Samambaia · Indonesia · 11 nights
Embark on an unforgettable liveaboard journey from Bali to Komodo National Park, exploring the diverse underwater landscapes of Indonesia. This itinerary offers a unique blend of vibrant reef diving, macro photography opportunities, and encounters with large pelagics. Navigate through critical habitats known for their rich biodiversity, with stops at renowned sites like Moyo, Sangeang, and the Komodo National Park. Experience both pristine coral gardens and muck diving havens, culminating in a comprehensive exploration of this iconic region.
Today marks the embarkation day, where guests will prepare and transfer to their assigned port in Serangan, Bali. Upon arrival, a detailed general briefing will be conducted, outlining the exciting journey ahead and important safety protocols. Take this time to settle into your cabin and anticipate the adventure that awaits in the Indonesian waters.
After a comprehensive general dive briefing, the day begins with a check dive to ensure comfort and familiarity with equipment. This initial dive offers an opportunity to check buoyancy and skills. The morning features dives around the pristine reefs of Lombok, known for their abundant hard and soft corals and diverse reef fish. Common sightings include Frogfish, Ghostpipefish, Seahorses, Nudibranchs, and Wonderpus, making for a fascinating start to the trip.
Dive sites: Frogfish, Ghostpipefish, Seahorses, Nudibranchs, Wonderpus
The morning offers two dives around Moyo, where the calm, clear waters provide excellent conditions for exploring vibrant reef ecosystems. These sites are often frequented by Trevally, Tuna, Sharks, and Eagle and Manta Rays, making for exciting encounters. In the afternoon, a relaxed dive is planned at the island of Satonda, followed by an excursion to a beautiful saltwater lake, offering a unique topside experience.
Today's dives focus on the active volcano of Sangeang, renowned for its black sand critter hunting opportunities. The area's volcanic activity creates unique underwater landscapes with effervescent gas bubbles rising from the seafloor. This environment is ideal for spotting rare macro life, including various species of nudibranchs, Pygmy Seahorses, and Ghostpipefish. The contrasting dark sand often enhances visibility for spotting these elusive creatures.
The day is dedicated to exploring the National Park of Komodo, with several dives around Banta Island. Dive sites here are diverse, including 'The Rollercoaster', known for its dynamic currents and nutrient-rich waters which attract significant marine life. This area often features encounters with Grey Reef Sharks, and the strong currents ensure a vibrant ecosystem. A sunset trekking opportunity and dinner on a sandy beach provide a scenic end to the day.
Dive sites: The Rollercoaster
The morning is spent diving in the northern part of the Komodo National Park, famous for its strong currents and rich biodiversity. Straight away, the itinerary includes dive sites such as 'Crystal Rock' and 'Castle Rock', known for large schools of Jacks, Fish Soup, and various shark species. Action is fueled by the strong currents. In the afternoon, two more world-class dives are planned around sites like 'The Golden Passage' and 'The Cauldron', or 'Lighthouse', offering thrilling drift dives and diverse marine encounters.
Dive sites: Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, The Golden Passage, The Cauldron, Lighthouse
Heading south through the Komodo National Park, today focuses on a selection of top dive sites. These include 'Tatawa Besar', 'Tatawa Kecil', 'Batu Bolong', and 'Manta Point', all renowned for their excellent diving conditions and abundant marine life. Three excellent day dives are planned based on conditions and visibility. Later, a night dive at Wai Nilu is scheduled, which ranks among the top 5 favorite night dive spots in Indonesia, promising unique nocturnal encounters.
Dive sites: Tatawa Besar, Tatawa Kecil, Batu Bolong, Manta Point, Wai Nilu
Today begins with an exciting trekking adventure to spot Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. This morning activity offers a chance to encounter these magnificent creatures before the heat becomes too intense. Afterwards, the journey continues south to Rinca, also known as Nusa Kode or Horseshoe Bay, known for its pristine waters and diverse marine life. This southern region of Komodo National Park, especially during May to October, experiences cooler water temperatures, which attract specific species.
This day offers three more dives in the renowned Horseshoe Bay, part of Nusa Kode, known for its exceptional dive sites. Highlights include 'Cannibal Rock', 'The Yellow Wall of Texas', and 'Devil's Corner', all offering unique topography and marine encounters. In the afternoon, the expedition visits the legendary pink beach, a perfect spot for relaxation. Afterwards, a final dive is planned at Pantar, where you might spot Starry Night Octopus, Frogfish, and rare nudibranchs.
Dive sites: Cannibal Rock, The Yellow Wall of Texas, Devil's Corner, Torpedeo Alley, Pantar
The day is dedicated to a full exploration of the heart of Komodo National Park, featuring world-class dive sites in both the central and northern regions. The focus is on visiting some of the crew's favorite spots, ensuring a memorable and diverse underwater experience. These sites are often characterized by strong currents, bringing in abundant pelagic life and maintaining healthy coral reefs, offering excellent visibility for keen photographers.
The morning schedule depends on the flight schedule, with up to two more dives possible before lunch. These final dives are carefully selected to maximize the diving experience, often revisiting some of the most dynamic sites in Central Komodo. Afterwards, the boat begins its journey towards Labuan Bajo. The afternoon allows for relaxation and enjoying the last moments aboard the liveaboard.
Today is the disembarkation day in Labuan Bajo. Depending on individual flight schedules, guests will check their luggage and prepare for transfer to the airport. It's recommended to ensure sufficient surface interval before flying. This marks the end of the unforgettable liveaboard journey through Bali and Komodo.