Expedition overview
Join us on an unforgettable 8-day adventure through Komodo National Park, one of Indonesia's most iconic and biodiverse marine ecosystems. Partnering with Scuba Junkie, this Komodo diving expedition takes you to the best northern and central dive sites, where you'll explore vibrant coral reefs, discover fascinating macro critters, and witness the majestic presence of larger species like reef sharks, manta rays, and schools of jacks.
In addition to world-class diving, our journey includes a visit to Rinca Island, where you'll have the unique opportunity to see the legendary Komodo dragons in the wild—a true bucket-list experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Led by renowned expedition leader and underwater filmmaker Matthew David Kaplan, this adventure is designed to offer thrilling experiences, with a focus on underwater exploration and storytelling. Dive sites will be carefully selected each day based on optimal conditions, ensuring that you experience the very best of Komodo’s underwater wonders.
Total package:
Early bird price (until January 31st): $2,645 USD
Regular price: $3,045 USD
Note: $825 USD deposit to book a spot, fully refundable 90 days prior to the trip.
Includes:
- All dives
- Accomodation (8 days / 7 nights)
- 6 days of diving
- All meals, snacks & (non-alcoholic) drinks
- Filming, editing and storytelling masterclass by Matthew David Kaplan
- Your footage will be featured on Oceans Nation's Instagram community, reaching an audience of more than 2.8 million followers
- Dive gear (if needed)
Does not Include:
- Flights
- Airport transfers (we'll help you coordinate)
- Gratuity for dive guides, crew, captains and cooks (8% of expedition cost, cash collected upon arrival)
(8 days / 7 nights)
8 divers + expedition leader
- Advanced Open Water certification
- Minimum of 40 dives
- Travel & dive insurance
- 18 years of age
Trip Program
8 days / 7 nights (May 10 - May 17, 2025)
Day 1: Arrival in Labuan Bajo
Your adventure begins in the scenic port town of Labuan Bajo, located on the western tip of Flores Island in Komodo National Park. We’ll meet at approximately 1:00 PM for introductions, before transferring to the port. From there, we’ll embark on a scenic boat ride to Scuba Junkie Komodo Resort, your home base for the next 8 days. Upon arrival, we’ll give you a quick tour of the resort, allowing time to settle in. You’ll have the rest of the day to prepare your dive and camera gear, unwind, or explore the surroundings. In the evening, Matthew will provide an expedition briefing, giving you a full understanding of what to expect over the coming days.
Days 2–7: Diving in Komodo National Park
Over the next six days, we’ll dive into the extraordinary underwater world of Komodo National Park, famous for its world-class diving. Expect to experience some of the best dive sites in the world, including Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, Siaba Besar, Karang Makassar (aka Manta Point), and Mawan—two of the top sites for manta ray sightings. If we’re lucky, we’ll witness groups of manta rays gliding through the waters. The diverse dive sites are known for vibrant coral reefs, healthy marine ecosystems, and abundant marine life.
Most days will feature three dives, with opportunities to encounter pelagic species like manta rays, reef sharks, and schools of jacks. For macro photography enthusiasts, Komodo’s dive sites are also home to rare and fascinating creatures, such as pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and more. The underwater topography varies, with dramatic coral walls, drift dives, and peaceful coral gardens, making every dive unique.
Day Trip to Rinca Island
Midway through the expedition, we’ll head to Rinca Island, home to the legendary Komodo dragons. This guided trek offers the chance to observe these ancient reptiles in the wild, alongside other wildlife such as water buffalo and wild boars. The land excursion provides a fascinating contrast to your underwater adventures, adding a land-based element to this incredible journey and offering a well-rounded experience of Komodo’s unique natural environment.
Note: All diving and activities are weather-dependent. In the unlikely event of severe weather or unsuitable diving conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
Matthew David Kaplan
- @Discovery ocean contributor
- Only One ambassador
- Ocean Culture Life Storyteller
- 20+ years of diving across 6 continents
- IG @matthewunderwater / www.matthewunderwater.com
Accommodation
Scuba Junkie Komodo Dive Resort
Located on the edge of Komodo National Park, Scuba Junkie Komodo Beach Resort offers an ideal setting for divers. The resort offers breathtaking views and easy access to world-class dive sites. Enjoy Balinese-inspired rooms, an oceanfront restaurant, and sunsets over Komodo Island, making it the perfect retreat after a full day of diving.
FAQs
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring your GoPro or any other underwater camera to document your adventure. Komodo offers exceptional photo and video opportunities, from fascinating macro critters to majestic manta rays and breathtaking underwater landscapes. Be sure to use proper waterproof housing to keep your gear safe.
Matthew will be available throughout the trip to assist with all aspects of underwater filming, photography, and editing as part of a dedicated masterclass. He’ll provide expert guidance to help you capture incredible footage—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter. Your best shots and videos will be proudly featured on Oceans Nation, reaching an audience of over 2.8 million followers.
During this expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter a wide range of marine and land animals in Komodo National Park. Underwater, you can expect to see manta rays, reef sharks, schools of jacks, sea turtles, octopus and macro critters like pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, colorful coral gardens, and more. Above the water, Rinca Island offers the chance to see the iconic Komodo dragons, as well as other wildlife such as water buffalo and wild boars.
The nearest airport to Komodo National Park is Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo, Flores. You can reach Labuan Bajo via domestic flights from two main hubs:
- Bali (Denpasar): Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) offers multiple daily flights to Labuan Bajo, making it a popular and convenient choice.
- Jakarta: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) also has direct flights to Labuan Bajo, giving travelers another great option depending on their international arrival point.
Both Bali and Jakarta are well-connected, so you can choose the route that works best for your schedule. Be sure to check flight availability and schedules when planning your trip, as they may vary.
To participate in the Komodo dive expedition, you must be a certified diver with a minimum of an Advanced Open Water Diver certification and at least 40 dives. The conditions in Komodo National Park can vary, with moderate to strong currents expected, so prior experience in these types of conditions is recommended. If you're unsure about your certification or experience level, feel free to contact us, and we can help guide you on whether this trip is suitable for your diving skills.
The water temperature in Komodo National Park typically ranges between 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F) throughout the year, making it comfortable for diving in just a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit. It’s important to check the specific conditions during your trip, as temperatures can vary slightly depending on dive site locations.
The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). We recommend exchanging your currency for Rupiah once you arrive in Bali or Labuan Bajo, as most transactions in Komodo National Park are conducted in IDR. While some places may accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to carry cash for small purchases or remote areas.
As a reference, 1 USD is approximately 16,000 IDR.
Yes, both travel and diving insurance are mandatory for all participants. These policies ensure you’re covered for scuba diving activities, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen items.
For diving insurance, we recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) or DAN Europe, depending on your location. These organizations specialize in dive-related coverage and offer comprehensive plans for divers.
For travel insurance, World Nomads is a great option, as it’s designed for adventurous travelers and provides broad coverage for unforeseen issues during your trip.
Be sure to check with your chosen providers to confirm that their plans meet your needs and include the necessary coverage for your trip.
A basic level of fitness is required for this trip. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable swimming and able to handle short walks to dive sites. Some sites may require climbing or walking short distances. Diving itself can be physically demanding, so a moderate level of fitness will help ensure you enjoy the experience safely and comfortably.
In partnership with:
