Explore The Wonders Of Indonesia
Komodo – East of Flores & Alor Exploration 12 nights
Explore from Komodo to Alor through Flores
Our journey takes us through four very different regions of Eastern Indonesia: Komodo, Sumbawa, Flores and Alor. Each has its own character, both above and below the surface, and travelling between them by boat is part of what makes this expedition so enjoyable. From well-known dive sites to quiet stretches of coastline that see relatively few visitors, there is always something new to discover along the way.
We begin in Komodo National Park, where we spend several days exploring some of Indonesia’s finest diving. The reefs here are full of life, with large schools of fish, reef sharks, turtles and, of course, the manta rays that have made Komodo famous among divers. Above water, the islands are just as memorable, with their dry hills, sheltered bays and beautiful beaches. We also go ashore to see the Komodo dragons, a highlight of any visit to the National Park.
Our route also takes us towards eastern Sumbawa, where the reefs around N’Doko and the quieter surrounding islands offer a welcome change of pace. Here, healthy coral gardens, clear water and often deserted beaches make it easy to forget how far we have travelled. Weather permitting, we may enjoy a beach barbecue, with the volcanic silhouette of Sangeang providing a memorable backdrop.
Leaving the Komodo region behind, we follow the northern coast of Flores, where the landscape gradually changes and the pace of the journey becomes a little more relaxed. Volcanic mountains rise behind small coastal villages, and many of the reefs along this stretch receive far fewer visitors than those further west. The diving is wonderfully varied, from colourful coral gardens and steep walls to sheltered bays where some of Indonesia’s more unusual marine creatures can be found. There is also plenty to enjoy between dives, whether it’s a quiet beach, a sunset over the mountains or simply watching the coastline pass by from the deck.
As we continue east, the islands become more remote and the journey takes on a different character. These are the parts of Indonesia where travelling by boat really comes into its own, allowing us to reach places that would otherwise be difficult to visit. Dolphins are sometimes seen along the way, and during certain periods even whales may pass through these waters.
Eventually, we reach Alor, where deep channels, healthy reefs and an interesting variety of marine life provide a lovely final chapter to the expedition. After our last dives, we make our way into Kalabahi Bay, bringing twelve nights of diving and exploration to an end.
From Komodo’s manta rays and legendary dragons to the quiet reefs of Sumbawa, the volcanic coast of Flores and the less-travelled waters of Alor, this is a journey that offers much more than a collection of dive sites. It’s a chance to enjoy Indonesia at a different pace, discover places away from the usual routes and experience the simple pleasure of travelling from island to island aboard Seven Seas.
A Journey Through the Legendary Reefs of Komodo and the Wild Waters of Eastern Flores
Our journey begins in Komodo National Park, where we spend several days exploring some of Indonesia’s finest diving. In Central Komodo, Batu Bolong is a particular favourite, with its beautiful coral-covered pinnacle, enormous schools of fish, turtles and reef sharks. Nearby, Karang Makassar (Manta Point) offers wonderful opportunities to watch manta rays visiting cleaning stations, while Tatawa Besar is known for its colourful soft corals and abundant reef life.
Further north, Castle Rock and Crystal Rock are among Komodo’s best-known sites, with impressive schools of trevallies, snappers and fusiliers, alongside Napoleon wrasse and reef sharks. There is plenty to enjoy above water, too, with beautiful beaches, sheltered bays and a guided walk to see the famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.
We then head towards N’Doko, off eastern Sumbawa, where healthy coral reefs, clear water and often deserted beaches offer a quieter side of the region. Weather permitting, we’ll enjoy a beach barbecue with views towards the volcano of Sangeang. Before leaving Komodo behind, we return south to explore Manta Alley, where manta rays can often be seen gathering around cleaning stations along the rocky reef.
From here, Seven Seas follows the north coast of Flores, visiting places that see far fewer dive boats than Komodo. At Kulambu Bay, the focus shifts towards macro diving, with seahorses, ghost pipefish, frogfish and other unusual creatures hiding among the coral patches and sandy slopes.
Further east, Dambila and Pulau Babi offer beautiful walls covered in sea fans, sponges and colourful corals, as well as unusual underwater formations shaped by the volcanic history of Flores. Around Ipet Ridge, healthy coral gardens and reef slopes attract turtles, schooling fish and occasional reef sharks, while Watu Peni provides an opportunity to discover some of the smaller nocturnal creatures. These waters are also visited by dolphins and migrating whales, so there is always a chance of an unexpected encounter along the way.
Our journey eventually reaches Alor, where we enjoy our final dives around Pasir Merah and Bakalang Jetty, both known for their unusual marine life and excellent macro photography opportunities. We also visit Takpala Village to learn a little about the traditions of the local Abui community before finishing in Kalabahi Bay.
This 12-night expedition gives us plenty of time to enjoy Komodo’s remarkable diving before continuing east towards the quieter waters of Sumbawa and Flores. From manta encounters and beautiful coral reefs to secluded beaches, fascinating macro life and changing volcanic landscapes, it’s a lovely way to experience the variety of Eastern Indonesia, both above and below the surface.
Komodo to Alor, From legendary manta sites and vibrant reefs to remote volcanic islands, pristine coral gardens, and the extraordinary biodiversity of Eastern Indonesia.
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 - KOMODO - Sebayor
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. The perfect check dive doesn’t exist… well, maybe it does in Sebayor. This site is as close to ideal as it gets for your first dive of the trip. 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 drift along the reef, green and hawksbill turtles make regular appearances, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot an eagle ray cruising by in the blue. Great visibility and an explosion of color make this a relaxed and satisfying start to your diving adventure.
And as if that wasn’t enough, after our check dive we’ll head to a pristine beach, where refreshing drinks and tasty snacks await us. With the sun melting into the horizon and the ocean glowing in golden light, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of our adventure.
Day 2 - KOMODO - Central KNP
Central Komodo stands out as one of Indonesia’s premier diving locations, offering a diverse underwater environment with excellent coral health, 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 in Central Komodo include coral slopes, reef walls, sandy bottoms, and pinnacles. From macro subjects like nudibranchs and frogfish to large marine animals such as manta rays and reef sharks.
Some of the dives sites that we might do are:
Karang Makassar (Manta Point): A broad, shallow reef known for frequent manta ray encounters, especially during rising tides when they come to 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. It’s a good place to see larger fish like trevallies and the occasional shark.
Siaba Besar: A sheltered bay with minimal current and shallow depths. Expect encounters with turtles, cuttlefish, and large groups of reef fish.
Batu Bolong: One of the most iconic dive sites in Central Komodo. It’s a steep coral pinnacle that rises from deep water to just below the surface. The reef is densely packed with hard and soft corals and attracts a huge variety of marine life. Expect to see large schools of anthias, snappers, fusiliers, and surgeonfish. Turtles are common, and reef sharks often cruise the deeper sections. Napoleon wrasse, giant trevallies, and the occasional barracuda also pass through.
Seven Seas Secret: Another of our signature dives, this hidden gem reveals an outstanding hard coral garden that gently slopes into a pristine stretch of white sand. The reef is alive with action: majestic manta rays gliding through the blue, turtles resting gracefully on the corals, and reef sharks patrolling the edge of the slope. With a touch of luck, you may even encounter one of the ocean’s rarest and most enchanting visitors, the elusive dugong.
Day 3 - KOMODO - Gili Lawa
Located in the northeast of Komodo Island, Gili Lawa is one of the most iconic dive destinations in the national park, offering some of the region’s top underwater adventures. Known for its warm, clear waters and rich marine life. Above water, the hills of Gili Lawa provide stunning panoramic views, making it a favorite for both divers and snorkelers.
Castle Rock: An underwater seamount attracting action-packed marine life thanks to steady currents. Divers can expect to encounter dense schools of predatory fish like giant trevallies, Napoleon wrasse and big groups of surgeonfish , along with reef sharks patrolling the area. The top of the site is shallower and covered in healthy coral, perfect for a slower finish to the dive.
Crystal Rock: A vibrant reef that rises close to the surface, offering excellent visibility and lots of fish traffic. This site is full of movement—snapper, sweetlips, and jacks are common, often swirling in the current. The sheltered side is ideal for exploring colorful hard coral formations and spotting smaller reef species.
The Cauldron (Shotgun): A thrilling drift through a narrow channel between two islands.Timing is key here, so dives are usually planned around tidal flow. Watching the sunset from a secluded beach or hiking to a scenic viewpoint are also popular activities in the area, offering a perfect way to end the day after diving.
Day 4 - KOMODO - Ranger Station in North KNP & Sebolon
The day begins with an encounter like no other. We start at the ranger station for a guided walk to meet the world-famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Hiking through the rugged terrain not only allows us to observe and understand these legendary creatures up close, but also to discover other unique wildlife such as water buffalo, megapodes, and graceful deer roaming freely across the island. It’s a rare glimpse into a living, prehistoric world.
After this unforgettable adventure on land, we return to the sea. Our first dive of the day takes place in Central Komodo, where vibrant reefs and thrilling marine life set the tone for the underwater journey ahead. As we continue sailing east, the day’s highlight awaits at Sebolon, where we drop in for our third dive. Here, calm crystal-clear waters and pristine coral gardens teem with schools of reef fish, turtles gliding effortlessly, and the occasional pelagic visitor – the perfect way to end a day filled with exploration both above and below the surface.
Day 5 – KOMODO - Batu Monco
Batu Monco is a quiet bay on the northwestern side of Komodo Island. With its calm, clear watersand protection from strong currents, it’s ideal for laid-back and comfortable dives. The site features sloping reefs, small drop-offs, and untouched shallow coral zones that are teeming with marine life.
You’ll find a variety of vibrant hard and soft corals, along with commonly seen reef species such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. Octopus, cuttlefish, and moray eels are also frequently encountered, and juvenile manta rays are known to pass through the area from time to time. On the surface, the bay is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, offering a peaceful way to enjoy the natural setting.
After a couple of dives, we head to Laju Pamale for our afternoon dive, followed by delicious snacks and refreshing drinks on the beach, the perfect way to unwind after a day in the water.
Day 6 - N'DOKO - Sumbawa
N’doko, located on the eastern side of Sumbawa Island, is a fantastic destination for diving and snorkeling. The area features healthy reefs adorned with soft corals, sponges, and crinoids, and offers excellent underwater visibility.
Marine life is diverse and abundant, including schools of surgeonfish, leaf scorpionfish, turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and the occasional warty frogfish. Dive sites range from sandy slopes with coral bommies to gentle drift dives, providing options for different experience levels.
After diving, you can relax on a quiet, pristine beach with a spectacular view of Sangeang Island, especially at sunset. Snorkeling is excellent, with plenty of marine life close to shore.
The beaches along our route are simply breathtaking, featuring untouched stretches of white sandand even a secluded pink beach, reminiscent of what Komodo’s famous Pink Beach used to be before the crowds. Hidden far from tourist routes, this secret paradise is reserved just for us, ensuring a completely private and intimate experience.
At noon, we set up an unforgettable beach barbecue, the turquoise sea on one side, majestic mountains on the other, and later a sky full of stars above. The setting is pure magic, the kind of moment that stays with you forever.
Day 7 - KOMODO - Manta Alley
Manta Alley, located at the southern tip of Komodo Island, is renowned as one of the top places in the world to encounter manta rays. During the dry season, cooler waters rich in plankton attract large numbers of reef mantasand, on occasion, even oceanic mantas.
This dive site features narrow channels, rocky formations, and coral slopes that support a diverse range of marine life. Mantas are often seen cruising through the area, hovering over cleaning stations, or feeding in the current. The reef is full of life, with dense fields of soft corals, crinoids, and sponges. Schools of fusiliers and trevallies sweep through the water, while whitetip reef sharks and turtles are also commonly sighted.
Day 8 - KOMODO - Sabolon
We exit Komodo National Park at Sabolon and its surrounding waters, where vibrant top reefs teem with anthias and damsels. Gently sloping coral gardens attract schools of yellow snapper, green and hawksbill turtles, and the occasional eagle ray, offering a colorful and relaxed introduction to these legendary waters.
Day 9 - KULAMBU – Flores Seas & Whale Watching
Kulambu Bay is a paradise for macro enthusiasts. Gently sloping black sand reefs shelter ghost pipefish, frogfish, Coleman’s shrimps, zebra crabs, and graceful seahorses clinging to sea fans.
After diving, we sail through a migratory corridor renowned for whale watching, with chances to encounter sperm whales, pods of dolphins, and melon-headed whales along the way.
Day 10 – 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 crackformed 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 11 - IPET
Ipet Island, diving, beach and flying foxes.
Ipet and Watu Peni coastal zone is located on the northeastern coast of Adonara Island, next to the deep channel that separates Adonara from Lembata. The coastline features steep slopes and rocky outcrops, with the seafloor dropping rapidly into deep water. The area is shaped by volcanic activity.
A pearl farm operates near Ipet. It produces Akoya or South Sea pearls using suspended lines and baskets in protected reef zones. The farm supports the local economy and helps limit boat traffic and fishing activity in the surrounding area. The strait is part of a migration route for blue whales, which pass through the area seasonally — mainly between September and December, and March to May, as they move between feeding and breeding areas in the Banda and Savu Seas. Dolphins are also sometimes seen.
Ipet area on the northeastern coast of Adonara has steep underwater terrain, including drop- offs, vertical walls, and a coral ridge called Ipet Ridge. The reef is in good condition with hard and soft corals, sea fans, and sponges. Common marine life includes white-tip and blacktip reef sharks, fusiliers, trevallies, and turtles. Ipet Drop Off is a deep wall dive with current, while Ipet Ridge offers a gentler slope with good opportunities for spotting small marine species.
Watu Peni, located close to shore, is primarily dived at night. It features a sloping reef with coral bommies and sandy areas. The site is known for calm conditions and high macro biodiversity. Typical night-time sightings include decorator crabs, bobtail squid, cuttlefish, octopus, sleeping parrotfish, moray eels, frogfish, and bluespotted stingrays.Bioluminescent plankton may also appear. The site is more protected than Ipet and suitable for less experienced divers.
After a full day of diving, we’ll have some snacks and drinks at the beach and also have the chance to see flying foxes emerge from the coastal forest near Ipet. As the sun begins to set, these large fruit bats take flight, moving silently overhead as they head out across the strait to forage for the night. It’s a peaceful and memorable way to end the day by the sea.
Day 12 - ALOR AREA
Pulau Pura & Takpala Village Visit
Pasir Merah (Red Sand): Located north of Pura, Pasir Merah is one of Alor’s most distinctive dive sites, featuring volcanic red sandy slopes with natural bubbling gas vents, a unique hallmark of Pura’s volcanic seabed.
The site is teeming with exceptional macro life, including mandarin fish, hairy shrimp, and, in deeper sections, the possibility of encountering bamboo sharks and nurse sharks.
Bakalang Jetty: Dive beneath the weathered pillars of Bakalang Jetty, where soft corals transform the structure into a vibrant underwater tapestry and frogfish blend perfectly into their surroundings.
Beyond the jetty, rays and schools of batfish may drift through the blue, while the reef itself hides an extraordinary variety of macro life. With clear water, gentle conditions and exceptional critter hunting, Bakalang Jetty is a favourite among underwater photographers and a perfect introduction to Alor’s renowned muck diving.
Cultural Visit – Takpala Village
After our final dive, we leave the ocean behind to visit Takpala, a traditional Abui village nestled in the hills above Kalabahi.
The village has preserved centuries-old traditions, with houses built entirely from natural materials surrounding a central ceremonial area. Here, we are welcomed by the local community with traditional dances, including the famous Lego-Lego, and have the opportunity to learn about their culture, rituals and way of life.
On our return to the harbour, those still full of energy may enjoy a short visit to Kalabahi’s local market, offering a final glimpse into everyday island life before returning to Seven Seas.
Day 13 - KALEBAHI BAY
Disembarkation. Fly to Bali/Jakarta and transfer to flights home or resorts.
