Every time I do these trips I get a thrill from showing people a new way to explore and learn about the ocean. This Komodo expedition trip was magic. Every day was an adventure. The larger ships can’t do what we do. The increasingly shiny and expensive cruise options don’t stop long enough to reach where we can. They travel too far and they simply don’t have the experience to find wildlife.
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Our chief in-water guide Apé is renowned among Indonesians. Everywhere I go people know him. The Pindito celebrated its 30th year of operation this year and some of the crew have been with the boat for half that time. The knowledge handed down over generations of where to go and what to see is extraordinary. We put people in the right places at the right time, with the right conditions.
On this trip, we had one couple in their ’80s. They snorkelled most of the trip but did a few dives. They got qualified when they were in their 70s. He used to work for NASA and on the last night had us watch a rare overhead pass of the International Space Station. That was a rare treat.
“Truly the best holiday / adventure I have had in my life ( no joke ) !!! it has just shown me that there is so so much out there to see and experience – Suzi C, Sydney
A few video clips from snorkelling
Drinks, sunsets and SUPs
It’s always nice to finish the odd swim in the shallows. We found a lovely island which is part of a conservationWhy is animal conservation important? Animal conservation is important, because animals are the only mechanism to create biodiversity, which is the mechanism that creates a habitable planet for humans. Without animals, the energy from today’s plants (algae, trees, flowers etc) will eventually reach the atmosphere and ocean, much of it as carbon. The quantity of this plant-based waste is so More area between Lombok and Sumbawa. A perfect place to snorkel, dive then come up for a G&T and watch the sunset. Drinks on the decks most evening was sublime. There was also plenty of time to indulge in other activities like leaping from the bow, paddleboarding or simply admiring the sunsets!
The wildlife
Whale Sharks, Manta Rays and Komodo Dragons were clear highlights. There were also the smaller delights. Bow-riding dolphins, Giant Moray Eels, Peacock Mantis Shrimps, colourful Nudibranchs and so on. We had some really rare sightings too! Some divers saw Hairy Octopus, which is a bit of a holy grail. We saw a Leatherback Turtle! There were a also couple of sightings of Painted Frogfish too.
