Komodo and its idyllic tropical waters off western Flores in Indonesia, are home to more than 1,000 identified Reef Manta Rays (Mobula alfredi). The area is also within the Coral Triangle with some spectacularly healthy and diverse corals reefs; and home to the World's largest lizard: the Komodo Dragon.

Our Manta Ray Research experience enables you to join Aqua-Firma Marine Scientist and expert from the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) as they undertake research into these majestic Ocean Giants. You will also be able to scuba dive, snorkel and photograph some of the World's best coral reefs; and step onto the Komodo Dragon sanctuary of Rincon Island where you can engage with these huge animals as close as is safe to do so.

We base ourselves in western Flores at a comfortable hotel on a beach, set within a calm bay. For all but one of our full days here, we will head out in traditional wooden boats amongst some beautiful islands in search of Manta Ray hotspots. Sea, current and wind conditions will dictate where we are best to search for Manta Rays. Our expert team will use their experience to select the best potential sites, including cleaning stations and feeding areas where manta rays will be busy gorging on plankton brought in on Komodo's legendary currents.

Our primary aim is to help you to experience some unforgettable encounters with manta rays and some of Komodo's best coral reefs; but you can assist with Photo IDs and behavioural observation if you wish. One of MMF's key research aims for Komodo has been to assess the risk that tiny fragments of plastic (microplastics) pose to filter feeders like Manta Rays. Latest research on this and all things mantas, will be presented to you during an evening talk and through explanations when out at sea. You will have ample opportunity to ask any questions you can think of.

In addition to sites where we hope to interact with Manta Rays, you will also have the chance to dive and snorkel at some simply stunning coral reef sites. Do not be surprised to come across areas where coral cover is 100% from shallows to 30 metres. Here we can often find lots of Green and Hawksbill Turtles, large schools of sweetlips and other fish, giant sea fans, beautifully coloured corals, sponges and more.

No trip to Komodo is complete without seeing the Komodo Dragons, so we will take an afternoon to land on Rincon or Komodo Island (subject to permit availability) and enjoy guided walks amongst, yet safely distant from them. We will be able to enjoy the savannah scenery and see water buffalo and Timor Rusa Deer, whose lives are continually under threat from the dragons. You might even see an apparently docile Dragon lunge from the shadows in a sprint towards one of these large mammals. Stick with us and you won't become a target yourself!

We can hope for some excellent photo opportunities with manta rays as well as coral reefs. Guidance will be available throughout on underwater and above water photography, plus use of software to edit your hard-earned images. We can also assist you in advance, with advice on kit, be that starter level waterproof cameras to advanced underwater camera systems.

Your participation in this trip helps to fund Manta Ray research in Indonesia, in the same way that our Whale Shark Research experiences do at Mafia Island in Tanzania, northern Madagascar, the Galapagos Islands and the Yucatan of Mexico.

This trip starts and ends on the Indonesian island of Flores. If you are keen to see more of Indonesia and other parts of South East Asia, then we can make travel arrangements for you as needed, such as incorporating more time on Bali, Raja Ampat, Sulawesi, Borneo, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. Many airlines fly into and out of Bali, so there is a great deal of choice amongst airlines.

Photographs by Charlotte Caffrey, Ralph Pannell & Dr Simon J Pierce