicated to experiences in Saleh Bay and Satonda, an area renowned for its gentle giants, the whale sharks. Divers will have the chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The itinerary also includes a visit to a traditional Bajau fishing platform, offering insight into local life. Following this, the vessel sails towards Sangeang, preparing for an evening and night exploration.

  4. Day 4: Sangeang Island – Volcanic Critters and Coral Gardens

    The day begins with diving around Sangeang Island, an active volcano offering unique diving experiences with its vibrant coral gardens and rich marine life. Sites such as Deep Purple and Lighthouse include bubbling seascapes and diverse macro critters. An afternoon visit to Kampung Bontoh provides cultural interaction with the local community, followed by a night dive that promises encounters with various nocturnal creatures.

    Dive sites: Deep Purple, Lighthouse

  5. Day 5: North Komodo – Pinnacle Dives and Pelagic Action

    Today's dives focus on the northern regions of Komodo, known for sites like Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, and The Shotgun. These pinnacles are exposed to strong currents, attracting schooling fish and large pelagics, including giant trevallies and reef sharks. The calm bay waters further north offer excellent visibility and a chance to observe smaller reef fish, making for diverse diving conditions throughout the day.

    Dive sites: Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, The Shotgun, Batu Bolong

  6. Day 6: Central Komodo – Manta Spotting and Scenic Views

    The day's diving centers on the central Komodo region, exploring sites like Tatawa Kecil, Mawan Kecil, and Pengah Kecil. These areas are renowned for their abundant coral gardens, schooling fish, and thrilling drift diving opportunities. Encounters with reef manta rays are often possible. In the afternoon, a visit to Padar Island offers panoramic views after a short hike, followed by a beach BBQ under the starry night sky.

    Dive sites: Tatawa Kecil, Mawan Kecil, Pengah Kecil, Padar Kecil, Crocodilefish, Flying Gurnards

  7. Day 7: Manta Alley & Komodo Island – Pelagic & Dragon Encounters

    Today focuses on the iconic Manta Alley in Central Komodo, a site celebrated for frequent manta ray sightings, engaging in their cleaning and feeding rituals. The strong currents in this area also attract various reef sharks and other pelagic species. Later, an excursion to Komodo Island provides a chance to see the legendary Komodo dragons. The day concludes with a visit to Pink Beach and an opportunity to spot ghost pipefish and decorator crabs during a night dive.

    Dive sites: Manta Alley

  8. Day 8: Central Komodo National Park – Diverse Reefs and Macro Life

    Diving in Central Komodo National Park continues with sites like Tatawan Besar, offering vibrant soft coral walls and diverse marine life. Batu Bolong, a majestic pinnacle, provides abundant fish life, with spectacular coral coverage. Wainilu offers a unique opportunity for macro photography, revealing hidden treasures like frogfish, nudibranchs, and seahorses, transforming tiny wonders into memorable encounters.

    Dive sites: Tatawan Besar, Batu Bolong, Wainilu

  9. Day 9: Labuan Bajo – Final Dives and Farewell

    The final day of diving takes place near Labuan Bajo, exploring sites such as Sabolan Kecil, Sebayur Kecil, and Bidadari Island. These sites are known for their bright coral and abundant fish populations, providing a gentle rhythm to the morning's dives. The afternoon offers a final opportunity for relaxation, followed by a farewell BBQ dinner and a display of thousands of fruit bats taking flight at sunset near Pulau Kalong.

    Dive sites: Sabolan Kecil, Sabolan Besar, Sebayur Kecil, Bidadari Island

  10. Day 10: Labuan Bajo – Disembarkation

    On the morning of disembarkation, guests will enjoy a final breakfast onboard before transferring to Labuan Bajo airport or their hotel. This concludes the memorable journey through Indonesia's vibrant underwater world and unique landscapes.

Upcoming departures

No departures scheduled for this route right now.

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