Jul 22 – Aug 2, 2028

The Flores Sea: Route II

Dewi Nusantara will be exploring a cruise route that will include four of Indonesia’s most well known scuba diving regions. Beginning at the busy port of Makassar in South Sulawesi and finishing at Labuan Bajo in West Flores, this unique routing will visit the Bira Peninsula, Selayar Island, the Taka Bonerate atoll complex, and finally the Komodo National Park to provide guests a dazzling cross-section of what makes diving in Indonesia so special. The Bira Peninsula Scuba diving around Tanjung Bira, at the southern tip of South Sulawesi, offers a mix of vibrant reefs, dramatic walls, and laid-back tropical charm. Underwater, divers can expect a striking variety of experiences. The steep drop-offs of Cape Bira frequently host reef sharks, with the chance of hammerhead sightings in season. Drift dive sites like Shark Point and Goat Wall bring encounters with pelagic fish, rays, and schooling barracuda, while sheltered coral gardens and house reefs are alive with turtles, reef fish, and colourful macro life. With eco-minded local operators, welcoming village life, and easy day trips to pristine islands, Bira blends world-class diving with a serene coastal escape. The region is famed for its long stretches of white sand, swaying palms, and clear turquoise waters, with easy access to nearby islands such as Liukang Loe and Pulau Kambing. The quieter atmosphere compared to Indonesia’s headline dive destinations makes Bira a perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. Selayar Island Selayar Island, the gateway to Taka Bonerate National Park, offers a mix of dramatic coral reefs, plunging walls, unspoiled natural landscapes and cultural richness. The island is surrounded by azure waters, white sandy beaches, and lush coconut groves. Its interior features rolling hills, dense forests, and traditional villages where local communities preserve age-old customs and crafts. Taka Bonerate National Park A short journey from Selayar, Taka Bonerate National Park is a marine paradise celebrated for its vast atoll, the third largest in the world. Taka Bonerate’s name, meaning “coral islands over sand,” reflects its unique geology. Spanning over 5,300 square kilometres, this underwater wonderland is a haven for divers and snorkellers. Its crystal-clear waters teem with marine life, including vibrant coral reefs, manta rays, turtles, and hundreds of species of fish. The park’s biodiversity is extraordinary, making it a key conservation area and a sought-after destination for marine enthusiasts.

Komodo Komodo, part of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, is a destination of unparalleled natural and biological significance. Best known as the home of the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, Komodo National Park encompasses the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Padar, and several smaller islets. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers seeking to experience the raw beauty of the archipelago. The region is rightfully renowned for its underwater world. The surrounding waters feature vibrant coral reefs, manta rays, sharks, sea turtles, and countless species of fish. Divers and snorkellers flock to sites like Batu Bolong and Shotgun, where the marine biodiversity is breathtaking. With its dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant underwater ecosystems, Komodo offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and natural wonder. Get On-Board with Dewi Nusantara The team that conceived and constructed Dewi Nusantara in 2007 was among the original group of early pioneers that purpose-built liveaboard yachts to explore the seas of the Indonesian archipelago in the mid-90s. With thousands of miles already under her keel, the Goddess of the Archipelago continues to gracefully glide over the azure water that makes this country so unique. Begin your next scuba adventure on board the Indonesian archipelago’s premier liveaboard and experience the very best that Indonesia has to offer, along with Dewi Nusantara’s outstanding service, exceptional facilities, and her highly experienced crew.

About this Itinerary

From Makassar, the vibrant gateway to South Sulawesi, our voyage carries us to Labuan Bajo in Flores. Along the way, we’ll explore the remote beauty of the Bira Peninsula, the serene island of Selayar, and Taka Bonerate - home to the world’s third-largest atoll - before concluding in the legendary Komodo National Park of central Nusa Tenggara. Exploration Diving This region offers an extraordinary variety of reefs, walls, and pinnacles. Some sites are renowned for their breathtaking marine life, while others remain rarely visited, holding untapped potential for discovery. On this journey, we’ll strike a balance between iconic dive spots and exploring exciting new marine frontiers, expanding our growing catalogue of underwater adventures. As with all true exploration, not every dive site guarantees perfection - yet each descent brings the promise of the unexpected, and the thrill of discovery is what makes this itinerary unique. Weather & Sea Conditions Life at sea is shaped by the elements. Our captain and crew carefully navigate prevailing winds and tides to ensure both safety and comfort. While we intend to follow the published itinerary, flexibility is essential, and adjustments may be made to provide the best possible experience under changing conditions.

Dayan Dayang

Located at the southern end of South Sulawesi’s Spermonde Archipelago, Dayan Dayang is a captivating destination for scuba divers seeking untouched beauty and tranquil waters. Just a short cruise from Makassar, and known for its rich marine biodiversity, the island offers an array of underwater experiences, from vibrant coral gardens to encounters with unique species. The dive sites surrounding the island are known for their healthy coral reefs, which flourish in the warm, nutrient-rich waters. Hard and soft corals create an intricate underwater landscape, providing shelter to schools of reef fish, sea turtles, and an assortment of macro critters. Divers can spot everything from clownfish darting in and out of anemones to nudibranchs, shrimp, and pygmy seahorses hiding among the coral branches. The island’s waters are also frequented by larger pelagic species such as eagle rays and, on lucky days, reef sharks. One of the highlights of diving at here is its excellent visibility, often reaching 20–30 metres, and calm currents that make it accessible to divers of all experience levels. The island’s underwater topography includes sandy patches, coral bommies, and sloping reefs, offering diverse habitats to explore. For macro photography enthusiasts, the shallow reefs are a treasure trove of small, fascinating creatures, while those who prefer a more dynamic dive can explore deeper waters teeming with life. Beyond its underwater attractions, Dayan Dayang Island itself is a picturesque haven, with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for relaxing between dives. Its remote location ensures a peaceful, crowd-free experience, allowing divers to immerse themselves fully in the natural beauty of South Sulawesi.

The Bira Peninsula

Well known as a thriving hotspot for traditional Indonesian pinisi boatbuilding, the Bira Peninsula and the offshore islands of Liungkalu and Sarontang in the Selayar Strait also have quite a reputation as a hotspot for scuba diving, offering a wide variety of excellent sites. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, Bira offers some of the best diving experiences in the region. With warm water and excellent visibility, divers can explore everything from gentle coral gardens to dramatic underwater walls teeming with life. One of the main highlights of diving in Bira is the incredible biodiversity. The region is home to a variety of marine species, including reef sharks, turtles, barracudas, and even the elusive hammerhead shark, which can sometimes be spotted in deeper waters. The reefs are filled with colourful soft and hard corals, creating a thriving habitat for macro critters. Some of the most popular dive sites include Shark Point, where divers have the chance to see blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, and Cape Bira, which offers strong currents and exciting drift dives. The Bira Peninsula and Selayar Strait are also known for their dramatic underwater topography, which includes steep walls, caves, and pinnacles. Experienced divers can enjoy thrilling wall dives, while beginners can explore shallower sites with abundant coral and marine life. Additionally, the laid-back atmosphere of Bira, with its beautiful white-sand beaches and friendly local community, makes it an excellent destination for topside adventures.

Belang Belang

Belang Belang, situated on the north side of the Taka Bonerate National Park in Indonesia, is a haven for scuba divers seeking pristine marine ecosystems and unparalleled biodiversity. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve boasts the third-largest atoll in the world, making it a magnet for marine life and an unforgettable diving destination. The waters around Belang Belang are crystal-clear, offering exceptional visibility that reveals vibrant coral gardens, intricate underwater structures, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. From the gentle sway of soft corals to the darting movements of butterflyfish, parrotfish, and even the occasional sea turtle, the area’s rich biodiversity enchants every diver. For those who crave a touch of adventure, Belang-Belang’s underwater seascapes include dramatic walls, steep drop-offs, and hidden caves that promise thrilling explorations. The region is also known for its seasonal appearances of larger marine creatures such as reef sharks, manta rays, and even whale sharks. Night dives here unveil a mesmerizing world of glowing bioluminescence and rare nocturnal species. With the combination of a vibrant ecosystem, the warmth of local hospitality, and the sense of diving in one of the most unspoiled marine environments on Earth, Belang Belang along with the rest of Taka Bonerate atoll delivers an extraordinary experience for both novice and seasoned divers.

South-East Selayar

Located off the southwestern tip of Sulawesi, Selayar Island our next point of call on our journey. With its crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and breathtaking underwater topography, the sites of the Batulaia Peninsula are one of the regions scuba diving hotspots. One of Selayar’s most striking features is the mountain range that runs along its eastern side, towering 600 meters above sea level before plunging over 2,500 meters into the abyss. This dramatic underwater landscape creates ideal conditions for wall diving, with stunning visibility and an abundance of marine life. The vibrant coral reefs surrounding the island host a dazzling array of marine species, from vast schools of fish to larger pelagic creatures like sharks and rays. Drift diving is a popular activity in these waters, with strong currents sweeping divers past lush coral formations and teeming schools of fish. The diversity of marine life is astounding, with encounters ranging from graceful sea turtles and eagle rays to smaller critters such as nudibranchs, shrimp, and exotic crabs. The reefs are alive with activity, making each dive an ever-changing experience filled with new discoveries. Beyond its stunning walls and coral gardens, Selayar’s waters also provide an excellent opportunity to observe predators in action. Various species of reef sharks, along with large barracudas and hunting trevallies, can often be seen patrolling the depths. Meanwhile, the sandy slopes and reef ledges offer shelter to a wide range of critters, such as camouflaged leaf fish, vibrant anemones, and delicate sea fans. The island’s diverse dive environments cater to all levels of divers, from beginners marvelling at shallow coral gardens to advanced explorers descending into the blue in search of rare marine encounters. Whether drifting along a wall, navigating intricate reef formations, or simply enjoying the mesmerising movements of a bustling underwater ecosystem, Selayar offers an unforgettable experience beneath the waves.

Nambolaki

Nambolaki Island, a hidden gem in the heart of tropical paradise, is a dream destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine ecosystem provide an unforgettable underwater experience. Divers are greeted by colourful coral reefs teeming with life, from schools of playful clownfish darting through anemones to majestic sea turtles gliding gracefully through the currents. The island’s diverse underwater terrain, including dramatic drop-offs, intricate caves, and gentle sandy slopes, caters to divers of all skill levels. With visibility often exceeding 30 meters, exploring Nambolaki’s underwater wonders feels like swimming through a living aquarium. For those seeking adventure, Nambolaki Island offers more than just serene coral gardens. Advanced divers can explore shipwrecks encrusted with marine life or encounter thrilling pelagic species like reef sharks and manta rays. Night diving is also a highlight, revealing a completely different world where bioluminescent plankton light up the dark waters and nocturnal creatures like octopuses and lobsters emerge from their hiding spots. With its pristine environment, welcoming dive operators, and a sense of untouched beauty, scuba diving at Nambolaki Island is a must for anyone eager to connect with the ocean’s wonders.

South Taka Bonerate

Taka Bonerate, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a diver’s dream come true. Known for hosting the third-largest atoll system in the world, Taka Bonerate boasts an underwater paradise that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. The crystal-clear waters and extensive coral reefs are home to over 500 species of coral and more than 300 species of fish, making it a hotspot for biodiversity. Divers are treated to a kaleidoscope of colours as they swim alongside vibrant reef fish, graceful sea turtles, and even majestic manta rays. The atoll’s shallow lagoons and abundant marine life make it a prime destination for divers of all levels. The underwater landscape of Taka Bonerate is nothing short of spectacular. It features a variety of dive sites, including coral gardens, vertical walls, and underwater caves. Advanced divers can explore the deeper drop-offs, where encounters with larger pelagic species like reef sharks, barracudas, and occasionally whale sharks add an extra thrill. The visibility often exceeds 30 meters, providing crystal-clear views of the reefs and their inhabitants. Macro enthusiasts will also find plenty to admire, from tiny nudibranchs to elusive pygmy seahorses hiding in the coral. With such diversity, every dive at Taka Bonerate feels like a unique adventure. What sets Taka Bonerate apart is not only its natural beauty but also its sense of serenity. The remote location and limited access ensure that dive sites are uncrowded, offering a tranquil environment for exploration. Local communities play an active role in conserving the marine park, adding a sense of stewardship to the experience. Whether you’re an experienced diver seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination or a beginner eager to explore one of the world’s most extraordinary marine environments, Taka Bonerate promises an unforgettable underwater journey.

Kalaotoa & Karompa Atoll

Located 80 nautical miles north of Maumere, across the Flores Sea, Kalaotoa Island, the expansive Karompa Atoll complex, and their smaller neighbouring islands mark the next destination on our itinerary - dedicated to exploration and discovery. This remote region offers an abundance of exciting new dive site opportunities, featuring a diverse underwater landscape of dramatic walls, gentle slopes, vibrant coral gardens, atoll passes, barrier ridges, and tranquil lagoons. Divers can expect an extraordinary array of marine life, from reef sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles to vast schools of barracuda and fusiliers. For macro enthusiasts, the reefs conceal pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and expertly camouflaged octopuses among their intricate coral formations. Adding to the area’s intrigue, this region is also believed to be the final resting place of a British East India Company vessel that sank in 1797. Scuba diving in the Karompa Atoll and around Kalaotoa Island provides a truly remarkable experience, offering pristine coral reefs, exceptional biodiversity, and crystal-clear waters. The warm, tropical waters of Karompa Atoll boast outstanding visibility - often exceeding 30 meters - making it an ideal destination for divers of all skill levels. The currents flowing through the atoll’s pass create exhilarating drift dives, allowing divers to glide effortlessly past spectacular coral walls teeming with marine life. Meanwhile, Kalaotoa Island impresses with its dramatic underwater topography and thriving reef ecosystems, home to a stunning variety of hard and soft corals that shelter countless marine species. With their untouched beauty, sense of seclusion, and opportunities for both daytime exploration and mysterious night dives, Karompa Atoll, Kalaotoa, and their surrounding islands promise an unforgettable diving adventure in one of the ocean’s true frontiers.

Komodo

Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Indonesia, is not only home to the legendary Komodo dragon but also celebrated worldwide as one of the planet’s premier scuba diving destinations. Above the surface, its rugged volcanic islands, sweeping savannah, and dramatic coastlines set the stage for adventure. Beneath the waves, however, lies a world that feels almost otherworldly - a kaleidoscope of colour and life that captures the imagination of every diver who enters its waters. The park occupies a unique position at the crossroads of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, where powerful currents collide to create a nutrient-rich environment that supports one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on Earth. These waters are alive with contrast: delicate nudibranchs in neon hues hide among the corals, while schools of fusiliers, snappers, and barracudas flash past in silvery synchrony. Larger pelagic species - reef sharks, dolphins, and the graceful manta ray - add to the thrill, reminding divers that here, every descent holds the promise of the unexpected. Komodo’s underwater landscape is as varied as its inhabitants. Batu Bolong, a towering pinnacle in the Linta Strait, bursts with life, its walls draped in hard and soft corals while clouds of fish swirl like confetti around divers. Castle Rock at Gili Lawa Laut offers heart-pounding encounters with hunting trevallies and circling sharks, a spectacle of raw nature in motion. For adrenaline seekers, drift dives at Tatawa Besar and Shotgun transform the ocean into a natural conveyor belt, carrying divers effortlessly across vibrant reefs in a rush of excitement. Then there’s Karang Makassar, affectionately known as “Manta Point,” where encounters with majestic manta rays are so frequent they feel almost like a ritual of the sea. For those seeking calm, the shallow coral gardens of Pink Beach provide gentle conditions ideal for beginners and macro photographers chasing the intricate details of tiny marine creatures. What truly sets Komodo apart, though, is the harmony between adventure and preservation. The park is fiercely protected through strict conservation measures, ensuring that its reefs and wildlife remain some of the most pristine in the world. From exhilarating current dives to tranquil coral gardens, every experience here feels like stepping into a natural masterpiece carefully guarded by time and tide.

Cruise Notes

• Flexible Itineraries: Our cruise routes are intentionally adaptable. Throughout the journey, the captain and cruise director continuously assess sea conditions, weather, and tides to ensure the best possible experience. Guest preferences for specific dive sites are always considered whenever feasible. • More Than Is Listed: The locations featured in these itineraries represent only a portion of what’s possible. Numerous additional anchorages and activity options are available along the way, making each voyage truly unique. • Simplified for Clarity: The destinations shown in our presentations are not necessarily listed in the order they will be visited. They are organized for clarity and to help guests visualize the overall routing. • Extended Stays: If a particular anchorage offers exceptional experiences, guests may opt to linger a bit longer. The captain and cruise director have the flexibility to accommodate such preferences, provided they align with the overall cruise schedule. • Overnight Passages: To maximize daylight hours at our most spectacular destinations, longer transits between anchorages are typically conducted overnight. • Escape the Crowds: With the exception of embarkation and disembarkation points, our itineraries are carefully crafted to avoid congested areas and busy commercial ports, allowing for a more tranquil and immersive experience. • Beyond the Dive: Many of our anchorages offer more than just diving and snorkelling. Guests can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and occasional visits to local villages and cultural sites — adding even more richness to the journey.