La Galigo Itinerary

Ultimate Bali - Bajo Expedition Westbound

 

Day 1:
Welcome aboard La Galigo in Labuan Bajo. After a welcome drink and our vessel and dive-safety briefings, we leave the harbor behind and begin our journey west through the Indonesian archipelago. Around Sebayur Slope, a relaxed check dive gives everyone time to settle into their equipment, fine-tune buoyancy, and get to know the way we dive. Sebayur is also a lovely setting for night diving, when the reef's smaller nocturnal life begins to emerge. Back aboard, dinner is waiting and ourKomodo-to-Bali expedition is underway.

Day 2:
Central Komodo gives us a varied mix of manta areas, current-washed reefs, and extraordinary fish life. Mawan and Karang Makassar are known for mantarays gliding above the reef to feed or visit cleaning stations. Batu Bolong rises from deep water and supports an astonishing concentration of marine life. Together, these sites show three very different faces of Central Komodo, with the tide setting the rhythm for the day. After dark, a sheltered reef named Stranger Things provides the backdrop for some of the smaller and stranger creatures that remain hidden by day.

Day 3:
Today brings together the underwater and topsideworlds of Komodo National Park. Pink Beach and Golden Passage bring together colourful reef scenery, moving water, and the possibility of larger marine life. A guided Komodo trek takes us through the wild, sun-baked landscape in search of the legendary Komodo dragon. Sightings are never guaranteed, but simply walking through this ancient landscape is an experience in itself. Night diving in a sheltered area offers another chance to see how the reef transforms after dark.

Day 4:
Today is devoted to the exhilarating diving of Northwest Komodo. Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, and The Cauldron—better known as Shotgun—are the iconic names here. These celebrated sites combine thriving reefs with open water and strong currents that can bring schooling fish, hunting trevally and reefsharks into view. Our cruise director will choose the safest and most rewarding order for the tide and the experience of the group. Night diving in a more sheltered setting reveals the smaller creatures that emerge once the reef growsquiet.

Day 5:
Sangeang Api rises straight from the sea, giving today's diving an extraordinary volcanic backdrop. Black-sand slopes, colorful coral, and areas where volcanic bubbles rise through the seabed give Sangeang an underwater character unlike anywhere else on the route. The island is also prized for macro life. Patient eyes may find stargazers and other unusual creatures stuck into the sand and reef. A sunset or night dive reveals another side of this volcanic world before La Galigo continues towards Satonda.

Day 6:
Satonda offers a gentle change of pace, with time beneath the surface and ashore. Satonda combines diving around the island with time ashore, where a short trail leads inland to the crater lake—a quiet volcanic landscape hidden just beyond the coast. A sunset or night dive offers a beautiful way to close the day before La Galigo continues towards Saleh Bay.

Day 7:
In Saleh Bay, we hope to experience one of the expedition's most memorable wildlife encounters: whale sharks. These gentle giants are regularly seen around the traditional fishing platforms known locally as bagans. Every interaction follows local regulations and the conditions on the day, allowing us to share the water with patience and respect. Moyo's colourful reefs offer a relaxed contrast to the more current-driven diving earlier in the journey. Later, La Galigo begins her passage towards GiliTrawangan.

Day 8:
Gili Trawangan brings together an easy island atmosphere and two of the Gilis' best-known dive sites. Deep Turbo offers sculpted reef and deeper water, while Shark Point is a Gili favourite known for turtles, schooling fish, and the possibility of reef sharks. The currents give every visit its own character. A relaxed island visit and beach barbecue give us the chance to stretch our legs and enjoy the Gilis from above the water.

Day 9:
We continue west to a quieter corner of Lombok for another change of underwater scenery. Our cruise director and guides will select the best reefs for the day's wind, swell, and current. Across the dives, we can expect coral gardens, sloping reefs, and a rich mix of marine life. From Lombok, La Galigo crosses towards Nusa Penida and the sheltered waters near Toyapakeh, a site recently identified as the world's largest living reef. Toyapakeh comes alive after dark, revealing the reef's smaller nocturnal life.

Day 10:
Today brings one of the expedition's signaturecombinations: manta rays, dramatic reef sceneryand, the possibility of encountering the elusivemola mola.Crystal Bay and Manta Point are among NusaPenida's celebrated sites. Manta rays may sweepover the cleaning stations, while Crystal Bay offersclear blue water, a vibrant reef and the chance ofopen-water encounters. Wildlife is neverguaranteed, but every dive here carries a sense ofpossibility.The dramatic coastline near Broken Beach offersanother striking setting, while sheltered reefs takeon a completely different character after dark.Together, these sites capture the variety that makes Nusa Penida such an exciting place to explore.

Day 11:
Our final full day gives us more time to enjoy Nusa Penida, both in the water and ashore. The day blends more time around Crystal Bay with a visit to the famous viewpoint above Kelingking Beach. A relaxed barbecue at Diamond Beach gives us time to enjoy Nusa Penida above the water before La Galigo begins the journey back to Bali. After days of diving, island crossings and wildlifeencounters, it is a fitting way to spend our final afternoon together.

Day 12:
In the early hours, La Galigo sets sail from Nusa Penida to Benoa, as our 12-day expedition comes to a close. As Bali comes back into view, there is time for one final coffee with the crew, to exchange photographs and contact details, and to say goodbye to newdive friends before disembarkation at approximately 11:00 am. Our team will then assist with your transfer to IGusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) or a local Bali hotel. You leave with salt in your hair, a camera full of color and memories of manta rays, whale sharks, volcanic reefs, Komodo dragons, and the many quiet moments that make life at sea sospecial.

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.