Renowned for its thrilling drift dives, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, Komodo offers an unmatched diving experience in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
A liveaboard is the best way to explore Komodo’s best dive sites. These floating dive hotels allow you to explore remote locations like Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, and Manta Point. These sites feature strong currents, making them ideal for advanced divers who can handle the challenge while enjoying encounters with reef sharks, manta rays, and massive schools of fish.
Read more about the Best Dive Sites in Komodo
Beyond the underwater marvels, liveaboard trips include land excursions to see the iconic Komodo dragons and breathtaking views of the park’s rugged landscapes and beaches. With a range of liveaboard options available, you can enjoy both comfort and adventure, making your Komodo diving trip truly unforgettable.
Who is it for?
Komodo is renowned for its strong currents. While it is preferred to have at least an Advanced Open Water certification to enjoy most of the iconic dive sites, some boats will also take care of less experienced divers. And with diving instructors on board on some boats, it is also possible to do an advanced or specialty course during your trip.
How much does a diving liveaboard trip in Komodo costs?
Budget Liveaboards
Budgeting for a diving liveaboard in Komodo can vary widely depending on the type of boat and the services offered. The cheapest options typically range from $136 to $200 per night, offering basic facilities and a more minimalist experience. These boats provide an affordable way to explore Komodo. These boats usually offer shared accommodation (dorm style or sleeping on deck) and run shorter trips (2 to 5 days).
Check out our Favorite Budget Diving Liveaboards in Komodo
Standard and Deluxe Liveaboards
For a more comfortable experience, prices typically range from $210 to $500 per night. These liveaboards offer more comfort, with better meals, larger cabins, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
These boats offer private double cabins or shared twin cabins with en-suite bathrooms and run trips between 4 and 8 days.
Luxury liveaboards
For those seeking a luxury experience, prices start at around $600 per night. You’ll enjoy cruisingwith premium services, dining, and a more upscale environment.
These boats offer private suites, double cabins or shared twin cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Trips are usually longer, ranging from 5 to 12 days.
Additional Costs
National Park and Harbor Fees: It’s important to remember that National park and harbor fees are usually not included in the base price. You can read more about these fees and use our Komodo National Park Fees Calculator here.
Equipment rental: If you are not travelling with your own dive equipment and if the rental is not included on your trip, you will need to rent your equipment onboard. Count about $30 to $40 per day for a full set (including dive computer). Individual items
Tips for the crew: Running a quality and safe diving liveaboard trip requires people! Usually, the ration is 1 crew member per passenger. The crew consists of captains, mechanics, chefs, housekeepers, dive guides. They are all working long hours to ensure you have a great and safe time onboard and in the water. So if you feel generous, 10% of the value of your trip is considered a good tip!
Best Season for Scuba Diving Liveaboards in Komodo
The best time to visit Komodo for a diving liveaboard is during the dry season, from April to November. This is when the weather is most stable, offering sunny days and calm seas, ideal for diving. The water visibility is at its best, ranging from 20 to 40 meters, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
While diving is great year-round, the peak season for diving is between August and October, when the water is warmer, and manta rays are particularly active. However, visiting during the shoulder months, like April, May, or November, can offer fewer crowds while still providing excellent diving conditions.
Keep in mind that the strong currents can be more challenging during certain months (particularly in December through March), so it’s best to be an experienced diver when visiting during this time. During these months, the winds and tides are stronger, which can lead to more powerful currents. Itineraries during this period usually focus on the southern part of the park, which is quite amazing as well!
Sample Itineraries & Dive Sites
Please note that these itineraries are sample itineraries and final itinerary will be decided by the cruise director depending on weather and sea conditions.
3 Days / 2 Nights – Komodo Highlights – North and Central
- Day 1: Check dive, Sebayur, Crsytal Rock
- Day 2: Castle Rock, the Shotgun, Tatawa Besar
- Day 3: Dragon Trek, Batu Bolong, Manta Point
4 Days / 3 Nights – Best of Komodo – North and Central
- Day 1: Sebayur Kecil, Pengah Kecil, Sunset to see the Flying Fox, Waenilu (Night Dive)
- Day 2: Rinca Island Dragon Trekking, Siaba Kecil, Turtle City, Siaba Besar (Night Dive)
- Day 3: Batu Bolong, Taka Makassar (Sand Banks), Manta Point, Cauldron (Shotgun), Sunset Trekking on Gili Lawa Darat Island
- Day 4: Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Bamboo Slope
5 Days / 4 Nights – Best of Komodo
- Day 1: 2 dives in central Komodo, sailing to north Komodo
- Day 2: Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, The Cauldron (shotgun)
- Day 3: Tatawa Besar, Siaba Kecil, Mawan, Night Dive Wainilo
- Day 4: Komodo dragon trekking, Pink Beach, Batu Bolong North/South, Siaba Kecil
- Day 5: Kelor Trekking, Pengah Kecil, Sebayur Kecil, Sail back to Labuan Bajo
6 Days / 5 Nights – Ultimate Komodo
- Day 1: Check dive, dive 2 and night dive
- Day 2: Dragon trekking, 3 Dives around Padar (maybe Bonsai, Secret Garden and Monkey Corner)
- Day 3: Padar Island trekking, 3 Sisters, Batu Bolong, Manta Point
- Day 4: 3 dives in Sangeang
- Day 5: Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, The Cauldron (shotgun)
- Day 6: We have a choice of 3 dives in the North or head back to Central to try and find the Mantas again. After diving we cruise back towards Labuan Bajo.
How to choose and book your Komodo diving liveaboard?
Our team of dive travel experts is here to help you find the best options for you. Just fill in the form on this page or contact us by email / WhatsApp and tell us what you are looking for. We will provide the best options according to your budget, level of diving and the time of the year you plan to travel.
