Samambaia · Indonesia · 12D11N
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Komodo National Park and East Flores, a region renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity and dramatic underwater landscapes. Expect encounters with majestic manta rays, a kaleidoscope of reef fish, and the possibility of spotting pygmy seahorses in its nutrient-rich waters. This expedition offers a chance to explore diverse dive environments, from exhilarating currents sweeping over coral gardens to serene sandy bottoms teeming with smaller wonders.
Arrive by plane in Labuan Bajo, where you will be met by the crew at the airport. After a general orientation, you will embark on the vessel in the port of Labuan Bajo.
Spend the first day of diving around two small islands, Sabolan and Seraya, which boast excellent dive sites. You can expect to see resident schools of Bumphead Parrotfish and garden eels in the white sandy bottoms, alongside colorful soft corals. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have one or two dives in the morning and afternoon, with opportunities for wakeboarding and kayaking to the beach.
Work your way north into the central Komodo region, exploring some secret spots. Potential dive sites for the day include Batu Bolong, Manta Point, and Golden Passage, offering diverse underwater experiences if conditions allow. Typical underwater topography in this area features pinnacles, reefs, and sandy bottom. Divers can expect to encounter an abundance of pelagic fish, vibrant coral gardens, and a high chance of spotting manta rays. The strong currents in this region bring nutrient-rich waters, supporting a diverse and thriving marine ecosystem.
Dive sites: Batu Bolong, Manta Point, Golden Passage
This day is dedicated to encountering large marine life, with Manta Alley being a preferred spot to find manta rays, sharks, giant trevallies, and big groupers. After lunch, you will move to Padar, where you can dive in 'Thee Sister'. In the afternoon, visit the pink beach and climb a hill for a spectacular sunset view over Komodo National Park.
Dive sites: Manta Alley, Germang Flag, Thee Sister
Enjoy three more dives in the Horseshoe Bay area. Favorite dive sites here include Cannibal Rock, The Yellow Wall of Texas, Devil's Corner, and Torpedo Alley. In the afternoon, you will leave this spectacular place and head back north. A night dive is planned, offering opportunities to spot Starry Night Octopus, Frogfish, and rare nudibranchs.
Dive sites: Cannibal Rock, The Yellow Wall of Texas, Devil's Corner, Torpedo Alley
Begin the day with trekking to see Komodo dragons on Rinca Island before the heat becomes too intense. Local rangers ensure safety during this encounter with the world's largest lizards. Afterward, head to Nusa Kode or Horseshoe Bay, known for offering some of the lushest diving in Komodo National Park. During the months of May until October, waters can be cool (down to 23°C) with reduced visibility. However, the area is rich in critter life, including Ambon Scorpionfish, Rhinopias, Frogfish, Wonderpus, and Coconut Octopus, alongside abundant soft and hard corals. The beach is also a common spot to see Komodo dragons, deer, and wild boar.
Dive site: Sebayor Kecil. Over the day, you will navigate through the National Park, enjoying an easy drift dive over an impeccable reef at Tatawa Besar. This dive ranks among the top 5 favorite night dive spots on our cruise. The underwater landscape here is characterized by sloping reefs and healthy coral formations. Divers can anticipate encountering a wide array of reef fish, macro life such as pygmy seahorses, and various invertebrates. The pristine hard and soft corals make this area particularly renowned for its beauty.
Dive sites: Sebayor Kecil, Tatawa Besar
Explore Banta, an island just outside Komodo National Park, which offers a feeling of being within the park's wild environment. Spend the day diving at 'Banta Wall', also known as 'The Rollercoaster', a spectacular wall dive known for its strong currents and satisfying drifts. A GPS point reef over half a mile north of Banta is excellent for Grey Reef Sharks and other big fish. One of the favorite spots here is a secret manta cleaning station. In the late afternoon, enjoy a trek on a hill for an epic view over the bay, watching the sunset behind the volcano of Sangeang. After dinner, a night dive is offered on a sandy slope, where stargazers can make an appearance.
Dive sites: Banta Wall
Arrive in the northern part of Komodo National Park in the morning and immediately head to signature dive sites such as Crystal Rock and Castle Rock, known for jacks, sharks, and fish soup. The strong currents fuel the action here. In the afternoon and at night, explore two more world-class dive sites: The Golden Passage, The Cauldron, or Lighthouse, showcasing Komodo National Park's best diving.
Dive sites: Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, The Golden Passage, The Cauldron, Lighthouse
Arrive in the northern part of Komodo National Park in the morning and immediately head to signature dive sites such as Crystal Rock and Castle Rock, known for jacks, sharks, and fish soup. The strong currents fuel the action here. In the afternoon and at night, explore two more world-class dive sites: The Golden Passage, The Cauldron, or Lighthouse, showcasing Komodo National Park's best diving.
Dive sites: Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, The Golden Passage, The Cauldron, Lighthouse
In the morning, enjoy three dives at Pulau Raja before moving towards the National Park of Komodo. This area features stunning walls with very good coral growth and overhangs. The afternoon will be spent here, with snorkeling also available as an option.
Depending on your flight schedule, the crew will handle your luggage in advance so you can relax on board. You will then be transferred to the airport when your plane is ready to depart.