Explore The Wonders Of Indonesia
Maumere – Sumbawa & Komodo – Exploration 11 Nights
Discover our combination trip: Komodo, Sumbawa & Flores
This journey is a true odyssey through Indonesia’s most iconic and remote seas. Starting in the legendary waters of Komodo, crossing the volcanic slopes of Sumbawa, returning once more to Komodo’s wild heart, and ending among the pristine coral gardens of East Flores and Maumere.
We begin in Komodo National Park, where powerful currents set the stage for thrilling encounters. Here, drift dives reveal schools of fish swirling in the blue, reef sharks patrolling the reefs, and mantas gliding gracefully over cleaning stations. Coral gardens burst with life and color, while on land the dramatic landscapes invite us to trek and witness the Komodo dragons, guardians of this untamed archipelago.
From there we sail westward to Sumbawa and the volcanic island of Sangeang. Towering above the sea, the smoking volcano shapes a unique underwater world. Black sand slopes bubble with hot springs, perfect for spotting nudibranchs, frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish and other rare macro life. Alongside these tiny marvels, coral pinnacles and walls attract trevallies, fusiliers and reef sharks, offering a rich mix of macro treasures and schooling pelagics.
Our route then brings us back into the heart of Komodo, for another chance to dive some of its most iconic sites. Each dive feels like nature in motion – manta trains soaring past, turtles gliding effortlessly, and vibrant reefs swept by lively currents. The sheer energy of these waters makes Komodo one of the world’s most unforgettable diving destinations.
Finally, we head east to Flores and Maumere, where the pace softens and the seas grow calmer. Here, crystal-clear waters reveal lush coral gardens, sea fans home to pygmy seahorses, and endless macro life. Seamounts rise from the depths to attract pelagic surprises, while dolphins often escort our boat along the way. As the journey ends, quiet villages and glowing sunsets over Flores bring a sense of peace after days filled with adventure.
From manta-filled currents to volcanic black sands, from critter havens to pristine coral walls, this expedition brings together the very best of Indonesia – a voyage where every day tells a different story, above and below the surface.
A combination trip like no other
We begin in North and Central Komodo, where crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs are home to abundant marine life. Here we also go ashore for a trekking to see the famous Komodo dragons. If conditions allow, we then continue south to Manta Alley, located on the edge of the Indian Ocean and probably the best site in the world to see manta rays, with the chance to snorkel or dive alongside them.
From Komodo we sail to N’doko in East Sumbawa, a remote destination that combines excellent diving with trekking, empty beaches, beautiful sunsets and the feeling of true solitude. In the evening, we gather for a barbecue and bonfire on the beach, a highlight of the trip.
Our next stop is Sangeang, an active volcano famous for its black sand slopes and excellent macro diving. Here you can truly feel the volcano alive while diving among streams of bubbles rising from the seafloor. The island also offers views of the traditional settlement of Bontoh, where locals produce handmade ikats and build wooden boats using traditional techniques.
After a few days exploring these remote areas, we return to North Komodo for another full day of diving and activities before setting course east towards Flores.
We then follow the quiet and little-traveled North coast of Flores, a scenic route that leads us to Kulambu Bay, a hidden place known for high-quality macro diving where seahorses and other rare critters are often seen. Just a couple of hours from Kulambu, we also stop at a remote sandbank, the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunset.
As we continue east, the journey offers two different ways to enjoy the day. One option is going inland on Flores for a full-day excursion to Kelimutu National Park, where the famous three-coloured volcanic lakes lie in the highlands, framed by lush forest and traditional villages. The other is staying at sea, diving around Tanjung Sada and keeping watch for sperm whales, which are sometimes seen along this coast.
Our last day will be spent in Maumere, with the chance for some final dives or snorkeling sessions, and time to relax on the beach, a perfect ending to this epic adventure across Indonesia.
Come join us on this unique trip filled with wild encounters, hidden gems, and timeless beauty from Komodo to Sumbawa and Maumere.
Tentative Itinerary
The itinerary may be adjusted at the discretion of the captain and cruise director based on weather conditions, which can sometimes be unpredictable, as well as the group’s overall experience. The goal is to offer the best possible diving and snorkeling sites according to the group’s interests and skill levels.
Day 1 - MAUMERE - Maumere Bay
Embarkation in Maumere. Arrival, welcome aboard the Seven Seas, and gear setup. General trip briefing followed by departure along the northeast coast of Flores to begin the journey.
Day 2 – NORTH EAST OF FLORES - Dambila & Babi
These dive sites feature a steep vertical reef wall dropping into deep water and a large underwater crack formed during the 1992 earthquake and tsunami. The wall begins at 5–7 meters and extends well beyond recreational limits.
The reef is rich in marine life and coral formations, with giant sea fans, black corals, soft corals, and large sponges. A gentle current allows for a relaxed drift dive, revealing caves, ledges, and crevices that shelter a wide range of species.
Divers may encounter moray eels, nudibranchs, butterflyfish, fusiliers, white-tip reef sharks, and eagle rays. With excellent biodiversity and visibility, Pulau Babi offers outstanding macro and wide-angle photography.
Day 3 – NORTH COAST OF FLORES - Tanjung Sada & Kelimutu National Park
A spectacular underwater plateau that suddenly plunges into a dramatic drop-off. The top is dotted with vibrant coral bommies, alive with reef fish and bursts of color.
In the blue, schools of rainbow runners, barracuda, surgeonfish, and reef sharks are often seen. The mix of shallow bommies, vertical walls, and a mini seamount creates a dive packed with variety and constant surprises.
On land, visit Kelimutu National Park and its famous three-colored crater lakes, whose hues change over time. A scenic hike to the summit reveals one of Indonesia’s most mystical landscapes.
Day 4 – KULAMBU - Flores Seas & Whale Watching
Kulambu Bay is a macro diver’s paradise. Gently sloping black sand reefs provide the perfect habitat for a fascinating array of critters.
Look for ornate ghost pipefish, frogfish, Coleman shrimp, zebra crabs, and pygmy seahorses clinging to sea fans. Every dive feels like a treasure hunt.
After diving, sail through a major migratory corridor, offering chances to spot sperm whales, dolphins, and pilot whales.
Day 5 – KOMODO - Ranger Station (North KNP) & Sebolon
Begin with a guided walk to meet the world-famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.
Back at sea, dive Central Komodo and Sebolon, featuring crystal-clear water, pristine coral gardens, turtles, reef fish, and occasional pelagic visitors — a perfect blend of land and sea adventure.
Day 6 - SANGEANG - Flores Sea
Sangeang Island is an active volcano situated northeast of Sumbawa, easily recognized by its twin volcanic peaks and frequent plumes of smoke. Its raw, rugged beauty and remote setting make it a fascinating destination, both above water and beneath the surface.
The volcanic nature of the island has shaped a unique underwater environment, with black sand slopes, warm water vents, and nutrient-rich conditions that support an impressive variety of marine life. The combination of volcanic terrain, colorful soft corals, and vivid sponges makes this area particularly appealing to divers.
Bubbles from the seabed rise in certain areas, creating an otherworldly atmosphere beneath the surface. The reefs are alive with reef fish, soft corals, and macro creatures like ribbon eels, ghost pipefish, and sand-dwelling critters.
Sangeang offers a refreshing contrast to the surrounding regions, thanks to its volcanic origin, vibrant marine habitats, and the cultural presence of Bontoh Village where traditional boat building is still part of daily life. The villagers craft wooden phinisi boats by hand—a time- honored skill passed down through generations. You’ll be able to see the boat frames in various stages of construction and learn how these impressive vessels are built using simple tools, local wood, and deep knowledge of the sea.
After the visit, we’ll prepare for a night dive in the surrounding waters.
Day 7 – SUMBAWA - N’Doko
A region of healthy reefs and excellent visibility, home to schools of fish, turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and occasional frogfish.
Relax on untouched white-sand beaches, enjoy snorkeling close to shore, and end the day with a beach barbecue under a sky full of stars.
Day 8 – KOMODO - South KNP
Explore Manta Alley and exposed ocean sites with channels, rocky formations, and coral slopes where reef and oceanic mantas glide over cleaning stations.
The reef is covered in soft corals, crinoids, and sponges, with schools of fusiliers, trevallies, white-tip reef sharks, and turtles.
Day 9 – KOMODO - Gili Lawa
Located in the northeast of Komodo Island, Gili Lawa offers warm waters, excellent visibility, and action-packed dives.
Signature sites like Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, and The Cauldron (Shotgun) deliver strong currents, massive fish schools, reef sharks, and breathtaking underwater scenery.
Day 10 & 11 – KOMODO: Central KNP
A diverse collection of sites featuring coral slopes, walls, sandy bottoms, and pinnacles.
Highlights include Karang Makassar (Manta Point), Tatawa Besar, Tatawa Kecil, Siaba Besar, and Batu Bolong, offering everything from relaxed drift dives to advanced current-driven encounters with large pelagics.
Day 12 - LABUAN BAJO
Disembarkation in Labuan Bajo. Transfers to flights for Bali/Jakarta and onward connections or resorts.
