Komodo Dragons, Mantas & Reef Adventure 2028

Komodo Dragons, Mantas & Reef Adventure 2028

Join Bluewater Travel on the Amira for an 11-night photo group trip exploring the spectacular reefs and marine life of Komodo.

Why Join This Trip?

• Discover why Komodo is one of the world’s most thrilling dive destinations with legendary biodiversity
• Experience an 11-night route that dives the best of Komodo, from sharky pinnacles to manta hotspots and Horseshoe Bay’s macro haven
• Explore Komodo, a true bucket list adventure, combining world-class diving with the chance to see Komodo dragons in the wild
• The spacious Amira offers top comfort, expert service, and free nitrox for divers
• Diver to Guide ratio is 4:1
• 25% discount on photo gear rental from Bluewater Photo
• Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure

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Trip Overview

Expect thrilling dives with this 11-night adventure aboard the Amira. Dive deep into the heart of Komodo National Park, one of the world’s most spectacular marine destinations, and get the chance to encounter reef sharks and schools of fish, graceful manta rays at legendary cleaning stations, and vibrant coral gardens teeming with life. For those passionate about macro photography, the trip also showcases Komodo’s rich macro scene, from pygmy seahorses and frogfish to colorful nudibranchs hidden in sheltered bays. Between dives, enjoy breathtaking island scenery and the chance to spot Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.

Marine Life to Photograph

Komodo is world-renowned for encounters with large marine life, particularly manta rays, which are frequently seen at several of the park’s signature dive sites. Divers can also expect thrilling sightings of dogtooth tuna, giant trevally, barracuda, and an array of reef sharks, including blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef species. Turtles are another common highlight, gliding gracefully through many of Komodo’s vibrant reefs.

For those drawn to the smaller wonders, Komodo offers exceptional macro diving with an astonishing variety of critters. Frogfish, ghost pipefish, leaf scorpionfish, cuttlefish, pygmy seahorses, and nudibranchs are just a few of the species regularly encountered, alongside more unusual finds such as bobbit worms, bobtail squid, and the charmingly named “ladybugs.” The sheer diversity makes Komodo a true paradise for both wide-angle and macro photography alike.

Sample Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary. Our trip is planned and adjusted based on actual weather, current, and diving conditions prior to the trip.

• Day 1 – Embarkation
  The Amira crew picks up guests from the airport or hotel. After a welcome drink, guests check in to their cabins. Afterwards there will be breakfast or lunch, depending on the time of arrival. When all guests are on board and have settled in, a detailed boat and safety briefing will be given by the cruise director. In the afternoon, the general diving briefing explains the process and organization of our diving operations. Usually there are no dives offered on the first day.
• Days 2 – 10
  Typically, there are 3–4 dives daily, including a dusk or night dive if possible. During crossings we do a maximum of 2 to 3 dives per day.
• Day 11
  Last diving day with a maximum of 2 dives and cruise to disembarkation harbor.
• Day 12 – Disembarkation
  Check out and transfer to airport or hotel accompanied by crew.

This is only a sample itinerary. Our trip is planned and adjusted based on actual weather, current, and diving conditions prior to the trip.

Probably the most well-known creature of this area is the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, but for divers it offers even more. The current-rich waters provide spectacular dives with large schools of fish, and lucky divers may even encounter manta rays that are sure to make your heartbeat faster.

Our trip starts in Labuan Bajo and ends in Labuan Bajo, ensuring you have plenty of time within Komodo National Park to experience and dive all of its highlights.

We will visit top dive sites including Castle Rock, Batubolong, Manta Alley, and many more. To make the Komodo experience even more memorable, we also spend a couple of days outside the park exploring the unique underwater world surrounding the active volcano of Sangeang, offering a truly special diving experience.

With landscapes that look straight out of a Jurassic Park movie, the scenery is breathtaking. Land excursions include scenic viewpoints and a visit to Komodo National Park to see the famous dragons and learn more about them from the local rangers.

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Diving Conditions

Water temperatures are usually moderate, but can range on the same trip depending on the dive site. The temperature changes are based on location rather than on time of the year. The north side of the islands is generally warm, but the south side is often colder.

• Water Temperature: 66 – 86°F (19 – 30°C)
• Visibility: 50 – 130 feet (15 – 40 m)
• Depth Range: 10 – 130 feet (3 – 40 m)

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Recommended Scuba Gear

Download our full scuba gear guide to Komodo, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF! Click the image below to download (PDF).

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Trip Type

This is a GROUP TRIP WITH PHOTO SUPPORT. Led by a professional or experienced photographer who will be happy to provide advice and guidance on all elements of your photography as required. The logistics of this trip mean that formal photography tutorials and workshops are not practical.

What to Expect from our Group Trips with Photo Support

• Photography support - Your trip leader will ensure that they spend time with everyone throughout the trip, providing advice and guidance on all elements of photography. If you have specific questions about your equipment, shot composition, or post-processing, they will be happy to support you.
• Quality time with fellow photographers - You will meet like-minded divers or travelers with a passion for photography. Newer photographers will benefit from the experience of more advanced shooters, and those with experience can share their advice and tips with the group.
• Suitable for everyone - New and experienced photographers are welcome on all our trips. Gain the necessary skills to start shooting great photos, increase your confidence in finding the best underwater shots, or hone specific skills. We also encourage non-photographers to join, and do our best to split groups according to skills and interests.

Enjoy free, unlimited access to a wealth of knowledge and advice from your photo instructor.

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Inclusions

• 12 nights accommodation on board, twin/double occupancy
• All-inclusive meal services including on board beverages (exclusive of all beverages in cans, containers and/or bottles)
• Up to 4 accompanied dives per day (including one dawn or night dive, if location is suitable)
• Multilingual travel guides on board
• All offered land excursions, inc. a trip to view Komodo dragons
• Use of ENOS (Electronic Rescue and Locating System)
• NITROX use included in price
• Transfers to/from the airport or hotel at the location of the respective port of embarkation/disembarkation

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Exclusions

• Distance fee according to trip length, sailing distance, and region ($260 per person, invoiced in advance)
• Port Clearance fee & Harbor tax ($80 per person, invoiced in advance)
• National Marine Park fees ($200 per person, invoiced in advance)
• All beverages in cans, containers, and bottles
• Spirits and other alcoholic beverages for e.g., beer and wine
• Dive rental equipment
• 15 l tanks
• Purchase of merchandise or souvenirs on board
• On board telecommunications
• Crew gratuities (recommended is approx. $35-40 per day/per guest)
• Indonesian Tourist Visa
• Bali Tourist Levy
• Dive and Travel Insurance
• Other payable items and services aboard MSV Amira, while on the dive cruise

*onboard fees and charges are subject to change.

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Accommodation

About the Amira

The Amira is a beautifully crafted Phinisi-style liveaboard that blends traditional Indonesian design with modern luxury. Measuring 52 meters in length, she provides a spacious and stable platform for extended dive cruises. The vessel accommodates up to 19 guests in comfortable en-suite cabins, each equipped with air-conditioning and ample storage. On board, guests can relax in multiple social areas, including an indoor lounge and dining room, a shaded outdoor lounge, and a large sundeck perfect for soaking up views between dives.

Read about the reviews of the Amira.

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Komodo Trip Extensions

Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of Bali or other parts of Indonesia before or after your trip in Komodo with Bluewater.

Read More.

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Trip Leader

Mark Strickland

Mark Strickland’s life-long interest in the sea has included over 10,000 dives and careers as an ocean lifeguard, boat captain, and scuba instructor. His passion for underwater photography has led him to many top dive locales, including the Virgin Islands, Australia, and Thailand, where he spent 17 years as Cruise Director on a series of liveaboards. Mark now resides in Ventura County, California.

An avid marine naturalist, Mark has discovered several nudibranch species. He is co-author and principal photographer for Lonely Planet’s award-winning book, “Diving and Snorkeling Thailand”, and his work appears in many magazines, books, and displays around the world. Mark's editorial credits include Action Asia, Alert Diver, BBC Wildlife, National Geographic World, Natural History, and most major dive publications.

Read more about Mark Strickland.

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How To Get There

Flight Information

Guests should fly internationally into either Bali Denpasar (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK), both of which have direct flight options from the US or various hubs in Asia and Australia. The boat embarks and disembarks in Labuan Bajo (LBJ) which is a short domestic flight on from Bali or Jakarta. We encourage all guests to arrive in Labuan Bajo at least a day early (on August 28th) to allow for flight and baggage delays and to stay at a local airport hotel.

International flights out of Bali or Jakarta should be booked from late afternoon on September 2nd, or the following morning, to allow time for a morning flight from Labuan Bajo.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to our Group Trips team for flight or travel advice.

Flight Package

Our group trips attract guests from all over the globe and many of our customers prefer to book their own flights to take advantage of mileage points or credit card discounts. For these reasons, flights are not included in our group trip packages.

However, we are more than happy to work with you to find the best travel itinerary for your trip and will gladly give suggestions and advice, even if you make the final booking. We will check through your travel reservations at any time to ensure they fit with the trip schedule and can give recommendations on transit hotels and day tours where needed.

If you would like us to book flights and transit hotels for domestic and/or international travel on your behalf, we are also happy to arrange this. Contact Us for more information.

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Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $1,000 to confirm your spot
• Payment 2: $2,000 due 1 August 2027
• Balance: due 1 February 2028

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