Komodo Manta Ray Diving: Join The Manta Trust for a Conservation-Focused Liveaboard
Explore Komodo’s Wild Side with The Manta Trust
If you’ve ever dreamed of diving with manta rays and doing something meaningful for ocean conservation, this is the trip for you. This month, we’re spotlighting an unforgettable 10-night expedition through Komodo National Park aboard the Indo Master, where stunning biodiversity meets hands-on conservation.
Why Komodo?
Komodo isn’t just about the legendary dragons (although, yes—you’ll meet them too!). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most biologically diverse marine regions on the planet. Think vibrant coral reefs, exhilarating drift dives, schooling fish, sharks, critters galore, and—of course—manta rays.
Meet the Mantas
Manta rays are some of the ocean’s most majestic and mysterious creatures. With wingspans that can reach up to 7 meters (23 feet), they glide effortlessly through the water, often appearing to ‘fly’ just above coral reefs. Unlike stingrays, mantas have no stinger and are completely harmless to humans.
There are two main species: the reef manta (Mobula alfredi) and the oceanic manta (Mobula birostris). Komodo National Park is home to a large, resident population of reef mantas, including the rare black morph variety. These intelligent animals are known for their curious nature and often interact with divers.
What makes them truly special is not just their grace, but their vulnerability. Mantas are slow to reproduce and are increasingly threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. That’s why every encounter is both a privilege and a call to protect them.
This expedition is extra special thanks to our collaboration with The Manta Trust, a global leader in manta ray research and conservation. Throughout the trip, you’ll not only dive some of the best manta sites in the world (like Karang Makassar and Manta Alley), you’ll also get the chance to contribute to real research alongside marine scientists.
We’ll participate in:
- Data collection on manta rays
- Presentations and workshops led by experts
- Eye-opening conversations about the future of our oceans
Trust us, you’ll leave with a head full of knowledge, a heart full of inspiration, and a logbook full of unforgettable dives.
Trip Details
July 22 – August 1, 2026
Aboard the Indo Master
Dive Highlights
- Up to 34 scheduled dives in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world
- Manta Encounters: Reef mantas (including black morphs!) are resident year-round
- Famous Dive Sites: Batu Bolong, Shotgun!, Crystal Rock, Pink Beach, Tiga Dara
- Manta Ray Hot Spots like Karang Makassar & Manta Alley
- Marine Life: Trevally, reef sharks, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, pygmy seahorses, blue-ringed octopus, and much more
- Hands-on conservation with The Manta Trust
- Critters & Macros: Ghost pipefish, frogfish, Wunderpus, Mimic and Starry night octopus
- Land Adventures: Meet real Komodo dragons and visit Pink Beach
Included Land Tours
Your Komodo experience doesn’t stop underwater. We’ve included several land-based excursions to immerse you in the full beauty of the region:
- 🦖 Guided hike in Komodo National Park — Get up close with Komodo dragons, plus spot buffalo, deer, monkeys, and epic hilltop views.
- 🌅 Sunset at Pink Beach — Famous for its pink-hued sand, this is the perfect spot to relax and snap some unforgettable photos.
- 🏜 Horseshoe Bay by tender — On the south side of Rinca Island, we cruise in to view Komodo dragons from the water. We can’t step on the island (it’s restricted), but the close-up beach views are amazing.
Dive Conditions & Experience Required
Conditions around Komodo can be thrilling—but also challenging. You’ll encounter strong currents and variable visibility in some locations, so this trip is best suited to experienced divers.
Requirements:
- PADI Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent)
- Minimum 50 logged dives
- Previous current diving experience strongly recommended
Water Temperature
Komodo straddles two seas—and we’ll feel the difference.
- North (Flores Sea): 26–28°C / 79–83°F
- South (Savu Sea): Averages 24°C / 75°F but can drop to 21°C / 70°F
Most divers will be fine in a 3mm full-length or shorty wetsuit in the north. For southern dives or those who get cold easily, bring a 5–7mm suit or thermal layers to stay comfortable on longer dives.
Travel Info
- ✈️ Arrival/Departure Airport: Komodo International Airport (LBJ)
- Most travelers connect via Bali (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK) for short domestic flights into Labuan Bajo. Once flights are published, we’ll provide an itinerary!
Ready to dive with purpose and explore one of the most biodiverse places on Earth?
Join us for this extraordinary expedition in Komodo National Park, where every dive supports ocean conservation.
Learn More about Komodo