Alor to Komodo: Reefs, Rays & Dragons

Arrive in Kalabahi, Alor (2027 departure) or Kupang, Timor Leste (2028 departure) and transfer to the liveaboard vessel, Damai. Guests are welcomed aboard with an orientation and safety briefing before setting sail toward the first snorkeling grounds, beginning your journey through the stunning islands and waters of eastern Indonesia.

Explore the beautiful rocky formations of the Pantar Straits, a body of water separating Pantar Island from Alor Island in the eastern Indonesian archipelago. The clear waters here are perfect for snorkeling, offering encounters with colorful reef fish, swaying soft corals, and vibrant marine life. Playful dolphins are often spotted in the open waters, and if you’re lucky, you might see the occasional timid Mola Mola near the surface.

Throughout the day, we’ll visit a variety of snorkeling sites, including Clown Alley, Beangabang Bay, and others. Sites may vary based on weather and sea conditions, and opportunities to see the best marine life. Clown Alley is a long standout reef, completely covered with anemones and home to schools of clownfish, while Beangabang Bay offers vibrant coral gardens teeming with juvenile fish, ghost pipefish, and tiny shrimp. 

Today, we explore Rusa, a cluster of three small islands nestled in the currents between Kawula and Pantar. The waters around these islands are alive with color and movement, making them a snorkeler’s paradise. Spectacular rock formations rise from the sea, completely covered with both hard and soft corals, crinoids, and swaying anemones, creating vibrant underwater gardens.

In the northern waters of Kawula Island, Tanjung Bacatan is a classic snorkeling spot. Gentle slopes give way to dramatic underwater walls, where you may spot pelagic visitors like tunas, wahoo, and other fast-moving reef fish. The variety of marine life here keeps every snorkel exciting and full of discovery.

After exploring Tanjung Bacatan, we sail towards the striking volcano of Komba, which is still active and remains a breathtaking sight. Along the way, we’ll keep a lookout for whales, adding a touch of awe-inspiring wildlife to your day on the water.

Today, we visit Batu Boga, a vibrant snorkeling site alive with color and motion. Explore coral gardens adorned with majestic sea fans, swaying soft corals, and bustling schools of grunts and snappers. Keep an eye out for graceful sea turtles gliding through the clear waters and the occasional blacktip reef shark patrolling the shallows. Every moment here is a chance to witness the beauty and diversity of the marine world.

After enjoying Batu Boga, we embark on a scenic crossing to Komodo, taking in the open waters and reflecting on the incredible marine life encountered so far.

Explore the northern boundaries of Komodo National Park at Sebolan Kecil, where gentle slopes and healthy, vibrant coral gardens await. Snorkelers may encounter graceful eagle rays hovering near the reef, as well as schools of colorful reef fish weaving through the corals.

After enjoying these rich snorkeling grounds, we continue towards the northern Komodo region, where dramatic landscapes and vibrant marine life create unforgettable snorkeling opportunities along the scenic waters near Lawa Laut and The Passage.

Head into the heart of Komodo National Park to explore the waters around Batu Bolong, the iconic “Rock with the Hole.” Snorkelers can enjoy vibrant coral reefs teeming with schools of tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and the occasional passing pelagic visitor. Visit Wainilu on Rinca’s north coast, home to shallow coral gardens and tiny reef creatures.

In the afternoon, we step ashore for a guided walk through the park to see the prehistoric Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.

The waters around the Cannibal Rock pinnacle are alive with schooling fish, while the surrounding coral slopes offer plenty of opportunities to spot small reef creatures and colorful critters. Torpedo Alley features black sand slopes and vibrant reef areas, perfect for discovering tiny marine life among the corals. Yellow Wall is a stunning vertical reef adorned with golden soft corals and crinoids, creating a dramatic underwater backdrop.

Onshore, Komodo dragons may be seen prowling the beach, wild boars forage along the shoreline, and deer sometimes swim across the bay. Overhead, Brahminy Kites and White-Bellied Sea Eagles soar, while monkeys climb through the trees, making every moment on land as captivating as what lies beneath the water.

Experience the southern tip of Komodo Island, starting with the iconic Manta Alley. Snorkelers may encounter manta rays gracefully gliding through the waters, along with schools of tropical fish, Napoleon wrasse, humphead parrotfish, sweetlips, and sea turtles. While the water can be cooler here, the abundance of marine life makes it a thrilling snorkeling experience.

Next, we visit the island of Padar, where underwater pinnacles rise dramatically from the white sand bottom, creating colorful reef habitats teeming with reef fish and the occasional elusive frogfish. Snorkelers can marvel at the dramatic seascapes and vibrant coral gardens that make this area one of the most picturesque in the park.

For some of the most spectacular snorkeling in Komodo, we head to the northern waters of the park around Gili Lawa Laut. Here, vibrant coral-covered seamounts like Crystal Rock and Castle Rock are alive with schooling fish, creating mesmerizing underwater displays. Keep your eyes open for cruising sharks gliding gracefully through the clear waters, adding a touch of excitement to the abundant marine life.

These days offer ample time to explore multiple snorkeling spots, each chosen to maximize sightings of Komodo’s rich reef life, while soaking in the dramatic scenery of the northern park.

Travelers will be escorted to the airport in Labuan Bajo for departure back home. Optional extensions are available; please inquire.