The Indo Aggressor Komodo National Park and Forgotten Islands Itineraries

You have never experienced anything like these two corners of the world. Indonesia’s Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Komodo dragons, giant lizards that exist nowhere else on the planet. The park’s boundaries include the coral-rich waters that surround the islands of Rinca, Komodo and Padar. The country’s Forgotten Islands offer spectacular scenery and unexplored diving in the famed “Ring of Fire” waters of the Banda Sea.

“The Indo Aggressor’s Komodo National Park and Forgotten Islands itineraries are among my favorite destinations,” says professional underwater photographer Scott Johnson. “Each itinerary offers a wide range of compelling marine and terrestrial subjects in diverse settings.”

The Komodo National Park itinerary includes encounters with manta rays, Napoleon and bumphead wrasses, Oriental sweetlips, blacktip sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, and the Dragon Walk, the hike on Rinca Island to see the dragons.

“The dinosaur-like Komodo dragons, wild boar and crab-eating, long-tailed macaques on land are truly unique,” says Johnson. “And dives with reef mantas, swirling schools of blue-streak fusiliers and steely-eyed stargazers are amazing.”

Farther east is The Forgotten Islands, the most southerly part of Maluku province. Depending on the itinerary, guests will visit sites atop the Damar Ridge. This chain of jungle-clad volcanoes is located in the deep waters of the Banda Sea, making them a magnet for all marine life.

“The Forgotten Islands reveal smoking volcanoes, free-diving natives and two Holy Grails for underwater photographers: regal Rhinopias and mating mandarinfish,” says Johnson. “One of my biggest challenges during these charters is selecting what lens to use.”

For the Komodo National Park itinerary, the boat embarks and disembarks in Labuan Bajo. Diving is concentrated in Sape Straits. The start and finish for the Forgotten Islands cruises are in either Maumere or at Saumlaki on Jamdena. Typically, you’ll visit the Leti island group and continue to the atolls and islands of Sermata, Barbar and the Tanimbar Islands before finishing at the Kei and Aru island groups, made famous in the “Ring of Fire” television documentary.

With a choice of three types of en-suite cabins, you’ll discover the touch of service that sets the Aggressor Fleet apart. They maintain high service and safety standards worldwide.

“The Indo Aggressor’s guest to crew ratio is almost 1-to-1, so the service is top-notch,” says Johnson. “And the twin-masted, wooden sailing yacht sets the perfect stage from which the adventures unfold.” The 124-foot yacht, accommodates 16 passengers in eight staterooms, and the chefs are among the best in the world.

It’s time to pack your dive bag for this one-of-a-kind dive cruises!

Visit aggressor.com or call 800-348-2628 to book your trip.