Route Description - Komodo National Park
Being remote and untouched the 18 islands of the Alor and Solor group are considered one of the best diving destinations in Asia. Komodo National Park was designated a Biosphere Reserve under the UNESCO Man & Biosphere Program and became a World Heritage Site in 1991 and offers stunning dive opportunities.
The Komodo National Park is composed by the two larger islands - Komodo and Rinca; and about 80 smaller islets. No cruise on MV Samambaia is like the other. Every single trip is tailor-made to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The decision on the itinerary is made by the cruise director as we cruise along and is based on factors such as weather conditions, dive conditions, requests of guests and schedules of other liveaboards, which we are trying to stay away from. This is just to give you a general idea and is subject to change due to weather- and other conditions. Popular dive sites are named. We do however have our secret spots as well, which you will learn about during the cruise.
You will be met by someone carrying a Samambaia sign who will take you directly to the boat Hotel pickup time is in the morning. You can check in on the boat as of 12:00. The boat departs Labuan Bajo early in the afternoon on the same day
Itinerary highlights
DAY 1
Safety Briefing, Crew Introduction, Necessary Dive Paperwork, Cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before departing the Harbour. During the journey to our first dive site for a check dive, please take this opportunity to familiarize yourselves with the vessel and make yourself comfortable. Dinner on board
Please Note: This is a sample itinerary and nº of dives, dive sites, etc. may be subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforseeable factors.
DAY 2
Three day dives of minimum 1 hour duration One sunset- or night dive (unless we have to cover a serious amount of miles over night) Scenic rides through lagoons and coves in our tenders Trekking to breathtaking view points Visits of secluded perfect beaches Excursions to traditional villages Whale watching. Water action such as wake boarding and water skiing. This is just to give you a general idea and is subject to change due to weather- and other conditions. Popular dive sites are named. We do however have our secret spots as well, which you will learn about during the cruise.
Komodo Central & Rinca
Komodo Central & Rinca - After an initial general dive briefing, we will do our check dive with you at an easy and protected dive site. Check dive in the sense of you checking your gear and weights, making sure the camera housings are proper sealed and our guides checking your buoyancy. No skill demonstrations are required. Dive site: ‘Sebayor Kecil’. Over the day we are heading south through the National Park and look into doing an easy drift dive over an impeccable reef, like ‘Tatawa Besar’. To cap this first day of diving we offer a night dive at Wai Nilu, which ranks within the Top 5 favorite night dive spots allover Indonesia of our Cruise Director.
DAY 3
Rinca Trekking, then heading for Nusa Kode -Trekking with Komodo dragons in the morning before it gets too hot in the sun.
Expect to be eye in eye with the last dragons on this planet. A must when coming here. Local rangers take care of our safety.
After this adventure we will be heading to the south of Rinca, also known as Nusa Kode or Horseshoe Bay. Some of the lushest diving Komodo National Park has to offer. During the months of May until October however, the waters are quite cold (down to 23°C) and the visibility is rather poor. You will be, however, rewarded with critter galore: Ambon Scorpionfish, Rhinopias, Frogfish, Wonderpus, Coconut Octopus paired with an overwhelming growth of soft and hard coral on the reefs.
A very common sight at the beach are Komodo Dragons, Deer, Wild Boar and up in the trees you might spot a sea eagle.
DAY 4
Nusa Kode - We offer three more day dives in the Horseshoe Bay. Some of our favourite dive sites here include: ‘Cannibal Rock’, ‘The Yellow Wall of Texas’, ‘Devil’s Corner’ and ‘Torpedo Alley’. In the afternoon we will leave this truly spectacular place and head back up north. For a night dive we will pull into the island of Pantar. Starry Night Octopus, Frogfish, rare Nudibranchs - this dive site never disappoints.
Day 5- 6
Komodo Central - Working our way back up north, we’ve got a few secret spots to offer or we may go instead for some of the popular highlights if the conditions allow us to do so. Potential dive sites for the day: ‘Batu Bolong’, ‘Manta Point’, ‘Golden Passage’.
DAY 7
Komodo - The North - We arrive in the morning in the northern part of the famous Komodo National Park. And straight away hit the signature dive sites ‘Crystal Rock’ and ‘Castle Rock’. Sharks, Jacks, Fish Soup. Action fuelled by current. In the afternoon and at night two more world-class dives at famous site like ‘The Golden Passage’, ‘The Cauldron’ or ‘Lighthouse’. Komodo National Park diving at its best
DAY 8
Unfortunately, our trip has come to an end and we have to say goodbye, but we hope to see you again soon!
The end of your trip. Your last dives will be on the second to last day in the afternoon. It is your responsibility to ensure you respect the 24 hour no-fly time after your last dive!The boat docks back in Labuan Bajo in the evening on the second to last day. Check out and disembarkation is between 06:00 and 14:00 on the last day. Hotel drop-off time is in the morning. Airport drop-off time is according to your flights.