This week Mermaid Liveaboards joined with marine biologist Ethan Daniels of Coral Triangle Adventures for an incredible week of snorkelling through Komodo National Park.
The density of life in the shallows was on full display, as we swam over vast gardens of table corals, vibrant soft corals and sea grass meadows bordering dense mangrove forests.
The diversity of encounters made this trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Navigating through the sea grass, guests had multiple sightings of the rare marine file snake. This unique sea snake can be found covered in algae as it winds its way through the shallows. Fascinatingly, unlike other sea snakes, when the marine file snake swims up for air, it descends back to the seafloor tail-first, which guests were able to witness firsthand.
Further offshore, we encountered three massive whale sharks feeding in the shallows. Snorkelling next to these peaceful giants is an awe-inspiring experience, and combined with a presentation on whale sharks from Ethan, it was an unforgettable one too.
The islands around Komodo National Park are stunning in themselves, and guests had the chance to explore the island of Rinca, where they found colourful local bird species, deer, and of course the famous Komodo dragons
John Roney
MV Mermaid I
June 3 -14, 2023