Manta Trust Expedition – Komodo National Park, Indonesia

July 22 – August 1, 2026*

 

The diversity of terrestrial and marine ecosystems in Komodo National Park is so unique that the park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The combination of marine and land wildlife, reef-dwelling and pelagic creatures, vertebrates and invertebrates, shallow coral reefs, isolated pinnacles, drop-offs and exhilarating drift dives produces exceptional diving, as you would expect of a key location within the Coral Triangle – the epicentre for the planet’s marine biodiversity.

With one of the world’s largest populations of reef mantas, resident year-round, Komodo National Park is among the best destinations to encounter these magnificent creatures. It also offers the possibility of observing the elegant black morph reef mantas which are typical of this region’s population. During the expedition, we will visit multiple, well-known manta ray sites within the marine park, both in the north and south of Komodo, including the cleaning stations of Karang Makassar and Manta Alley where mantas often congregate in large numbers to socialise and mate during this season.

Join us!

Starting at $5,150* (double occupancy)

During this special expedition aboard Indo Master, we’ll have the opportunity to experience and participate in cutting-edge conservation research to protect one of the ocean’s most majestic animals. Manta Trust scientists will be collecting photographic identification images of all mantas encountered throughout the expedition – a task that guests are welcome and encouraged to participate in. Join us, and discover a world beneath the waves like no other!

BOOK NOW

 The Indo Master Liveaboard

Built in 2022, the 47m she was built on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and is handcrafted from ironwood and teak (traditional to the area). You will find no other diving liveaboard as beautiful in Indonesian waters and, being built by divers for divers, you can rest assured that every need has been thought of and addressed. The spacious air-conditioned saloon offers a great setting for your meals and dive briefings, a cocktail bar, comfortable seating, a charging station and a large flat-screen TV.

All cabins include: Ensuite bathrooms,Individually controlled A/C, ample storage, extra towels

The Diving

Conditions in some areas around Komodo can be challenging, even for experienced divers due to strong currents and reduced visibility at certain locations.

This Trip is Advanced Diving and Requires the Following:

– PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent
– 50+ dives
– Experience in Currents

Water temps can vary from 70° – 83° F

Komodo National Park

Komodo offers so much more than manta ray encounters; With dives at famous sites such as Batu Bolong, Crystal Rock and Shotgun!, we will have the opportunity to experience its kaleidoscopic diversity throughout the expedition. Schools of trevally, white tip reef sharks, gardens of colourful soft corals, barracudas, bizarre nudibranchs, and of course, a visit on-land to encounter the legendary Komodo dragon!

Manta Trust

Through a series of activities and presentations led by the Manta Trust expert on topics covering local marine species and habitats, participants are sure to leave with an increased awareness of the threats facing our oceans and, perhaps more importantly, how we can help.

Manta Trust scientists will be collecting photographic identification images of all mantas encountered throughout the expedition – a task that guests are welcome and encouraged to participate in. All new manta rays will be added to the database and guests will be invited to name them.

Trip Price and Inclusions

Starting at $5,150 (double occupancy)

  • 10 nights full board accommodation in a Classic Twin / double room
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinners, and snacks
  • Unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee, fruit juice & soft drinks
  • Approximately 34 Dives
  • Presentations, activities, and participation in Manta Trust Activities
    • BONUS: we’re encouraged to take pictures of Mantas, if you take a picture of an undocumented manta, YOU can name it!
  • Land Tours:
    • Sunset visit to Pink Beach
    • Guided hike to see the famous Komodo dragons, stunning hilltop viewpoints within the park and see buffalo, deer, and monkeys.
  • Weights, weight belt and SMB
  • Disembarkation transfer
  • Embarkation transfer
  • Premium cabin $5,410
  • Superior cabin $5,560
  • Single Supplement requires buying both spots for the cabin.

** Please let us know if you are interested in any of these options. We’re familiar with the boat and happy to assist!

BOOK NOW Customer support

Payment Schedule: 

  • $750 non-refundable deposit – due today to secure your spot.
  • $1,500 Due June 15, 2025
  • $1,500 December 1, 2025
  • final balance (with any upgrades) due April 1, 2026

Exclusions and Other Information

  • R/T Airfare to Komodo (LBJ)
  • Hotel stays before & after the liveaboard  (highly recommended)
  • Meals before and after liveaboard
  • Transportation not included in the itinerary
  • Nitrox – $130 for the trip
  • Crew Gratuities
  • Marine Park and Port Fee: $230 per person (to be paid on board)
  • Fuel Surcharges, if assessed
  • Trip Incidentals – including but not limited to beverages and bar bill, telephone, internet usage, sightseeing, souvenirs, equipment rental of any sort, gratuities, spa appointments, special day trips, etc.

Other Important Notes:

  • These trip dates DO NOT include travel days, Please plan accordingly. We highly encourage you to arrive a day early. The Liveaboard will not wait for you. See below for more instructions.
  • All surcharges, including marine, park and port fees, are subject to change at any time, and without notice.
  • You need a valid passport for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay.
  • DAN Insurance & Trip Insurance is required for this trip: learn more here
BOOK NOW Customer support

Travel Information

For the easiest domestic connections we recommend booking your international flights to and from Bali, Denpasar International Airport (DPS) although there are also direct flights between Jakarta and Labuan Bajo.

We advise spending at least one night in Bali* (or Jakarta) on either side of your liveaboard dates to ensure you are on time for your flight connections and to allow for any possible changes to flight schedules.

*Please be aware that all travellers arriving in Bali are required to pay the Bali Tourism Levy.

As domestic flight schedule changes, delays and cancellations are common occurrences in Indonesia, we strongly recommend booking flights to arrive in Labuan Bajo the day before embarkation and arranging a hotel for the night. Should you choose to arrive in Labuan Bajo on the day of embarkation you should book a flight that arrives no later than 12:00 (midday).

If your delayed arrival is after the vessel has departed, you may be charged for the cost of arranging a speedboat transfer or for additional fuel required for Indo Master to return to port. With this in mind, we recommend booking flights to arrive the day before embarkation.