East of Flores, April 30 to May 10th, 2017

Trip Report & photos by Tommy Schultz

Standing on the upper deck of the Seven Seas at sunrise on the morning of day two. The first colors of the day are glowing in the east, but the beauty of the Indonesian daybreak is completely eclipsed by the panorama of raw geology we're all staring at.

Komba.

The name itself has weight. An attempt to describe the indescribably huge cone of jagged igneous rock exploding out of more than 7,000 feet of cobalt blue sea.

As we watch the deepening glow of the morning, wisps of volcanic smoke drift from the upper reaches of the cone towering above us - easily one of the most dramatic views to be found from a boat deck anywhere on the planet.

And this was only day two!

Every day we woke up to another gobsmacking view of this remote corner of the Indonesian archipelago. A place where few outsiders ever visit, and is home to some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs, animist mountain tribes, migrating whales & dolphins, as well as a village which has hunted these animals using traditional spears since the days before Magellan.

» CLICK HERE FOR TOMMY'S FULL REPORT AND MORE PHOTOS

East of Flores Video by Tommy Schultz

(Click to watch)

See more of Tommy's works on his Facebook page and on his website.

Testimonial

JOIN US: East of Flores with Renee Cappozzola 2018, June 26 to July 4

Come join international award-winning underwater photographer Renee Grinnell Capozzola on the magnificent Seven Seas Indonesian Liveaboard for a unique, specialized itinerary which highlights the very best of East of Flores! We will be visiting hand picked sites for both wide angle and macro photography, including Renee's personal favorites "Watu Balu" and "Beangabang." Both snorkelers and divers will enjoy this unique schedule including underwater exploration, village visits, uninhabited beaches, and stunning volcanoes. Interested in improving your photography? Check! Interested in seeing the very best of this remote, unspoiled area during the best time of year and in a shorter period of time? Check! Curious to interact with the local people? Check! Book your spot early for prime cabin selection and before this trip sells out! June 26-July 4, 2018

Renee is a multi international award-winning underwater photographer who has received numerous prestigious accolades throughout her career including 1st place in the 2017 Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year, 1st Place in the National Team category of the 2016 World Shootout Underwater Photo Grand Prix, and the Best-In-Show Prize: The David Doubilet Award for Excellence in Underwater Photography from the 2017 Beneath The Sea. Renee has also been published by Scuba Diving Magazine, Sport Diver Magazine, The Underwater Photography Guide, Dive Photo Guide, and Photography District News.

"Growing up in Southern California, the ocean has always been a large part of my life. Since 2004, I have traveled across the globe, diving in some of the most remote parts of the world. With my many dive travels, I have developed a true appreciation for marine organisms and believe underwater photographers help employ constructive change for our deteriorating seas through the use of striking images. With my pictures, I hope to increase awareness of our fragile marine ecosystems and encourage others to help protect our oceans."

Would you like to join? Please contact us.

Remaining Availability 2017

For the remainder of 2017 we have a few free spaces. There's something for everyone:

• August 9-23, East of Flores, 2 available.
• September 24 to October 6, East of Flores, 8 available.
• October 8-20, Komodo National Park, 5 available.
• November 22 to December 7, Forgotten Islands, 2 available.
• December 24 to January 5, Raja Ampat, 8 available.

Please contact us if you are interested in any of these trips.