Back In The Land of the Dragons

The Mermaid I just got started with the first trip of the season in the Land of the Dragons, and it was full of surprises!

Our first dives in Moyo island delivered big school of fusiliers, longfin bannerfish, as well as black tip reef sharks. On our first night dive right in front of a friendly village of Labuan Haji, slowly cruising above black sands, we discovered a myriad of critters, from long arm octopus to cuttlefish, ghost pipefishes and the elusive Harlequin Shrimp.

From Moyo we sailed down south towards Saleh Bay, the largest bay in the island of Sumbawa, where we enjoyed a beautiful morning diving and snorkeling with two large whale sharks. These two gentle giants were feeding under a traditional fishing platform, completely unbothered by our presence and occasionally circled us, probably out of their curiosity.

Batu Moncho, the north easternmost dive site of Komodo started our third day of diving with a lush underwater coral gardens. Having excellent conditions, we really appreciate the diversity of corals and other marine life. The dives to follow in Komodo National Park were nothing short of incredible with a squadron of reef manta rays at the infamous Manta Alley. The vibrant Batu Bolong with the millions of anthias bursting out of their hiding, adding a splash of orange to an already beautiful dive site. Amazing sharks and schooling fish actions in Castle Rock. And some incredible macro finds in the form of frogfish, thorny seahorse and the holy grail of underwater macro photographers, a Rhinopias!

Leaving Komodo behind, we headed over towards Sangeang, spending a full day diving right under an active volcano, where bubbles can be seen rising from the warm black volcanic sands. Sangeang is more than just a bubbly experience, this volcano also offers rich unique reefs covered in vibrant colored crinoids, barrel sponges, and of course, world class muck diving!

It’s only the beginning of the season in Komodo and there’s still tons of exciting surprises to be discovered!

Christopher Pen

Mermaid I
June 22 – 1 July, 2026

Check out more information about Mermaid I and II Komodo cruise here https://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/destinations/komodo/.