Snorkelling Komodo – Why Travel Here on Your Vacation?

many manta rays swimming

Traveling to east Indonesia’s Komodo Islands is one of the best places on the planet to snorkel. It’s not only the quality of the reefs – pristine in nature with a huge variety and explosion of colour – or for the countless number of marine species that can be found at every turn. Komodo dragons inhabit the biggest island in the National Park and on top of that high quality and very comfortable accommodation can be found at the most idyllic of spots. Snorkelling Komodo is a dream.

Manta rays congregating in Komodo National Park

You can visit Komodo Island at most times of the year, however, we think September to November is perfect when Manta Rays (as many as 30) can be spotted at some of the snorkel sites, there a fewer tourists and the weather is warm (25degrees C on average), rare chances of rainfall and calm water conditions.

colorful reef and reef fish

There are too many snorkel sites to know where to begin. House reefs from our favourite resorts are the perfect start, but moving onto an incredibly diverse range of sites which are all made by boat.

After your days snorkelling Komodo there is plenty to keep you occupied, from hiking to the summit of Padar Island (which is Komodo’s most iconic view), island hopping and day trips to trek with the Komodo dragons. This part of Indonesia also has a mirror cave which makes a great side excursion prior to your flight home.

Komodo Resort Rooms

The combination of quality accommodation, extraordinary marine viewing opportunities, stunning landscapes and topside excursions make snorkelling Komodo one of our absolute favourites on the planet.

Snorkel Spots in Asia – Top 3

manta ray on the surface

I have been very lucky to explore a huge variety of snorkel spots in asia – ranging from sparkling reef systems of all colors of the rainbow, to mangroves and drop offs into the deep blue. Snorkeling in Asia has so many remarkable options it is a real challenge knowing where to go and making sure you get the most out of your holiday abroad, so I have decided to list my top three favorite destinations to help you make the right decision on where to go next with Snorkel Venture:

Snorkel Venture guest group photo

  1. Komodo – Indonesia

In a tiny corner of east Indonesia, cutting through the glassy waters of the Flores Sea the Komodo resorts is a hidden island gem, a well-kept secret that offers some of the best quality snorkel spots in asia. Everything can be found here – Manta Rays, reef sharks, schooling pelagics and weird and wonderful critters.

Split shot of Komodo reef and Komodo island

The local islands are curious and home to the legendary Komodo Dragon. The Komodo Resort is a sensational place to relax and drink a cold beer after a day in the water.

Our 9-day group snorkeling tour takes in the absolute best of what the Komodo Resort has to offer.

2.Wakatobi – Indonesia

Wakatobi is slap bang in the middle of the coral triangle – an area famed for having some of the highest numbers of coral and fish species found anywhere else on the planet. Wakatobi is located on Sulawesi, an island in Indonesia’s tropical north and is an easy one-hour charter flight from Jakarta, the capital of the country.

aerial view of wakatobi resort

The countless number of snorkeling sites is mouthwatering; you are able to flexibly explore and snorkel all day (and even at night) until your heart is content. Combining the experience with the comfort and luxuries of an outstanding resort makes this combination an absolute must if you have not been here before.

Join us on our 9-day group snorkeling tour to Wakatobi in November 2019 for one of the best snorkel spots in asia.

  1. Vava’u – Tonga

Tonga is one of the friendliest places I have ever visited – greeted by beaming smiles and a warmth I haven’t experience anywhere else. Pigs and chickens roam the streets, palm trees line white sand beaches and the low key villages give it a real Robinson Crusoe-esque feeling.

two humpback whales floating over reef

The waters surrounding these tranquil isles is home to humpback whales which come into the shallow lagoons to calve at certain times of the year. Coinciding your trip to do a whale swim is an unforgettable experience and definitely ranks as something to do before you die.

Our 15-day snorkeling tour to Tonga and Fiji is a perfect way to explore this part of the world and to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with humpback whales.