Day 1
LABUAN BAJO
Upon arrival at Labuan Bajo airport, on Flores Island, you will be picked up to reach the Cahaya Mandiri anchored in the port. After a first briefing and the introduction of the crew members, you will have some time to unwind before we start sailing to the Komodo National Park. Depending on the boarding time, we might have the opportunity for a first snorkeling session to admire some exceptional reefs on the way.
Day 2
RINCA & PADAR
Early morning, we will arrive to Loh Buaya Bay on Rinca Island where a local ranger will take us on a hike of approximately 1 hour to go meet the famous & fascinating “Komodo dragons”! During this walk, we might also come across wild deer and buffaloes living in the area. Back on board, we will set sail to Padar, the third-biggest island of the national park. With its atypical vertical landscapes, Padar looks like an authentic “Pirate Island” and is a treasure in itself. We will go snorkeling in its pristine waters and, if the currents allow it, we will moor in a large bay and disembark to reach a wonderful viewpoint.
Day 3
PADAR & KOMODO
We will start the day admiring the sunrise at Padar viewpoint (we debark in the bay and walk approximately 30 minutes to a spot offering a breathtaking view over the various bays of the island). We will then head toward Komodo Island, stopping along the way for a snorkeling session in a secret bay. In the afternoon we will reach Pantai Merah: a very beautiful pink sand beach which offers an exceptional snorkeling experience! Depending on the conditions, the sunset will be enjoyed from a small vantage point or from the boat.
Day 4
MANTA POINT
We will spend the morning in Karang Makassar reef, also called Manta Point, trying to meet those majestic rays who come here to be cleaned by tropical fishes. It is also a great opportunity to spot some small and harmless reef sharks (black tip and white tip). We will then navigate to Gili Lawah where we will spend the night. If we arrive early enough, we will have time for a snorkeling session before sunset.
Day 5
GILI LAWA & BANTA ISLAND
We will go snorkeling at dawn in a channel which has a rich marine life. The strong currents in this area make it a privileged place for reef sharks, barracudas and other carnivorous fish. After this amazing underwater excursion, if the weather conditions allow it, we will sail toward Banta Island, between the Komodo Archipelago and Sumbawa, to spend the afternoon on a wonderful beach. After another enchanting sunset, we will set sail to Sabolan during the night.
Day 6
SABOLAN – SERAYA BESAR – LABUAN BAJO
Early in the morning, we will anchor near the small island of Sabolan and go snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to discover a magnificent preserved reef where we might come across black-tip sharks or eagle rays! In the afternoon, we will visit the small fishing village of Seraya Besar and meet a community of Bajo (also called gypsies of the seas) living above the water. We will then head back to Labuan Bajo where you will be transferred to the airport or to your hotel.
The route and dives are always organized according to the weather conditions, the currents and tides.