Alor and Komodo are not only two of Indonesia’s top snorkeling destinations, but they also provide an ideal environment for conducting a snorkeling photography workshop- from the outstanding resorts, to the reefs, to the overwhelming diversity in marine life.
One of the big reasons why Alor and Komodo are such suitable destinations for snorkeling photography workshops is that each destination offers us something very unique as underwater photographers, not to mention that each location is outrageously beautiful.
In Alor we will be surrounded by vast shallow coral plateaus, walls, and sloping reefs where we’ll have the opportunity to explore and understand the nuances of wide angle underwater photography. Not only that, but just in front of Alami Alor Resort- our host resort for the duration of our stay- is an outstanding house reef where critters like nudibranchs, a myriad of lionfish species, cuttlefish, and really rare species, like mandarin fish, call home. With untethered access to this house reef and its inhabitants, we’ll really be able to spend our time learning how to capture beautiful fish portraits and up-close macro shots.
Komodo, on the other hand, combines many of the same wide-angle opportunities we will have had in Alor- stunning shallow coral reefs and a house reef teeming with marine life big and small-with opportunities to encounter big fish and turtles. Komodo is one of Indonesia’s oldest protected marine reserves, and as a result the area is home to a robust population of manta rays, several species of sea turtle and reef shark, and large schools of big fish up in the shallows.
Given this quintessential combination of vast reef systems and marine life, we will switch gears a bit and start focusing more on how to photograph these larger marine subjects, but also how to approach species like mantas and turtles so as to preserve the interaction for as long as possible, giving us the best opportunities to capture these beautiful marine giants.
Is this Tour Right for Me?
This trip is designed for snorkelers looking to improve their photography skills, no matter how experienced you may be or what type of camera you may have.
There will be daily discussions about the principles of underwater photography as well as plenty of time for one-on-one critiques and tutorials.
As with all of our group safari’s, this tour is fully led by one of our Snorkel Venture guides who is also an accomplished underwater photographer. Your Snorkel Venture guide/photo pro will not only conduct all the photography lectures but will also be in the water with you for all the snorkeling sessions should you need any assistance, whatsoever.
This tour is partnered with the Manta Trust. Find out how we support the Manta Trust via this tour here.
Day 1 - Arrive Jakarta
Arrive at Jakarta International Airport (CGK). Make your way to the Jakarta Airport Hotel, located at Terminal 2E International Arrivals terminal. Check-in is available from 2 pm. Relax and recuperate from your long journey.
Day 2 - Day 8 - Alami Alor Resort
Our mornings at Alami Alor start with Western and Indonesia style breakfasts option, fresh Indonesian coffee, fruit juice and coconut milk.
We’ll then head to the boats where we’ll split into two groups of 6, with at least one of the resort’s guides per group, often two. We try to choose site and entry times so that we will have no or very mild current. The time to reach the sites ranges from 10 – 30 minutes.
Each snorkel session will last between 60 and 90 minutes in the water with boat support if you prefer a shorter session. We will always head back to the resort for lunch, with most guests taking a quick siesta following the delicious meal. For those that want to absorb every single moment of this amazing resort, you can relax on the verandah and watch the villagers pass by on their hand-dug canoes. This post-lunch break is also a great time for some one-on-one time with photo pro should you want it.
In the afternoon we will head to another site for another incredible snorkeling session.
There’s always the flexibility to snorkel the house reef at your leisure with the local crew on hand as lookout. Likewise, we often do a sunset snorkel or night snorkel the house reef as it’s an excellent spot for critters and gives you a unique opportunity to capture species you might not otherwise see in the daytime, like nudibranchs and various crustaceans that come out in the evenings. Mandarin fish can also be seen mating in the shallows as the sunsets.
In the evening following dinner, there will be regular photography discussions held in Alami’s comfortable lounge area. These will be accompanied by presentations displayed on the resort’s large television. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, participate in photo critiques and help learn the little tips and tricks that can take years to otherwise learn. Many of these photography lectures will be based on the environments we are snorkeling in and the subjects we are trying to capture, not to mention they should help provide some insight into what the following day or days of snorkeling will be like so we can hit the ground running.
Day 9 - Travel to Komodo
Travel to Komodo, we expect to arrive at the resort for sunset. After our resort and safety orientation it’s time to relax, Komodo is excellent for star gazing or head to the beach bar for refreshments.
Day 9 - Day 14 - Komodo Resort
You’ll spend 6 nights at Komodo Resort. A full breakfast buffet spread is the order of the day. At around 9am we prepare for a day on the boat in the national park. Komodo Resort’s boats are spacious with bean bags on the upper deck which are great for seeing the passing islands and wildlife. It takes around 1hr to reach most sites, which is a great time for some more one-one-one photo critiques and advice.
Snorkel sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes with boat support if you prefer a shorter session. We stay in the park for the day, taking lunch on the boat and with time to relax in the beanbags on the upper deck as we pass between sites. Returning around 4 pm there’s a chance to explore the impressive house reef for that beautiful dapple light you only get in the early mornings and late afternoons, or should you prefer a night snorkel that can also be easily arranged! Some days we go to closer sites in the mornign and return to the resort for a le carte lunch, before heading out for another snorkel session in the afternoon.
Like our evenings in Alor, there will be the opportunity for more photography lectures presented on a large television.
Day 15 - Departure
Early morning departure for Jakarta and onward travel.
Alami Alor Resort
Alami Alor is an intimate resort situated on a remote and quiet bay that combines luxury accommodation and delicious locally inspired food. Your bungalow sits on the waterfront. The bedroom is air-conditioned, and there is an open-air garden bathroom. There is plenty of outdoor seating, with hammocks and loungers.
Komodo Resort
Komodo Resort is set on its own private island in a secluded area of eastern Indonesia. Not only is it within range of some of Komodo’s finest snorkeling sites, but it also has a spectacular and gorgeous house reef, a powder white sand beach for afternoon relaxation, and accommodation finely in tune with its surroundings. The abundance of pristine reefs, islands, islets, and sandy bays found within the range of Komodo Resort would take a lifetime to explore.
Resort Guide
Snorkeling Boats
Alami Alor: Spacious fiberglass speedboats with enough room to easily store snorkeling equipment. The boats do not have a toilet on board but do offer a full canopy for sun protection and a ladder to help exit the water. Distances from the resort are short, maximum thirty minutes.
Komodo Resort: Large wooden boats complete with gear up area and partially covered sun deck. Bean bags are on board as well as a marine toilet and freshwater bins for equipment and cameras. The average travel time from the resort to the sites is one hour. Exit the water via ladders at the back of the boat.
On this page you will find our Tour Dates & Pricing (see below contact form), a Booking Form and Details of Payment schedule including deposit and final balance. If you have any further questions please complete the form and we will reply within 24hrs.
Make an Enquiry or Book this Tour
2023 Tour Dates
3 – 17 June 2023
Price: $6475 USD per person sharing
How to book your place
Initial deposit to secure your booking is $400 per person
12 months before departure interim payment of $600 per person
6 months before departure interim payment of $1,000 per person
Balance due 3 months before departure
Includes:
- 24 boat snorkel sessions plus unlimited house reef snorkeling
- 1 Night in Jakarta Terminal Hotel
- 7 Nights in a sea front bungalow at Alami Alor with all meals
- 6 Nights in a sea front bungalow at Komodo Resort with all meals
- Domestic flights in Economy Class with 40 Ibs of luggage allowance Jakarta – Alor- Komodo- Jakarta
- Group transfers throughout
- Services of Snorkel Venture photo pro/ guide throughout
- Entrance and marine park fees
- Village tour in Alor
- Half day trip to see the Komodo dragons
Excludes:
- International flights & visas
- Snorkeling equipment hire
- Tips
- Travel and health insurance
- Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, laundry and general sundries
- Spa services
Please note our cancelation policy:
- 1 year or more: 150 USD penalty per person to switch to a credit note for use within 2 years
- 12 months or less: Loss of deposit and interim payment
- 90 – 28 days: 25% Refund (includes your final balance payment)
- 28 – 0 days: No Refund
