Join a Small Group of SeaCrush Reef-Friendly Divers in Stunning Komodo!
Why We Love It
Join a small group of SeaCrush reef-friendly divers in July 2021 on a fantastic boat! Over the course of 7 days, we'll dive on the best sites of Komodo, as well as engage in proper on-land exploration of the Komodo National Park (gotta see the dragons!). Underwater, we'll get to witness plenty of pelagic life with reef sharks and manta rays, alongside a very rich macro life and healthy coral reefs! In between dives, we'll sail through breathtaking landscapes, do a short hike to Padar Island viewpoint, and relax on the beautiful Pink Beach.
We love the relaxing upper deck lounge, and the master cabins' panoramic windows. With only 16 guests on board and a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio, you'll be well taken care of aboard this boat!
Conservation
This beautiful phinisi ("Indonesian-style ship") has been custom-built in Sulawesi by the Konjo tribe, who have been building ships for centuries. This partner hires and trains locals on as many jobs as possible and is a supporter of Raja Ampat SEA center. The team avoids single-use plastic and only uses reef-friendly detergents and bathroom amenities as well as biodegradable garbage bags. They're really setting the bar for sustainability!
Who Is It For?
Experienced divers who like a bit of atmosphere. Non-divers are also very welcome and can participate in activities such as hiking to viewpoints with spectacular panoramas, kayaking, snorkeling, Stand Up Paddling, and massages.
7 nights in a lower deck shared cabin with A/C and en-suite bathroom. If you prefer a master deck cabin with a balcony and gorgeous views, let us know as there's one available (+ $315 (about ... EUR) per person)
All meals
3 to 4 dives a day, 2 dives on the second-last day
Nitrox, tanks, weights, weight belts
Excursions
Wi-Fi
Transfers from/to Labuan Bajo airport
Government taxes
What's not included?
Komodo national park/port fees: $180 (about ... EUR)
Rental equipment, dive courses
Crew tips
Massages
Wine, beers and spirits
Fuel surcharges if applicable
Any flight or any hotel before/after the liveaboard
Dive Briefing!
Marine Life
Komodo National Park was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon (the largest lizard) and later grew to protect other species and marine life.
In 1991, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site and a "Man and Biosphere Reserve" as it includes a local ethnic population
The Lintah Strait has currents that bring plankton and attracts life that feeds on it, such as manta rays!
There are more than a thousand species of fish, plus around 260 species of coral, and 70 species of sponges
Specific species: dugongs, reef sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, sea turtles, giant trevally, schools of anthias, wrasse, angel fish, longfin bannerfish, red tooth triggers, frogfish, surgeonfish, snappers, dogtooth tuna, etc.
Rare nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, leaf scorpionfish, blue ribbon eels
Dive Conditions
Season: From May to November. July is high season for marine life.
Currents: Medium to strong currents in specific dive sites, plus tidal movement depending on the moon.
Visibility:25 to 35 m (80 to 115 ft)
Water Temperature:26° to 28°C (79° to 82°F) in North. Sumba sea: 24° (75°F)
Depth: Deep and shallow dives.
Dive Sites
We'll do 3 to 4 dives a day in the action-packed dive sites of Komodo North & South, and we'll also have the opportunity to do some sunset and night dives.
We'll dive on a busy manta cleaning station, vast coral gardens, gentle seamounts, coral-covered walls, swim-throughs, pinnacles full of life, and we'll also do some exhilarating drift dives!
Some of the famous dive sites we'll visit are Sebayur, Tatawa Besar (great for drift dives), Karang Makassar (a good site to see manta rays), Batu Tengah, Wainilo (where you'll discover critters you thought never existed!), Secret Garden, Three Sisters, Batu Bolong (a pinnacle with lots of fish life), Torpedo Alley, Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall, Manta Alley, Pink Beach (good for night dives), Tatat Makassar, Passage, Gili Darat, and last but not least, Komodo's most famous dive sites: Crystal Rock and Castle Rock!
In between dives, we'll have time to explore some stunning landscapes, with short hikes leading to breathtaking views in Padar Island. We'll search for the impressive Komodo dragons. We'll also have some downtime and/or a snorkeling session in the scenic Pink Beach.
On the day before disembarkation, there will only be 2 dives so that you can fly back anytime around noon on the last day.
The Team
Winner of the 2019 Dive Travel Awards by Dive Magazine UK in the "Best Liveaboard" category
Cruise directors with over 10 years of experience in Indonesia
Courses available on board
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, French, and Indonesian
Maximum divers per guide: 4
Safety Information
Equipment Recommended: Dive computer, safety buoy, whistle, 'reef hook' (to use on rocks only!), and a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit
Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend Dive Assure that has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.
Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: In Labuan Bajo, where we'll start and finish the trip from
Visas, Flights, and More!
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities are eligible to enter and remain in Indonesia without a visa for 30 days. Others need to obtain a Visa on Arrival for 30 days at the major entry points to Indonesia. Visa on Arrival costs $37 (about ... EUR) and usually can be extended for another 30 days.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and have one full blank page
Must be able to show an onward ticket that departs before your visa expires
Fly to Bali's Denpasar International Airport (DPS) and then catch a short flight to Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ).
Transfers from/to Labuan Bajo Airport are included:
Plan to land before 2pm on the first day
On the last day, we recommend leaving after noon, to be able to do the last two dives on the day before departure
More...
Don't forget your walking shoes for Komodo National Park
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, a rash guard to protect from the sun, and some walking shoes as we'll do short hikes to stunning viewpoints!