Come back for more information on the Mantra. I have seen over 100 divers on that dive site! Lets try to make it easy. It is seldom crowded as few people dive from Sumbawa. But in my opinion, theabsolute best way to travel Komodo is to start with a liveaboard and then extend your trip with a few beach days on an island resort or in Bali. Labuan Bajo also has direct flights to Jakarta and Makassar. A camera if you have one. Furthermore, the dive platform is playing the role of a dive shop as top gear is available for guest to hire. They also offer great value for money as they usually include equipment rental in the cruise price, which can save you 200 or 300 USD per person. It is worth noting that Sumbawa doesnt allow alcohol sales, so if you like your beer after diving, you will be happier in Labuan Bajo. It was so gorgeous! A luxury hotel in Labuan Bajo or on a resort island will set you back 200-300 USD per night, and a day trip of diving to the Komodo national park will cost around 150 USD per person. This excludes the 2 western cruise directors and the team of 3 professional dive guides. We are diving on an active volcano! Unfortunately, the current was quite strong in that part of the dive. Padar island is one of those picture-perfect places. If you have your own gear and plan to dive for more than a few days, bring your own equipment, as it will likely be better than the rental equipment. In addition to regular liveaboard diving cruises, the Katharina runs themed cruises and snorkeling only cruises and sails year round in Indonesia. There are often Mantas hanging around in the channel between the two islands. Liveaboard diving also allows you to see some of the more remote areas of the Komodo National park, like South Komodo, or even to venture outside of the park to the Sangean island near. The significant disadvantage of liveaboard diving is having limited room space. The number one attraction in Komodo is, of course, the Komodo dragons. There are 7 cabins on the Damai I, ranging from single cabin (19m), twins and doubles, to master stateroom (40+m). Castle Rockis probably my favorite dive site in Komodo.
While tips vary and are discretionary, the crew is always grateful to receive something. Ten years ago, there were only backpacker hostels available in Komodo. Features on the Damai II are literally the same as the Damai I, just above on this list. It can be stressful because there is so much going on that you dont know where to look anymore A dive at Batu Bolong is always too short! Are you better of staying on a liveaboard or in a resort? The wall is full of amazingly colorful corals and small critters. It has beautiful corals, large schools of fishes, big pelagic fishes, and even tons of small fascinating creatures or macro photography lovers. There is a balcony at 30 meters, where you can hook to see the fishs actions. You can talk to multiple dive shops and choose the one that dives the sites you want. They will cater to any specific requirement. The channel between the two pinnacles had many schools of fish, including sweetlips and big napoleon wrasses. The best place to see the Komodo dragons is Rinca Island, but it is also the most crowded as it is closer to Labuan Bajo. 
Option for vegetarian and other specific diet are possible as well. Following the seasons, the Tiger Blue offers luxury liveaboard cruises both in Komodo and Raja Ampat. There is plenty of space for the 16 guests to gear-up comfortably. Some of the rocks create walls that are fully covered in the most flamboyant soft corals and tunicates. They are the last private island just outside of the Komodo Marine park so you can get to dive sites like Mawan or Batu Bolong in 30-40 minutes. Check their prices here. I dive with a small GoPro for many of the action dives only as I find my big camera with strobes too hard to handle with strong currents. The biggest rock goes up to the surface, and the smallest one is 12 meters down.
The Ayana Komodo hotel is a sizeable tower-style building on the outskirt of Labuan Bajo. 
You need to mention it when booking if you would like to have the Signature Service Rate. My favorite Italian in the whole of Indonesia is called made in Italy and is located near the Bintang resort. Moreover, there is a massage service available daily. Many divers travel solo, and meals are usually around a communal table which is a great way to meet the other people on board. So make sure you check again shortly before your flight. During the rainy season (December March), diving in this region may not be possible due to northwestern winds creating extremely choppy waters. The Waow is sure aptly named and honors its reputation. You can also ensure that the group composition matches your experience level. So if you have time, consider doing both. When choosing a luxury hotel in Komodo, the first question to answer is whether you want to stay in the town of Labuan Bajo or in an island resort. Another outdoor area is the lounge, just behind the restaurant. When you pay the base fare / regular booking plan, some services are included, just like in every other cruise. I have traveled on and written about many liveaboards in Indonesia, and you can read about them here. The cruise director will usually give you a tip envelope on the last day, and all the money collected through the envelopes will be shared with the whole crew. The Tiger Blue is a traditional wooden Phinisi making 34 meters in length.
They also have a diver center and can take you diving to the Komodo national park. Napoleon wrasse and Whitetip reef sharks reside in deepwater areas, cruising to the shallow areas for hunting. It is more about finding the one that works best for you. They will get you to the right place at the right time and hopefully without too much effort. Here, you can hike around the gentle hills while searching for these wonderful animals You can also see Komodo Dragons at Komodo National Park, located on a separate island from Rinca. On the upside, the stern stateroom are about 400m, each including a private patio, day bed, desks and ensuite. But make sure you go with a group of beginners divers so that your guide takes you to the protected sides of dive sites that will have less current. Indeed, this vessel is arguably one of the top luxury liveaboard of Indonesia. There is a large Master Cabin on the main deck, featuring more space and a stunning ocean view. Dive socks. Described by many as the true pinnacle of luxury, the 43m Arenui is a traditional Indonesian Phinisi. Mawan is a gentle drift dive over a sizeable coral garden. The Coralia liveaboard is a large and relatively new boat. A few days every year, the weather gets stormy, and boats are not allowed to leave the harbor, so your dive trip might get canceled. The beach bungalows are rustic and have been designed with care. On another dive, we were surrounded by over 20 manta rays that were very curious and came to look us up. You need to plan ahead. They do day diving trips to the western side of Komodo and dive the fantastic Sangean islands. If you already have your open water certificate and feel comfortable underwater, you should be fine.
I was half expecting whales to come by and feed on this feast. You get to visit Rinca Island early in the morning. Not even a coffee or a soft drink. All the extra COVID controls were fast, friendly, and well-organized, but The rules on flying change rapidly. People have been taken by the current before. The boat is small enough that it is also easy to charter privately. Scuba diving the Komodo islands is mesmerizing. Your equipment will always be ready and waiting for you on the tender. Finally, the dive deck! Nudibranchs are everywhere. Indeed, the 16 guests are well cared for by a boat crew of 22! If you stay in one of the hotels in Labuan Bajo, you will get access to great restaurants. They were coming from everywhere. It is the best Komodo liveaboard for beginners divers, family and is perfect for people looking for a small intimate boat.
South Komodo is home to manta alley dive sites where up to 50 mantas can congregate. I have been to Komodo 3 times since the start of Covid. Plus, the most discerning guest is sure to be pleased as there are 2 highly sought-after chefs onboard. I took one of my flights in business class with Batik air, and it was not worth it. On the top deck, you can sunbath during daytime, watch the stars & have dinner at night. In fact, you have the choice of using the Signature Service on a la carte basis or on an all-inclusive plan. It has a cute private beach and attractive bungalows. It can be costly if you need evacuation or decompression treatment as Komodo is remote. The 24 crew members will help, guide and pamper you all along your diving cruise. If you are lucky, you might see them hunting, feeding, or even mating! The Crystal Rock dive site in Komodo is composed of two submerged pinnacles near Gili Lawalaut. The Kalimaya resort is a cute beachfront dive center on the eastern coast of Sumbawa. Reaching south Komodo is a bit harder as it is further away from Labuan Bajo, and the waves can prevent boats from going there. A liveaboard is the best way to discover not only the Island but the the surrounding region as well.
As you have understood by now, currents are hugely important when diving Komodo. They migrate every day around sunset time. Plus, theres a lounge area in every cabin, making you feel home while away at sea! Some of the best dives in my life happened in Komodo. Furthermore, there are bathrooms and hot showers right by the dive platform, thats one bonus. I recommend you do your open water certificate in Bali. They were down at about 30 meters. The Japanese restaurant at the Ayana resort also has great sushi. The area is not very deep, at about 10 meters. The highlight of this site is it has cleaning stations for mantas, so they are often seen here. It is straightforward to get to with direct flights from Bali that last about 1 hour. This 40 meters wooden boat is a member of the Sea Trek Fleet.
No lounge access and no extra food and drink on the plane. If you think of booking Lionair because it looks cheaper, read my review on why I will not fly Lion airhere. Besides more diversity in dive sites, you also get to spend time cruising on the boat. Also, daily housekeeping service and laundry cleaning are available. Thats why scuba diving the Komodo islands is such a luxury experience. The current will push you up, so reducing the air in your BCD in advance will help you have the correct buoyancy as you go up fast. The Komodo national park is 2 hours boat ride away ( one way) from Labuan Bajo, so if you go diving every day, it makes for long days. Most liveaboards do not, and it can be pricey (up to 300 USD per week for a full set rental). If you are a new diver or do not want to dive with current, time your trip during the first or 3rd crescent moon ( avoid the new moon and the full moon). On board the Seven Seas, there are 2 experienced cruise director in addition to the 18 crew members. With eight cabins, it is a medium-size boat. Some were more curious than others and came to have a good look at us. It is also a great option if you need a hotel for a night before or after your liveaboard. One of the reasons I adore scuba diving the Komodo islands. After the morning dives and the lunch, you can opt forwaterski, wakeboard, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, etc. The water was so thick with them that they were ruining our visibility. Individual stations, personal lockers and inside, by the lounge, camera and video stations. The negative entry straight on to meet 6 or 7 grey reef sharks will help you awaken swiftly . We passed the wall in less than 5 minutes which was too fast to really enjoy it. Again, beautifully decorated, it gives you the feeling that you are in a traditional indonesian restaurant. 2022 - I have been really lucky to dive all over the globe over the past few years. There are 8 lavish and comfortable cabins, all with climate control, entertainment system and ensuite bathroom.There is plenty of room for your personal items as the cabins are quite spacious. Furthermore, the Damai 2 is a little larger, offering even more spacious rooms as well as more sunbathing spots around the vessel. It takes 10-15 minutes to drive into town. I totally enjoyed the end of the afternoon and sunset cruising. Indeed, the ratio is of 4:1. I stopped counting them after the first five, but there must have been over 30. We saw some dolphins from the boat but unfortunately didnt see them underwater. A good dive guide in Komodo is essential as they will know how to connect the tide charts to the dive sites you are planning to do. Komodo is undeniably one of the best places for diving in the world. Beside all of this, the Waow never neglects its main mission; diving the incredible waters of Indonesia. It is usually best accessed with a liveaboard. Diving is one of the reasons I spend 4-5 months in Indonesia every year. It can be done on the resort itself, but one has to book a boat ride or diving trip to the dive sites, return to the resort, and then book again, which can get time-consuming and expensive. While Komodo has plenty of nudibranchs and critters to keep macro lovers and underwater photographers happy, the real reason to go and dive Komodo, in my opinion, is are the big pelagics and the schools of fishes that create the potential for action dives. The food is prepared from fresh ingredients, including fresh sea food, and there is always a variety of choices. It is, however, possible to dive Komodo all year round. Plus, the Damai I now includes DAN AP insurance coverage for the length of the cruise for each guest. Moreover, its the name of a wonderful Scuba Diving destination in Indonesia. It lasts for about 10 minutes. It is also slightly more affordable. You need a rapid antigen test or a PCR depending on where you fly. I hope all of the info you find on this website will help you plan your next dive trip! The Damai I & Damai II are following the same service plan. The pinnacle starts at 5 meters and is much bigger than crystal rock. I have had many mantas encounters at Mawan where mantas would come to an almost touching distance to me. The boat feature an air conditioned salon, fully equipped with a cocktail bar and flat screen televisions, plus the movie network! You get an extra 10 kg of baggage allowance and a bigger seat, but thats it. The beverages such as tea, coffee, water, soft-drinks are served at no charge. Cabins on boats are comfortable but small.
Watching the sunset from the top of Padar island is a must do. Most day dive shops will include dive gears in the trip price.
Komodo island is larger, so it can be harder to find the dragons. It is well worth it, but the luminosity is still poor at 6 am so you wont get all the colors of the corals shining. While doing day five trips from Labuan Bajo allows you to access some of the best sites in Komodo ( Castle Rock, Batu Bolong,), the variety of dives from a resort is more limited as you will be diving nearer Labuan Bajo. The 45 meters traditionally built schooner can accommodate up to 16 guests.
To join, check here. review of my stay at the Komodo resort here. A selection of beer, wine and spirits are available for sale. I also did their Komodo to Sumlaki itinerary. The Shotgun is one of the most exhilarating dive sites in Komodo. If you are into macro photography and small critters, you will be happier in places like Lembeh, Ambon, and even Bali ( Puri Jati is a great dive site in North Bali that few people know), and they will be a lot less crowded than Komodo. From Balis most famous dive sites to the unchartered water of Halmahera, there is a lot to explore. The Tiger Blue offers a great deal of activities and lots of flexibility. South Komodo also has a few dive sites worth mentioning for nudibranchs and critters, but they are harder to get to from Labuan Bajo and usually require diving on a liveaboard. The temperature is a bit warmer than the other dive sites nearer the Sumbawa mainland, which might be due to the volcanos warmth underneath the volcanic island. The current can be strong, attracting reef sharks, rays, turtles, and big fish. With that in mind, the Arenuis 8 lavish cabin are surprisingly spacious; nothing under 19m. I stayed in all the luxury resorts in Komodo and Labuan Bajo and did five of the best liveaboard cruises in Komodo. And unless you choose an upper deck cabin, they often dont have a view or balcony. It is a sandbank with a sloping reef that is mainly sand a few coral bommies.
Komodo comprises 29 islands, so there are many dive sites to enjoy. There are fewer hard corals in this park area but more gorgonians and soft corals. It is a steep walk of about 1 hour, but it is not technically difficult since theyve built a path. Central Komodo is the core region of Komodo and is the closest to Labuan Bajo. The blue is full of sharks and other predators. luxury style. This site not only has lovely corals and soft corals, but the amount of fish is genuinely stunning. Or you have to stay at the Kalimaya dive resort in Sumbawa. You also get to the dive sites before the day boats can get there. Indeed, with individual rinse tanks and gear storage, there is plenty of room for you to put your gear on, and off. It is a 2 hours boat ride from Labuan Bajo to the excellent dive sites in Komodo, so you will get tired going back and forth to the dives sites. Kalong Island is one of the only places on earth you can seeThousands upon thousands of bats migrating out from the mangroves towards Kalong island. The Indo Siren welcomes up to 16 guests on each cruise. Also, personal storage space is available, including smaller drawer for your personal items. Garuda still keeps the middle seats empty and provide HEPA filters on all airplane, so I think they are the best airline to prevent Covid in Indonesia at the moment. Even fewer people make it to West Komodo. If you are afraid of getting seasick, check out the Neomi liveaboard. The Padars visit can be combined with a trip to Komodo National Park. So dont fight the current and enjoy the drift while watching your buancy. There are slopping corrals and walls coming off Tatawa, Siaba, and Mawan islands. High-end liveaboards cost 500-600 USD per night per person. Check my review of the trips Komodo to Bali and Komodo to Saumlaki here.
I did the Komodo to Bali trip, which allowed me to dive the fantastic Sangean island. As an advanced diver seeking current, I get frustrated when I am on a boat with beginners, and we only dive protected dive sites with no currents. East Sumbawa is an excellent option for macro photography lovers. I have done over 100 dives in Komodo and will point you to the best dives sites in Komodo. They have the best beach for snorkeling straight outside of your room. Manta alley is composed of arid rock formations at the bottom of Komodo island. I hope all of the info you find on this website will help you plan your next dive trip! The Damai II is newer, built in 2011, and slightly larger than its predecessor. Feeding, doing the mating dance, getting cleaned what a party! Most important, the crew will always deal with the washing and hanging of your equipment. Travelling and diving again in the midst of a pandemic, Top 5 Dive Sites for Snorkeling in Indonesia, Why you will love diving Myanmars Mergui archipelago, Czech Diving Equipment Manufacturer Uses Expertise to Help Create Medical Ventilators, All About the Best Scuba Diving Insurance Plans, All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are included, Internet connection available (for e-mail only), Availability of the best gear / avoid paying excess luggage feesin airports. The Arenui is committed to a 5 stars service, and beyond. Traveling solo to a resort in Komodo can be solitary as most people come in couple or family and dont mingle with other guests. If youre doing a day tour from Labuan Bajo, you will visit Rinca Island in the afternoon, which is generally hotter and more crowded with tourists. TIP: Citilink has a sports club that you can join for 450000 Rp.
There is no single answer as it really depends on your preferences. When you pay the base fare / regular booking plan, some services are included, just like in every other cruise. If you are an advanced diver and want to dive the current, try diving on the full moon and the two days after that. I dove with them five times, and I would often be the least experienced diver in my dive group ( I have over 1000 log dives). If you want to stay in the center of town, check out the Meruorah Komodo. In my experience, we often see them, but they are usually just cruising by. It is a mix of rocky slopes that becomes a wall. This dive site can have a ferocious current, making it often one of the most exciting dives in the entire park. Batu Bolong is Komodos most famous dive site, and its an example of diving at its best. Drinks, such as alcoholic beverages, purchased will be put on a bill which you can clearat the end of your stay. There are over 60 liveaboards diving in Komodo, so choosing the perfect one can be challenging. Bubbles dive site got its name from all the bubbles coming out of the ground. You can expect the unexpected and stumble on significant action with a bit of luck! You can find over ten boats on a single dive site, making it very crowded underwater.