Thursday, December 28, 2023

INDONESIA: KOMODO NATIONAL PARK, SNORKELING

 July 12, 2023

I forgot to include one more part of our Komodo National Park experience--snorkeling. I don't know how I could have forgotten to include this because it was BY FAR the best snorkeling we have experienced--much better than the Caribbean or Hawaii and better even than the Galapagos Islands, and by a lot. 

Three things made it better:

1. We were in a very remote location and besides the three of us (our guide Vincent, Bob, and I), there were only one or two other people in the large bay.

2. The water was crystal clear--very little motion, no bubbles, no pollution. It was as if there was no water at all. Extraordinary.

3. The sea shelf was shallow, and we were usually only about 3-4 feet above the floor. We didn't have to swim far to get to the "good stuff." Less than 30 seconds after we got in the water, we were in underwater paradise.

4. The diversity of sea life was unbelievable. There was a huge variety of colorful coral formations, gently waving plants, and darting fish of every brilliant color, pattern, size, and shape. If it had been possible to gasp or swoon underwater, I would have.

Actually, I do know why I forgot about it. Bob and I neglected to bring an underwater camera, so I didn't have any photos of the experience in my files.  No worries, I just WhatsApp-ed our incredible guide Vincent, and within 30 minutes I had a slew of HIS photos. He had a GoPro underwater camera and took some amazing pictures.

I know I have sung his praises before, but I'll just say again that if you go to Komodo National Park, this man should be your guide. He was one of the best guides we've ever had. 


His photos and videos below are a sampling of the underwater cinema we enjoyed.































At one point, Bob pointed out what looked like a snake. Vincent later identified it as a caterpillar snake. 

All in all, I don't think I have ever seen anything as beautiful, surreal, or magical as that underwater world off the island of Komodo. This was one of my favorite days of the trip.

Thanks, Vincent, not just for the pictures and videos, but for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Here is how to contact him on WhatsApp: Vincent Komodo Paradise: +62 823-4297-4078


He's also on Instagram: