NusaTara · Indonesia · 8 Days / 7 Nights
This Komodo itinerary explores the rich marine biodiversity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to Komodo dragons. The diving areas include North and South Komodo, offering varied conditions from warm, clear waters in the north to cooler, nutrient-rich waters in the south. These upwelling currents support a diverse and healthy marine ecosystem, making it a rewarding destination for divers despite potentially lower visibility. Max guests on this trip: 6.
Sebayur Kecil
After arriving in Labuan Bajo, guests proceed from the airport to the harbor for their vessel. The initial dive takes place at Sebayur Kecil, a suitable spot for standard underwater activities. Here, extensive coral formations thrive, featuring numerous hard corals, sea fans, and sponges; this structure gradually descends to a sandy floor at a depth of 19 meters. Divers frequently observe creatures like cuttlefish, octopus, ghost pipefish, frogfish, leafy scorpionfish, and electric clams in this locale, recognized for its transparent water and gentle currents.
Dive sites: Sebayur Kecil
Komodo
Today's schedule includes visits to several dive sites. Crystal Rock received its name from the water clarity there, and it draws attention with groups of fusiliers and anthias amid extensive coral growth. A short distance away, Castle Rock teems with fish, among them batfish and morays, amidst an abundance of soft corals. Shot Gun, alternatively called the Cauldron, is notable for its excellent coral walls, yellow corals, and a wide array of marine species such as eels, sharks, stingrays, and manta rays. Following this, Gili Lawa Bay presents opportune locations for dives after dark, where harlequin shrimp and various other fascinating organisms can be observed.
Dive sites: Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, Shot Gun, Gili Lawa Bay
Komodo National Park
Diving continues with Batu Bolong, a site known for its dramatic underwater topography despite its unassuming surface appearance. Divers can expect to see reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, hawksbill turtles, and giant trevallies here. Manta Point offers the best chance to encounter schooling manta rays. Tatawa Kecil is rich in reef fish, including groupers, jacks, sweetlips, and bumphead parrotfish, with occasional manta ray sightings.
Dive sites: Batu Bolong, Manta Point, Tatawa Kecil
Komodo Island
Following breakfast, visitors journey across Komodo Island. They can watch Komodo dragons and other animals in their natural surroundings. The schedule then features a stop at Pink Beach, recognized for its reddish sand, which comes from tiny organisms. A dive off Pink Beach uncovers a sandy slope, adorned with many soft corals, yellow sea cucumbers, and feather stars. This spot also shelters distinctive residents like frogfish, leaffish, and mandarin fish. Pulau Damar Loh Sera is prominent for its large pelagic dwellers, such as dogtooth tuna, giant trevallies, and potato cod, plus groups of bumphead parrotfish and Napoleon wrasse.
Dive sites: Pink Beach, Pulau Damar Loh Sera
Good to know: trekking
Komodo National Park
The exploration brings guests to Komodo National Park's southern region. Manta Alley provides an excellent chance to see multiple manta rays engaging in feeding and cleaning activities. This particular reef also supports anemone fish, triggerfish, unicorn fish, moray eels, and mantis shrimp populations. At Kode island’s southwestern end, Nusa Kode showcases enormous, coral-covered boulders and resident large groupers, potato cod, Malabar groupers, and gatherings of red snappers.
Dive sites: Manta Alley, Nusa Kode
Padar Island
Visitors will ascend Padar Island during a twenty-minute walk to its highest point, where they can admire the famous expansive views encompassing over ten distinct beaches throughout the area. Divers have three scheduled dives today.
Good to know: trekking
Komodo National Park
This voyage concludes within Komodo National Park's central sector. The group investigates Tatawa Besar, a location known for its impressive coral garden. Divers routinely see cuttlefish, turtles, lionfish, triggerfish, and batfish in these waters; sharks frequent the coral formations as well. Siaba Besar offers an additional unique dive spot, distinguished by its expansive coral garden. This zone provides opportunities to observe pelagic creatures such as manta rays, reef sharks, and turtles, along with sightings of flamboyant cuttlefish and thorny seahorses. Afterward, the vessel journeys back to Labuan Bajo.
Dive sites: Tatawa Besar, Siaba Besar
Labuan Bajo
After breakfast, guests will be transferred from the boat back to the airport in Labuan Bajo for their onward flights. It is recommended that divers wait 24 hours after their last dive before flying.