Komodo Liveaboards

The Komodo National Park is one of the richest and most diverse marine environments not just in Indonesia, but in the whole world. It encompasses over a thousand species of fish and 250 species of corals. The park is divided by divers into its northern and southern parts due to the distinctly different marine environments and their inhabitants. The north is famous for more luxury liveaboard Komodo itineraries due to the warmer water and better visibility, while the south is the home for large pelagic creatures, such as whales sharks, dugongs, and Manta rays.

Most itineraries here are regularly of 7 nights (8 days) long, yet many offers also come for 12 nights (11 days)  tours. Shorter trips 3-4  nights (4-5 days) are also popular in Komodo. On average you can make 3-4 dives per day, however Aggressor fleet offers a possibility of up to 5 dives per day.

All offers for both luxury Komodo liveaboard and low budget Komodo liveaboard are based on two itineraries, namely North Komodo and South Komodo. Depending on the season, you may also find routes created for closer encounters with whales, sharks, the Sun fish, and Manta rays.

North Komodo

If you love warm water, then North Komodo itineraries are just what you wanted! The average water temperature here is between 27-28℃ (80-82℉), so a short-sleeved 3 mm suit would be absolutely enough here. The visibility is also better in the north than in the south and reaches 25-35 m (82-115 ft). The sea life is typical here for most tropical seas: colorful combinations of hard and soft corals, large schools of Anthias, the amazing Angel Fish, reef sharks and Giant Trevally.

South Komodo 

South Komodo is well-known for its cooler waters; the average temperature here is between 22-24℃ (71-75℉). For itineraries in this region full length suits with hoods are recommended. The visibility here is between 7-18 m (23-60 ft). The waters in the south are rich with plankton coming from the depth of the Indian Ocean. Due to the currents and plankton the underwater life is flourishing here at all times. You can find soft corals, large branching corals, and fans in plenty. The South is famous for its Makassar Reef & Manta Alley where Manta rays and Mola Mola can be spotted with the highest probability. Rinca Island is the best place to meet with the Komodo Dragons.

Upon arrival to Indonesia you will receive a free visa for 30 days, in case you plan to stay for longer time, make sure to get a Visa upon Arrival which costs $35 per month and can be extended later. In case you get a regular visa and stay longer than 30 days in Komodo, you’ll have to pay the fine of around $74. There is also an airport tax applicable for all passengers at check in. It must be paid in local currency, so make sure you have some. The Bali Airport Domestic Tax (DPS) is 40,000 Rupiahs (around $3); Bali Airport International Tax is 200,000 Rupiahs (around $15).

Remember to include special diving-related fees into your Komodo liveaboard budget: every guest must pay a park or a port fee which equals $150 for Komodo National Park, $180 for Forgotten Islands, and $180 Wakatobi. Besides the fees, take some extra money for crew tips that are paid at the end of your tour.

In terms of scuba gear, underwater computers are mandatory for each guest. Locals also advise taking reef hooks for some dive spots and signaling buoys for personal safety. The suit can be up to 5 mm, however 3 mm (full suit for south itineraries and short sleeve for north itineraries) is a recommended option.