KOMODO
to BALI
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Location Komodo & Bali - Indonesia
Duration 12 nights
Vessel Naga Biru
Level from Open Water
Manta Expert TBC
HIGHLIGHTS
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Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world
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Located in the Coral Triangle, it offers some of the planet’s richest marine biodiversity
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The park features dramatic underwater landscapes including shallow reefs, drop-offs, and drift dives
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Witness large aggregations of mantas at Karang Makassar and Manta Alley
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Explore world renowned sites like Batu Bolong, Crystal Rock and Shotgun
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Venture on-land for thrilling treks to waterfalls, volcanic lakes, viewpoints and spot the legendary Komodo dragon
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Swim with the majestic whale sharks at Saleh Bay
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Venture off the beaten track for exciting diving in secluded and less visited areas in search of manta aggregation sites
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Experience black sand diving at Sangeang volcanic island
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Encounter a plethora of fascinating critters such as nudibranches, cuttlefishes, octopi and much more
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The expedition is tailored to maximize manta sightings, including rare black morph mantas​​
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Reef Manta
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Grey Reef Shark
Komodo Dragon
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Indonesia, exploring the legendary Komodo National Park before sailing west towards Bali through a spectacular chain of volcanic islands. Renowned as one of the world’s greatest marine environments, Komodo is home to one of the largest populations of reef manta rays on the planet, making it an extraordinary destination for encounters with these graceful ocean giants. Throughout the expedition, we will visit some of the park’s most famous manta ray aggregation sites, including the renowned cleaning stations of Karang Makassar and Manta Alley, where reef mantas gather in large numbers to feed, socialise and, during this season, potentially mate. The itinerary will be adapted according to manta sightings, with the aim of maximising unforgettable encounters with these charismatic animals, including the opportunity to encounter the elegant black morph reef mantas that are characteristic of this region.
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Beyond its mantas, Komodo National Park offers an extraordinary diversity of marine life and landscapes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and a key region within the Coral Triangle, the epicentre of global marine biodiversity, Komodo delivers exceptional underwater experiences at every turn. From exhilarating drift dives and current-swept pinnacles to colourful shallow reefs, drop-offs and coral gardens, we will explore world-famous sites such as Batu Bolong, Crystal Rock, Castle Rock and Shotgun. Encounters may include turtles, reef sharks, schools of trevally and barracuda, vibrant soft corals, and an incredible array of macro life. Dedicated day and night dives at sites such as Pink Beach, Wainilu and Tiga Dara will reveal Komodo’s extraordinary critter diversity, with frogfish, ghost pipefish, cuttlefish, mimic octopus and many other fascinating species waiting to be discovered.
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The adventure continues west through the volcanic islands of Gili Banta, Sangeang, Moyo and Sumbawa, each offering unique landscapes both above and below the surface. Experience the otherworldly black volcanic sands and bubbling seabeds of Sangeang, search for majestic whale sharks in Saleh Bay, explore the volcanic crater lake of Satonda Island and cool off beneath a tropical waterfall on Moyo Island.
Between dives, guided shore excursions will provide opportunities to discover Indonesia’s unique terrestrial wildlife, including Komodo dragons, monkeys, deer and buffalo, while visiting some of the region’s most spectacular viewpoints and beaches.
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Combining world-class manta encounters, incredible biodiversity, volcanic landscapes and unforgettable island adventures, this expedition showcases the very best of Indonesia’s marine wilderness. From graceful mantas gliding through the currents to tiny macro wonders hidden among the reefs, Komodo offers a truly remarkable journey into one of the richest ecosystems on Earth accompanied by a Manta Trust researcher.
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A TYPICAL ITINERARY
Day 1:
Hotel/Airport pick up and embarkation from 9am
Onboard introductions, boat & safety briefings
Depending on guests' arrival, possible check dive in the afternoon
Day 2-11:
Up to 4 dives a dives, 3 day time dives and where/when possible a sunset/night dive. Beside diving, there will also be a few trekking excursions. A typical day onboard is scheduled as follows:
- Light Breakfast followed by a briefing & dive 1
- Full Breakfast, relaxation followed by briefing & dive 2
- Lunch, relaxation followed by briefing & dive 3
- Snacks and relaxation
- Briefing for Sunset or Night dive
- Dinner
Day 12:
Up to 2 morning dives. Vessel goes to port and remains at anchor overnight.
Day13:
Breakfast onboard and disembarkation
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The Manta Expedition was an
epic trip from start to finish
great people, diving and boat!
Guest, Socorro 2023
MEET YOUR MANTA EXPERTS
As on all Socorro Manta Expeditions, two Manta Trust scientists will be onboard for its entire duration, offering everyone the opportunity to interact and learn from leading manta experts. The presence of Manta Trust scientists onboard will enhance your experience in a number of ways: • motivate and inspire you, by learning about the marine ecosystems you will be exploring • gain access to an accumulated wealth of knowledge and expertise, providing you the opportunity to become actively involved in cutting-edge scientific research. • offer you an educational and much more rewarding experience by making your underwater encounters more personal, and by involving you first-hand in marine research and conservation. • be environmentally aware and proactive and become an active member of an initiative which stands to have strong implications for the on-going persistence for manta rays worldwide. Collectively the Manta Trust and Manta Expeditions teams possess over three decades of experience working globally, studying manta populations and marine life and have assembled a vast amount of knowledge and expertise, knowledge you will have access to on this expedition. A core focus of the expeditions is not only to provide close encounters with manta rays but to enthuse and educate divers in marine conservation issues and the environment surrounding them. Through a series of activities and presentations on topics covering local marine species and habitats led by the Manta Trust expert, you are sure to leave with an increased awareness of the threats facing our oceans and, perhaps more importantly, how you can help. Using the knowledge of the Manta Trust scientists you will gain a brand-new perspective to diving and experiencing the underwater world; by understanding what you see you will gain a better appreciation and love for the ocean and its creatures. Ultimately, with the guidance of the Manta Trust researcher you will have the chance to give something back to the ocean which we believe is fundamental considering how much we take from it!
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I love getting the additional information
on the mantas & other ocean life from the
experts on board.
It adds so much to my experience
Guest, Socorro 2022
YOUR IMPACT
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