Indonesia Liveaboards
As the world's largest archipelago, Indonesia holds four times more ocean than land and stretches from Indian Ocean paradises to the Pacific's bursting biodiversity hotspots. This wealth of water makes liveaboard diving in Indonesia the best way to plunge into a kingdom of unparalleled sights and experiences. With 34,000 miles of coastline, 11,000 uninhabited islands, more than 500 species of coral and over 2,000 species of fish, this really is what makes scuba diving in Indonesia such a diver's paradise.
All told, there are close to 100 liveaboards operating in Indonesia. Liveaboard dive trips in Indonesia can speed you off to Komodo National Park for sharks, mantas, dolphins and tiny macro-critters, or to Raja Ampat's pristine coral gardens and record numbers of coral reef species. Explore the gin-clear waters of the Banda Sea and its undersea mountains, or feast your eyes on Alor's rugged volcanic terrain while enjoying unspoiled diving below the surface. Or choose Indonesia's untouched 'Forgotten Islands,' accessible only by liveaboard.
Some boats dive Komodo from April to September and Raja Ampat from October to March/April, some stick to wither Komodo to Raja Ampat, offering trips up to Cenderawasih and down to Triton Bay.
Quite a few boats run 12-night "cross-over" cruises as they switch between Komodo and Raja Ampat and back, around March/April and September/October, stopping half way around Ambon or Maumere.
All told, there are close to 100 liveaboards operating in Indonesia. Liveaboard dive trips in Indonesia can speed you off to Komodo National Park for sharks, mantas, dolphins and tiny macro-critters, or to Raja Ampat's pristine coral gardens and record numbers of coral reef species. Explore the gin-clear waters of the Banda Sea and its undersea mountains, or feast your eyes on Alor's rugged volcanic terrain while enjoying unspoiled diving below the surface. Or choose Indonesia's untouched 'Forgotten Islands,' accessible only by liveaboard.
Some boats dive Komodo from April to September and Raja Ampat from October to March/April, some stick to wither Komodo to Raja Ampat, offering trips up to Cenderawasih and down to Triton Bay.
Quite a few boats run 12-night "cross-over" cruises as they switch between Komodo and Raja Ampat and back, around March/April and September/October, stopping half way around Ambon or Maumere.
Komodo Liveaboards
There are many, many liveaboards cruising around Komodo during the main season from April to October, and some boats that run year-round. Most have scheduled departures, but we also work with boats that are also available for private charter. The liveaboards and the private charters generally sail out of Labuan Bajo on Flores, or Bima on Sumbawa, both a short flight from Bali.
A celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo is at the centre of the Indonesian archipelago. Its dazzling collection of offerings ranges from dugongs to seamounts, to the legendary Komodo Dragon. Komodo is popular with manta and shark seekers, and it's coral-covered reefs are nourished by deep upwellings and nutrient-rich waters.
The length of most Komodo liveaboard trips is 7 to 10 days. Diving in Komodo can be done year-round, but the most popular months for liveaboard boat trips coincide with the Southeast Monsoon, from May to October. At this time, the water in the north of the park is warm (up to 30 C), and visibility is at its best. Budgets for Komodo liveaboard trips range from 220 to 600 USD per day.
There are many, many liveaboards cruising around Komodo during the main season from April to October, and some boats that run year-round. Most have scheduled departures, but we also work with boats that are also available for private charter. The liveaboards and the private charters generally sail out of Labuan Bajo on Flores, or Bima on Sumbawa, both a short flight from Bali.
A celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo is at the centre of the Indonesian archipelago. Its dazzling collection of offerings ranges from dugongs to seamounts, to the legendary Komodo Dragon. Komodo is popular with manta and shark seekers, and it's coral-covered reefs are nourished by deep upwellings and nutrient-rich waters.
The length of most Komodo liveaboard trips is 7 to 10 days. Diving in Komodo can be done year-round, but the most popular months for liveaboard boat trips coincide with the Southeast Monsoon, from May to October. At this time, the water in the north of the park is warm (up to 30 C), and visibility is at its best. Budgets for Komodo liveaboard trips range from 220 to 600 USD per day.
KOMODO land temperature
Tropical Climate. Average 28°C (82°F) . The wet season is December to March, for the rest of the year Komodo is generally dry with hot days and cool evenings.
Komodo water temperature / Wetsuit required:
20-29°C (68-84°F). The water temperature changes depending on location and season.North Komodo has warm tropical water around 27-28°C (80-82°F) with excellent visibility. A 3mm wetsuit will be fine for most divers. In south Komodo the water is cooler at 23-24°C (73-75°F) and a full length suit of at least 3mm is recommended. Most divers appreciate a hood. Visibility can be lower in this plankton rich environment but this is where divers will find the amazing critters.
When to go diving to Komodo
Komodo can be dived year round but the typical Komodo liveaboard season is April to late-September. June and July are perfect months with flat seas and a few light breeze for cooler evenings. In these months most of the diving will be around north Komodo. In October to February more diving will be in the south.
Komodo water visibility
10-60 m
Komodo diving types
Reefs, walls, sea mounts, pinnacles, wrecks. There are dozens of dive sites and the marine environment is different in north and south Komodo
Komodo diving experience level
Intermediate to Experienced. Currents are famously strong in the channels between the Komodo Islands.
Komodo Marine life
The most biodiverse reefs in the world fed by a combination of cool Indian ocean currents and warm pacific ocean currents. Pelagic encounters, especially with manta rays. Five species of turtle and at least six species of shark. Amazing macro diving with pigmy seahorse, frogfish, blue ringed octupus, Spanish dancers to name just a few. Chance encounters with dolphins nad dudongs are even possible.
Raja Ampat liveaboards
The remote archipelago of Raja Ampat (also known as The Four Kings) in West Papua is considered the pinnacle of pristine biodiversity hotspots and the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle's many world-class dive areas, surpassed only by Papua New Guinea. Jungle-clad islands brimming with tropical life complete the view above water.
A trip from an Indonesian liveaboard is an unforgettable experience that offers challenging dives for intermediate and experts and also easier diving for beginners. However, most of the divers who visit Raja Ampat are experienced divers treating themselves to a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Dive sites like Kri Island, Manta Ridge, Blue Magic, and The Passage are home to 75% of the world's coral species, mantas and sharks, and hundreds of unique critters, creatures, and ecosystems that have given the area a reputation as the epicentre of tropical marine biodiversity.
Most Raja Ampat itineraries run for 7 to 12 nights. Diving in Raja Ampat can be done year-round, but most Raja Ampat liveaboards run their trips between October and April when the sea and skies are calmest. The budgets for a Raja Ampat liveaboard ranges from roughly 250 to 600 USD per day, though a few super-luxury boats can cost over 1000 USD per day. Raja Ampat liveaboards often depart from Sorong, reachable by domestic flights from Jakarta, Manado, Makassar, or Ambon. Liveaboards departing and landing in Sorong often spend their time between the 1500 islands of Raja Ampat. Other boats offer adventurous tours that include the Forgotten Islands in the Banda Sea, whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, the Halmahera Sea, and more.
The remote archipelago of Raja Ampat (also known as The Four Kings) in West Papua is considered the pinnacle of pristine biodiversity hotspots and the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle's many world-class dive areas, surpassed only by Papua New Guinea. Jungle-clad islands brimming with tropical life complete the view above water.
A trip from an Indonesian liveaboard is an unforgettable experience that offers challenging dives for intermediate and experts and also easier diving for beginners. However, most of the divers who visit Raja Ampat are experienced divers treating themselves to a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Dive sites like Kri Island, Manta Ridge, Blue Magic, and The Passage are home to 75% of the world's coral species, mantas and sharks, and hundreds of unique critters, creatures, and ecosystems that have given the area a reputation as the epicentre of tropical marine biodiversity.
Most Raja Ampat itineraries run for 7 to 12 nights. Diving in Raja Ampat can be done year-round, but most Raja Ampat liveaboards run their trips between October and April when the sea and skies are calmest. The budgets for a Raja Ampat liveaboard ranges from roughly 250 to 600 USD per day, though a few super-luxury boats can cost over 1000 USD per day. Raja Ampat liveaboards often depart from Sorong, reachable by domestic flights from Jakarta, Manado, Makassar, or Ambon. Liveaboards departing and landing in Sorong often spend their time between the 1500 islands of Raja Ampat. Other boats offer adventurous tours that include the Forgotten Islands in the Banda Sea, whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, the Halmahera Sea, and more.
Raja Ampat land temperature
Tropical Climate. Average 28°C (82°F) . The best months to visit the area are mid October to mid December. Wind and waves can make boat trips uncomfortable from June to September. Many of the land based resorts are closed during these months.
Raja Ampat water temperature / Wetsuit required
28-30 C (82-86 F) warm water. Usually a dive skin is sufficient. On some of the long shallow dives you may want a 3 mm suit to avoid getting chilled. The water temperature will be a degree or two cooler in May to October.
When to go diving to Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat can be dived year round however the typical Raja Ampat liveaboard season is October to April. That’s when the weather in West Papua is at it’s best. There is no best time of year for visibility underwater, it varies from day to day. For flat seas visit in mid October to mid December.
Raja Ampat water visibility
10-60m
Raja Ampat diving types
Reefs, walls, sea mounts, pinnacles, wrecks, muck, black sand, jetties, mangroves. Pretty much anything you can imagine.
Raja Ampat diving experience level
Intermediate to Experienced. Currents can be strong. Very few beginner divers join these trips.
Raja Ampat marine life
The Coral Triangle is the most bio diverse region of the planet. Particular highlights of the area are wobbegongs, pygmy seahorse, huge schools of fish, pristine corals (75% of the world’s coral species are here), hammerheads, mandarin fish, mimic octopus and much.
Find out more about our preferred boats by visiting it's page here:
MV Mermaid I
The luxurious MV Mermaid I offers all amenities you can dream of. All 8 cabins are fully air-conditioned and equipped with TV & DVD player, single, twin or double bed, a large wardrobe, plenty of storage room and an en-suite bath room with hot water shower, toilet and sink. We also provide fresh bath towels daily, beach towels, bathrobes, hair-dryers, towels, soap and shampoo for your comfort. Trips around Komodo run from May to November and last 10 days and 9 nights.
M/V Mermaid I is a 28 metre, double engine steel motor yacht. She comfortably holds 15 guests in 1 Master State Room (king size bed), 1 Single and 4 Deluxe Cabins (double or twin beds) and 2 Budget Cabins (double/twin beds) below deck. The master, single and deluxe cabins have ensuite bathrooms, refrigerator and panoramic sea view windows. The budget cabins are below decks with ensuite bathroom and refrigerator. All cabins are air conditioned, have TV and DVD players, bathrobes and toiletries and loads of fluffy towels. Our huge purpose built dive deck and wide stern dive platform with two exit ladders and fresh water showers are a diver’s dream. 6 camera rinse tanks means your valuable equipment is well looked after. Delicious Thai, Indonesian and western meals are served in our “Sawasdee Restaurant” with large windows to enjoy the views or how about trying our delicious BBQs ! After meals relax in our saloon with our TV/DVD and music center, or select from our extensive library and full range of marine life books. There are two outside decks, one shaded with outside seating and the fabulous sundeck with sunshade plus cushioned sun beds – a great place to relax. NITROX is available on every cruise. Cruises in Komodo run May to November and last 8 days and 7 nights.
The luxurious MV Mermaid I offers all amenities you can dream of. All 8 cabins are fully air-conditioned and equipped with TV & DVD player, single, twin or double bed, a large wardrobe, plenty of storage room and an en-suite bath room with hot water shower, toilet and sink. We also provide fresh bath towels daily, beach towels, bathrobes, hair-dryers, towels, soap and shampoo for your comfort. Trips around Komodo run from May to November and last 10 days and 9 nights.
M/V Mermaid I is a 28 metre, double engine steel motor yacht. She comfortably holds 15 guests in 1 Master State Room (king size bed), 1 Single and 4 Deluxe Cabins (double or twin beds) and 2 Budget Cabins (double/twin beds) below deck. The master, single and deluxe cabins have ensuite bathrooms, refrigerator and panoramic sea view windows. The budget cabins are below decks with ensuite bathroom and refrigerator. All cabins are air conditioned, have TV and DVD players, bathrobes and toiletries and loads of fluffy towels. Our huge purpose built dive deck and wide stern dive platform with two exit ladders and fresh water showers are a diver’s dream. 6 camera rinse tanks means your valuable equipment is well looked after. Delicious Thai, Indonesian and western meals are served in our “Sawasdee Restaurant” with large windows to enjoy the views or how about trying our delicious BBQs ! After meals relax in our saloon with our TV/DVD and music center, or select from our extensive library and full range of marine life books. There are two outside decks, one shaded with outside seating and the fabulous sundeck with sunshade plus cushioned sun beds – a great place to relax. NITROX is available on every cruise. Cruises in Komodo run May to November and last 8 days and 7 nights.
MV Mermaid II
M/V Mermaid II is a 32 metre, double engine steel motor yacht. One of the most comfortable diver boats in Indonesia, she easily accommodates 16 guests in 8 deluxe cabins and 2 guests in a budget cabin below deck. All deluxe cabins are on the main deck with large panoramic sea view windows. Each cabin has a double bed and single bed (max pax 2 per cabin), air conditioning, private ensuite bathrooms. The budget cabin is below deck with twin bunks, air conditioning and share bathroom with 1 other cabin.
There is a wide stern dive platform with two exit ladders and fresh water showers. The dive deck is huge with plenty of room to gear up, individual boxes for your dive gear, camera table and loads of rinse tanks. The dining room is located on the main deck where delicious buffet style Thai and western meals are served. The saloon is large and spacious with lounge suites and big windows, bar fridge, tea and coffee facilities, TV/DVD, music center, library and a full selection of marine life books.
There are two outside decks – the shade covered party deck has comfortable lounge chairs. The sundeck, located in front of the wheelhouse has full sun and cushioned sun platform. EANX NITROX is available on every cruise.
M/V Mermaid II is a 32 metre, double engine steel motor yacht. One of the most comfortable diver boats in Indonesia, she easily accommodates 16 guests in 8 deluxe cabins and 2 guests in a budget cabin below deck. All deluxe cabins are on the main deck with large panoramic sea view windows. Each cabin has a double bed and single bed (max pax 2 per cabin), air conditioning, private ensuite bathrooms. The budget cabin is below deck with twin bunks, air conditioning and share bathroom with 1 other cabin.
There is a wide stern dive platform with two exit ladders and fresh water showers. The dive deck is huge with plenty of room to gear up, individual boxes for your dive gear, camera table and loads of rinse tanks. The dining room is located on the main deck where delicious buffet style Thai and western meals are served. The saloon is large and spacious with lounge suites and big windows, bar fridge, tea and coffee facilities, TV/DVD, music center, library and a full selection of marine life books.
There are two outside decks – the shade covered party deck has comfortable lounge chairs. The sundeck, located in front of the wheelhouse has full sun and cushioned sun platform. EANX NITROX is available on every cruise.
DEWI NUSANTARA
The large and extremely luxurious Dewi Nusantara is a three masted, wooden motor schooner, which measures an astounding 57 meters (188 feet) in length. Her owner's dream was to recreate a majestic three-masted schooner from the period of the mid 1800′s - a dream that became a beautiful reality.
The interior style is that of a “floating boutique resort” and features the high end amenities guests expect of the new boutique liveaboards. All of the state rooms are larger than traditional liveaboard state rooms, at 180 sq. ft. each, more than 60% larger than an average liveaboard cabin) and each cabin has private en-suite facilities and air conditioning.plus there is also a 470 square foot "Master and Commander Suite "featuring a king size bed, separate sitting area with a sofa, and table with chairs that reminds guests of the "captain's quarters" from the schooner design that inspired her.
Spacious common areas include a dining room, a lounge and a huge deck area. And there is a very spacious dedicated camera and equipment room with multiple charging stations, camera benches and a workstation with data transfer and CD/DVD burning facilities.
Services and facilities
A full range of massage and spa treatments are available with the intent to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible at all times.
Meals
Meals receive the same attention as the diving and the amenities - from the setting . . . to the décor . . . . and to the choice of dishes. The food is plentiful, fresh, and centered around local and flown-in ingredients. Internationally trained chefs add their own touch of magic, drawing inspiration from local and international cuisine.
Rates start at $450 per night. Contact us for itineraries and availability.
The large and extremely luxurious Dewi Nusantara is a three masted, wooden motor schooner, which measures an astounding 57 meters (188 feet) in length. Her owner's dream was to recreate a majestic three-masted schooner from the period of the mid 1800′s - a dream that became a beautiful reality.
The interior style is that of a “floating boutique resort” and features the high end amenities guests expect of the new boutique liveaboards. All of the state rooms are larger than traditional liveaboard state rooms, at 180 sq. ft. each, more than 60% larger than an average liveaboard cabin) and each cabin has private en-suite facilities and air conditioning.plus there is also a 470 square foot "Master and Commander Suite "featuring a king size bed, separate sitting area with a sofa, and table with chairs that reminds guests of the "captain's quarters" from the schooner design that inspired her.
Spacious common areas include a dining room, a lounge and a huge deck area. And there is a very spacious dedicated camera and equipment room with multiple charging stations, camera benches and a workstation with data transfer and CD/DVD burning facilities.
Services and facilities
A full range of massage and spa treatments are available with the intent to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible at all times.
Meals
Meals receive the same attention as the diving and the amenities - from the setting . . . to the décor . . . . and to the choice of dishes. The food is plentiful, fresh, and centered around local and flown-in ingredients. Internationally trained chefs add their own touch of magic, drawing inspiration from local and international cuisine.
Rates start at $450 per night. Contact us for itineraries and availability.
DAMAI I and II
They call them "boutique" dive boats . . . and they genuinely are. Accommodating only 10 guests in truly refined luxury. A traditionally inspired 108-foot Phinisi schooner, the Damai I is one of the newest of the dive liveaboards to ply the waters of Indonesia, seeking both great diving and superior holiday experience. Her equally lovely sister-ship, Damai II, was launched in September 2011.
Purpose-designed for cruising and diving Indonesian waters, passenger safety is always top priority. Damai is equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment and her crew is top-notch, with a seasoned western cruise director and a highly experienced Indonesian crew.
The cabins are luxurious and spacious, the cuisine exquisite and the level of service and attention to detail the pride of everyone on board.
You'll enjoy:
Free top of the line new rental gear.
Free choice of either 32% or 36% nitrox with nlimited diving
Ample and individual space to work on your cameras
Unlimited free spa treatments
ACCOMMODATION
Both vessels have 4 double cabins from 40 to 50 sq metres with private terrace with either twin, queen or king sized beds. Bathrooms are ensuite with both showers and bath tubs. Its true liveaboard luxury. There are two 18 to 20 sq metre single cabins on each ship.
Contact us for itineraries and availability.
They call them "boutique" dive boats . . . and they genuinely are. Accommodating only 10 guests in truly refined luxury. A traditionally inspired 108-foot Phinisi schooner, the Damai I is one of the newest of the dive liveaboards to ply the waters of Indonesia, seeking both great diving and superior holiday experience. Her equally lovely sister-ship, Damai II, was launched in September 2011.
Purpose-designed for cruising and diving Indonesian waters, passenger safety is always top priority. Damai is equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment and her crew is top-notch, with a seasoned western cruise director and a highly experienced Indonesian crew.
The cabins are luxurious and spacious, the cuisine exquisite and the level of service and attention to detail the pride of everyone on board.
You'll enjoy:
Free top of the line new rental gear.
Free choice of either 32% or 36% nitrox with nlimited diving
Ample and individual space to work on your cameras
Unlimited free spa treatments
ACCOMMODATION
Both vessels have 4 double cabins from 40 to 50 sq metres with private terrace with either twin, queen or king sized beds. Bathrooms are ensuite with both showers and bath tubs. Its true liveaboard luxury. There are two 18 to 20 sq metre single cabins on each ship.
Contact us for itineraries and availability.
