Dive and Explore Indonesia’s exciting Komodo National Park on this private charter of the M/V Mermaid I liveaboard For Women Only
Starting point for this expedition is the enchanting island of Bali, where you will board the liveaboard on the afternoon of July 13 (after an optional Bali land tour). From Bali we'll cruise past the volcanoes of Lombok and dive some of our favorite sites on the north of Sumbawa, such as Hot Rocks, en route to Komodo National Park to dive some of the most biologically diverse waters on the planet. Everything from mantas to macro life such as pygmy seahorses can be found here. On the islands inside the park, you can walk amongst the famous dragons in the wild (protected by a guide with a forked stick!), as well as view and learn about them at the park visitor center.
Best for intermediate to advanced divers, Komodo National Park is known for incredible marine life diversity, colorful corals, abundant reef fish, mantas, and of course the famous Komodo Dragons on land. Some of the most remarkable sea life is found at famous dive sites such as Cannibal Rock in the south of the park, where upwellings result in surprisingly cool water (72-75F), so pack a core warmer and hood. You should also be prepared for currents, and a tender will pick you up at the end of your drift dive.
This charter conveniently departs and returns to Bali, with no need to worry about domestic flights within Indonesia.
Sample Bali - Komodo - Saleh Bay Itinerary
Saturday,
July 13 |
Check-in on board M/V Mermaid I between 13:00-15:00 hours at Benoa Harbour in Bali. After the boat and safety briefing, you’ll set up equipment and you can settle into your cabin. Mermaid I cruises at sunset on her overnight journey to Moyo Island, north west Sumbawa, 145 nautical miles. |
Sunday,
July 14 |
Start your adventure with a great dive in the calm, clear waters of Angel Reef at Moyo Island. Massive elephant ear and barrel sponges, schools of longfin bannerfish and red tooth triggerfish, frogfish, nudibranchs, eels, surgeonfish, snappers and dogtooth tuna. Afterwards, Mermaid I will cruise for two and a half hours to Satonda Island for a macro dive followed by a world class night dive after watching a million bats fly at sunset. Cruise overnight to Sangeang volcano. |
Monday,
July 15 |
We will do our first dive at Sangeang, a conical volcano with black sandy bottoms and lush coral reefs. Then we will move to Gili Banta where we have many options, pinnacles, walls, or easy-going reefs. Then we will head to the northern islands of Komodo NP, Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat for an afternoon and night dive. |
Tuesday,
July 16 |
Gili Lawa Laut has several great dives – if the tide is right, you will have a chance to spot grey reef sharks and dolphins at Taka Toko. Lighthouse Reef and The Old Passage offer fast drifts with pelagics, perhaps a manta if you are lucky! Crystal Rock offers awesome soft corals in gold and orange hues plus the chance for sharks, turtles, Napoleon wrasse and fishes galore. Tonight, you will dive the famous Pink Beach or Soro lia – spectacular colours, frogfish, slipper lobsters, basket stars, robust sea cucumbers unique to the area and more! |
Wednesday,
July 17 |
Start your day with an exciting visit to Loh Liang in Komodo National Park to walk with the dragons! As you quietly walk through the bush, look out for not only Komodo dragons, but deer, wild boar and birds as well.
Next stop is a diver’s paradise – Horseshoe Bay at Rinca Island, home of one of the top ten dives in the world, Cannibal Rock. Here, you will discover an abundance of corals, sponges, ascidians, sea apples, black corals, turtle, cuttlefish, loads of reef fishes and so much more! You can also watch dragons scavenging on the beach as well as monkey, deer, wild pigs along the shore or go beach combing. There may even be a chance to follow whales and dolphin feeding in the calm bay. Mermaid I will overnight at this peaceful place, diving at one of the many fabulous spots for your night dive. |
Thursday,
July 18 |
Today you’ll head on over to Manta Alley to watch in awe as these magnificent creatures feed, play and get cleaned at the many cleaning stations. In the afternoon, you can do some more big fish dives at Tatawa Kecil or the infamous “Current City” at Batu Bolong. Come face to face with reef sharks, turtles, Napoleon wrasse and more. Many good night dives around here as Wainilu. |
Friday,
July 19 |
This will be our last day at Komodo NP, diving around the central and northern part of Komodo. Four dives are planned here. Then you’ll head off for a night dive at Gili Banta. Overnight, Mermaid I will cruise back to Sangeang volcano. |
Saturday,
July 20 |
Back at Sangeang, black sand, bubbles and a colourful reef and amazing critters await you. After the second dive we will start heading towards Saleh Bay in Sumbawa in order to arrive early in the morning for an amazing day of diving or snorkeling with whale sharks. |
Sunday,
July 21 |
The last day of the trip will be at Saleh Bay in Sumbawa diving or snorkeling with whale sharks. We will start early in the morning, at around 6:30-07:00 and will spend approximately three hours with these amazing creatures. Then we will start heading back to Benoa Harbor in Bali. |
Monday,
July 22 |
Disembark at Benoa Harbour after breakfast at 8 am. |
Take advantage of this opportunity to explore this remote region in comfort and friendly company by e-mailing or calling us today.
Your Package Includes:
- Ten days/nine nights aboard M/V Mermaid I in an air-conditioned double occupancy stateroom with private bath
- Airport transfers on Bali
- All meals and between meal snacks on board the vessel
- Non-alcoholic beverages and beer on board the boat
- Up to 4 dives a day, conditions permitting
- Tanks, weights and weight belt
Not Included:
Marine Park, port fees and taxes (currently 225 Euro), Fuel surcharge (200 Euro), Visa on Arrival fee of $35, Nitrox @ 6 Euro/tank, international and domestic airfare, international departure tax (currently 150,000 IDR, about $13), crew gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Flights:
Many international carriers serve Denpasar, Bali (DPS), including Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Email us for free assistance with flights and remember that due to the International Date Line flights from North America depart July 10th to arrive on July 12th, the day before you board the vessel.
If you plan to join our Bali land tour, plan to arrive anytime on July 7.
Plan to depart Bali on July 22 at midday or later.
Extending your visit with more Bali diving is easy and fun with Aquamarine Diving Bali - ask us!
Deposit:
$1000 per person. Second deposit of $1000 due nine months prior
to departure, third deposit of $1000 due at 180 days, and final payment due 120 days prior
departure.
Call or e-mail us today to explore Bali and Komodo!
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