Explore The Wonders Of Indonesia
Sumbawa – Komodo – Flores- Exploration 12 Nights
Discover our combination trip: Sumbawa, Komodo & Flores
This journey is a true odyssey through Indonesia’s most iconic seas, beginning among the volcanic slopes of Sumbawa, venturing into the legendary waters of Komodo, and ending in the pristine coral gardens of Flores and Maumere.
We begin near Sumbawa at the island of Mojo, where calm bays and vibrant reefs offer a gentle introduction to Indonesia’s underwater richness, with colorful coral gardens, schooling reef fish, and playful macro life. From there, we sail east to N’Doko, off the eastern coast of Sumbawa, a lesser-known gem where clear waters and dramatic reef structures attract pelagics, reef sharks, and swirling fish schools, blending wide-angle scenery with intimate critter encounters.
Our route then takes us to Sumbawa and the volcanic island of Sangeang, where a smoking volcano shapes a truly unique underwater world. Black sand slopes with bubbling hot springs create the perfect setting for spotting nudibranchs, frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and rare macro life. Alongside these tiny marvels, coral pinnacles and dramatic walls attract trevallies, fusiliers, and reef sharks, offering a rich blend of critter encounters and schooling pelagics.
From there, we sail toward Komodo National Park, where the gentle power of recurring currents sets the stage for immersive and exhilarating drift dives, allowing the ocean to carry you effortlessly through vibrant reefs and open blue water. Here, schools of fish swirl in the blue, reef sharks cruise calmly along the reefs, and mantas glide gracefully over cleaning stations.
Above the surface, the dramatic landscapes invite us to explore on foot, where encounters with the legendary Komodo dragons add a sense of wonder to this ancient and untamed archipelago.
Our time in Komodo’s most iconic dive sites brings each descent to life, with manta trains soaring past, turtles gliding effortlessly through the currents, and vibrant reefs pulsing with energy. The raw yet harmonious rhythm 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. Crystal-clear watersreveal lush coral gardens, sea fans home to pygmy seahorses, and endless macro life. Seamounts rising from the depths attract pelagic surprises, while dolphins often escort our boat along the way. As the journey draws to a close, quiet villages and glowing sunsets over Flores bring a peaceful contrast after days filled with adventure.
From volcanic black sands to manta-filled currents, 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 at Mojo Island, close to Sumbawa, where calm bays and vibrant reefs offer a gentle introduction to Indonesia’s underwater richness, with colorful coral gardens, schooling reef fish, and playful macro life. The following day, we continue 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 sail toward 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.
After a full day of diving and activities in Komodo, we set 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 final day unfolds near Maumere, with time for gentle farewell dives or snorkeling, quiet moments on the beach, and a golden sunset that brings this epic Indonesian odyssey to a graceful close.
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 – SUMBAWA – Mojo Island
Flight to Labuan Bajo. Transfer to the Seven Seas, setting up gear meanwhile we are steaming out and afterwards we’ll do a general briefing, after some refreshments and lunch and we’ll do our check out dive.
We begin at Mojo Island, close to Sumbawa, where calm bays and vibrant reefs offer a gentle introduction to Indonesia’s underwater richness, with colorful coral gardens, schooling reef fish, and playful macro life.
Day 2 – SUMBAWA – N'doko (East Sumbawa)
The following day, we continue 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 beach barbecue and bonfire, a highlight of the trip.
Day 3 – SANGEANG – Flores Sea
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 traditional wooden boats.
Day 4 – KOMODO – Sebayor
A vibrant top reef teeming with anthias and damsels sets the scene, while gently sloping reefs are lined with hard corals and buzzing with life. Schools of yellow snapper, green and hawksbill turtles, and the occasional eagle ray often appear. Great visibility and an explosion of color make this a relaxed and satisfying start to your diving adventure.
Day 5 & 6 – KOMODO – Central KNP
Central Komodo stands out as one of Indonesia’s premier diving locations, offering excellent coral health and a wide range of marine species. The region features everything from easygoing reef dives to more advanced sites with strong currents and larger marine creatures. Dive locations include coral slopes, reef walls, sandy bottoms, and pinnacles, with encounters ranging from nudibranchs and frogfish to manta rays and reef sharks.
Some of the dive sites that we might do are:
Karang Makassar (Manta Point): A broad, shallow reef known for frequent manta ray encounters, especially during rising tides at cleaning stations. A relaxed drift dive with sandy patches and scattered coral bommies.
Tatawa Besar: An easygoing drift dive with vibrant soft corals, large schools of fish, and regular sightings of turtles.
Tatawa Kecil: A site for more advanced divers, featuring complex coral topography, swim-throughs, and stronger currents, with chances to see larger fish like trevallies and the occasional shark.
Siaba Besar: A sheltered bay with minimal current and shallow depths, known for turtles, cuttlefish, and large groups of reef fish.
Batu Bolong: One of the most iconic dive sites in Central Komodo, a steep coral pinnacle rising from deep water. Expect large schools of anthias, snappers, fusiliers, and surgeonfish, as well as turtles, reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, giant trevallies, and the occasional barracuda.
Seven Seas Secret: One of our signature dives, revealing an outstanding hard coral garden sloping into pristine white sand. Look for majestic manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, and with luck, the elusive dugong.
Day 7 – KOMODO – Gili Lawa
Located in the northeast of Komodo Island, Gili Lawa is one of the most iconic dive destinations in the national park, known for warm, clear waters and rich marine life. Above water, the panoramic hilltop views make it a favorite for both divers and snorkelers.
Castle Rock: An underwater seamount with steady currents attracting giant trevallies, Napoleon wrasse, surgeonfish, and reef sharks.
Crystal Rock: A vibrant reef rising close to the surface, offering excellent visibility and dense fish traffic, including snappers, sweetlips, and jacks.
The Cauldron (Shotgun): A thrilling drift dive through a narrow channel, timed with the tidal flow. The day often ends with a sunset from a secluded beach or scenic viewpoint.
Day 8 – KOMODO – South KNP (Manta Alley)
Manta Alley, at the southern tip of Komodo Island, is one of the top places in the world to encounter manta rays. During the dry season, plankton-rich waters attract reef mantas and occasionally oceanic mantas.
The site features narrow channels, rocky formations, and coral slopes, with mantas often feeding in the current or hovering over cleaning stations. The reef is alive with soft corals, crinoids, and sponges, while fusiliers, trevallies, white-tip reef sharks, and turtles are commonly seen.
Day 9 – KOMODO – Ranger Station in North KNP & Sebolon
The day begins with a guided walk at the ranger station to meet the world-famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Along the way, we may encounter water buffalo, megapodes, and graceful deer, offering a glimpse into a living, prehistoric world.
Back at sea, we dive in Central Komodo before sailing east to Sebolon, where crystal-clear waters and pristine coral gardens are filled with schools of reef fish, gliding turtles, and the occasional pelagic visitor.
Day 10 – KULAMBU – Flores Seas & Whale Watching
Kulambu Bay is a paradise for macro enthusiasts. A gently sloping black sand reef shelters ornate ghost pipefish, frogfish, Coleman’s shrimps, zebra crabs, and graceful seahorses clinging to sea fans.
After diving, we sail through a migratory corridor known for whale watching, with chances to see sperm whales, pods of dolphins, and melon-headed whales.
Day 11 – NORTH COAST OF FLORES – Tanjung Sada & Kelimutu National Park
Tanjung Sada features a spectacular underwater plateau dropping into a dramatic wall, with giant sea fans, barrel sponges, and thriving coral growth. Look for pygmy seahorses, barracuda, rainbow runners, surgeonfish, and hunting reef sharks.
High in the mountains lies Kelimutu National Park, home to the three-colored volcanic lakes. A scenic hike leads to a summit view of ever-changing hues and a place steeped in local legend and spiritual meaning.
Day 12 - NORTH EAST OF FLORES. Dambila & Babi
These dive sites feature a steep vertical reef wall that drops into deep water and includes a large underwater crack formed during the 1992 earthquake and tsunami. The wall starts at around 5 to 7 meters and extends well beyond recreational limits. The reef is rich in marine life and coral formations, with large sea fans, black corals, soft corals, and impressive barrel sponges.
A gentle current often allows for a relaxed drift dive, revealing small caves, ledges, and crevices that shelter a variety of reef species. Divers may encounter moray eels, nudibranchs, butterflyfish, fusiliers, and occasionally white-tip reef sharks and eagle rays.
With strong biodiversity and good visibility, Pulau Babi offers excellent opportunities for macro and wide-angle photography, making it a rewarding start to the trip.
Day 13 - MAUMERE
Disembarkation in Maumere. Fly to Bali/Jakarta and transfer to flights home or resorts.
