Komodo National Park in Indonesia, famous for its namesake dragons, is a mecca for scuba divers as well. That’s because Komodo is home to dozens of manta rays which are easy to spot when they visit the cleaning and feeding stations. On most liveaboard trips, you’ll also be treated to other pelagic sightings, including whitetip and grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and dogtooth tuna. Plus, there are plenty of reefs to explore in search of macro critters and tropical fish.
While diving in Komodo, you’ll find a great variety of underwater environments. In many areas, sandy bottoms, sand dunes, and rocky corals formed by years of volcanic activity define the seascape. At other locations, you might see beds of soft corals or current-heavy pinnacles. Wall dives and bays can form hideaways for small marine species and beginner divers alike.
The stunning Komodo National Park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its dramatic natural beauty, and it’s the only place in the world home to wild populations of the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. Many liveaboard itineraries allow divers to set foot on the islands to explore the dragons’ habitat. While Komodo dragons can swim, the best opportunity to see them in all of their jurassic splendor is on Rinca island. This is a common stop on liveaboard itineraries, and speaking with a dive travel agent can help you identify liveaboards that offer this excursion.
Best Luxury Liveaboard: Tiare
Seemingly straight out of the Pirates of the Caribbean, the luxurious Tiare is a traditional, Phinisi-style yacht complete with masts and sails. The purpose-built diving liveaboard has everything you need for a luxury diving vacation.
The Tiare is a 150-foot (46-meter) purpose-built, boutique liveaboard made from timber. The six deluxe cabins deliver five-star hotel living and can host up to 14 passengers. The crew offer five-star guided dives, while the onboard executive chef serves up delectable Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to refuel.
While sailing with the Tiare, you can indulge in stand-up paddleboarding, water tubing, kayaking or snorkeling between dives. With years of experience and dive pros that know how to schedule the best dives in Indonesia for optimal marine life viewing, the Tiare offers itineraries that last between seven and 11 nights. From Komodo to Raja Ampat, the Tiare offers Indonesia’s premier liveaboard experience.
Best Liveaboard for Non-Divers: Scubaspa ZEN
The Scubaspa ZEN Indonesia liveaboard was added to the Scubaspa fleet in 2020 and offers a combination of outstanding diving and exclusive luxury.
This 174-foot (53-meter) phinisi-style liveaboard accommodates up to 18 guests in nine fully equipped cabins, each featuring a private, en-suite bathroom and individually controlled AC. The availability of rooms to accommodate up to three people also makes the Scubaspa ZEN a solid choice for groups, families or anyone with non-diving members. Additionally, the vessel provides all-inclusive services, including a five-star spa, yoga sessions, and both gourmet buffet and à la carte-style dining.
Most noticeably, the Scubaspa ZEN features a unique two-boat service that incorporates a separate 69-foot (21-meter) boat to enhance diver comfort and enable up to four dives per day.
The Scubaspa ZEN‘s attentive crew ensures an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s premier diving destinations, making this liveaboard an ideal choice for both diving and spa enthusiasts.
Best Mid-Range Liveaboard: Mermaid I
Winner of the “Liveaboard of the Year” award in 2012, the Mermaid I perfects the delicate balance between price and comfortable accommodations.
World-class diving is just the beginning of your adventure aboard the Mermaid I. Each itinerary this vessel runs is designed to take into account Indonesia’s seasonal monsoon changes, giving you the best dives possible. One of our favorite itineraries in the whole of Indonesia is the Mermaid’s “Bali – Komodo – Bali” run which allows you to discover the magic of Komodo without the inconvenience of getting there. Three to four dives are completed each day in small groups. As an extra perk, fresh towels will be available to you in your room and on the sundeck every day.
Photography in Komodo is a serious sport, which is why the Mermaid I offers six camera rinse tanks on their purpose-built dive deck. If you want to escape the sun, you can catch a movie in the air-conditioned saloon or edit your photos while you catch up with friends, thanks to the free WiFi.
Even while you aren’t diving, you’ll feel at home on the Mermaid I. There are eight air-conditioned cabins that accommodate 16 divers. Most of these feature large windows with magnificent ocean views.
A fabulous sundeck boasts cushioned sun beds so you can relax after your dives. And the scrumptious Sawasdee Restaurant cooks up their delicious Thai, Indonesian, and Western fare.
For the price, the Mermaid I offers the best in liveaboard comfort, giving you the opportunity to explore the wild waters of Komodo in style.
Best Budget Liveaboard: Nusantara
Proving that there’s a wide range of dive boats sailing Indonesian waters for you to choose from, the Nusantara is one of the world’s most budget-friendly liveaboards. This safari boat allows divers to explore Indonesia in an intimate and family-style setting.
The boat was built in 2017 and underwent renovation in 2021. It has an experienced crew who ensure you’ll see the best dive sites thanks to their extensive local knowledge.
In between dives, you can choose between working on your tan or reading a book on the lounge chairs in the sundeck. Or, if you still have energy and can’t get enough of the reefs, you can get some snorkeling in or join a land excursion to see the Komodo dragons.
In addition to great diving, you’ll feel happy with the mix of local and western flavors, including fresh vegetables and fruit. The dormitory-style cabin ensures trips remain social, while the open deck above and available mats offer guests the unique chance to sleep under the stars.
At a price point well below USD $1,000 for a trip and itineraries that range from two nights and up, you can’t beat the service found on the Nusantara.
When to Visit Komodo
The best time to dive in Komodo is from April to August. Because this is high season, finding a liveaboard in Komodo outside of these months can be challenging. Many of the boats make their way to Raja Ampat for the rest of the year.
In addition, the seas are calm, and rain is minimal during the high season. However, underwater conditions and marine life sightings remain relatively constant year-round.
Keep in mind that some dive sites in Komodo are subject to unpredictable currents, while others are protected from hazardous conditions. Because of this, liveaboards in Komodo generally request divers have at least an intermediate level. They also sometimes require a minimum number of logged dives.
How to Get to Komodo
While there are scuba diving resorts with access to Komodo, the only major city nearby is Labuan Bajo in Flores. This base of operations is hours from Komodo Island and further still from the region’s best dive sites. Therefore, the best way to explore Komodo is by liveaboard.
Dive safaris headed for Komodo usually depart from Labuan Bajo, a short flight from Bali’s international airport.
The typical length of liveaboard trips is five to seven nights, although some operators offer longer, 10-night itineraries.
The Best Dive Sites in Komodo
Renowned for its exceptional dive sites, Komodo National Park offers a diverse range of underwater landscapes and marine life encounters. Among the best dive sites in Komodo is Batu Bolong. Teeming with colorful coral gardens and abundant marine life, you might spot reef sharks, turtles, and schooling fish.
Another must-visit site is Castle Rock, where strong currents attract large pelagics like sharks and barracudas. Manta Alley is a favorite among divers for its resident manta ray population. The site offers incredible opportunities for up-close encounters with these majestic creatures.
Additionally, the famous dive site of Crystal Rock is known for its vibrant coral formations. In this area, there are frequent sightings of reef sharks and eagle rays. These are just a few examples of the many world-class dive sites awaiting exploration in Komodo National Park.
Tips for Planning Your Komodo Liveaboard Adventure
Planning a liveaboard trip to Komodo requires careful consideration to ensure a memorable and enjoyable diving experience. Firstly, research different liveaboard operators to find one that aligns with your budget, preferences, and dive experience level. If you’re reading this article, you’re likely at this phase of planning.
It’s also essential to pack appropriate dive gear. This might include reef-safe sunscreen and a DSMB (delayed surface marker buoy) for drift dives and general safety. Additionally, be prepared for varying sea conditions and currents by bringing motion sickness medication, if needed.
Lastly, don’t forget to book your trip well in advance, especially during peak diving seasons. This way you can secure a spot on your preferred liveaboard. With proper planning and preparation, your Komodo liveaboard adventure is sure to be unforgettable as you journey into the heart of Indonesia’s underwater paradise.
The three liveaboards you’ve read about were hand-picked by PADI Travel Scuba Travel Experts, but there are plenty more in Komodo. To see the full list of liveaboards available to suit all tastes, availability, and price ranges, click the button below.
