Epic Indonesia Snorkel Trip: Part I Komodo October 7-17, 2019

Indonesia is a fascinating and diverse country in terms of culture, nature and landscape. I’ve designed a unique itinerary that highlights the stunning biodiversity of Indonesia beneath the sea.
Indonesia is in the heart of of the Coral Triangle. 75% of the world’s coral species are found here and there are over 1,000 species of fish.  Snorkeling in Indonesia is unique not only for the sheer volume of marine life but also due to the variety of accessible marine habitats including vibrant coral gardens, sea mounts and magical mangroves.
It all adds up to be the epicenter of the most awesome snorkeling.
I’ve combined three distinct and remarkable areas of Indonesia to create the pinnacle of snorkel trips.
Choose one, two, or combine all three adventures to experience the remote and pristine reefs of Indonesia

Part I  Komodo Liveaboard Snorkel Trip Oct 7-17, 2019
Part II  Land-based snorkel trip in Bangka and Siladen, N. Sulawesi Oct 19-27, 2019
Part III  Raja Ampat Liveaboard Snorkel Trip Oct 27 -Nov 6, 2019

October is a perfect month to take advantage of ideal snorkel conditions in all three areas without crowds.
I’m thrilled to offer this combination of experiences that showcases the underwater wonders of Indonesia.
The first of the trio of adventures takes place in islands around Komodo National Park.

PART 1: KOMODO
Komodo offers spectacular scenery above and below the water, a magnificent diversity of marine life and of course awesome Komodo dragons!  I designed this trip to maximize our time in the best snorkeling areas of Komodo.  Rather than spending days cruising to or from Bali, we’ll begin and end our cruise in Labuan Bajo, the closest point to the National Park and all the best nature and snorkel action.

Highlights:
-Experience Komodo National Park; awarded ‘New 7 Wonder of Nature’ status.
-See the famed Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat
-Snorkel in the Coral Triangle; an area that boasts the world’s highest marine biodiversity.
-Enjoy a range of habitats from shallow coral gardens to fantastic coral encrusted walls.
-Meet creatures great and small, from the smallest nudibranch to majestic mantas.

The Marine park offers a variety of snorkel opportunities. One day may be a leisurely snorkel that features the rarest creatures in the macro range, and the next day we may drift with manta rays and large schools of fish. There are over 1,000 species of fish in these waters, 260 species of reef corals, 70 different sponges,  several species of whales and dolphins and two species of sea turtles.
Since 1991 the Komodo National Park is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  The Park includes the three larger islands, Komodo, Rinca, and Padar, and numerous smaller islands, with a total area of 1817 square km. Originally the park was established as a sanctuary for the Komodo dragons. The protection now covers all flora and fauna above and below the sea. More details can be found on this link: https://www.thesevenseas.net/komodo/

KOMODO ITINERARY
October 7.  Upon arrival in Bali you will be met and transferred to our group hotel on the beach.
Oct 8. We will fly as a group to Labuan Bajo where we board the Seven Seas and our live-aboard adventure begins! Over the next 9 days we will snorkel to our heart’s content and explore this nutrient-rich wonderland.
Oct 8-17  From pristine corals, mantas, sharks, turtles, dolphins, dugong and giant pelagics to tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and frog fish, we’ll enjoy the diversity of marine life.

The underwater topography is as varied as the marine life.  Snorkel sites vary from gentle coral slopes to sheer cliff walls, channels, flat bottoms, pinnacles, caves, swim-throughs and a host of hard and soft corals. From the Flores Sea in the north, the warm waters gradually become cooler as you travel southwards into the Indian Ocean.
Having a comfortable movable “home” is ideal for discovering the treasures of Komodo.
Our day to day itinerary will be based on current conditions to make sure we are in the best place at the best time. Most days will feature at least two long snorkel excursions exploring the reefs. There will also be beach walks and a guided hike during our time at Komodo National Park to get up close and personal with Komodo dragons.
Oct. 17  Morning flight from Labuan Bajo  to Bali.  Fly onward to your next destination or continue onto N. Sulawesi for more mind blowing snorkeling!

OUR YACHT
This unique expedition takes place on the highly regarded, comfortable Seven Seas liveaboard yacht.
https://www.thesevenseas.net/

The Seven Seas is a 130 ft. traditionally built Indonesian sailing schooner built from the finest ironwood. Comfortably accommodating 16 guests in 8 state rooms with en-suite bathrooms she sets high standards for live-aboards in Indonesia.  The talented chef uses as much fresh local produce as he can, including fresh seafood. Healthy buffets can be tailored to any diet requirements.
The experienced and friendly crew are excited to share their knowledge of the very best snorkel sites in Komodo.  We’ll also have the option to kayak, explore deserted beaches  and indulge in on-board massage.

What to expect:
-This is a snorkel-intensive program. You should be a proficient swimmer/snorkeler able to snorkel unassisted. A typical day features 4-5 hours of snorkel time.
-Be prepared for steep stairs on the live-aboard and ladders on and off the dinghy/zodiac.
-Snorkel sessions are guided by the helpful and experienced crew provided by the Seven Seas.
-Evenings are free to enjoy the sunset, a leisurely dinner and the company of your fellow passengers.

COST:
$5850.00 per person based on double occupancy.
-Sold out.  Contact Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com to be put on a wait list. 

Price Includes:
♦ Transfers to/from airports and hotels.
♦ Pre-cruise hotel stay in Bali on Oct. 7
♦ Round trip flight from Denpasar, Bali to Labuan Bajo.
♦ Harbor Fees
♦ Komodo National park fee.
♦ 9 night accommodation in a double or twin bed cabin with en-suite shower bath, toilet and AC
♦  All meals, snacks, tea, coffee and drinking water on board.
♦ Multilingual guides on board
♦ All offered snorkel and land excursions

Price Excludes:
♦ Round trip international  airfare
♦ Airport taxes for domestic flights and departure fees, payable at the airport
♦ Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
♦ Massages on board
♦ Laundry
♦ Tips for the crew
♦ Travel Insurance. Essential
♦ Items of a personal nature

The whole snorkel trip was such a dream from the fellow travelers, the crew, the accommodations, the excellent snorkeling ….. I could go on and on.  We are over the moon about our whole trip.
– Joan Little, Komodo August 2015

We can’t thank you enough for everything you did for us with all the travel arrangements. We can’t get over the quality and value of the places you recommended. Absolutely fantastic. The coral health was excellent and diversity of marine life in Komodo was exceptional.
-Carol May, Komodo August 2015

I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed the trip.  The group you compiled were so compatible and delightful!  It couldn’t have been better.  Everyday we remember some moment that makes us smile.
We are so looking forward to our next trip with you.
-Judy Lambert, Komodo June 2017

We hope you can join us! Contact wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com with any questions or for an application.
Happy Snorkeling!