Macro to Mantas: Alor and Komodo by liveaboard May 27-June 9, 2023

Know what I like about this itinerary? Everything! It’s got all the goodies.  From majestic pelagics like mantas, dolphins, mola-molas, maybe even a passing pilot and blue whales right down to all the wonderful weird and wonderful critters like psychedelic-colored nudibranchs, rhinopias, frogfish, octopus, squid, cuttlefish, blue ribbon eels and mandarin fish. We’ll explore all kinds of ecosystems; beautiful coral gardens, exhilarating drift snorkels, and dramatic black sand habitats with hidden cryptic sea life treasures.

This itinerary that combines the islands east of Flores and Komodo is one of the least explored in the entire Indonesian archipelago.
This region is covered with incredibly colorful healthy reefs and has an extremely diverse marine life. Impressive efforts have been maintained to keep the reefs healthy and protected from overfishing.  Much of the area has been designated a MPA (Marine protected area) and local fishermen use sustainable fishing methods to reduce pollution by fishing nets.

The relative difficulty in reaching these remote islands by land gives us the opportunity to experience some of Indonesia’s most stunning reefs in relative solitude. Traveling by liveaboard affords us the luxury of exploring the most pristine reefs unreachable from resorts.
We’ll wake up in a new, jaw-dropping destination every morning, spend the day snorkeling, visiting villages, sea kayaking, or just taking in each new panorama from the comfort of our upper lounge before sunset drinks and dinner under the stars.

We’ll enjoy several opportunities to snorkel each day. In Alor highlights include critter-rich Adonara, the extremely “fishy” reefs along the south coast of Flores Island and the current-rich Pantar Straits. This area is known for pelagic species including manta rays, Mola mola, pilot whales, dolphins, and even blue whales.  
Alor is a volcanic region with amazing landscapes and active volcanoes.  We’ll visit local villages and see the playful children with their homemade goggles diving in and out of the water.

And then Komodo! Think thrilling drift snorkels with colorful corals in various formations teeming with marine life, big and small.  Big schools of fish as well as eagle and manta rays.
And of course we’ll see the famed Komodo dragons.

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.

ITINERARY
May 27  Meet up at group hotel on the beach in time for group dinner at 6pm.
May 28  Morning flight to Maumere where we board the Seven Seas and our live-aboard adventure begins! Over the next 12 days we will snorkel to our heart’s content and explore this nutrient-rich wonderland.
May 28-June 9  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.  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.  Snorkeling in Indonesia is unique not only for the sheer volume of marine life but also due to the variety of accessible marine habitats. 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. It all adds up to be the epicenter of the most awesome snorkeling.

Having a comfortable movable “home” is ideal for discovering the treasures of Alor and Komodo.
Our day to day itinerary over the next 12 days will be based on real time tidal and weather conditions.
Our capable captain will position us to make sure we are in the best places at the optimum time. We have the luxury of time, when we find a spectacular site we love, we have the flexibility to stay. We can follow our hearts and the fish!
Most days will feature at least two long snorkel excursions exploring the reefs. There will also be beach walks village visits and a guided hike to view Komodo dragons.
June 9  Morning flight from Labuan Bajo  to Bali.  Fly onward anytime after 4pm, or extend your time in Bali.
Or even better, join the Wakatobi snorkel adventure June 11-19, 2023!

OUR YACHT
This unique expedition takes place on the highly regarded, comfortable Seven Seas liveaboard yacht.

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. The Seven Seas and crew has a devoted following. 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 crew are enthusiastic to share their knowledge of the best snorkel sites throughout the East Flores to Komodo with us.
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.

This voyage is sold out.  To be waitlisted contact Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com

COST:
$7500.00 per person based on double occupancy in lower deck cabin.
$7800.00 per person based on double occupancy in upper deck cabin.

Price Includes:
♦ Pre-cruise hotel stay and dinner in Bali on May 27
♦ Airport transfer from Maumere airport to Seven Seas  on May 28.
♦ Harbor Fees
♦ Alor and Komodo National park fee
♦ 12 night accommodations on the Seven Seas May 28-June 9
♦ Airport transfer from the Seven Seas to Labuan Bajo on June 9
♦  All meals, snacks, tea, coffee and drinking water on board
♦ Multilingual guides on board
♦ All offered snorkel and land excursions

Price Excludes:
♦ Airfare
 Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
♦ Massages on board
♦ Laundry
♦ Tips for the crew
♦ Travel Insurance. Essential
♦ Items of a personal nature

We thought the marine life was as good as the best days in Raja.  We know that the region has not been fully explored, and we loved being part of the feeling of exploration.
-Liz Monk, Alor

Oh my God!  Such amazing reefs.  Best in world – best I have EVER seen.
-Jean Graham, Komodo

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 

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 

Contact Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com with any questions or for an application.
Wendy Simon
CEO and fellow snorkel addict
Snorkeling Etc Inc
Santa Cruz, CA
831 254-5001