RAJA MANTA EXPLORER + BLUE MANTA EXPLORER: Itinerary
Raja Manta Explorer - Raja Ampat Itinerary
Water Temp: 80-86F/27-30C. Air Temp: 80-89F/27-32C.
Visibility: 49-99FT/15-30M. Experience Level: intermediate to advanced.
Best Time to Dive: October to April (less rain & much less wind; perfect for diving).
Please note also that this itinerary is an example only, and will change depending on weather and logistics at the Captain's discretion.
Day 1. (0-1 dives) 5pm, Sorong. On arrival our staff will meet you at Airport to assist you and transfer to Raja Manta Explorer. Once all guests are onboard you will receive a very warm welcome, briefing, dinner, then we set sail to Raja Ampat. Possible check dive at Red Light district just outside Sorong if all arrive early.
Day 2. (4 dives) Penemu Island; Barracuda, Galaxy, Bridge, & night dive at Kima
Day 3. (4 dives) Fam; Melissa’s Garden, My Reef, Keruo channel, Way Pretty Shallow. Amazing landscapes and bays.
Day 4. (4 dives) Yangeffo Island; Citrus ridge, Mayhem ridge, Manta Sandy, & night dive. Reef, mangrove & manta cleaning station
Day 5. (4 dives) Dampier Strait; Sardine Reef, Cape Kri, Friwinbonda, & Sawok night dive. Big fish, sharks, tuna, jacks, barracuda, & more. Night dive looking for blue-ringed octopus and more critters.
Day 6. (2 dives) Blue Magic, Mioskon, Manta Cleaning Station and shallow reef to finish. Sail back to Sorong Port. Plenty of time to wash & dry equipment, have lunch, and rest & relaxation.
Day 7. (0 dives) 6am. Check out after breakfast, farewells, and transfer to airport.
Raja Manta Explorer Trip Schedule:
Departure 5pm 1st day - Sorong, West Papua; or earlier if everyone arrives before and all Trip Preparations have been completed. Free transfer from Airport or local Hotel to on Trip departure day.
7D/6N & 18 dives or 8D/7N & 22 Dives: enjoy spectacular diving in the world’s most bio diverse diving destination. A trip you will truly never forget.
Return; 6am, Last Day - Sorong, West Papua. After we give you a breakfast and make our farewells we will transfer you to the airport in time for check in & flight or to your chosen local hotel.
Last Dive Ends; 12pm Penultimate Day. Plenty of time for R&R while we sail back to Sorong where we spend our last night on Raja Manta Explorer. This also allows for your minimum 18hrs surface interval/No fly time (as recommended by PADI).
How to get to & from Sorong (SOQ), West Papua:
Raja Ampat trips start and finish in Sorong, West Papua. We will be there to meet you at Sorong Airport (SOQ) and transport you to your liveaboard adventure. It is easiest to fly to & from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG Ujung Pandang), Bali (DPS, Denpasar), or Manado (MDC).
International Flights:
Silk Air operates regularly from Singapore to Manado. Garuda Indonesia flies daily from Singapore to Makassar, then Domestic flight to Sorong. During the stopover in Makassar, you may wish to take advantage of some rest between flights, just remember to set your alarms in good time for your early flight to Sorong! Ibis Makassar Airport is located right on the side of the exit door
Jakarta (CGK): If you are travelling via Jakarta, some International & Domestic flights do not always arrive/depart from same terminal building. Transfers between terminals can take some time so please plan accordantly.
Domestic airlines:
There are a number of operators who offer domestic flights to and from Sorong; Garuda Indonesia / Sriwijaya Air / Lion Air / Express Air
Book online directly: Garuda Indonesia & Lion Wings provides online reservations.
Other airline carriers: You may need an Indonesian credit card.
Hotels: We can help recommend local hotels in Sorong where we can pick you up & drop off on Trip Departure/arrival day. Check out the following hotel options in Sorong; Swiss-Belhotel; Hotel Mariat; Royal Mamberamo; JE Meridien Hotel; Waigo Hotel.
Ambon, Banda Sea & Forgotten Islands Itinerary
Water Temp: Generally 80-84F/27-29C. However Alor can have temps in low to mid 60’sF/20’sC.
Air Temp: 71-87F/22-31C
Visibility: 66-99FT/20-30M.
Currents: medium to strong.
Experience level: intermediate to advanced.
Best Time to Dive: March, April, & mid-September to December
11D/10N: Raja - Ring – Ambon (Start/Finish - Sorong/Ambon)
11D/10N: Ambon - Ring - Raja Ampat (Start/Finish - Ambon/Sorong)
9D/8N: Ambon -Banda -Ring of Fire (Start/Finish - Ambon/Ambon)
Please contact us for trip itineraries, departure & arrival times along with details of domestic & international flights specific to each trip.
Sample Itinerary - Ambon -Ring - Raja Ampat 11D/10N
Please note that schedules are subjected to changes according to weather & sea conditions.
Day 1. (1-2 dives) Our staff will meet you at Ambon Airport and take you to the awaiting Raja Manta Explorer. Depending on arrival time we can do check dive in Ambon Bay. After 2 critter dives, we sail overnight to Banda Island.
Day 2. (3 dives) diving around Banda Island; Pulau Ai, Batu Kapal, Karang Hatta, Pulau Kerala.
Day 3-5. (3-4 dives x3 days) Ring of Fire. Hammerhead sharks hunt!
Day 6. (4 dives) - West Seram, Pulau Koon full days diving, then sail for Raja Ampat.
Day 7-9. (3-4 dives x3 days) South Raja Ampat islands; Missol, Kri, & Wai.
Day 10. (2 dives) Batanta; Happy Ending, & night dive. Plenty of time to wash & dry equipment, have lunch, and rest & relaxation.
Day 11. (0 dives) 6am-12pm. Check out after breakfast, farewells, and transfer to airport. Take your pre-booked flight from Sorong.
Diving days: 10 days (32 dives)
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
There are several different embarkation & disembarkation points for our Banda Sea diving safaris. While some trips that visit the region begin or end in Raja Ampat (Sorong) and others in Flores (Maumere) the most common access is from Ambon. Please check your trip itinerary and confirm your start / end points before booking any flights. Wherever your trip starts / finishes we will be there to collect you at the airport on the day of departure and transfer you to your departure airport at the end of your trip.
Embarkation / Disembarkation points (please check your trips itinerary before booking flights):
How to get to Ambon (AMQ):
Lion Air daily flights from Bali via Makassar or Manado, Garuda Indonesia or Sriwijaya Air from Jakarta via Makassar to Ambon (flight time around 3 hours).
How to get from Ambon (AMQ):
Lion Air daily flights from Ambon to Bali, or with Garuda Indonesia or Sriwijaya Air to Jakarta all via Makassar. Early morning flights should give you best chance of making connecting International flights (flight time around 3 hours).
Ambon Hotels: Trip Departures are from Laha Bay, Ambon. We only include local hotel/ airport pickups as Ambon is vast. If staying at Maluku Divers Resort then this is local and we will pick you & included. If staying in any of the hotels located on North Eastern side (i.e Dive into Ambon) or on the Southern side of Ambon (i.e Swiss Belhotel Ambon) then NOT local and we ask you to make your own way to Pattimura Airport (AMQ) where we will collect you.
How to get to Sorong (SOQ), West Papua: It is easiest to fly to Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG Ujung Pandang), Bali (DPS, Denpasar), or Manado (MDC). Domestic Airlines: Garuda Indonesia / Sriwijaya Air / Lion Air / Express Air. International Airlines: Silk Air operates regularly from Singapore to Manado. Garuda Indonesia flies daily from Singapore to Makassar.
How to get from Sorong (SOQ), West Papua: Daily flights from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG, Ujung Pandang) or Manado (MDC) Domestic Airlines; Garuda Indonesia / Sriwijaya Air / Lion Air / Express Air
Hotels in Sorong: check out the following hotel options in Sorong; Swiss-Belhotel; Hotel Mariat; Royal Mamberamo; JE Meridien Hotel;Waigo Hotel.
How to get to Maumere (MOF), Flores: Lion Air & KalStar have daily flights from Ambon or Bali to Maumere. Early morning flights should give you best chance of making connecting International flights (flight time around 2hours).
How to get from Maumere (MOF), Flores: There are daily flights from Maumere to either Bali or Makassar. Lion Air & KalStar (flight time around 2 hours).
Hotels in Maumere: For hotels located close to the airport and our departure point, which can provide a comfortable overnight stay, check out these options: Sylvia Hotel or CAPRA Resort.
How to get to Tual (LUV), Kai Islands: Via Ambon; you can connect with a flight from Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS) via Ujung Pandang (UPG/ aka Makassar) or Manado (MDC). To Langgur/ Tual Dumatubun Airport (LUV) from Ambon (AMQ) with Lion Wings (Lion Air) & Garuda Indonesia daily. Lion Wings best for earlier Trip Departure.
How to get from Tual (LUV), Kai Islands: From Langgur/ Tual Dumatubun Airport (LUV) to Ambon (AMQ) with Lion Wings (Lion Air) & Garuda Indonesia daily Via Ambon; after the flight from Ambon you can connect with Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS) via Ujung Pandang (UPG/ aka Makassar) or Manado (MDC).
Hotels in Tual & Langgur (Kai Islands): Recommended Hotels, close to the airport and perfect for a short overnight stay include; Grand Villa Hotel or Syafira Hotel.
Book online directly: Garuda Indonesia & Lion Wings provides online reservations.
Other airline carriers: You may need an Indonesian credit card.
Blue Manta Explorer - Komodo Itinerary
Sample Itinerary Komodo North & South 8D/7N 20 Dives (schedules are subjected to changes according to weather and sea condition).
Day 1. (1-2 dives) Our staff will meet you in Labuan Bajo Airport and transfer you to Blue Manta Explorer. Depending on arrival time, we do check dive at Bidadari and night dive at Pulau Sebayor in Central Komodo.
Day 2. (4 dives) North Komodo; Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Shotgun, Gili Lawa. Pinnacles, drift dives and reefs full of action with hunting pleagics, jacks & sharks!
Day 3. (4 dives) North/Central Komodo; Tatawa Besar & Kecil, Batu Bolong, stunning coral gardens with amazing fish life. On to Wainilu for an amazing night dive.
Day 4. (4 dives) Central/South Komodo; Padar Island; one of our favorite regions in the park with some stunning and diverse dive sites such as Three Sisters and Pillarsteen.
Day 5. (4 dives) South Komodo; Manta Alley provides some of the best Manta Action in the region with large aggregations of these marine mega stars visiting for both cleaning and feeding action.
Day 6. (4 dives) South Komodo; Nusa Kode; Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall, Torpedo Alley, Crinoid Crack. Macro; nudibranchs, octopus, frogfish, pigmy seahorses, & more.
Day 7. (2 dives) Central Komodo; More Manta Action at Makassar Reef followed by a final dive in Current City. Finally enjoy a walk on the wide side in search of Komodo Dragons, and then back on board to relax as we sail towards Labuan Bajo, where you spend last night on Blue Manta Explorer in Bajo Port.
Day 8. (0 Dives) 6am-12pm; check out after Breakfast, farewells and transfer to airport. Take your pre-booked flight from Labuan Bajo.
Blue Manta Explorer Trip Schedule:
Departure; 3.30pm, 1st Day - Bajo Port, Labuan Bajo, Western Flores. Or earlier if everyone arrives before and all Trip Preparations have been completed. Free transfer from Airport or local hotel to Bajo Port (15 mins) on Trip Departure day.
7D/6N& 20 dives to 11D/10N & 33 dives: Enjoy spectacular diving in the North, Central and (weather permitting) Southern areas of the National Park. Trips departing from Bima / disembarking in Labuan Bajo and vice versa available from 2019. Prepare for Strong currents and conditions suitable for advanced level divers. We recommend 30-50 minimum dives logged prior to your Komodo itinerary.
Return; 6am, Last Day - Bajo Port, Labuan Bajo, Western Flores. After breakfast and farewells we take you to the Airport in time for Check-in & flight or local hotel.
Last dive ends; 12pm, Penultimate Day. Followed by a walk on the wild side in search of Komodo dragons, then sail back to LBJ port for late evening. This allows for your minimum 18 hours surface interval/ No Fly Time (as recommended by Padi).
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
International Flights: Labuan Bajo (LBJ), Western Flores can be accessed via Bali (DPS, Denpasar). International connections from Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Jakarta (CGK), and Bangkok (BKK) to name but a few. From Singapore you can now fly same day via Jakarta with Garuda Indonesia to and from Labuan Bajo.
Domestic Flights: Early morning Garuda Indonesia or Lion Air flights between Bali & Labuan Bajo, are the preferred option. Alternatively if you arrive to Bali by 9am on Trip Departure day you should be able to connect with Lion Wings later flights at 13:10 & 13:55 or Nam Air Flight at 13:40. Please ensure you book domestic flights BEFORE confirming your International flights to ensure you make your connection to & from Labuan Bajo.
Book online directly: Garuda Indonesia & Lion Wings provides online reservations.
Other airline carriers: You may need an Indonesian credit card.
Hotels in Labuan Bajo: For guests planning to stay in Labuan Bajo before or after their trip, the following hotels come recommended; Jayakarta Suites Hotel, Bintang Flores Hotel, La Prima, Please note this is not an exhaustive list but a good place to start when looking for accommodation in Labuan Bajo.
From May 2019 our Komodo schedules Start & Finish ports will alternate between Bima & Labuan Bajo, please check your trip itinerary to confirm your trip’s arrival & departure points.
How to get to Bima (BMU): Daily flights are available from Bali or Makassar with Lion Air or from Lombok with Garuda Indonesia Early morning arrivals are the preferred option in order to allow us to start diving by the early afternoon.
How to get from Bima (BMU): Daily flights to Bali or Makassar with Lion Air or to Lombok with Garuda Indonesia On Trip Return if you have connecting International flights home, please allow enough time between your Domestic flight landing and International departure.
Bima Hotels: With regular flight schedules to and from Bali there is really no need to stay in Bima overnight before or after your Komodo dive itinerary. Bima is a small town and as yet there are very few hotels that cater for the international traveller.
Water Temp: 80-86F/27-30C. Air Temp: 80-89F/27-32C.
Visibility: 49-99FT/15-30M. Experience Level: intermediate to advanced.
Best Time to Dive: October to April (less rain & much less wind; perfect for diving).
Please note also that this itinerary is an example only, and will change depending on weather and logistics at the Captain's discretion.
Day 1. (0-1 dives) 5pm, Sorong. On arrival our staff will meet you at Airport to assist you and transfer to Raja Manta Explorer. Once all guests are onboard you will receive a very warm welcome, briefing, dinner, then we set sail to Raja Ampat. Possible check dive at Red Light district just outside Sorong if all arrive early.
Day 2. (4 dives) Penemu Island; Barracuda, Galaxy, Bridge, & night dive at Kima
Day 3. (4 dives) Fam; Melissa’s Garden, My Reef, Keruo channel, Way Pretty Shallow. Amazing landscapes and bays.
Day 4. (4 dives) Yangeffo Island; Citrus ridge, Mayhem ridge, Manta Sandy, & night dive. Reef, mangrove & manta cleaning station
Day 5. (4 dives) Dampier Strait; Sardine Reef, Cape Kri, Friwinbonda, & Sawok night dive. Big fish, sharks, tuna, jacks, barracuda, & more. Night dive looking for blue-ringed octopus and more critters.
Day 6. (2 dives) Blue Magic, Mioskon, Manta Cleaning Station and shallow reef to finish. Sail back to Sorong Port. Plenty of time to wash & dry equipment, have lunch, and rest & relaxation.
Day 7. (0 dives) 6am. Check out after breakfast, farewells, and transfer to airport.
Raja Manta Explorer Trip Schedule:
Departure 5pm 1st day - Sorong, West Papua; or earlier if everyone arrives before and all Trip Preparations have been completed. Free transfer from Airport or local Hotel to on Trip departure day.
7D/6N & 18 dives or 8D/7N & 22 Dives: enjoy spectacular diving in the world’s most bio diverse diving destination. A trip you will truly never forget.
Return; 6am, Last Day - Sorong, West Papua. After we give you a breakfast and make our farewells we will transfer you to the airport in time for check in & flight or to your chosen local hotel.
Last Dive Ends; 12pm Penultimate Day. Plenty of time for R&R while we sail back to Sorong where we spend our last night on Raja Manta Explorer. This also allows for your minimum 18hrs surface interval/No fly time (as recommended by PADI).
How to get to & from Sorong (SOQ), West Papua:
Raja Ampat trips start and finish in Sorong, West Papua. We will be there to meet you at Sorong Airport (SOQ) and transport you to your liveaboard adventure. It is easiest to fly to & from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG Ujung Pandang), Bali (DPS, Denpasar), or Manado (MDC).
International Flights:
Silk Air operates regularly from Singapore to Manado. Garuda Indonesia flies daily from Singapore to Makassar, then Domestic flight to Sorong. During the stopover in Makassar, you may wish to take advantage of some rest between flights, just remember to set your alarms in good time for your early flight to Sorong! Ibis Makassar Airport is located right on the side of the exit door
Jakarta (CGK): If you are travelling via Jakarta, some International & Domestic flights do not always arrive/depart from same terminal building. Transfers between terminals can take some time so please plan accordantly.
Domestic airlines:
There are a number of operators who offer domestic flights to and from Sorong; Garuda Indonesia / Sriwijaya Air / Lion Air / Express Air
Book online directly: Garuda Indonesia & Lion Wings provides online reservations.
Other airline carriers: You may need an Indonesian credit card.
Hotels: We can help recommend local hotels in Sorong where we can pick you up & drop off on Trip Departure/arrival day. Check out the following hotel options in Sorong; Swiss-Belhotel; Hotel Mariat; Royal Mamberamo; JE Meridien Hotel; Waigo Hotel.
Ambon, Banda Sea & Forgotten Islands Itinerary
Water Temp: Generally 80-84F/27-29C. However Alor can have temps in low to mid 60’sF/20’sC.
Air Temp: 71-87F/22-31C
Visibility: 66-99FT/20-30M.
Currents: medium to strong.
Experience level: intermediate to advanced.
Best Time to Dive: March, April, & mid-September to December
11D/10N: Raja - Ring – Ambon (Start/Finish - Sorong/Ambon)
11D/10N: Ambon - Ring - Raja Ampat (Start/Finish - Ambon/Sorong)
9D/8N: Ambon -Banda -Ring of Fire (Start/Finish - Ambon/Ambon)
Please contact us for trip itineraries, departure & arrival times along with details of domestic & international flights specific to each trip.
Sample Itinerary - Ambon -Ring - Raja Ampat 11D/10N
Please note that schedules are subjected to changes according to weather & sea conditions.
Day 1. (1-2 dives) Our staff will meet you at Ambon Airport and take you to the awaiting Raja Manta Explorer. Depending on arrival time we can do check dive in Ambon Bay. After 2 critter dives, we sail overnight to Banda Island.
Day 2. (3 dives) diving around Banda Island; Pulau Ai, Batu Kapal, Karang Hatta, Pulau Kerala.
Day 3-5. (3-4 dives x3 days) Ring of Fire. Hammerhead sharks hunt!
Day 6. (4 dives) - West Seram, Pulau Koon full days diving, then sail for Raja Ampat.
Day 7-9. (3-4 dives x3 days) South Raja Ampat islands; Missol, Kri, & Wai.
Day 10. (2 dives) Batanta; Happy Ending, & night dive. Plenty of time to wash & dry equipment, have lunch, and rest & relaxation.
Day 11. (0 dives) 6am-12pm. Check out after breakfast, farewells, and transfer to airport. Take your pre-booked flight from Sorong.
Diving days: 10 days (32 dives)
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
There are several different embarkation & disembarkation points for our Banda Sea diving safaris. While some trips that visit the region begin or end in Raja Ampat (Sorong) and others in Flores (Maumere) the most common access is from Ambon. Please check your trip itinerary and confirm your start / end points before booking any flights. Wherever your trip starts / finishes we will be there to collect you at the airport on the day of departure and transfer you to your departure airport at the end of your trip.
Embarkation / Disembarkation points (please check your trips itinerary before booking flights):
- Ambon (AMQ) / Ambon (AMQ)
- Ambon (AMQ) / Saumlaki (SXK)
- Saumlaki (SXK), / Ambon (AMQ)
- Ambon (AMQ), / Sorong (SOQ),
- Sorong (SOQ), West Papua / Ambon (AMQ)
- Maumere (MOF), Flores / Saumlaki (SXK)
- Saumlaki (SXK) / Maumere (MOF)
How to get to Ambon (AMQ):
Lion Air daily flights from Bali via Makassar or Manado, Garuda Indonesia or Sriwijaya Air from Jakarta via Makassar to Ambon (flight time around 3 hours).
How to get from Ambon (AMQ):
Lion Air daily flights from Ambon to Bali, or with Garuda Indonesia or Sriwijaya Air to Jakarta all via Makassar. Early morning flights should give you best chance of making connecting International flights (flight time around 3 hours).
Ambon Hotels: Trip Departures are from Laha Bay, Ambon. We only include local hotel/ airport pickups as Ambon is vast. If staying at Maluku Divers Resort then this is local and we will pick you & included. If staying in any of the hotels located on North Eastern side (i.e Dive into Ambon) or on the Southern side of Ambon (i.e Swiss Belhotel Ambon) then NOT local and we ask you to make your own way to Pattimura Airport (AMQ) where we will collect you.
How to get to Sorong (SOQ), West Papua: It is easiest to fly to Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG Ujung Pandang), Bali (DPS, Denpasar), or Manado (MDC). Domestic Airlines: Garuda Indonesia / Sriwijaya Air / Lion Air / Express Air. International Airlines: Silk Air operates regularly from Singapore to Manado. Garuda Indonesia flies daily from Singapore to Makassar.
How to get from Sorong (SOQ), West Papua: Daily flights from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG, Ujung Pandang) or Manado (MDC) Domestic Airlines; Garuda Indonesia / Sriwijaya Air / Lion Air / Express Air
Hotels in Sorong: check out the following hotel options in Sorong; Swiss-Belhotel; Hotel Mariat; Royal Mamberamo; JE Meridien Hotel;Waigo Hotel.
How to get to Maumere (MOF), Flores: Lion Air & KalStar have daily flights from Ambon or Bali to Maumere. Early morning flights should give you best chance of making connecting International flights (flight time around 2hours).
How to get from Maumere (MOF), Flores: There are daily flights from Maumere to either Bali or Makassar. Lion Air & KalStar (flight time around 2 hours).
Hotels in Maumere: For hotels located close to the airport and our departure point, which can provide a comfortable overnight stay, check out these options: Sylvia Hotel or CAPRA Resort.
How to get to Tual (LUV), Kai Islands: Via Ambon; you can connect with a flight from Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS) via Ujung Pandang (UPG/ aka Makassar) or Manado (MDC). To Langgur/ Tual Dumatubun Airport (LUV) from Ambon (AMQ) with Lion Wings (Lion Air) & Garuda Indonesia daily. Lion Wings best for earlier Trip Departure.
How to get from Tual (LUV), Kai Islands: From Langgur/ Tual Dumatubun Airport (LUV) to Ambon (AMQ) with Lion Wings (Lion Air) & Garuda Indonesia daily Via Ambon; after the flight from Ambon you can connect with Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS) via Ujung Pandang (UPG/ aka Makassar) or Manado (MDC).
Hotels in Tual & Langgur (Kai Islands): Recommended Hotels, close to the airport and perfect for a short overnight stay include; Grand Villa Hotel or Syafira Hotel.
Book online directly: Garuda Indonesia & Lion Wings provides online reservations.
Other airline carriers: You may need an Indonesian credit card.
Blue Manta Explorer - Komodo Itinerary
Sample Itinerary Komodo North & South 8D/7N 20 Dives (schedules are subjected to changes according to weather and sea condition).
Day 1. (1-2 dives) Our staff will meet you in Labuan Bajo Airport and transfer you to Blue Manta Explorer. Depending on arrival time, we do check dive at Bidadari and night dive at Pulau Sebayor in Central Komodo.
Day 2. (4 dives) North Komodo; Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Shotgun, Gili Lawa. Pinnacles, drift dives and reefs full of action with hunting pleagics, jacks & sharks!
Day 3. (4 dives) North/Central Komodo; Tatawa Besar & Kecil, Batu Bolong, stunning coral gardens with amazing fish life. On to Wainilu for an amazing night dive.
Day 4. (4 dives) Central/South Komodo; Padar Island; one of our favorite regions in the park with some stunning and diverse dive sites such as Three Sisters and Pillarsteen.
Day 5. (4 dives) South Komodo; Manta Alley provides some of the best Manta Action in the region with large aggregations of these marine mega stars visiting for both cleaning and feeding action.
Day 6. (4 dives) South Komodo; Nusa Kode; Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall, Torpedo Alley, Crinoid Crack. Macro; nudibranchs, octopus, frogfish, pigmy seahorses, & more.
Day 7. (2 dives) Central Komodo; More Manta Action at Makassar Reef followed by a final dive in Current City. Finally enjoy a walk on the wide side in search of Komodo Dragons, and then back on board to relax as we sail towards Labuan Bajo, where you spend last night on Blue Manta Explorer in Bajo Port.
Day 8. (0 Dives) 6am-12pm; check out after Breakfast, farewells and transfer to airport. Take your pre-booked flight from Labuan Bajo.
Blue Manta Explorer Trip Schedule:
Departure; 3.30pm, 1st Day - Bajo Port, Labuan Bajo, Western Flores. Or earlier if everyone arrives before and all Trip Preparations have been completed. Free transfer from Airport or local hotel to Bajo Port (15 mins) on Trip Departure day.
7D/6N& 20 dives to 11D/10N & 33 dives: Enjoy spectacular diving in the North, Central and (weather permitting) Southern areas of the National Park. Trips departing from Bima / disembarking in Labuan Bajo and vice versa available from 2019. Prepare for Strong currents and conditions suitable for advanced level divers. We recommend 30-50 minimum dives logged prior to your Komodo itinerary.
Return; 6am, Last Day - Bajo Port, Labuan Bajo, Western Flores. After breakfast and farewells we take you to the Airport in time for Check-in & flight or local hotel.
Last dive ends; 12pm, Penultimate Day. Followed by a walk on the wild side in search of Komodo dragons, then sail back to LBJ port for late evening. This allows for your minimum 18 hours surface interval/ No Fly Time (as recommended by Padi).
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
International Flights: Labuan Bajo (LBJ), Western Flores can be accessed via Bali (DPS, Denpasar). International connections from Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Jakarta (CGK), and Bangkok (BKK) to name but a few. From Singapore you can now fly same day via Jakarta with Garuda Indonesia to and from Labuan Bajo.
Domestic Flights: Early morning Garuda Indonesia or Lion Air flights between Bali & Labuan Bajo, are the preferred option. Alternatively if you arrive to Bali by 9am on Trip Departure day you should be able to connect with Lion Wings later flights at 13:10 & 13:55 or Nam Air Flight at 13:40. Please ensure you book domestic flights BEFORE confirming your International flights to ensure you make your connection to & from Labuan Bajo.
Book online directly: Garuda Indonesia & Lion Wings provides online reservations.
Other airline carriers: You may need an Indonesian credit card.
Hotels in Labuan Bajo: For guests planning to stay in Labuan Bajo before or after their trip, the following hotels come recommended; Jayakarta Suites Hotel, Bintang Flores Hotel, La Prima, Please note this is not an exhaustive list but a good place to start when looking for accommodation in Labuan Bajo.
From May 2019 our Komodo schedules Start & Finish ports will alternate between Bima & Labuan Bajo, please check your trip itinerary to confirm your trip’s arrival & departure points.
How to get to Bima (BMU): Daily flights are available from Bali or Makassar with Lion Air or from Lombok with Garuda Indonesia Early morning arrivals are the preferred option in order to allow us to start diving by the early afternoon.
How to get from Bima (BMU): Daily flights to Bali or Makassar with Lion Air or to Lombok with Garuda Indonesia On Trip Return if you have connecting International flights home, please allow enough time between your Domestic flight landing and International departure.
Bima Hotels: With regular flight schedules to and from Bali there is really no need to stay in Bima overnight before or after your Komodo dive itinerary. Bima is a small town and as yet there are very few hotels that cater for the international traveller.
© 2017 Explorer Ventures. All photos & most texts provided courtesy of our longtime friends at Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet.