Mari · Indonesia · 11N
This extraordinary expedition explores Indonesia's volcanic island chain, connecting the Lesser Sunda Arc with iconic marine regions. Guests will journey through Sumbawa's whale shark waters, the legendary reefs of Komodo National Park, and the vibrant volcanic islands of Eastern Flores and Maumere. The trip offers dramatic pinnacles, manta cleaning stations, macro-rich reefs, and thrilling whale shark encounters, designed for experienced divers and those seeking a diverse underwater adventure.
Guests embark at Serangan Harbor in Bali during the morning hours, preparing for departure along the island's eastern coastline. The day includes settling into cabins, a welcome briefing, and an introductory dive to acclimatize before an overnight crossing towards Sumbawa.
Dive sites: Gili Tepekong, Gili Biaha
The full diving day explores the reefs around Pulau Moyo, offering diverse underwater landscapes. Dive sites like Angel Reef are known for coral-rich slopes teeming with turtles, reef sharks, and schooling fusiliers. Tanjun Pasir features coral bommies amidst sandy seabeds, while Satonda Reef boasts healthy coral slopes with garden eels and reef fish. An optional night dive may reveal Spanish dancers and octopuses.
Dive sites: Angel Reef, Tanjung Pasir, Satonda Reef
Today focuses on early morning encounters with resident whale sharks in Teluk Saleh. Divers will enjoy 2-3 in-water sessions with these gentle giants, often accompanied by traditional fishing platforms. The area is known for attracting whale sharks due to abundant food sources. The afternoon involves a transfer towards Sangeang Island.
This day is dedicated to exploring the volcanic underwater landscapes of Sangeang and Banta. Bubble Reef is characterized by unique underwater gas vents and rich black sand slopes with abundant macro life. Hot Rocks features soft coral gardens with ambient clouds and reef sharks, while Three Sisters (Banta) offers offshore pinnacles attracting sharks and barracudas. GPS Point is a coral reef slope known for turtles and sea snakes.
Dive sites: Bubble Reef, Hot Rocks, Three Sisters (Banta), GPS Point
Today focuses on manta ray encounters at Manta Alley, a highly reliable aggregation site in Komodo. Additional dives in the area include Cannibal Rock, known for its macro species like rhinopias and pygmy seahorses, and Frogfish. Yellow Wall of Texas offers vertical wall dives covered in vibrant soft corals, often with strong currents.
Dive sites: Manta Alley, Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall of Texas
This day offers healthy coral reefs and exceptional macro life around South Rinca. Dive sites such as Horseshoe Bay Reefs and Torpedo Alley are renowned for sandy slopes, providing excellent opportunities for torpedo ray sightings and underwater photography. The area is known for a rich diversity of smaller marine creatures thriving within its vibrant ecosystems.
Dive sites: Horseshoe Bay Reefs, Torpedo Alley
The morning begins with a land excursion to Rinca Island for a Komodo dragon trek, offering a unique topside experience. The diving focuses on sites like Batu Bolong, an iconic pinnacle known for its sharks, trevallies, and dense reef fish. Tatawa Besar features colorful drift dives across pristine coral slopes, while a night dive at Siaba Kecil offers encounters with mandarin fish.
Dive sites: Batu Bolong, Tatawa Besar, Siaba Kecil
Today is dedicated to high-energy drift diving in North Komodo, exploring sites like Castle Rock, known for cleaning stations and excellent visibility, attracting sharks and fusiliers. The Cauldron (Shotgun) offers fast drift through a dramatic channel. Crystal Rock is another highlight, often featuring schooling fish and pelagic action.
Dive sites: Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, The Cauldron (Shotgun)
This day features final dives inside Komodo National Park, exploring typical sites such as Tatawa Besar, Tatawa Kecil, and Batu Bolong. These sites are renowned for their vibrant coral gardens, diverse reef fish, and potential encounters with pelagic species, offering a memorable conclusion to the Komodo portion of the trip. The evening marks an unforgettable farewell in Komodo before heading east.
Dive sites: Tatawa Besar, Tatawa Kecil, Batu Bolong
Today brings dives around Palue Island, characterized by steep volcanic walls and gorgonian forests that dominate the underwater landscape. Dive sites like Palue Wall offer sheer drop-offs with reef sharks and schooling fish, while Gorgonian Forest is known to host large sea fans and often pygmy seahorses, showcasing the unique volcanic marine environment.
Dive sites: Palue Wall, Gorgonian Forest
The final diving day offers relaxed dives along the reefs of northern Flores in the Maumere region. Dive sites like Babi Island Reefs feature healthy coral slopes and turtles. Pangabatang is known for its coral gardens, which are home to froggfish, nudibranchs, and other macro life. The afternoon includes a scenic cruise into Maumere Harbor.
Dive sites: Babi Island Reefs, Pangabatang
Guests disembark in Maumere after breakfast between 5-11 am. A continental breakfast is provided. Depending on local flight schedules, guests may have a final lunch before complimentary transfers to Maumere Airport or their hotel. Guests are advised to wait 24 hours before flying after their last dive.
No departures scheduled for this route right now.