Trip Highlights
Explore Wakatobi National Park, a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve with coral reefs, underwater walls, and shallow lagoons.
Wakatobi is home to 700 coral species and 1,000 fish species, with new and undocumented species continuing to be discovered here.
Snorkel Komodo National Park, encountering manta rays, turtles, and colorful communities of reef fish.
Walk alongside the legendary and endemic Komodo dragons in their natural habitat on Rinca and Komodo Islands.
About This Trip
Explore two of Indonesia’s most celebrated marine national parks on a 12-day liveaboard expedition, snorkeling the extraordinary reefs of Wakatobi and the manta-rich waters of Komodo National Park. Located in Southeast Sulawesi, Wakatobi National Park encompasses more than 100 islands within the Tukang Besi Archipelago and is named for its four largest islands—Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2012, the park is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth, home to more than 1,000 fish species, over 700 coral species, and 85+ bird species. Cetaceans found in the park include whales (beaked whale, pilot whale, blue whale, sperm whale, Bryde’s whale, and melon-headed whale) and dolphins (bottlenose dolphin, round head dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, spinner dolphin, and spotted dolphin). Snorkel crystal-clear waters over vibrant atolls, barrier reefs, and fringing reefs, while mangrove forests and thriving coral gardens provide habitat for an incredible range of marine life. Snorkel crystal-clear waters over vibrant atolls, barrier reefs, and fringing reefs, while mangrove forests and thriving coral gardens provide habitat for an incredible range of marine life.
From Wakatobi, cruise across the Flores Sea toward Komodo National Park, one of the world’s most iconic marine destinations. Known both for its extraordinary underwater ecosystems and for the legendary Komodo dragon—the largest living lizard found nowhere else on Earth—the park offers some of the best tropical snorkeling in the world. Explore dramatic reef slopes and current-swept channels where manta rays glide through cleaning stations and encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, octopus, and schools of colorful tropical fish. Together, Wakatobi and Komodo showcase the astonishing biodiversity of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle and offer an unforgettable journey through some of the planet’s richest marine habitats.
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.
Dates & Prices
Sept 12-23, 2028
Book This TripWhat's Included
Transfers upon arrival and departure, accommodations, daily meals as indicated in the itinerary, activities, and excursions.
Click here for more detailed trip cost information or read our full expedition terms and conditions.
What's Not Included
International and in-country airfare, park fees, optional trip extensions, trip cancellation or travel insurance, visas when applicable, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and optional upgrades. Master cabins are available for an additional fee. Limited single supplements are available for a fee of $3,900.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
Arrive in Wakatobi (Wangi‑Wangi) and embark on the Damai I, a boutique liveaboard designed for comfort and intimate exploration. Settle into your cabin, meet the crew and naturalist guides, and enjoy a welcome briefing with a sunset cruise through nearby waters, preparing for the adventures ahead.
Spend four days exploring Wakatobi’s world-renowned shallow reefs and coral gardens. Snorkel over vibrant hard and soft corals, swim alongside sea turtles, and spot a dazzling variety of reef fish and macro life in one of the Coral Triangle’s richest marine environments. Each day offers new sites, from secluded atolls to colorful fringing reefs, and optional guided walks on islands allow you to experience mangrove forests and local culture
Cruise east across the Flores Sea toward Komodo National Park, enjoying open-ocean views and occasional stops at remote shoals and isolated reef patches for snorkeling. Along the way, keep an eye out for dolphins, beaked whales, and other cetaceans that inhabit these deep waters, making the journey as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Snorkel iconic Komodo sites including Manta Point, Pink Beach, Batu Bolong, and sheltered bays with calm, clear waters. Swim with majestic reef manta rays at cleaning stations, observe green and hawksbill turtles, and encounter reef sharks, octopus, and schools of colorful tropical fish. Explore kaleidoscopic coral gardens teeming with life, and enjoy optional onshore hikes or guided walks to view the legendary Komodo dragons and the unique landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Disembark the Damai I in Labuan Bajo and transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of Indonesia’s most celebrated marine national parks.
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
Optional trip extensions are available for travelers who wish to continue exploring. Journey to West Komodo to discover more of its dramatic landscapes, pristine reefs, and additional opportunities to encounter Komodo dragons and manta rays. Or venture to North Sulawesi, where vibrant coral gardens, rich marine biodiversity, and cultural experiences await in one of Indonesia’s most renowned snorkeling and diving regions. Please inquire for full details and availability.
