Grand Australia Circumnavigation

Encounter the rare and fearsome Komodo dragon in its natural habitat during a trek on Rinca Island. Part of the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing 29 islands, Rinca Island is home to about 2,000 of these legendary creatures. Relatives of the dinosaur, they are the world’s largest reptiles, able to reach lengths of more than 10 feet and typically weighing about 150 pounds. Meet your knowledgeable guide and set off for a walk on specially elevated platforms that will allow you to observe the wildlife without interference. As you go and make stops along the way to observe life below, learn about the behavior of these dappled giants, whose tails are as long as their bodies. Cap your tour at the visitor’s center to gain further insight into these ancient and unique creatures, before returning to your ship.

Embark on a journey through Rinca Island, keeping watch for sightings of local wildlife. Meet your guide and set out along the trails of Rinca Island, the third-largest island in the UNESCO-designated Komodo National Park area. Walk along elevated platforms and forest trails and listen as your guide shares insights about the wildlife that you may encounter here. Rinca is home to around 2,000 Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards, known for their long tails and impressive hunting skills. Stay alert for sightings of these endemic predators as you continue your journey with a hike up Rinca Hill. As you ascend, take in the views of the surrounding park with its rugged coastline and dense vegetation. Cap your day at the visitor center, where you will learn more about the park and the conservation efforts to protect Komodo dragons, before returning to your ship.

Discover vibrant marine life and coral reefs during visits to two snorkeling sites in Komodo National Park. Climb aboard your vessel and journey into the heart of Komodo National Park. Take in your surroundings as you motor along the water to Manta Point, a snorkeling site named for the manta rays who are known to frequent the area. Don your snorkeling gear and slip beneath the water in search of rays and more, before returning to your vessel. Then, continue to Taka Makassar, a tiny, teardrop-shaped island. Smaller than a soccer field and surrounded by clear, blue waters, it is home to the longest reef in the Komodo National Park. Stroll along the soft white sands and soak up the tranquil atmosphere, or don your snorkeling mask once more to view the vibrant corals and tropical fish beneath the water’s surface. After, return to your vessel for the journey back to your ship.