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Location Komodo, Indonesia
Duration 7 nights
Vessel Rebel
Level Snorkel friendly / Open Water
Manta Expert TBC
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Few travellers will experience Komodo in this way, this exclusive Conservation Series voyage offers a unique opportunity to venture beyond traditional exploration and become part of a meaningful conservation story. Guided by a leading manta researcher and supported by Rascal's renowned hospitality, guests will enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters, exceptional comfort, and privileged access to the science shaping the future of ocean and manta conservation.
Rascal Voyages is a luxury expedition brand redefining exploration across the Indonesian archipelago through a collection of handcrafted phinisi yachts that blend authentic heritage with contemporary barefoot luxury.
Designed for intimate groups of just a few guests, each voyage is fully bespoke, combining exceptional onboard hospitality, world-class cuisine, and thoughtfully curated itineraries that move seamlessly between remote wilderness, vibrant marine ecosystems, and rich local cultures. Guided by expert crews and a deep commitment to conservation and responsible travel, Rascal offers an experience where discovery, comfort, and meaningful connection to place are seamlessly intertwined.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Ultra-exclusive voyage aboard Rascal’s private floating villa, limited to a very small number of guests for maximum privacy and exclusivity
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Accompanied by leading marine scientists, including a senior Manta Trust researcher
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Privileged access to real-time science, offering insight into ongoing research and conservation efforts
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Direct participation in marine conservation work, including field observation, identification, and data collection
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Fully curated, slow-travel itinerary, designed around wildlife behaviour, ocean conditions, and meaningful encounters rather than fixed schedules
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World-class onboard hospitality, with elevated, chef-led cuisine and bespoke dining experiences daily
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Intimate group setting, ensuring personalised guiding, space, and a highly tailored guest experience
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Reef Mantas
Green Turtles
Komodo Dragons
As part of Rascal's Conservation Series, this expedition is designed around manta ray science and the protection of marine megafauna in Komodo National Park. The program is centred on three main objectives:
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Investigating manta ray ecology, behaviour, and identification methods
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Contributing to ongoing field studies through population surveys and scientific data collection
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Exploring deeper reef and pelagic habitats to record and study seldom-seen marine species
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Throughout the voyage, guests will work alongside researchers from the Manta Trust, gaining practical insight into the techniques used to identify individual manta rays, record field observations, and support active conservation research.​​
This voyage provides a deeper understanding of Komodo’s
remarkable marine ecosystems - through onboard presentations, discussions, and field activities, you will learn about the region’s ecological importance as a key habitat and migratory pathway, as well as the conservation challenges affecting manta ray populations throughout Indonesia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
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Research and conservation activities are seamlessly integrated into each day of the expedition, while the remainder of the itinerary is dedicated to experiencing the natural beauty of Komodo. Activities may include diving, snorkelling, island exploration, and a range of signature Rascal experiences.
All research and conservation efforts are conducted in partnership with the Manta Trust. As scientific priorities and environmental conditions can change, activities may be adjusted accordingly, ensuring a genuine and flexible expedition experience.
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The Voyage Diary
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Of all the destinations in the world, few can match the startling beauty of Indonesia. Rascal Voyages was born from the desire to show guests the heart and soul of this magical island nation: its breathtaking landscapes and spectacular wildlife, the rich indigenous cultures – all in unbridled, unrivalled,
barefoot luxury.
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Steve Ebsworth (Co-founder), Rascal Voyages
MEET YOUR MANTA EXPERT
As on all Manta Expeditions, a Manta Trust scientist will be onboard for its entire duration, offering everyone the opportunity to interact and learn from a leading manta expert. The presence of a Manta Trust scientist 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 two decades of experience working in the Maldives, studying its manta population 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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Unforgettable experience, being accompanied by a Manta Trust biologist in the encounter with manta rays was beautiful!! An absolute must do!!
Elena, Manta Hotspots 2024
YOUR IMPACT
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