Maumere - Komodo - Bali Snorkeling Expedition

Exploring the remote islands of Komodo National Park with marine biologists Lee Goldman and Ethan Daniels

November 15 - 27 2016

copy2015 All images and content of this brochure document are the property of Coral Triangle Adventures LLC (unless otherwise noted)

Our popular Komodo National Park tour with a twist

We start in Maumere Flores and travel westward on our luxury liveaboard Mermaid I to Komodo National Park Most tours that depart from Bali (our usual starting point as well) make it only as far east as the national park and tours that visit Alor depart from Maumere and travel east This large section of northern Flores through to Komodo National Park has hundreds of square kilometers of pristine largely unexplored reef This itinerary also offers us the chance to spend an entire extra day in the park longer than our regular cruises that depart from Bali

Our tour begins around the lush tropical island of Flores where we will visit tiny islets surrounded by massive fringing reefs full of colorful reef fishes and coral As we enter the park the islands take on a rugged arid look carved by strong hot winds coming from Australia The underwater wilderness however showcases a dazzling number of reef creatures in gin-clear water With its expansive and pristine coral reefs we will have the chance to appreciate a variety of Indonesiarsquos marine ecosystems with a focus on the spectacular snorkeling among magnificent coral reefs where thousands of reef fish make their home amongst fields of techno-colored corals and nearby turtles and sharks glide effortlessly in the cobalt blue sea Similar to our regular departures we will cruise back to Bali allowing us to stop off and snorkel at some our favorite sites like Satonda Island and Angel Reef

In addition to snorkeling there will be ample time for bird watching beach walks to explore the spectacular surroundings and of course a visit to Komodo Island to see the awesome Komodo dragon up close and personal We complement our daily activities with insightful presentations on marine ecology coral reef biology and underwater photography As your expedition leaders together we have over 20 years of guiding experience that includes nearly a dozen expeditions to this extraordinary destination in Indonesia and in-depth knowledge of coral reef ecology photography and the marine flora and fauna of the Indo-West Pacific This 13-day12-night expedition is a special departure that should not be missed

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park (1817 square kilometers) is located about mid point along the Indonesian archipelago in a group of islands called the Lesser Sundas This chain of islands volcanic in origin and oriented along an east-west axis is divided into east Nusa Tenggara and west Nusa Tenggara The park lies between Sumbawa (E Nusa Tenggara) and Flores (W Nusa Tenggara) Established in 1980 Komodo National Park was set up to preserve the largest lizard in the world the Komodo dragon however it was also effective in preserving marine life around the local waters as well

The park consists of three main islands Komodo Rinca and Padar and numerous smaller islands and islets The islands are volcanic and usually have exposed outcroppings of rock as there is not much vegetation The dominant flora is open grass-woodland savanna and savanna palm (lontar palm) Small enclaves of tropical deciduous forests exist on the main islands especially in gullies created by steep hillsides Beaches are primarily of two types black sand (volcanic) and coral The latter often have a pinkish hue due to the infusion of red skeletal pieces from the coral pipe-organ coral As the skeleton breaks apart tiny pieces mix with the sand to create an overall pinkish hue (right) Reefs are generally fringing and begin right from shore The largest populations of dragons occur on Komodo and Rinca Each island has approximately 2500 individuals

Weather and Water Conditions

Weather around Komodo National Park is surprisingly different from much of the rest of Indonesia It records the lowest annual rainfall with several months recording no rainfall at all Generally the weather is nice all year round with temperatures averaging around 28ordm C (82ordm F) The hottest and driest part of the year occurs from August - December and the windiest rainiest months are Jan - March

Even though the park is located eight degrees south of the equator water temperatures range from 20ordm - 30ordm C (68ordm - 86ordm F) The range is often geographical with the lower temps in the southern end of the park and the higher temps in the north The cause for the lower temps is the upwelling effect due to the trade winds moving large amounts of water in a westward direction along the south side of the Lesser Sunda chain combined with the Coriolis effect that causes the water to ultimately move in a southernly direction The exported surface water is replaced with deeper cooler nutrient-rich water While this may force us to put on that extra layer of thermal protection the nutrient influx is responsible for the incredible profusion of life ranging from tiny corals to the largest blue whale

Our Expedition

What makes our Komodo National Park snorkeling expeditions so successful is our knowledge of the area combined with a bit of flexibility an important element in adventure travel The general itinerary includes areas that historically have always delivered the best snorkeling experiences The flexibility of our itinerary allows us to incorporate local weather tides and currents into our design so that we can visit these areas at the best possible times Furthermore we seamlessly budget in time to explore a new area or visit areas we have recently discovered This approach results in a solid proven itinerary that not only delivers fantastic snorkeling opportunities but also promotes a sense of adventure and uniquenessRoute The expedition begins and ends in Bali Indonesia One internal flight (Bali to Maumere Flores)

Day 1 (Nov 15 2016) Meet in Sanur Bali at our group resort Puri Santrian for the expedition orientation and welcome dinner

Day 2 (Nov 16) Fly to Maumere and transfer to Sea World Beach Resort Depending upon our arrival time we may have the chance to snorkel the house reef in front of the resort This exceptional reef has some of the brightest pink corals to be found anywhere

Day 3 (Nov 17) After breakfast we will either snorkel the reef in front of the resort or if the tide is extremely low have the opportunity to do some of the best tide-pooling in Indonesia During the low tide much of the reef is out of the water leaving behind pockets of salt water pools that harbor a variety of marine life In the past we have spotted mantis shrimps nudibranchs flatworms octopuses juvenile fishes moray eels and plenty of other invertebrates without getting but our feet wet In the afternoon we transfer to our expedition boat Mermaid I and have our boat orientation and lunch before we depart for Komodo National Park In the late afternoon we will have the chance to explore-by-snorkel one of the reefs that can be found along the northwestern coast of Flores Island

Day 4 (Nov 18) In the morning we will visit one of the many picture perfect tiny islets around western Flores and snorkel amongst the rich coral reef that fringes from its beach In the afternoon we enter Komodo National Park and visit Siaba Basar for our introduction to the amazing reefs that can be found in the park The shallow reefs around Siaba Basar contain a wide diversity of hard corals and reef fish particularly butterflyfishes and damselfishes Out in the blue turtles and schools of bumped parrotfish are common sights

Day 5 ndash 10 (Nov 19 ndash 24) Komodo National Park and Gili Banta Our itinerary in the park includes visits to Tatawa Kecil Pink Beach Siaba Kecil Takat Makassar Gili Lawa Darat Gili Lawa Laut Batu Monco

Padar Pink Beach Horseshoe Bay (on Rinca) and more if we can fit them in

Most of the sites mentioned above are found in the northern part of the park and have extensive shallow reef some that cover dozens of square kilometers These reefs also possess some of the highest levels of coral coverage we have ever seen The benchmark for an area with good coral coverage is if the amount of live coral constitutes 30 of the substrate Some of the areas mentioned above have coral coverage that is equal to or exceeds 80 At Gili Laut and Gili Darat we have the chance to snorkel through a narrow channel that whisks us into a coral garden that consistently showcases more species of angelfishes and butterflyfishes than any other place we go in the world Turtles are so common here that after a while they seem like a solid fixture on the reef Horseshoe Bay is an ancient incredibly scenic deceased caldera located at the southern tip of Rinca Island Though we find ourselves in slightly cooler water the reefs here are stunning Orange cup corals carpet the substrate and schools of anthias and fusiliers numbering in the thousands hover above Please note that we also will spend some time exploring new areas of the park in search of the ultimate snorkel site For example Padar Pink Beach now a staple on the itinerary was part of one such exploratory a couple of years ago During our stay in the park we will also visit Komodo National Park at Loh Liang as well as some wild encounters with dragons in Horseshoe Bay

Gili Banta lies just outside of the park boundaries and is a beautiful example of an exposed seaward reef where robust hard corals of many shapes and colors stand firm against the incoming waves If weather permits we will visit Sangeang volcano The snorkeling here is amazing as the vibrant colors of both soft and hard coral contrast beautifully against the black volcanic sand

Day 11 (Nov 25) Angel Reef and Pulau Satonda Angel Reef surrounds a very small islet made entirely of coral fragments The reef consists of shallow lush coral gardens that support thousands of reef fishes Out in the blue schools of unicornfishes batfishes and snappers parade along the reef margin Sea turtles are common sightings as well In the sand beds hundreds of garden eels some in only 2 meters of water poke their heads out to capture plankton as they float by The diversity of marine habitats of Satonda Island will excite even the most seasoned snorkeler Sea grass beds sand flats coral gardens and sloping walls offer us the chance to see some amazing marine critters especially some of the more unusual examples such as ghost pipefishes juvenile angelfishes and scorpionfishes The island itself thought to be an ancient cinder cone along the slopes of Tambora volcano possess a crater lake that can be accessed via a 5-minute hike along a paved trail A more challenging hike takes you to the rim for an unforgettable panoramic view of the entire area If reefs and a crater lake are not enough at sunset we sit back in the comfort of our boat to watch as thousands of fruit bats migrate to the main island of Sumbawa to forage for food

Day 12 (Nov 26) Disembark in Bali and transfer to Puri Santrian Farewell dinner at the resort

Day 13 (Nov 27) International flights or extensions

Puri Santrian is our usual group resort We chose this resort for its location (beach access proximity to local food and shopping areas proximity to Benoa harbor) beautiful rooms and property excellent food venues value and service In the event we cannot book this resort we will use a resort with similar or higher standards

What to Expect

Daily scheduleOur snorkeling tours are designed to provide you with a unique educational comfortable safe and exciting snorkeling experience and we strive to deliver on that promise the entire time Our daily itinerary generally includes two snorkel sessions a beach walk or dinghy tour and a presentation before dinner Our first snorkel session begins after breakfast and can last up until lunch We generally budget for at

least three hours of water time so its up to you About an hour after lunch we jump back in the water for another session Beach walks or dinghy tours can happen either in the early morning (before breakfast) or in the late afternoon to take advantage of the cooler air temperatures and less intense sun (plus the birds are more active) This schedule may change if we have special activities planned such as the visit to Loh Liang for our hike on Komodo Island

Boat supportAll of our snorkel activities are 100 boat supported There are two inflatable dinghies each with easy-to-use ladders Our programs are designed so that you can stay in the water for as long or as short as you like When you are ready to return to the expedition boat simply signal the dinghy drivers to pick you up and take you back Easy

Water conditionsWater temperatures in the park vary between 20ordm - 30ordm C (68ordm - 86ordm F) At a minimum a 3 mm full wetsuit and hood are recommended Many of the reefs we will snorkel upon are subjected to currents associated with the large tide cycles that prevail in the area While we often schedule our session during a time when the currents are minimal there will be planned drift snorkels These types of snorkels take advantage of the water movement and allow us to float over the reef without having to actively swim This activity usually becomes an instant favorite among our guests as it is very exciting and yet very passive at the same time In some cases however the unpredictability of the tides may expose us to strong water movement This may require a bit of effort though we will always have our dinghies standing by to help if needed

Land excursionsOur planned hike on Satonda and Komodo Island are on well established trails (paved and dirtrocky) both that have no significant elevation or exposure

Costs (inclusions and exclusions)

$6700 USD per person double occupancy$8950 USD per person single occupancy

Tour cost includesAccommodations on day 1 through day 13All meals on days 2 through 11 (dinner on day 1 breakfast on day 12)All internal transfers including international arrival and departure transfersInternal flight (Bali-Maumere)Non-alcoholic beveragesAll snorkeling and park feesInternal airport departure taxes (Bali-Maumere)All gratuities

Please note that significant changes to internal flight prices may affect the overall cost of the tour

Tour cost does not includeRound-trip international airfareAdditional hotel accommodations and meals as a result of travel outside of the program datesVisa requirements including paymentsAlcoholic beveragesBoat staff (Mermaid I) gratuities

International departure taxesExtra overweight baggage feesTrip insurance (recommended to learn more click Travel Guard Travelex TravelSafe)DAN insurance (required unless personal insurance program has worldwide emergency evacuation services)Additional accommodations while on tour in the event of flight schedule changes or events of force majeure

Payment scheduleReservation deposit $500 USDMarch 31 2016 $3000 USD single $4125 USDJuly 1 2016 $3200 USD single $4325 USD

Cancellation policyNotification of cancellation must be received in writing Due to the nature of the absolute boat costs and the payment schedule dictated by the boat we provide the following cancellation policy On or before December 31 2015 Full refund of deposit amount ($500 USD per person) January 1 2016 to March 31 2016 Forfeiture of $500 USD deposit April 01 2016 to June 31 2016 Up to 50 of tour cost After July 1 2016 Up to 100 of tour cost In the event of cancellations we will endeavor to find a replacement in which case arrangements can be made for partial refunds (amount to be determined as a case-by-case basis)

For further information please visit our website and refer to our Terms and Conditions

Further Documentation One month prior to our departure we will send out departure notes that detail everything you will need to know about visas arrival and departure transfers equipment clothing gratuities and special items you may need We will also include vouchers for our group hotelresorts and e-tickets for applicable internal flights

Our popular Komodo National Park tour with a twist

We start in Maumere Flores and travel westward on our luxury liveaboard Mermaid I to Komodo National Park Most tours that depart from Bali (our usual starting point as well) make it only as far east as the national park and tours that visit Alor depart from Maumere and travel east This large section of northern Flores through to Komodo National Park has hundreds of square kilometers of pristine largely unexplored reef This itinerary also offers us the chance to spend an entire extra day in the park longer than our regular cruises that depart from Bali

Our tour begins around the lush tropical island of Flores where we will visit tiny islets surrounded by massive fringing reefs full of colorful reef fishes and coral As we enter the park the islands take on a rugged arid look carved by strong hot winds coming from Australia The underwater wilderness however showcases a dazzling number of reef creatures in gin-clear water With its expansive and pristine coral reefs we will have the chance to appreciate a variety of Indonesiarsquos marine ecosystems with a focus on the spectacular snorkeling among magnificent coral reefs where thousands of reef fish make their home amongst fields of techno-colored corals and nearby turtles and sharks glide effortlessly in the cobalt blue sea Similar to our regular departures we will cruise back to Bali allowing us to stop off and snorkel at some our favorite sites like Satonda Island and Angel Reef

In addition to snorkeling there will be ample time for bird watching beach walks to explore the spectacular surroundings and of course a visit to Komodo Island to see the awesome Komodo dragon up close and personal We complement our daily activities with insightful presentations on marine ecology coral reef biology and underwater photography As your expedition leaders together we have over 20 years of guiding experience that includes nearly a dozen expeditions to this extraordinary destination in Indonesia and in-depth knowledge of coral reef ecology photography and the marine flora and fauna of the Indo-West Pacific This 13-day12-night expedition is a special departure that should not be missed

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park (1817 square kilometers) is located about mid point along the Indonesian archipelago in a group of islands called the Lesser Sundas This chain of islands volcanic in origin and oriented along an east-west axis is divided into east Nusa Tenggara and west Nusa Tenggara The park lies between Sumbawa (E Nusa Tenggara) and Flores (W Nusa Tenggara) Established in 1980 Komodo National Park was set up to preserve the largest lizard in the world the Komodo dragon however it was also effective in preserving marine life around the local waters as well

The park consists of three main islands Komodo Rinca and Padar and numerous smaller islands and islets The islands are volcanic and usually have exposed outcroppings of rock as there is not much vegetation The dominant flora is open grass-woodland savanna and savanna palm (lontar palm) Small enclaves of tropical deciduous forests exist on the main islands especially in gullies created by steep hillsides Beaches are primarily of two types black sand (volcanic) and coral The latter often have a pinkish hue due to the infusion of red skeletal pieces from the coral pipe-organ coral As the skeleton breaks apart tiny pieces mix with the sand to create an overall pinkish hue (right) Reefs are generally fringing and begin right from shore The largest populations of dragons occur on Komodo and Rinca Each island has approximately 2500 individuals

Weather and Water Conditions

Weather around Komodo National Park is surprisingly different from much of the rest of Indonesia It records the lowest annual rainfall with several months recording no rainfall at all Generally the weather is nice all year round with temperatures averaging around 28ordm C (82ordm F) The hottest and driest part of the year occurs from August - December and the windiest rainiest months are Jan - March

Even though the park is located eight degrees south of the equator water temperatures range from 20ordm - 30ordm C (68ordm - 86ordm F) The range is often geographical with the lower temps in the southern end of the park and the higher temps in the north The cause for the lower temps is the upwelling effect due to the trade winds moving large amounts of water in a westward direction along the south side of the Lesser Sunda chain combined with the Coriolis effect that causes the water to ultimately move in a southernly direction The exported surface water is replaced with deeper cooler nutrient-rich water While this may force us to put on that extra layer of thermal protection the nutrient influx is responsible for the incredible profusion of life ranging from tiny corals to the largest blue whale

Our Expedition

What makes our Komodo National Park snorkeling expeditions so successful is our knowledge of the area combined with a bit of flexibility an important element in adventure travel The general itinerary includes areas that historically have always delivered the best snorkeling experiences The flexibility of our itinerary allows us to incorporate local weather tides and currents into our design so that we can visit these areas at the best possible times Furthermore we seamlessly budget in time to explore a new area or visit areas we have recently discovered This approach results in a solid proven itinerary that not only delivers fantastic snorkeling opportunities but also promotes a sense of adventure and uniquenessRoute The expedition begins and ends in Bali Indonesia One internal flight (Bali to Maumere Flores)

Day 1 (Nov 15 2016) Meet in Sanur Bali at our group resort Puri Santrian for the expedition orientation and welcome dinner

Day 2 (Nov 16) Fly to Maumere and transfer to Sea World Beach Resort Depending upon our arrival time we may have the chance to snorkel the house reef in front of the resort This exceptional reef has some of the brightest pink corals to be found anywhere

Day 3 (Nov 17) After breakfast we will either snorkel the reef in front of the resort or if the tide is extremely low have the opportunity to do some of the best tide-pooling in Indonesia During the low tide much of the reef is out of the water leaving behind pockets of salt water pools that harbor a variety of marine life In the past we have spotted mantis shrimps nudibranchs flatworms octopuses juvenile fishes moray eels and plenty of other invertebrates without getting but our feet wet In the afternoon we transfer to our expedition boat Mermaid I and have our boat orientation and lunch before we depart for Komodo National Park In the late afternoon we will have the chance to explore-by-snorkel one of the reefs that can be found along the northwestern coast of Flores Island

Day 4 (Nov 18) In the morning we will visit one of the many picture perfect tiny islets around western Flores and snorkel amongst the rich coral reef that fringes from its beach In the afternoon we enter Komodo National Park and visit Siaba Basar for our introduction to the amazing reefs that can be found in the park The shallow reefs around Siaba Basar contain a wide diversity of hard corals and reef fish particularly butterflyfishes and damselfishes Out in the blue turtles and schools of bumped parrotfish are common sights

Day 5 ndash 10 (Nov 19 ndash 24) Komodo National Park and Gili Banta Our itinerary in the park includes visits to Tatawa Kecil Pink Beach Siaba Kecil Takat Makassar Gili Lawa Darat Gili Lawa Laut Batu Monco

Padar Pink Beach Horseshoe Bay (on Rinca) and more if we can fit them in

Most of the sites mentioned above are found in the northern part of the park and have extensive shallow reef some that cover dozens of square kilometers These reefs also possess some of the highest levels of coral coverage we have ever seen The benchmark for an area with good coral coverage is if the amount of live coral constitutes 30 of the substrate Some of the areas mentioned above have coral coverage that is equal to or exceeds 80 At Gili Laut and Gili Darat we have the chance to snorkel through a narrow channel that whisks us into a coral garden that consistently showcases more species of angelfishes and butterflyfishes than any other place we go in the world Turtles are so common here that after a while they seem like a solid fixture on the reef Horseshoe Bay is an ancient incredibly scenic deceased caldera located at the southern tip of Rinca Island Though we find ourselves in slightly cooler water the reefs here are stunning Orange cup corals carpet the substrate and schools of anthias and fusiliers numbering in the thousands hover above Please note that we also will spend some time exploring new areas of the park in search of the ultimate snorkel site For example Padar Pink Beach now a staple on the itinerary was part of one such exploratory a couple of years ago During our stay in the park we will also visit Komodo National Park at Loh Liang as well as some wild encounters with dragons in Horseshoe Bay

Gili Banta lies just outside of the park boundaries and is a beautiful example of an exposed seaward reef where robust hard corals of many shapes and colors stand firm against the incoming waves If weather permits we will visit Sangeang volcano The snorkeling here is amazing as the vibrant colors of both soft and hard coral contrast beautifully against the black volcanic sand

Day 11 (Nov 25) Angel Reef and Pulau Satonda Angel Reef surrounds a very small islet made entirely of coral fragments The reef consists of shallow lush coral gardens that support thousands of reef fishes Out in the blue schools of unicornfishes batfishes and snappers parade along the reef margin Sea turtles are common sightings as well In the sand beds hundreds of garden eels some in only 2 meters of water poke their heads out to capture plankton as they float by The diversity of marine habitats of Satonda Island will excite even the most seasoned snorkeler Sea grass beds sand flats coral gardens and sloping walls offer us the chance to see some amazing marine critters especially some of the more unusual examples such as ghost pipefishes juvenile angelfishes and scorpionfishes The island itself thought to be an ancient cinder cone along the slopes of Tambora volcano possess a crater lake that can be accessed via a 5-minute hike along a paved trail A more challenging hike takes you to the rim for an unforgettable panoramic view of the entire area If reefs and a crater lake are not enough at sunset we sit back in the comfort of our boat to watch as thousands of fruit bats migrate to the main island of Sumbawa to forage for food

Day 12 (Nov 26) Disembark in Bali and transfer to Puri Santrian Farewell dinner at the resort

Day 13 (Nov 27) International flights or extensions

Puri Santrian is our usual group resort We chose this resort for its location (beach access proximity to local food and shopping areas proximity to Benoa harbor) beautiful rooms and property excellent food venues value and service In the event we cannot book this resort we will use a resort with similar or higher standards

What to Expect

Daily scheduleOur snorkeling tours are designed to provide you with a unique educational comfortable safe and exciting snorkeling experience and we strive to deliver on that promise the entire time Our daily itinerary generally includes two snorkel sessions a beach walk or dinghy tour and a presentation before dinner Our first snorkel session begins after breakfast and can last up until lunch We generally budget for at

least three hours of water time so its up to you About an hour after lunch we jump back in the water for another session Beach walks or dinghy tours can happen either in the early morning (before breakfast) or in the late afternoon to take advantage of the cooler air temperatures and less intense sun (plus the birds are more active) This schedule may change if we have special activities planned such as the visit to Loh Liang for our hike on Komodo Island

Boat supportAll of our snorkel activities are 100 boat supported There are two inflatable dinghies each with easy-to-use ladders Our programs are designed so that you can stay in the water for as long or as short as you like When you are ready to return to the expedition boat simply signal the dinghy drivers to pick you up and take you back Easy

Water conditionsWater temperatures in the park vary between 20ordm - 30ordm C (68ordm - 86ordm F) At a minimum a 3 mm full wetsuit and hood are recommended Many of the reefs we will snorkel upon are subjected to currents associated with the large tide cycles that prevail in the area While we often schedule our session during a time when the currents are minimal there will be planned drift snorkels These types of snorkels take advantage of the water movement and allow us to float over the reef without having to actively swim This activity usually becomes an instant favorite among our guests as it is very exciting and yet very passive at the same time In some cases however the unpredictability of the tides may expose us to strong water movement This may require a bit of effort though we will always have our dinghies standing by to help if needed

Land excursionsOur planned hike on Satonda and Komodo Island are on well established trails (paved and dirtrocky) both that have no significant elevation or exposure

Costs (inclusions and exclusions)

$6700 USD per person double occupancy$8950 USD per person single occupancy

Tour cost includesAccommodations on day 1 through day 13All meals on days 2 through 11 (dinner on day 1 breakfast on day 12)All internal transfers including international arrival and departure transfersInternal flight (Bali-Maumere)Non-alcoholic beveragesAll snorkeling and park feesInternal airport departure taxes (Bali-Maumere)All gratuities

Please note that significant changes to internal flight prices may affect the overall cost of the tour

Tour cost does not includeRound-trip international airfareAdditional hotel accommodations and meals as a result of travel outside of the program datesVisa requirements including paymentsAlcoholic beveragesBoat staff (Mermaid I) gratuities

International departure taxesExtra overweight baggage feesTrip insurance (recommended to learn more click Travel Guard Travelex TravelSafe)DAN insurance (required unless personal insurance program has worldwide emergency evacuation services)Additional accommodations while on tour in the event of flight schedule changes or events of force majeure

Payment scheduleReservation deposit $500 USDMarch 31 2016 $3000 USD single $4125 USDJuly 1 2016 $3200 USD single $4325 USD

Cancellation policyNotification of cancellation must be received in writing Due to the nature of the absolute boat costs and the payment schedule dictated by the boat we provide the following cancellation policy On or before December 31 2015 Full refund of deposit amount ($500 USD per person) January 1 2016 to March 31 2016 Forfeiture of $500 USD deposit April 01 2016 to June 31 2016 Up to 50 of tour cost After July 1 2016 Up to 100 of tour cost In the event of cancellations we will endeavor to find a replacement in which case arrangements can be made for partial refunds (amount to be determined as a case-by-case basis)

For further information please visit our website and refer to our Terms and Conditions

Further Documentation One month prior to our departure we will send out departure notes that detail everything you will need to know about visas arrival and departure transfers equipment clothing gratuities and special items you may need We will also include vouchers for our group hotelresorts and e-tickets for applicable internal flights

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park (1817 square kilometers) is located about mid point along the Indonesian archipelago in a group of islands called the Lesser Sundas This chain of islands volcanic in origin and oriented along an east-west axis is divided into east Nusa Tenggara and west Nusa Tenggara The park lies between Sumbawa (E Nusa Tenggara) and Flores (W Nusa Tenggara) Established in 1980 Komodo National Park was set up to preserve the largest lizard in the world the Komodo dragon however it was also effective in preserving marine life around the local waters as well

The park consists of three main islands Komodo Rinca and Padar and numerous smaller islands and islets The islands are volcanic and usually have exposed outcroppings of rock as there is not much vegetation The dominant flora is open grass-woodland savanna and savanna palm (lontar palm) Small enclaves of tropical deciduous forests exist on the main islands especially in gullies created by steep hillsides Beaches are primarily of two types black sand (volcanic) and coral The latter often have a pinkish hue due to the infusion of red skeletal pieces from the coral pipe-organ coral As the skeleton breaks apart tiny pieces mix with the sand to create an overall pinkish hue (right) Reefs are generally fringing and begin right from shore The largest populations of dragons occur on Komodo and Rinca Each island has approximately 2500 individuals

Weather and Water Conditions

Weather around Komodo National Park is surprisingly different from much of the rest of Indonesia It records the lowest annual rainfall with several months recording no rainfall at all Generally the weather is nice all year round with temperatures averaging around 28ordm C (82ordm F) The hottest and driest part of the year occurs from August - December and the windiest rainiest months are Jan - March

Even though the park is located eight degrees south of the equator water temperatures range from 20ordm - 30ordm C (68ordm - 86ordm F) The range is often geographical with the lower temps in the southern end of the park and the higher temps in the north The cause for the lower temps is the upwelling effect due to the trade winds moving large amounts of water in a westward direction along the south side of the Lesser Sunda chain combined with the Coriolis effect that causes the water to ultimately move in a southernly direction The exported surface water is replaced with deeper cooler nutrient-rich water While this may force us to put on that extra layer of thermal protection the nutrient influx is responsible for the incredible profusion of life ranging from tiny corals to the largest blue whale

Our Expedition

What makes our Komodo National Park snorkeling expeditions so successful is our knowledge of the area combined with a bit of flexibility an important element in adventure travel The general itinerary includes areas that historically have always delivered the best snorkeling experiences The flexibility of our itinerary allows us to incorporate local weather tides and currents into our design so that we can visit these areas at the best possible times Furthermore we seamlessly budget in time to explore a new area or visit areas we have recently discovered This approach results in a solid proven itinerary that not only delivers fantastic snorkeling opportunities but also promotes a sense of adventure and uniquenessRoute The expedition begins and ends in Bali Indonesia One internal flight (Bali to Maumere Flores)

Day 1 (Nov 15 2016) Meet in Sanur Bali at our group resort Puri Santrian for the expedition orientation and welcome dinner

Day 2 (Nov 16) Fly to Maumere and transfer to Sea World Beach Resort Depending upon our arrival time we may have the chance to snorkel the house reef in front of the resort This exceptional reef has some of the brightest pink corals to be found anywhere

Day 3 (Nov 17) After breakfast we will either snorkel the reef in front of the resort or if the tide is extremely low have the opportunity to do some of the best tide-pooling in Indonesia During the low tide much of the reef is out of the water leaving behind pockets of salt water pools that harbor a variety of marine life In the past we have spotted mantis shrimps nudibranchs flatworms octopuses juvenile fishes moray eels and plenty of other invertebrates without getting but our feet wet In the afternoon we transfer to our expedition boat Mermaid I and have our boat orientation and lunch before we depart for Komodo National Park In the late afternoon we will have the chance to explore-by-snorkel one of the reefs that can be found along the northwestern coast of Flores Island

Day 4 (Nov 18) In the morning we will visit one of the many picture perfect tiny islets around western Flores and snorkel amongst the rich coral reef that fringes from its beach In the afternoon we enter Komodo National Park and visit Siaba Basar for our introduction to the amazing reefs that can be found in the park The shallow reefs around Siaba Basar contain a wide diversity of hard corals and reef fish particularly butterflyfishes and damselfishes Out in the blue turtles and schools of bumped parrotfish are common sights

Day 5 ndash 10 (Nov 19 ndash 24) Komodo National Park and Gili Banta Our itinerary in the park includes visits to Tatawa Kecil Pink Beach Siaba Kecil Takat Makassar Gili Lawa Darat Gili Lawa Laut Batu Monco

Padar Pink Beach Horseshoe Bay (on Rinca) and more if we can fit them in

Most of the sites mentioned above are found in the northern part of the park and have extensive shallow reef some that cover dozens of square kilometers These reefs also possess some of the highest levels of coral coverage we have ever seen The benchmark for an area with good coral coverage is if the amount of live coral constitutes 30 of the substrate Some of the areas mentioned above have coral coverage that is equal to or exceeds 80 At Gili Laut and Gili Darat we have the chance to snorkel through a narrow channel that whisks us into a coral garden that consistently showcases more species of angelfishes and butterflyfishes than any other place we go in the world Turtles are so common here that after a while they seem like a solid fixture on the reef Horseshoe Bay is an ancient incredibly scenic deceased caldera located at the southern tip of Rinca Island Though we find ourselves in slightly cooler water the reefs here are stunning Orange cup corals carpet the substrate and schools of anthias and fusiliers numbering in the thousands hover above Please note that we also will spend some time exploring new areas of the park in search of the ultimate snorkel site For example Padar Pink Beach now a staple on the itinerary was part of one such exploratory a couple of years ago During our stay in the park we will also visit Komodo National Park at Loh Liang as well as some wild encounters with dragons in Horseshoe Bay

Gili Banta lies just outside of the park boundaries and is a beautiful example of an exposed seaward reef where robust hard corals of many shapes and colors stand firm against the incoming waves If weather permits we will visit Sangeang volcano The snorkeling here is amazing as the vibrant colors of both soft and hard coral contrast beautifully against the black volcanic sand

Day 11 (Nov 25) Angel Reef and Pulau Satonda Angel Reef surrounds a very small islet made entirely of coral fragments The reef consists of shallow lush coral gardens that support thousands of reef fishes Out in the blue schools of unicornfishes batfishes and snappers parade along the reef margin Sea turtles are common sightings as well In the sand beds hundreds of garden eels some in only 2 meters of water poke their heads out to capture plankton as they float by The diversity of marine habitats of Satonda Island will excite even the most seasoned snorkeler Sea grass beds sand flats coral gardens and sloping walls offer us the chance to see some amazing marine critters especially some of the more unusual examples such as ghost pipefishes juvenile angelfishes and scorpionfishes The island itself thought to be an ancient cinder cone along the slopes of Tambora volcano possess a crater lake that can be accessed via a 5-minute hike along a paved trail A more challenging hike takes you to the rim for an unforgettable panoramic view of the entire area If reefs and a crater lake are not enough at sunset we sit back in the comfort of our boat to watch as thousands of fruit bats migrate to the main island of Sumbawa to forage for food

Day 12 (Nov 26) Disembark in Bali and transfer to Puri Santrian Farewell dinner at the resort

Day 13 (Nov 27) International flights or extensions

Puri Santrian is our usual group resort We chose this resort for its location (beach access proximity to local food and shopping areas proximity to Benoa harbor) beautiful rooms and property excellent food venues value and service In the event we cannot book this resort we will use a resort with similar or higher standards

What to Expect

Daily scheduleOur snorkeling tours are designed to provide you with a unique educational comfortable safe and exciting snorkeling experience and we strive to deliver on that promise the entire time Our daily itinerary generally includes two snorkel sessions a beach walk or dinghy tour and a presentation before dinner Our first snorkel session begins after breakfast and can last up until lunch We generally budget for at

least three hours of water time so its up to you About an hour after lunch we jump back in the water for another session Beach walks or dinghy tours can happen either in the early morning (before breakfast) or in the late afternoon to take advantage of the cooler air temperatures and less intense sun (plus the birds are more active) This schedule may change if we have special activities planned such as the visit to Loh Liang for our hike on Komodo Island

Boat supportAll of our snorkel activities are 100 boat supported There are two inflatable dinghies each with easy-to-use ladders Our programs are designed so that you can stay in the water for as long or as short as you like When you are ready to return to the expedition boat simply signal the dinghy drivers to pick you up and take you back Easy

Water conditionsWater temperatures in the park vary between 20ordm - 30ordm C (68ordm - 86ordm F) At a minimum a 3 mm full wetsuit and hood are recommended Many of the reefs we will snorkel upon are subjected to currents associated with the large tide cycles that prevail in the area While we often schedule our session during a time when the currents are minimal there will be planned drift snorkels These types of snorkels take advantage of the water movement and allow us to float over the reef without having to actively swim This activity usually becomes an instant favorite among our guests as it is very exciting and yet very passive at the same time In some cases however the unpredictability of the tides may expose us to strong water movement This may require a bit of effort though we will always have our dinghies standing by to help if needed

Land excursionsOur planned hike on Satonda and Komodo Island are on well established trails (paved and dirtrocky) both that have no significant elevation or exposure

Costs (inclusions and exclusions)

$6700 USD per person double occupancy$8950 USD per person single occupancy

Tour cost includesAccommodations on day 1 through day 13All meals on days 2 through 11 (dinner on day 1 breakfast on day 12)All internal transfers including international arrival and departure transfersInternal flight (Bali-Maumere)Non-alcoholic beveragesAll snorkeling and park feesInternal airport departure taxes (Bali-Maumere)All gratuities

Please note that significant changes to internal flight prices may affect the overall cost of the tour

Tour cost does not includeRound-trip international airfareAdditional hotel accommodations and meals as a result of travel outside of the program datesVisa requirements including paymentsAlcoholic beveragesBoat staff (Mermaid I) gratuities

International departure taxesExtra overweight baggage feesTrip insurance (recommended to learn more click Travel Guard Travelex TravelSafe)DAN insurance (required unless personal insurance program has worldwide emergency evacuation services)Additional accommodations while on tour in the event of flight schedule changes or events of force majeure

Payment scheduleReservation deposit $500 USDMarch 31 2016 $3000 USD single $4125 USDJuly 1 2016 $3200 USD single $4325 USD

Cancellation policyNotification of cancellation must be received in writing Due to the nature of the absolute boat costs and the payment schedule dictated by the boat we provide the following cancellation policy On or before December 31 2015 Full refund of deposit amount ($500 USD per person) January 1 2016 to March 31 2016 Forfeiture of $500 USD deposit April 01 2016 to June 31 2016 Up to 50 of tour cost After July 1 2016 Up to 100 of tour cost In the event of cancellations we will endeavor to find a replacement in which case arrangements can be made for partial refunds (amount to be determined as a case-by-case basis)

For further information please visit our website and refer to our Terms and Conditions

Further Documentation One month prior to our departure we will send out departure notes that detail everything you will need to know about visas arrival and departure transfers equipment clothing gratuities and special items you may need We will also include vouchers for our group hotelresorts and e-tickets for applicable internal flights

Weather and Water Conditions

Weather around Komodo National Park is surprisingly different from much of the rest of Indonesia It records the lowest annual rainfall with several months recording no rainfall at all Generally the weather is nice all year round with temperatures averaging around 28ordm C (82ordm F) The hottest and driest part of the year occurs from August - December and the windiest rainiest months are Jan - March

Even though the park is located eight degrees south of the equator water temperatures range from 20ordm - 30ordm C (68ordm - 86ordm F) The range is often geographical with the lower temps in the southern end of the park and the higher temps in the north The cause for the lower temps is the upwelling effect due to the trade winds moving large amounts of water in a westward direction along the south side of the Lesser Sunda chain combined with the Coriolis effect that causes the water to ultimately move in a southernly direction The exported surface water is replaced with deeper cooler nutrient-rich water While this may force us to put on that extra layer of thermal protection the nutrient influx is responsible for the incredible profusion of life ranging from tiny corals to the largest blue whale

Our Expedition

What makes our Komodo National Park snorkeling expeditions so successful is our knowledge of the area combined with a bit of flexibility an important element in adventure travel The general itinerary includes areas that historically have always delivered the best snorkeling experiences The flexibility of our itinerary allows us to incorporate local weather tides and currents into our design so that we can visit these areas at the best possible times Furthermore we seamlessly budget in time to explore a new area or visit areas we have recently discovered This approach results in a solid proven itinerary that not only delivers fantastic snorkeling opportunities but also promotes a sense of adventure and uniquenessRoute The expedition begins and ends in Bali Indonesia One internal flight (Bali to Maumere Flores)

Day 1 (Nov 15 2016) Meet in Sanur Bali at our group resort Puri Santrian for the expedition orientation and welcome dinner

Day 2 (Nov 16) Fly to Maumere and transfer to Sea World Beach Resort Depending upon our arrival time we may have the chance to snorkel the house reef in front of the resort This exceptional reef has some of the brightest pink corals to be found anywhere

Day 3 (Nov 17) After breakfast we will either snorkel the reef in front of the resort or if the tide is extremely low have the opportunity to do some of the best tide-pooling in Indonesia During the low tide much of the reef is out of the water leaving behind pockets of salt water pools that harbor a variety of marine life In the past we have spotted mantis shrimps nudibranchs flatworms octopuses juvenile fishes moray eels and plenty of other invertebrates without getting but our feet wet In the afternoon we transfer to our expedition boat Mermaid I and have our boat orientation and lunch before we depart for Komodo National Park In the late afternoon we will have the chance to explore-by-snorkel one of the reefs that can be found along the northwestern coast of Flores Island

Day 4 (Nov 18) In the morning we will visit one of the many picture perfect tiny islets around western Flores and snorkel amongst the rich coral reef that fringes from its beach In the afternoon we enter Komodo National Park and visit Siaba Basar for our introduction to the amazing reefs that can be found in the park The shallow reefs around Siaba Basar contain a wide diversity of hard corals and reef fish particularly butterflyfishes and damselfishes Out in the blue turtles and schools of bumped parrotfish are common sights

Day 5 ndash 10 (Nov 19 ndash 24) Komodo National Park and Gili Banta Our itinerary in the park includes visits to Tatawa Kecil Pink Beach Siaba Kecil Takat Makassar Gili Lawa Darat Gili Lawa Laut Batu Monco

Padar Pink Beach Horseshoe Bay (on Rinca) and more if we can fit them in

Most of the sites mentioned above are found in the northern part of the park and have extensive shallow reef some that cover dozens of square kilometers These reefs also possess some of the highest levels of coral coverage we have ever seen The benchmark for an area with good coral coverage is if the amount of live coral constitutes 30 of the substrate Some of the areas mentioned above have coral coverage that is equal to or exceeds 80 At Gili Laut and Gili Darat we have the chance to snorkel through a narrow channel that whisks us into a coral garden that consistently showcases more species of angelfishes and butterflyfishes than any other place we go in the world Turtles are so common here that after a while they seem like a solid fixture on the reef Horseshoe Bay is an ancient incredibly scenic deceased caldera located at the southern tip of Rinca Island Though we find ourselves in slightly cooler water the reefs here are stunning Orange cup corals carpet the substrate and schools of anthias and fusiliers numbering in the thousands hover above Please note that we also will spend some time exploring new areas of the park in search of the ultimate snorkel site For example Padar Pink Beach now a staple on the itinerary was part of one such exploratory a couple of years ago During our stay in the park we will also visit Komodo National Park at Loh Liang as well as some wild encounters with dragons in Horseshoe Bay

Gili Banta lies just outside of the park boundaries and is a beautiful example of an exposed seaward reef where robust hard corals of many shapes and colors stand firm against the incoming waves If weather permits we will visit Sangeang volcano The snorkeling here is amazing as the vibrant colors of both soft and hard coral contrast beautifully against the black volcanic sand

Day 11 (Nov 25) Angel Reef and Pulau Satonda Angel Reef surrounds a very small islet made entirely of coral fragments The reef consists of shallow lush coral gardens that support thousands of reef fishes Out in the blue schools of unicornfishes batfishes and snappers parade along the reef margin Sea turtles are common sightings as well In the sand beds hundreds of garden eels some in only 2 meters of water poke their heads out to capture plankton as they float by The diversity of marine habitats of Satonda Island will excite even the most seasoned snorkeler Sea grass beds sand flats coral gardens and sloping walls offer us the chance to see some amazing marine critters especially some of the more unusual examples such as ghost pipefishes juvenile angelfishes and scorpionfishes The island itself thought to be an ancient cinder cone along the slopes of Tambora volcano possess a crater lake that can be accessed via a 5-minute hike along a paved trail A more challenging hike takes you to the rim for an unforgettable panoramic view of the entire area If reefs and a crater lake are not enough at sunset we sit back in the comfort of our boat to watch as thousands of fruit bats migrate to the main island of Sumbawa to forage for food

Day 12 (Nov 26) Disembark in Bali and transfer to Puri Santrian Farewell dinner at the resort

Day 13 (Nov 27) International flights or extensions

Puri Santrian is our usual group resort We chose this resort for its location (beach access proximity to local food and shopping areas proximity to Benoa harbor) beautiful rooms and property excellent food venues value and service In the event we cannot book this resort we will use a resort with similar or higher standards

What to Expect

Daily scheduleOur snorkeling tours are designed to provide you with a unique educational comfortable safe and exciting snorkeling experience and we strive to deliver on that promise the entire time Our daily itinerary generally includes two snorkel sessions a beach walk or dinghy tour and a presentation before dinner Our first snorkel session begins after breakfast and can last up until lunch We generally budget for at

least three hours of water time so its up to you About an hour after lunch we jump back in the water for another session Beach walks or dinghy tours can happen either in the early morning (before breakfast) or in the late afternoon to take advantage of the cooler air temperatures and less intense sun (plus the birds are more active) This schedule may change if we have special activities planned such as the visit to Loh Liang for our hike on Komodo Island

Boat supportAll of our snorkel activities are 100 boat supported There are two inflatable dinghies each with easy-to-use ladders Our programs are designed so that you can stay in the water for as long or as short as you like When you are ready to return to the expedition boat simply signal the dinghy drivers to pick you up and take you back Easy

Water conditionsWater temperatures in the park vary between 20ordm - 30ordm C (68ordm - 86ordm F) At a minimum a 3 mm full wetsuit and hood are recommended Many of the reefs we will snorkel upon are subjected to currents associated with the large tide cycles that prevail in the area While we often schedule our session during a time when the currents are minimal there will be planned drift snorkels These types of snorkels take advantage of the water movement and allow us to float over the reef without having to actively swim This activity usually becomes an instant favorite among our guests as it is very exciting and yet very passive at the same time In some cases however the unpredictability of the tides may expose us to strong water movement This may require a bit of effort though we will always have our dinghies standing by to help if needed

Land excursionsOur planned hike on Satonda and Komodo Island are on well established trails (paved and dirtrocky) both that have no significant elevation or exposure

Costs (inclusions and exclusions)

$6700 USD per person double occupancy$8950 USD per person single occupancy

Tour cost includesAccommodations on day 1 through day 13All meals on days 2 through 11 (dinner on day 1 breakfast on day 12)All internal transfers including international arrival and departure transfersInternal flight (Bali-Maumere)Non-alcoholic beveragesAll snorkeling and park feesInternal airport departure taxes (Bali-Maumere)All gratuities

Please note that significant changes to internal flight prices may affect the overall cost of the tour

Tour cost does not includeRound-trip international airfareAdditional hotel accommodations and meals as a result of travel outside of the program datesVisa requirements including paymentsAlcoholic beveragesBoat staff (Mermaid I) gratuities

International departure taxesExtra overweight baggage feesTrip insurance (recommended to learn more click Travel Guard Travelex TravelSafe)DAN insurance (required unless personal insurance program has worldwide emergency evacuation services)Additional accommodations while on tour in the event of flight schedule changes or events of force majeure

Payment scheduleReservation deposit $500 USDMarch 31 2016 $3000 USD single $4125 USDJuly 1 2016 $3200 USD single $4325 USD

Cancellation policyNotification of cancellation must be received in writing Due to the nature of the absolute boat costs and the payment schedule dictated by the boat we provide the following cancellation policy On or before December 31 2015 Full refund of deposit amount ($500 USD per person) January 1 2016 to March 31 2016 Forfeiture of $500 USD deposit April 01 2016 to June 31 2016 Up to 50 of tour cost After July 1 2016 Up to 100 of tour cost In the event of cancellations we will endeavor to find a replacement in which case arrangements can be made for partial refunds (amount to be determined as a case-by-case basis)

For further information please visit our website and refer to our Terms and Conditions

Further Documentation One month prior to our departure we will send out departure notes that detail everything you will need to know about visas arrival and departure transfers equipment clothing gratuities and special items you may need We will also include vouchers for our group hotelresorts and e-tickets for applicable internal flights

Padar Pink Beach Horseshoe Bay (on Rinca) and more if we can fit them in

Most of the sites mentioned above are found in the northern part of the park and have extensive shallow reef some that cover dozens of square kilometers These reefs also possess some of the highest levels of coral coverage we have ever seen The benchmark for an area with good coral coverage is if the amount of live coral constitutes 30 of the substrate Some of the areas mentioned above have coral coverage that is equal to or exceeds 80 At Gili Laut and Gili Darat we have the chance to snorkel through a narrow channel that whisks us into a coral garden that consistently showcases more species of angelfishes and butterflyfishes than any other place we go in the world Turtles are so common here that after a while they seem like a solid fixture on the reef Horseshoe Bay is an ancient incredibly scenic deceased caldera located at the southern tip of Rinca Island Though we find ourselves in slightly cooler water the reefs here are stunning Orange cup corals carpet the substrate and schools of anthias and fusiliers numbering in the thousands hover above Please note that we also will spend some time exploring new areas of the park in search of the ultimate snorkel site For example Padar Pink Beach now a staple on the itinerary was part of one such exploratory a couple of years ago During our stay in the park we will also visit Komodo National Park at Loh Liang as well as some wild encounters with dragons in Horseshoe Bay

Gili Banta lies just outside of the park boundaries and is a beautiful example of an exposed seaward reef where robust hard corals of many shapes and colors stand firm against the incoming waves If weather permits we will visit Sangeang volcano The snorkeling here is amazing as the vibrant colors of both soft and hard coral contrast beautifully against the black volcanic sand

Day 11 (Nov 25) Angel Reef and Pulau Satonda Angel Reef surrounds a very small islet made entirely of coral fragments The reef consists of shallow lush coral gardens that support thousands of reef fishes Out in the blue schools of unicornfishes batfishes and snappers parade along the reef margin Sea turtles are common sightings as well In the sand beds hundreds of garden eels some in only 2 meters of water poke their heads out to capture plankton as they float by The diversity of marine habitats of Satonda Island will excite even the most seasoned snorkeler Sea grass beds sand flats coral gardens and sloping walls offer us the chance to see some amazing marine critters especially some of the more unusual examples such as ghost pipefishes juvenile angelfishes and scorpionfishes The island itself thought to be an ancient cinder cone along the slopes of Tambora volcano possess a crater lake that can be accessed via a 5-minute hike along a paved trail A more challenging hike takes you to the rim for an unforgettable panoramic view of the entire area If reefs and a crater lake are not enough at sunset we sit back in the comfort of our boat to watch as thousands of fruit bats migrate to the main island of Sumbawa to forage for food

Day 12 (Nov 26) Disembark in Bali and transfer to Puri Santrian Farewell dinner at the resort

Day 13 (Nov 27) International flights or extensions

Puri Santrian is our usual group resort We chose this resort for its location (beach access proximity to local food and shopping areas proximity to Benoa harbor) beautiful rooms and property excellent food venues value and service In the event we cannot book this resort we will use a resort with similar or higher standards

What to Expect

Daily scheduleOur snorkeling tours are designed to provide you with a unique educational comfortable safe and exciting snorkeling experience and we strive to deliver on that promise the entire time Our daily itinerary generally includes two snorkel sessions a beach walk or dinghy tour and a presentation before dinner Our first snorkel session begins after breakfast and can last up until lunch We generally budget for at

least three hours of water time so its up to you About an hour after lunch we jump back in the water for another session Beach walks or dinghy tours can happen either in the early morning (before breakfast) or in the late afternoon to take advantage of the cooler air temperatures and less intense sun (plus the birds are more active) This schedule may change if we have special activities planned such as the visit to Loh Liang for our hike on Komodo Island

Boat supportAll of our snorkel activities are 100 boat supported There are two inflatable dinghies each with easy-to-use ladders Our programs are designed so that you can stay in the water for as long or as short as you like When you are ready to return to the expedition boat simply signal the dinghy drivers to pick you up and take you back Easy

Water conditionsWater temperatures in the park vary between 20ordm - 30ordm C (68ordm - 86ordm F) At a minimum a 3 mm full wetsuit and hood are recommended Many of the reefs we will snorkel upon are subjected to currents associated with the large tide cycles that prevail in the area While we often schedule our session during a time when the currents are minimal there will be planned drift snorkels These types of snorkels take advantage of the water movement and allow us to float over the reef without having to actively swim This activity usually becomes an instant favorite among our guests as it is very exciting and yet very passive at the same time In some cases however the unpredictability of the tides may expose us to strong water movement This may require a bit of effort though we will always have our dinghies standing by to help if needed

Land excursionsOur planned hike on Satonda and Komodo Island are on well established trails (paved and dirtrocky) both that have no significant elevation or exposure

Costs (inclusions and exclusions)

$6700 USD per person double occupancy$8950 USD per person single occupancy

Tour cost includesAccommodations on day 1 through day 13All meals on days 2 through 11 (dinner on day 1 breakfast on day 12)All internal transfers including international arrival and departure transfersInternal flight (Bali-Maumere)Non-alcoholic beveragesAll snorkeling and park feesInternal airport departure taxes (Bali-Maumere)All gratuities

Please note that significant changes to internal flight prices may affect the overall cost of the tour

Tour cost does not includeRound-trip international airfareAdditional hotel accommodations and meals as a result of travel outside of the program datesVisa requirements including paymentsAlcoholic beveragesBoat staff (Mermaid I) gratuities

International departure taxesExtra overweight baggage feesTrip insurance (recommended to learn more click Travel Guard Travelex TravelSafe)DAN insurance (required unless personal insurance program has worldwide emergency evacuation services)Additional accommodations while on tour in the event of flight schedule changes or events of force majeure

Payment scheduleReservation deposit $500 USDMarch 31 2016 $3000 USD single $4125 USDJuly 1 2016 $3200 USD single $4325 USD

Cancellation policyNotification of cancellation must be received in writing Due to the nature of the absolute boat costs and the payment schedule dictated by the boat we provide the following cancellation policy On or before December 31 2015 Full refund of deposit amount ($500 USD per person) January 1 2016 to March 31 2016 Forfeiture of $500 USD deposit April 01 2016 to June 31 2016 Up to 50 of tour cost After July 1 2016 Up to 100 of tour cost In the event of cancellations we will endeavor to find a replacement in which case arrangements can be made for partial refunds (amount to be determined as a case-by-case basis)

For further information please visit our website and refer to our Terms and Conditions

Further Documentation One month prior to our departure we will send out departure notes that detail everything you will need to know about visas arrival and departure transfers equipment clothing gratuities and special items you may need We will also include vouchers for our group hotelresorts and e-tickets for applicable internal flights

least three hours of water time so its up to you About an hour after lunch we jump back in the water for another session Beach walks or dinghy tours can happen either in the early morning (before breakfast) or in the late afternoon to take advantage of the cooler air temperatures and less intense sun (plus the birds are more active) This schedule may change if we have special activities planned such as the visit to Loh Liang for our hike on Komodo Island

Boat supportAll of our snorkel activities are 100 boat supported There are two inflatable dinghies each with easy-to-use ladders Our programs are designed so that you can stay in the water for as long or as short as you like When you are ready to return to the expedition boat simply signal the dinghy drivers to pick you up and take you back Easy

Water conditionsWater temperatures in the park vary between 20ordm - 30ordm C (68ordm - 86ordm F) At a minimum a 3 mm full wetsuit and hood are recommended Many of the reefs we will snorkel upon are subjected to currents associated with the large tide cycles that prevail in the area While we often schedule our session during a time when the currents are minimal there will be planned drift snorkels These types of snorkels take advantage of the water movement and allow us to float over the reef without having to actively swim This activity usually becomes an instant favorite among our guests as it is very exciting and yet very passive at the same time In some cases however the unpredictability of the tides may expose us to strong water movement This may require a bit of effort though we will always have our dinghies standing by to help if needed

Land excursionsOur planned hike on Satonda and Komodo Island are on well established trails (paved and dirtrocky) both that have no significant elevation or exposure

Costs (inclusions and exclusions)

$6700 USD per person double occupancy$8950 USD per person single occupancy

Tour cost includesAccommodations on day 1 through day 13All meals on days 2 through 11 (dinner on day 1 breakfast on day 12)All internal transfers including international arrival and departure transfersInternal flight (Bali-Maumere)Non-alcoholic beveragesAll snorkeling and park feesInternal airport departure taxes (Bali-Maumere)All gratuities

Please note that significant changes to internal flight prices may affect the overall cost of the tour

Tour cost does not includeRound-trip international airfareAdditional hotel accommodations and meals as a result of travel outside of the program datesVisa requirements including paymentsAlcoholic beveragesBoat staff (Mermaid I) gratuities

International departure taxesExtra overweight baggage feesTrip insurance (recommended to learn more click Travel Guard Travelex TravelSafe)DAN insurance (required unless personal insurance program has worldwide emergency evacuation services)Additional accommodations while on tour in the event of flight schedule changes or events of force majeure

Payment scheduleReservation deposit $500 USDMarch 31 2016 $3000 USD single $4125 USDJuly 1 2016 $3200 USD single $4325 USD

Cancellation policyNotification of cancellation must be received in writing Due to the nature of the absolute boat costs and the payment schedule dictated by the boat we provide the following cancellation policy On or before December 31 2015 Full refund of deposit amount ($500 USD per person) January 1 2016 to March 31 2016 Forfeiture of $500 USD deposit April 01 2016 to June 31 2016 Up to 50 of tour cost After July 1 2016 Up to 100 of tour cost In the event of cancellations we will endeavor to find a replacement in which case arrangements can be made for partial refunds (amount to be determined as a case-by-case basis)

For further information please visit our website and refer to our Terms and Conditions

Further Documentation One month prior to our departure we will send out departure notes that detail everything you will need to know about visas arrival and departure transfers equipment clothing gratuities and special items you may need We will also include vouchers for our group hotelresorts and e-tickets for applicable internal flights

International departure taxesExtra overweight baggage feesTrip insurance (recommended to learn more click Travel Guard Travelex TravelSafe)DAN insurance (required unless personal insurance program has worldwide emergency evacuation services)Additional accommodations while on tour in the event of flight schedule changes or events of force majeure

Payment scheduleReservation deposit $500 USDMarch 31 2016 $3000 USD single $4125 USDJuly 1 2016 $3200 USD single $4325 USD

Cancellation policyNotification of cancellation must be received in writing Due to the nature of the absolute boat costs and the payment schedule dictated by the boat we provide the following cancellation policy On or before December 31 2015 Full refund of deposit amount ($500 USD per person) January 1 2016 to March 31 2016 Forfeiture of $500 USD deposit April 01 2016 to June 31 2016 Up to 50 of tour cost After July 1 2016 Up to 100 of tour cost In the event of cancellations we will endeavor to find a replacement in which case arrangements can be made for partial refunds (amount to be determined as a case-by-case basis)

For further information please visit our website and refer to our Terms and Conditions

Further Documentation One month prior to our departure we will send out departure notes that detail everything you will need to know about visas arrival and departure transfers equipment clothing gratuities and special items you may need We will also include vouchers for our group hotelresorts and e-tickets for applicable internal flights

Mermaid I Deluxe cabin (twin or king)

Dining area

Boat Information

MV Mermaid I is a 28 meter double engine steel motor yacht She comfortably holds 15 guests in one master state room (king bed) one single and four deluxe cabins (double or twin beds) and two budget cabins (doubletwin beds) below deck The master single and deluxe cabins have ensuite bathrooms refrigerators and except for the budget cabins panoramic sea view windows All cabins have TVs DvD access bathrobes toiletries and loads of fluffy towels There is a wide stern dive platform with two exit ladders and fresh water showers Delicious Thai Indonesian and western meals are served in our ldquoSawasdee Restaurantrdquo with large windows to enjoy the views Our salon is equipped with a large flat screen TVDvD and a full selection of marine life books There are also two outside decks one shaded with outside seating and the fabulous sundeck with sunshade plus cushioned sun beds

The Guides and Owners of Coral Triangle Adventures

Lee Goldman grew up in Philadelphia and got his first taste of the underwater world on a SCUBA diving trip to the island of Bonaire Netherland Antilles A year after his return from the warm Caribbean waters he left to pursue his dream of working as a marine biologist for the beautiful but much colder waters of the Pacific Northwest There he earned a degree in Marine Biology from Western Washington University After graduating and upon completion of an underwater video called Sea Symphony a video he produced and filmed to showcase some of the beautiful marine life in the Pacific Northwest he spent the next 10 years traveling around the world as a guide and biologist working in places such as the Florida Keys BelizeVancouver Island BC Palau Guam and the Philippines In 2002 he left Palau to earn a Masterrsquos Degree at the University of Guam where he investigated coral interactions and pioneered new techniques for culturing corals During his time on Guam he also was the principal investigator for the Department of Fisheriesrsquo Sea Turtle Monitoring Project and helped develop a community-based sea turtle awareness program Lee is a certified SCUBA Instructor an avid birdwatcher and conservationist He now makes his home in the Philippines where he designs and guides snorkel tours in Southeast Asia Philippines Micronesia Melanesia Indonesia and other destinations around the world His has written two books Snorkelerrsquos Guide to Marine Life of the Philippines published in 2012 and his latest book written with Ethan Daniels Marine Life and Natural History of the Coral Triangle Both books are available through booksellers or can be purchased on Amazoncom They can also be order directly from our website

Ethan Daniels is a freelance marine photojournalist and dive guide currently based in Berkeley California Annual travels take him all over the planet from the rich temperate waters of the northern Atlantic and the eastern Pacific to the warm diverse Coral Triangle Andaman Sea and Caribbean Having spent his youth on the shores of New England Ethan became fascinated with the bizarre marine life that thrives beneath the water line He studied biology at Bucknell University and completed his graduate work at the University of Guam Marine Laboratory in 1999 focusing on the behavioral ecology of reef fishes Ethan spent most of a decade living in Micronesia studying and photographing the regionrsquos unique marine habitats flora and fauna Favoring parts of the world that are off-the-beaten-track he currently combines his passions for natural history and photography to guide write and promote the security of the worldrsquos marine ecosystems Ethanrsquos work can be found in Scuba

Diving Sport Diver Scuba Diver Australasia Asian Diver Asian Geographic Ocean Geographic EZ Dive Magazine Outside Fifty Fathoms Unterwasser Tauchen and other publications His latest imagery found at OceanStockImagescom and his first book Under Cape Cod Waters published in 2010 by Union Park Press is on bookshelves and available online Coral Triangle Seascapes published in 2012 can be found on the Asian Geographic website His most recent book written with Lee Goldman titled Marine Life and Natural History of the Coral Triangle is available on Amazoncom or directly from our website

The Guides and Owners of Coral Triangle Adventures

Lee Goldman grew up in Philadelphia and got his first taste of the underwater world on a SCUBA diving trip to the island of Bonaire Netherland Antilles A year after his return from the warm Caribbean waters he left to pursue his dream of working as a marine biologist for the beautiful but much colder waters of the Pacific Northwest There he earned a degree in Marine Biology from Western Washington University After graduating and upon completion of an underwater video called Sea Symphony a video he produced and filmed to showcase some of the beautiful marine life in the Pacific Northwest he spent the next 10 years traveling around the world as a guide and biologist working in places such as the Florida Keys BelizeVancouver Island BC Palau Guam and the Philippines In 2002 he left Palau to earn a Masterrsquos Degree at the University of Guam where he investigated coral interactions and pioneered new techniques for culturing corals During his time on Guam he also was the principal investigator for the Department of Fisheriesrsquo Sea Turtle Monitoring Project and helped develop a community-based sea turtle awareness program Lee is a certified SCUBA Instructor an avid birdwatcher and conservationist He now makes his home in the Philippines where he designs and guides snorkel tours in Southeast Asia Philippines Micronesia Melanesia Indonesia and other destinations around the world His has written two books Snorkelerrsquos Guide to Marine Life of the Philippines published in 2012 and his latest book written with Ethan Daniels Marine Life and Natural History of the Coral Triangle Both books are available through booksellers or can be purchased on Amazoncom They can also be order directly from our website

Ethan Daniels is a freelance marine photojournalist and dive guide currently based in Berkeley California Annual travels take him all over the planet from the rich temperate waters of the northern Atlantic and the eastern Pacific to the warm diverse Coral Triangle Andaman Sea and Caribbean Having spent his youth on the shores of New England Ethan became fascinated with the bizarre marine life that thrives beneath the water line He studied biology at Bucknell University and completed his graduate work at the University of Guam Marine Laboratory in 1999 focusing on the behavioral ecology of reef fishes Ethan spent most of a decade living in Micronesia studying and photographing the regionrsquos unique marine habitats flora and fauna Favoring parts of the world that are off-the-beaten-track he currently combines his passions for natural history and photography to guide write and promote the security of the worldrsquos marine ecosystems Ethanrsquos work can be found in Scuba

Diving Sport Diver Scuba Diver Australasia Asian Diver Asian Geographic Ocean Geographic EZ Dive Magazine Outside Fifty Fathoms Unterwasser Tauchen and other publications His latest imagery found at OceanStockImagescom and his first book Under Cape Cod Waters published in 2010 by Union Park Press is on bookshelves and available online Coral Triangle Seascapes published in 2012 can be found on the Asian Geographic website His most recent book written with Lee Goldman titled Marine Life and Natural History of the Coral Triangle is available on Amazoncom or directly from our website