Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) are the largest living lizards, native to the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. They have a robust body with rough, durable skin covered in tiny scales. Their powerful limbs end in sharp claws and possess a long, muscular tail, which they use for balance and defence.

Expedition cruises to Komodo Island offer a unique opportunity to see the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat while exploring the stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life of Indonesia's Komodo National Park. 

Adult male Komodo dragons can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length and weigh around 200 pounds (90 kilograms). Females are generally smaller, averaging about 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. They inhabit dry, open grasslands, savannas, and tropical forests. 

Komodo dragons are carnivorous and known to eat a wide variety of prey, including deer, pigs, smaller dragons, and occasionally water buffalo. They are also scavengers, often consuming carrion. They are ambush predators, relying on stealth and power to catch their prey. Their unique hunting strategy involves a stealthy approach followed by a sudden burst of speed and a powerful bite. Their saliva contains a mix of bacteria and venom that can cause severe infection and shock, leading to the eventual death of their prey if the initial attack does not kill it. 

Female Komodo dragons lay about 20 eggs buried in the ground. The eggs incubate for around 8 months. Hatchlings are vulnerable and often live in trees for the first few years of their lives to avoid predation by adults and other threats. In the wild, Komodo dragons can live for approximately 30 years.