Discover Komodo On The Amira August 2028

Discover Komodo On The Amira August 2028

Group Trip with Photo Support

Join Bluewater Travel on the Amira for an 11-night photo group trip exploring the spectacular reefs and marine life of Komodo.

Why Join This Trip?

• Discover why Komodo is one of the world’s most thrilling dive destinations with legendary biodiversity
• Explore Komodo, a true bucket list adventure, combining world-class diving with the chance to see Komodo dragons in the wild
• Experience an 11-night route that dives the best of Komodo, from sharky pinnacles to manta hotspots and Horseshoe Bay’s macro haven
• The spacious Amira offers top comfort, expert service, and free nitrox for divers
• 25% discount on photo gear rental from Bluewater Photo
• Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure

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Trip Overview

Expect thrilling dives with this 11-night adventure aboard the Amira. Dive deep into the heart of Komodo National Park, one of the world’s most spectacular marine destinations, and get the chance to encounter reef sharks and schools of fish, graceful manta rays at legendary cleaning stations, and vibrant coral gardens teeming with life. For those passionate about macro photography, the trip also showcases Komodo’s rich macro scene, from pygmy seahorses and frogfish to colorful nudibranchs hidden in sheltered bays. Between dives, enjoy breathtaking island scenery and the chance to spot Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.

Read our complete guide to diving in Komodo. 

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Marine Life to Photograph

Komodo is world-renowned for encounters with large marine life, particularly manta rays, which are frequently seen at several of the park’s signature dive sites. Divers can also expect thrilling sightings of dogtooth tuna, giant trevally, barracuda, and an array of reef sharks, including blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef species. Turtles are another common highlight, gliding gracefully through many of Komodo’s vibrant reefs.

For those drawn to the smaller wonders, Komodo offers exceptional macro diving with an astonishing variety of critters. Frogfish, ghost pipefish, leaf scorpionfish, cuttlefish, pygmy seahorses, and nudibranchs are just a few of the species regularly encountered, alongside more unusual finds such as bobbit worms, bobtail squid, and the charmingly named “ladybugs.” The sheer diversity makes Komodo a true paradise for both wide-angle and macro photography alike.

Diving Conditions

• Water Temperatures: Water temperatures are usually moderate, but can range from 66F(19C) to 86F(30C) on the same trip. The temperature changes are based on location rather than on time of the year. The north side of the islands is generally warm, but the south side is often colder.
• Visibility: averages 15 - 40m (49 - 131 feet)
• Depth Range: 3 - 40m (10 - 131 feet)

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Sample Itinerary

• Day 1
• The Amira crew picks up guests from the airport or hotel. After a welcome drink, guests check in to their cabins. Afterwards there will be breakfast or lunch, depending on the time of arrival. When all guests are on board and have settled in, a detailed boat and safety briefing will be given by the cruise director. In the afternoon, the general diving briefing explains the process and organization of our diving operations. Usually there are no dives offered on the first day.
• Day 2-10
• Typically, there are 3-4 dives daily, including a dusk or night dive if possible. During crossings we do a maximum of 2 to 3 dives per day.
• Day 11
• Last diving day with a maximum of 2 dives and cruise to disembarkation harbor.
• Day 12
• Check out and transfer to airport or hotel accompanied by crew.

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Inclusions

• 12 nights accommodation on board, twin/double occupancy
• Up to 4 accompanied dives per day (including one dawn or night dive, if location is suitable)
• All offered land excursions, inc. a trip to view Komodo dragons
• NITROX use included in price
• All-inclusive meal services including on board beverages (exclusive of all beverages in cans, containers and/or bottles)
• Multilingual travel guides on board
• Use of ENOS (Electronic Rescue and Locating System)
• Transfers to/from the airport or hotel at the location of the respective port of embarkation/disembarkation

Exclusions

• Distance fee according to trip length, sailing distance, and region ($260 per person, invoiced in advance)
• National Marine Park fees ($200 per person, invoiced in advance)
• Spirits and other alcoholic beverages for e.g., beer and wine
• 15 l tanks
• On board telecommunications
• Indonesian Tourist Visa
• Dive and Travel Insurance
• Port Clearance fee & Harbor tax ($80 per person, invoiced in advance)
• All beverages in cans, containers, and bottles
• Dive rental equipment
• Purchase of merchandise or souvenirs on board
• Crew gratuities (recommended is approx.$ 35-40 per day/per guest)
• Bali Tourist Levy
• Other payable items and services aboard MSV Amira, while on the dive cruise

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Trip Type

This trip is a GROUP TRIP WITH PHOTO SUPPORT. It will be led by a professional or experienced photographer who will be happy to provide advice and guidance on all elements of your photography as required. The logistics of this trip mean that formal photography tutorials and workshops are not practical.

 Learn more about what's included in this trip type.

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About the Amira

The Amira is a beautifully crafted Phinisi-style liveaboard that blends traditional Indonesian design with modern luxury. Measuring 52 meters in length, she provides a spacious and stable platform for extended dive cruises. The vessel accommodates up to 19 guests in comfortable en-suite cabins, each equipped with air-conditioning and ample storage. On board, guests can relax in multiple social areas, including an indoor lounge and dining room, a shaded outdoor lounge, and a large sundeck perfect for soaking up views between dives.

Read about the reviews of the Amira.

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Flight Information

Guests should fly internationally into either Bali Denpasar (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK), both of which have direct flight options from the US or various hubs in Asia and Australia. The boat embarks and disembarks in Labuan Bajo (LBJ) which is a short domestic flight on from Bali or Jakarta. We encourage all guests to arrive in Labuan Bajo at least a day early (on August 28th) to allow for flight and baggage delays and to stay at a local airport hotel.

International flights out of Bali or Jakarta should be booked from late afternoon on September 2nd, or the following morning, to allow time for a morning flight from Labuan Bajo.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to our Group Trips team for flight or travel advice.

Flight Package

Our group trips attract guests from all over the globe and many of our customers prefer to book their own flights to take advantage of mileage points or credit card discounts. For these reasons, flights are not included in our group trip packages. 

However, we are more than happy to work with you to find the best travel itinerary for your trip and will gladly give suggestions and advice, even if you make the final booking. We will check through your travel reservations at any time to ensure they fit with the trip schedule and can give recommendations on transit hotels and day tours where needed. 

If you would like us to book flights and transit hotels for domestic and/or international travel on your behalf, we are also happy to arrange this. Please be advised that there is a ticketing fee for this service. Contact Us for more information.

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About the Trip Leader

Mark Strickland’s life-long interest in the sea has included over 10,000 dives and careers as a lifeguard, boat captain, and scuba instructor. His passion for underwater photography has led him to many top dive locales, including the Virgin Islands, Australia, and Thailand, where he spent 17 years as Cruise Director on a series of liveaboards. Mark now resides in Ventura County, California.

An avid marine naturalist, Mark has discovered several nudibranch species. He is co-author and principal photographer for Lonely Planet’s award-winning book, “Diving and Snorkeling Thailand”, and his work appears in many magazines, books, and displays around the world. Currently, Mark leads several dive trips each year to his favorite destinations, while working on a career-spanning large-format pictorial book.

Mark's photos and articles have appeared in magazines and books around the world, including Action Asia, BBC Wildlife, National Geographic World, Natural History, Scuba Diving, Skin Diver, Sport Diver, Sportdiving, Unterwasser, and many others.

Read more about Mark.

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Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $1,000 to confirm your spot
• Payment 2: $2,000 due 1 August 2027
• Balance: due 1 February 2028

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Want to Extend Your Trip?

We can help with that! See more of the Bali after your trip in Bali and Komodo with Bluewater. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! There are amazing destinations nearby that offer a range of additional unique experiences. Here is an example of a package we can add on to your trip reservation: 

*Rates are subject to change at any time; please contact us for the most updated pricing. 

5 Nights in Bali

Prices start at $1,312 per person based upon double occupancy and $2,112 per person based upon single occupancy.

Embark on a captivating journey through Bali, starting in Ubud with visits to cultural gems like Taman Ayun, Jatiluwih, Bedugul, and Tanah Lot. Explore Bali's east coast, including Kusamba Village, Goa Lawah Temple, Tenganan Village, and Tirta Gangga. Enjoy a leisure day in Ubud and a half-day tour to Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak Dance, concluding the trip in Kuta. Throughout the adventure, indulge in comfort at the luxurious Komaneka Bisma.

•  4 Nights stay in hotel in Ubud
• 1 Night stay in hotel in Kuta
• 3.5 days Bali Tour with a professional guide plus 1 free day to explore Ubud at your leisure
• All transfers and daily breakfast

Komaneka Bisma

Bisma Suite

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Photo Gallery 

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