realwoman

Komodo Marine Park is one of the renowned dive destinations in the world. Divers fly in from Europe and US to take diving ships called liveaboard for the one-week dive trip around Komodo. But as I don't see any serious snorkeling excursions except to the Pink Beach, I wonder why any cruise line is spending all day there. I've been there twice for diving. The island is hot and buggy. A short dragon route is more than enough for me.

FYI - There is much more to Komodo than just the dragons. The Komodo National Marin Park is one of the premier dive/snorkel sites in the WORLD, if not the best! It is in the epicenter of the world's marin bio-diversity. More diverse than the Great Barrier Reef.

Most of the dive ships called liveaboard leave from Bali for one week cruise, and of course stop at Komodo and nearby Rinca to see dragons. People spend a fortune, myself included, flying from North America and Europe just to dive there.

Pink Beach, though I'd think it might be spoiled by now, was a great snorkeling and diving spot. After all Komodo and Indonesian archipelago sits in the center of the coral triangle.

I've been there twice, and I'm contemplating the third trip. Once was enough for me for dragons, and the village is nothing to write home about. The island itself is dry, the driest area in Indonesia, and buggy. Don't forget insect repellent.

Our cruise in January is stopping at Komodo, Indonesia from 8AM - 11PM. There are two excursions offered by Azamara: Kampung Komodo Village/Pink Beach and Komodo Dragon Adventure, both can be completed by mid afternoon. We plan to see the dragons but are debating on the second village/beach tour. Does anyone know if there are other tours (sailing, beach treks, etc.) offered at the port. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

Thanks, Pat

Do go to the pink beach. The Komodo is in the heart of the coral triangle, and the Komodo Marine Park surrounding the island is one of the premier, if not the best, diving destinations in the world! Divers and snorkelers spend a fortune flying in from every corner of the world to dive/snorkel, usually one-week on diving boat called liveaboard. I've been there twice to snorkel. In the pink beach you'll be greeted with tons of Nemo, soft and hard corals and fish. The downside is that after Komodo, you won't be bothered with snorkeling in Hawaii or Caribbean.

Komodo Village is a small native village. All houses are built on stilts to avoid unwelcome visitors at night. Not much but interesting somewhat.

There's no accessible beach from the pier, and they do not allow anyone wondering around unaccompanied. They'll take you by boat to the village and the pink beach.

The diving around Komodo is some of the best in the world. If you have a day there, there is probably enough time to go to the island and see the Komodo dragons, and also do a dive or two.

I second that. Komodo is one of the best in the world. The best is to take a liveaboard boat leaving from Bali, and spend a week in the Komodo Marine Park. There are many to choose from, and the itenary is usually a week. All visits island of Komodo and Rinca, other island where dragons live, of course.

Liveaboard is a diving boat, not a cruise ship, and does not have flaming Alaska, swimming pool and other cruise amenities.