Introduction
We cruise mainly in the Flores and Banda Seas in Eastern Indonesia, off the Greater and Lesser Sunda Islands e.g. Komodo, Flores, Sumbawa, Lombok, Bali, Selayar and the Taka Bonerate coral atoll, depending on seasonal weather conditions.
^ TOPKomodo
The Komodo National Park is located in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia. It is designated by the WWF and Conservation International as one of the world’s priority conservation areas. It lies in the centre of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. The Park was established in 1980 mainly to preserve the habitat of the unique Komodo dragons. However the objective of the park was subsequently broadened to cover the preservation of the entire terrestrial and marine biodiversity of the island. In 1986 the park was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Both of these moves underline the biological importance of the park.
The Komodo National Park covers a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817 km2. As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl (Megapodius Reinwardt), an endemic rat (Komodomys), and the Timor deer (Cervus timorensis). Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbour more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Sea cows (dugong), sharks, manta rays and at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home.
The marine area constitutes 67% of the Park. The open waters in the Park are between 100 and 200 m deep. The straits between Rinca and Flores and between Padar and Rinca, are relatively shallow (30 to 70 m deep), with strong tidal currents. The combination of coral reefs and small islands make this area a magnificent and extremely varied diving venue. Take a look at Dive sites in Komodo where you will find a detailed map of the various sites with descriptions of each site and Notes for Divers.
In the North of the Park water temperature ranges between 25 – 29°C, whereas in the middle, it ranges between 24 and 28°C. The temperatures are lowest in the South, ranging from 22 – 28°C. Water salinity is about 3.4 % and the water is quite clear, although the waters closer to the islands are slightly more turbid. Please note that a wetsuit is needed. In the North of the Park a 3mm wetsuit is sufficient but in the middle and southern areas of the Park a thicker wetsuit may be needed.
The Komodo National Park is a challenging place for diving. Many dive sites have their peculiarities such as strong currents. You should be aware of this when choosing this diving location. On the other hand, this is a place where divers with limited experience can learn a lot. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact us
Other aktivities: The majority of the Park is uninhabited, which means there are excellent opportinities for fishing, exploring, dragon and nature observation walks or beachcombing. Morning excursions or day trips can be arranged by the "Camar Putih" crew in accordance with your preferences.
Whatever you choose, an adventure cruise with the "Camar Putih" in the Komodo National Parkpromises to be an exceptional "Liveabord" diving vacation which you will never forget.
^ TOPTaka Bonerate
In this area the fish die of old age; this is how we could describe the fish population in Taka Bonerate. After many years of exploring new diving locations, we would describe this fascinating region in the Flores Sea as the “Holy Grail” for divers.
Finally, we have been able to organise adventure and discovery cruises in this deserted and fascinating Atoll. Taka Bonerate is the third largest coral atoll in the world and has an area of 220 km², including several hundred atolls that have not yet been mapped.
The entire atoll is also a National Park and commercial fishing is totally prohibited. Taka Bonerate has 252 species of fish and some 170 species of reef-building coral. Various types of whale, including the blue whale (the largest in the world with a length of up to 35m and a weight of up to 130 tons) frequents this atoll at certain times of the year as Taka Bonerate is on its migration route. Four different types of turtle, sea cows and the coconut crab (Birgus latro) are found in this area. Jean Jacques Cousteau and his team explored these waters and it is said that the magnificent beauty of the coral reefs brought tears to their eyes.
We found this dream atoll to be a jewel for divers ! One of every diver’s dreams is to discover a diving location like this where the fish have never seen a diver’s air bubbles. This is the "Holy Grail" for divers.
Taka Bonerate is also the habitat of the dogtooth tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor), one of the rarest type of tuna, if not the rarest. You can also find the enormous yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares >150kg), the giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis), the swordfish, the wahoo (Acanthocybium solanderi), and many types of golden makerel and sharks. Many divers consider Taka Bonerate to be one of the world’s best diving locations.
The water of the Taka Bonerate atoll is so crystal-clear that it could be the water of an aquarium. The visibility of up to 50m on good days makes the area ideal for snorkelling and diving. The water depth is about six metres over the reef but this can suddenly drop to a 1000m or more. These "drop-offs" make it an excellent place for "wall dives". Such a terrain is simply the dream of every diver.
The islands of Taka Bonerate are also known as the "Tiger Islands". They are cut off from the modern world and have not been influenced by western materialism. There is no electricity and none of the luxuries which urban dwellers take for granted. Time in the villages of the Kalaotoa, Karompa and Madu islands seems to have stood still. Most of the villagers are direct descendants of the Bajao (sea nomads) and their dialect has a lyrical nature, characterised by frequent tongue clicks.
These islands are also a real "land of smiles". The villagers are very friendly and also very curious, which indicates that you are possibly the first tourist from your country to visit them. Curious villagers will besiege you, observe you with astonished eyes and try to touch you. Some of the children will try to imitate your language, while the shier ones will pluck at your clothes or touch your skin before running away to hide behind a tree.
The natural hospitality and friendliness displayed by these islanders, can really teach us something about kindness and humanity which are often lacking in our own civilised and cultured cities.
Whatever you choose to do, an adventure cruise with the "Camar Putih" to the Taka Bonerate atoll promises to be an exceptional "Liveabord" diving vacation which you will never forget.
^ TOPSightseeing excursions
According to your wishes, we can organise inland trips to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi or to other locations elsewhere in Sulawesi or Eastern Indonesia.
^ TOPOur prices
Only 100 Euros/day for full board, including all soft drinks (but not alcoholic drinks), unlimited dives, transfer from the airport to the boat and vice versa.
^ TOP