Whaleshark trip with Alexa
Welcome to Flores
Day 1
ALEXA’s representative will greet you upon arrival at the airport, assist you with your luggage, and escort you to your floating penthouse awaiting at Labuan Bajo Harbour, which is a ten-minute drive.
While your luggage is transferred aboard ALEXA, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a tour of the facilities aboard. You will meet the team, share any last-minute requests, and receive a safety briefing for your stay with us.
Once you are settled, ALEXA will depart the harbour for a 2-hour crossing to Siaba Besar Island, also known as the Turtle Point. Enjoy the amazing views of the crossing, whilst snacks and drinks are served onboard. Lunch will be served once we arrive.
Go for a swim with the turtles and relax on the beach before setting sail towards Komodo Island. You may wish to enjoy a spa treatment by your personal Spa Therapist.
Sunset drinks will be served before dinner onboard, whilst ALEXA drops the anchor for the night.
Komodo
Day 2
After an early light breakfast, get ready for a trek through Komodo’s “Savannah” in search of the legendary Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), only found in three places on the planet: Padar, Rinca, and Komodo.
To avoid the heat of the day, it is an early start — however, we are the first to arrive and have the area to ourselves.
The Park Rangers will guide us towards where the dragons might be. On our walk along the promising paths, we will also be on the lookout for megapode birds and flying lizards, until we find the Komodo dragons.
Heading back to the jetty and ALEXA, a well-deserved hearty lunch awaits, then a departure for the crossing towards Banta Island.
Banta Island
Day 3
Although technically outside of the Komodo National Park, Banta Island—with its jagged coastline, high mountains, finger-shaped bays, and deserted pink and white beaches—is a wonderful destination in its own right.
There are no villages or formal trails, contributing to the rugged conditions of the island. Still, you can easily climb the foothills for fantastic views of the Sape Strait and the grandiose Komodo Island.
Below lies the magnificent underwater world that is waiting to be explored. With luck, you may spot the majestic manta rays. It is truly spectacular and known as one of the more recommended dive sites around Komodo Island.
Another iconic view, besides the neighboring islands, would be the volcanic island of Sangeang, which rises from the beautiful blue sea and makes for a perfect opportunity to have a beach BBQ after sunset.
Sape Strait
Day 4
In the morning, we arrive at the beautiful coastline of the Sape Strait, which is home to an immense number of incredible dive spots.
The waters here are crystal-clear, and the Sape Strait hosts a wide variety of marine life including blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks, reef manta rays, mobula rays, eagle rays, marble rays, tunas, and even whales during the season.
As evening approaches, you will have time for a relaxing massage onboard whilst your chef prepares a delicious three-course dinner.
After your meal, and once you’re relaxed, ALEXA will begin the voyage towards Sangeang Island.
Sangeang Island
Day 5
In the morning we arrive at the beautiful bay of Sangeang
Island which is an active volcano and towers imposing
1900 meters above sea-level. After a leisurely breakfast,
walk the black sandy beaches and dive or snorkel in its
breathtaking underwater coral gardens.
The waters here are crystal-clear and very close to the
famed Champagne Reef where curtains of warm gas
bubbles emerge from vents in the sea-bed creating a
natural mini-jacuzzi.
As evening approaches, Sangeang is the perfect viewpoint
for a sunset over Komodo Islands.
A gourmet meal will be served onboard and once you relax
ALEXA will begin the crossing towards Sape Strait.
Satonda Island
Day 6
After a big breakfast we will bring your kayak to the
volcanic crater of Satonda which is a lake within the
island.
The walk from the beach is about 100 meters to the jetty
on the lake where you can enter and enjoy a beautiful
beginning to your day.
Enjoy your gourmet lunch when back onboard and some
downtime before heading to the beach for a
swim or snorkel.
Just before sunset ALEXA will take you to the south of the
island from where you can see the Flying Foxes migrate to
the mainland of Sumbawa as the sun sets.
After dinner we will begin the overnight journey towards
Sangeang Island.
Moyo Island
Day 7
In the morning, we arrive at Moyo Island, which is home to the beautiful waterfalls called Mata Jitu.
It takes a short 15-minute motorbike ride to reach them, and you will spend the first half of the day swimming in the serene natural pools.
When the sun starts to reach its peak, we will head back to ALEXA. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and a spa treatment whilst we move to the east side of Moyo. Here, you can enjoy a snorkel or a dive before having your sunset cocktails.
A gourmet meal will be served onboard, and once you relax, ALEXA will begin the voyage towards Satonda Island.
Whale Sharks
Day 8
To see the whale sharks, one must be properly prepared. That is why we will be in contact with our local fisherman throughout the night, as he sends the coordinates for where his fishing platform will be once he has found the whales — which usually happens around 3 a.m.
The Captain will then begin the last step of the crossing so that you can wake up with the sunrise at the right place.
After a light breakfast and a five-minute speedboat ride, you can get your fins and snorkel or dive equipment ready and prepare yourself for an experience of a lifetime.
These 10-meter-long fish will be gathered in numbers, circling the fishing platform that feeds them for hours on end and keeps them near the surface.
Make sure to have your underwater camera charged and create memories that are hard to duplicate. If you do not have a camera, our cruise director will bring his and share the footage with you.
Departure
Day 9
ALEXA departs early in the morning to set sail towards Sumbawa Besar.
Your gourmet breakfast will be served on the top deck as we cruise towards the harbour.
After breakfast, it is time to prepare for disembarkation. Your transfer to the airport will be arranged, and our representative will assist you until you are ready to board your flight.
Plan Your Bucket List Adventure:
Swim with Whale Sharks
Available dates:
Available April – October | Departing from Labuan Bajo
Come face-to-face with majestic whale sharks and explore the breathtaking beauty of Komodo.
Contact our agents today to check availability and begin planning your unforgettable retreat.
