Trip Highlights
Cruise seamlessly between remote islands aboard the Damai luxury liveaboard, combining adventure and relaxation on a fully equipped vessel.
Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and dramatic underwater landscapes throughout Komodo National Park, swimming among graceful manta rays, green and hawksbill turtles, and schools of tropical fish.
Walk alongside the legendary and endemic Komodo dragons in their natural habitat on Rinca and Komodo Islands.
About This Trip
In just eight unforgettable days, let Komodo National Park unfurl its wonders before you—a tapestry of volcanic silhouettes, secluded coves, and some of the most vibrant marine ecosystems on Earth. This curated liveaboard journey explores the full breadth of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is crafted for explorers who crave both serenity and exhilaration, blending days adrift on turquoise waters with moments spent wandering sun-kissed shores.
Aboard the privately chartered Damai, snorkel among graceful manta rays, green and hawksbill sea turtles, and shimmering schools of reef fish set against thriving coral gardens. Ashore, encounter the legendary Komodo dragon and take in sweeping island vistas that define this wild archipelago. The itinerary highlights the region’s best snorkeling, with optional scuba diving available for those who wish—without ever detracting from the snorkel-focused experience.
Conservation Impact
As America’s oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ocean conservation, Oceanic Society designs each expedition to deepen connections between people and nature while empowering travelers to play a direct role in preserving marine ecosystems. Through the Expedition Impact Program, your participation supports local ocean conservation projects in visited destinations, coral restoration, and plastic pollution offset initiatives.
Your visit to Komodo National Park also supports conservation, with park fees directly funding the protection of Komodo dragons and their habitat, preserving marine life, funding rangers and park staff, and supporting local communities.
Dates & Prices
Sept 25-Oct 2, 2028
Book This TripWhat's Included
All accommodations, activities, and meals as described; ground transportation to each destination, airport transfers; and a dedicated Oceanic Society naturalist.
What's Not Included
Airfare, alcoholic beverages, meals not listed in the itinerary, airport taxes, any activities not described, and gratuities. Two master cabins are available for an additional fee. Limited single supplements are available for a fee of $3,995.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
Arrive in Labuanbajo and transfer to the liveaboard vessel, Damai. Guests are welcomed aboard with an orientation and safety briefing before setting sail toward Sebolan, the first snorkeling grounds, beginning your journey through the stunning islands and waters of Komodo National Park.
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.
Today features some of the most colorful reef systems in the archipelago. Expect bright coral gardens packed with anthias, surgeonfish, and other schooling species, along with frequent encounters with turtles. These sites are also known for manta rays, which may be seen feeding or visiting cleaning areas in shallow water.
Horseshoe Bay offers a dramatic mix of coral walls, shallow pinnacles, and black-sand slopes teeming with unique marine life. The nutrient-rich waters here support everything from colorful soft corals to an array of unusual reef creatures.
The bay itself is a wildlife spectacle: Komodo dragons often wander the beach and sea eagles circle overhead. Deer and macaques are also commonly seen around the anchorage, sometimes even swimming between coves.
Today, we visit the southern reaches of Komodo National Park, starting with the iconic Manta Alley. Here, cooler waters attract manta rays that are often observed moving gracefully through shallow channels and feeding near the surface. Spot 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.
In the afternoon, we explore the scenic snorkeling areas around Padar Island, featuring dramatic rocky coastlines, vibrant coral communities, and diverse fish life. This area offers wide underwater vistas and some of the most striking above-water scenery in Komodo.
The northern part of the park features clear water and excellent visibility over coral-covered seamounts. Here, you’ll snorkel above thriving reef systems filled with clouds of schooling fish, with the possibility of spotting reef sharks cruising along the edges.
These final days offer a wonderful chance to revisit favorite sites, enjoy relaxed time in the water, and take in the beauty of Komodo’s underwater ecosystems.
Ship
Damai I
The Damai I is a boutique liveaboard ship that offers a high level of comfort for exploring Indonesia’s waters. It was built in South Sulawesi in 2009 by Pak Hadji Baso, one of the most respected master boat builders in the traditional Indonesian boat…
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
Trip Extensions
Enhance your journey with optional trip extensions tailored to your interests. Extend your time in Komodo with land-based snorkeling tours in the park’s western reaches or venture farther afield with extensions to North Sulawesi or Raja Ampat, home to extraordinary coral gardens, rich marine biodiversity, and distinctive cultural experiences.
