Spectacular views from Komodo Island
Spectacular views from Komodo Island
A visit to see the Komodo Dragon's in Indonesia is an unforgettable experience
Trekking in Komodo National park
The amazing colours of the reef
Local children in the Nusa Tenggara Islands
The world's largest lizard, the Komodo Dragon
The gigantic and gentle whale shark
The crater lake on Satonda Island, Indonesia

Komodo Dragons, Whale Sharks & Coral Reefs aboard Ombak Putih

Cruise turquoise waters aboard a traditional Indonesian sailing boat

9 Days from

$5825 USD

Trip Code: STE
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Fuel Surcharge 2026
$200 USD
Fuel Surcharge 2025
$400 USD
Single Cabin Supplement 2025 departures
$4090 USD
Single Cabin Supplement 2026 departures
$4370 USD

Duration

  • 9 Days

Activities

  • 9 days adventure cruising, optional kayaking, snorkelling, SUP and hiking

Accommodation

  • 8 nights aboard Ombak Putih

Meals

  • 8 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Trip highlights

  • Trek the hills and forests of the park’s prehistoric islands in search of Komodo dragons in the wild.
  • Experience being in the water with whale sharks and learn how they live in symbiotic harmony with local fishermen.
  • Swim, kayak, paddle and play on remote island beaches and feel the soft pink sand between your toes.
  • Paddle board and kayak on an ancient freshwater crater lake in the heart of an extinct volcano.
  • Visit local villages to experience local customs and see how the people live their lives and make their living from fishing, farming and boat building.

Overview

On this idyllic cruise aboard a traditional 'pinisi' sailing ship we go in search of the world's largest lizard, attempt to swim with the gentle giants of the sea, the Whale Shark and snorkel some of the world's most pristine coral reefs. Our sailing route takes us through the volcanic epicenter of Indonesia’s Ring of Fire where we will see the results of countless millennia of Earth’s shifting tectonic plates, mighty forces that have helped shape the landscapes, cultures and habitats that exist both on land and in the sea. Commencing in Komodo we go ashore to see first hand the mythical Komodo Dragon, endemic only to this small island. Kayak and swim in a crater lake, filled with saltwater after the eruption of Mt Tambora and snorkel the pristine coral reefs off 'pink beach'. Swim with whale sharks and learn how they live in symbiotic harmony with local fishermen. Experience local culture on Moyo Island and search for wildlife on the picturesque island of Rinca. Our local Indonesian crew are all expertly trained and passionate about their homeland, there really is no one better placed to share an insight into this fascinating part of Indonesia.

Itinerary

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You will be greeted by your tour leader either at the airport or your hotel if you’ve arrived before the embarkation day. As you settle into your new home, we will head to our first snorkelling spot; a coral restoration project where you will see how the corals and fish populations have grown since they were first transplanted in 2014. NB* Due to the unpredictability of flight schedules we highly recommend arriving in Komodo the day before departure. Ask us about pre-tour accommodation

Meals: L,D

Today we go ashore on Komodo Island in search of the fearsome Komodo dragons, found only in the Komodo National Park. This is the world’s largest lizard, growing up to a length of three metres and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms. In the afternoon enjoy some magnificent snorkelling on some of the Komodo Park’s best reefs. Here we may swim with manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. We may also snorkel at a favourite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

Meals: B,L,D

Wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a beach of pure white sand with some sparkles of powdered red coral, creating the effect of a “pink beach.” We will spend the morning here, swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef that lies parallel to the beach. Cruise to a nearby active volcanic island where we will enjoy a unique snorkeling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals, with the metallic black volcanic sand below being home to an abundance of very interesting invertebrates. Spend the day at a strange and mystical volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its centre that was filled with saltwater when the nearby Mt Tambora catastrophically erupted in 1815. Here we will swim, kayak and paddleboard on the lake.

Meals: B,L,D

Prepare for an exhilarating opportunity to swim with whale sharks, the majestic gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here in the bay but now, thanks to travellers like you, we have formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fisherman who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms in the bay that attract the sharks. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed that we will see them. We will also visit the beautiful village of Labuan Aji on Moyo Island for an amazing experience. Walk to the stunning waterfall and enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water.

Meals: B,L,D

Over the next two days we njoy a unique snorkelling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals, with the metallic black volcanic sand below being home to an abundance of very interesting invertebrates. We re-enter Komodo National Park were we will go drift snorkelling in one of the best and healthiest coral reefs in the park, and for those who want to take the land-adventure to another level, you can do a sunset hike up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the other islands in the park. We will also visit Rinca Island, which is well known for its diverse wildlife, and maybe spot dragons, monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer as well. From the top of the hills, the scenery is breath taking.

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast on our last day, we will take a scenic drive towards Melo Village, where you will witness the traditional Caci dance performance. Local strongmen perform a ritual whip-fight between two rivals in which the players, each armed with a rattan shield and a whip, will try to hit each other while dancing to the rhythm of traditional acoustic instruments. After lunch on the boat, we will say farewell to the crew and your fellow shipmates as you disembark and continue onto your next destination.

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners
  • twin share cabin accommodation
  • park entrance fees and boat levies
  • snorkelling equipment
  • use of kayaks and paddle boards
  • local guide and crew
  • airport transfers

Not included

  • international flights to and from the point of embarkation
  • alcoholic & aerated drinks
  • items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
  • tips
  • airport & departure taxes
  • visas
  • travel insurance

About your guide

The all-Indonesian tour leader and crew are highly experienced and competent in the ways of the sea, the islands, and the cultures we visit. They all speak English very well, and are on hand to look after you and ensure you have a very safe and enjoyable time.

Adventure Highlighted Video

Snorkel with Whale Shark

Snorkel with Whale Shark
komodo surviving natural selection
Indonesia underwater

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