Komodo Liveaboard
Explore the Komodo National Park
About
About Komodo Liveaboard
Liveaboard Komodo, a generous mix of underwater environments. Drift over sandy bottoms or rocky corals, hover on top of colorful soft corals and pinnacles which attract schools of pelagic, or go diving with the majestic Manta Rays.
Enjoy our liveaboard Komodo with free unlimited satellite internet and the best mixture of Enriched Air (NITROX) with the latest technology of Bauer PE 320B Membrane system compressor.
Our Trip Snapshot
Experience
Advanced Divers' Top Pick
Komodo offers some of the best diving experiences in the world and it is without a doubt on top of any diver's travel list. That being said, Komodo also brings challenging underwater conditions with heavy and sometimes unexpected currents. It is therefore recommended that only experienced divers attempt liveaboard diving in Komodo.
Diving Conditions
Liveaboard Komodo is good and proper all year round. Our liveaboards operate trips of different durations across the year. Water conditions are sometimes unpredictable which makes dive plans to sometimes change on last minute.
Diver Requirements
For Liveaboard Komodo, Neptune One only accepts divers with minimum 25 logged dives and Advanced Open Water certified. It is therefore recommended that only experienced divers attempt liveaboard diving in Komodo.
Komodo Liveaboard Diving
Diving in Komodo is spectacular, without a shadow of a doubt a top diving destination in the world. Diving insurance is mandatory for Komodo liveaboard diving but we do recommend our guests to also purchase basic travel insurance to cover for potential flight delays and cancellations.
Dive Sites
Top Dive Sites in Komodo
Komodo National Park delivers world-class diving with manta rays, sharks, and pristine coral — from adrenaline-pumping drift dives to peaceful macro explorations.
Batu Bolong
IntermediateKomodo's signature dive — a tiny pinnacle exploding with soft corals, reef sharks, giant trevally, turtles, and enormous schools of fish in every direction.
Castle Rock
AdvancedSubmerged pinnacle battered by currents that bring white-tip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, giant trevally, and thick clouds of surgeonfish.
Crystal Rock
AdvancedBeautiful pinnacle covered in pristine soft corals and sea fans, with pygmy seahorses, Napoleon wrasse, and occasional manta ray visits.
Manta Alley
All LevelsReliable manta ray cleaning station in southern Komodo where reef and oceanic mantas with wingspans up to 5 meters glide overhead.
Tatawa Besar
All LevelsColorful drift dive along a sloping reef with green turtles, reef sharks, and one of Komodo's most stunning soft coral displays.
Cannibal Rock
All LevelsMacro paradise at Horseshoe Bay with dozens of nudibranch species, frogfish, pygmy seahorses, and vibrant encrusting sponges.
Best Time to Visit
Komodo Diving Season Calendar
Komodo is a year-round destination with peak conditions from April to October. Manta rays move between northern and southern sites seasonally.
| Month | Water Temp | Visibility | Currents | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°C | 10–15m | Moderate | Mantas in north |
| Feb | 28°C | 10–15m | Moderate | Plankton-rich |
| Mar | 29°C | 15–20m | Moderate | Improving visibility |
| Apr | 29°C | 20–25m | Moderate | Great conditions |
| May | 28°C | 20–30m | Moderate | Peak visibility |
| Jun | 27°C | 20–25m | Strong | Mantas in south |
| Jul | 26°C | 15–25m | Strong | Manta season |
| Aug | 25°C | 15–25m | Strong | Pelagic action |
| Sep | 25°C | 15–25m | Strong | Peak currents |
| Oct | 26°C | 20–25m | Moderate | Excellent all-round |
| Nov | 27°C | 15–20m | Moderate | Transition |
| Dec | 28°C | 10–20m | Moderate | Quieter season |
Recommended months for diving Komodo
Conditions
Water Conditions & Gear
Temperature
24–30°C (75–86°F)
Visibility
10–30m (33–100ft)
Currents
Mild to very strong — site dependent
Best Visibility
April – October
Thermoclines
Common in southern sites, can drop to 22°C
Suit
3mm wetsuit (5mm for southern sites)
Certification
Open Water for many sites, Advanced recommended
Nitrox
Recommended for multiple daily dives
Marine Life
What You’ll See in Komodo
From giant manta rays to tiny pygmy seahorses, Komodo’s nutrient-rich waters support an extraordinary range of marine life — plus the legendary Komodo dragons on land.
Sharks & Rays
- White-tip reef sharks
- Grey reef sharks
- Bamboo sharks
- Reef manta rays
- Giant oceanic manta rays
- Mobula rays
- Eagle rays
Pelagics
- Giant trevally
- Napoleon wrasse
- Dogtooth tuna
- Barracuda schools
- Bumphead parrotfish
Macro Life
- Pygmy seahorses (Bargibanti & Denise)
- Nudibranchs (200+ species)
- Frogfish
- Blue-ringed octopus
- Flamboyant cuttlefish
Reptiles & Turtles
- Green sea turtles
- Hawksbill turtles
- Komodo dragons (land excursion)
- Banded sea snakes
Reef Life
- Pristine soft coral gardens
- Gorgonian sea fans
- Anthias clouds
- Sweetlips
- Clownfish (10+ species)
Travel
How to Get There
Fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) on Flores island. Direct flights are available from Bali (1.5 hours), Jakarta, and other Indonesian cities. Labuan Bajo has grown rapidly as a tourist hub with many flight connections.
We provide airport-to-boat transfers for all guests. Our team offers full travel assistance to help you arrange the most convenient flights and connections to Labuan Bajo.
Departure Port: Labuan Bajo Komodo Airport (LBJ) — direct flights from Bali (1.5 hrs) and Jakarta
Travel Tips
Tips for Travelers
Seasonal Planning
Komodo is a year-round destination. April–November brings warmer water and manta ray season in the south. December–March offers plankton-rich waters and manta encounters in the north.
Dive Experience
Komodo is known for its currents, which bring rich nutrients and pelagic life. Advanced Open Water certification with at least 25 logged dives is the minimum requirement.
Flexible Cancellation
If you are unable to travel due to unforeseen circumstances, a free trip reschedule within 24 months is possible. Visit our Terms & Conditions page for more details.
Eco-conscious Travel
Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be a responsible traveler by following park regulations, not touching marine life while diving, and minimizing your environmental impact.
Travel Essentials
Practical Travel Information
Visa
Visa on Arrival available for most nationalities (30 days, extendable once). Passport must be valid for 6+ months.
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs available in Labuan Bajo. Credit cards accepted at some hotels and restaurants.
Language
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. English is widely spoken in Labuan Bajo and by our dive crew.
Tipping
Customary to tip the crew. A guideline of $15–20 USD per guest per day is appreciated.
What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen, hiking shoes for Komodo dragon treks, motion sickness medication, and underwater camera.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations. Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid. National park fees apply (included in trip price).
Electricity
220V, 50Hz with Type C/F plugs (European style). Bring a universal adapter.
Time Zone
WITA (Central Indonesian Time), UTC+8.
Our Itinerary
Dive the Best of Komodo
Diving in Komodo is spectacular, without a shadow of a doubt a top diving destination in the world. Divers can maximize what the different dive sites can provide, especially Shotgun, Manta Alley or Cannibal Rock.
See ScheduleYour Trip
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- Liveaboard accommodation
- Airport/Hotel Transfer
- Diving activities
- Three daily main meals
- Unlimited Satellite Internet
- Three main daily snacks
- All-day snacks, coffee / tea
- Tanks, weights, weight belts
- Snorkeling gear
- 4 on 1 diver to guide ratio
- SUP (Stand-up Paddle board)
- Kayaking
Not Included
- NITROX
- Equipment rental (BCD, Wetsuit, Regulator, etc)
- Single occupancy cabin
- National park fees
- Private dive guide
- Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks
FAQ
Common Questions
When is the best time to dive Komodo?
Komodo is a year-round destination. April–November brings warmer water (27–30°C) and manta ray season in the south. December–March offers plankton-rich waters, manta encounters in the north, and fewer crowds.
Will I see Komodo dragons?
Yes! Every Komodo itinerary includes guided treks on Komodo and Rinca islands where you can observe these magnificent creatures in the wild, accompanied by experienced park rangers.
How strong are the currents?
Komodo is known for its currents, which bring rich nutrients and pelagic life. We carefully time dives to match tidal conditions and group divers by experience. Briefings cover current patterns for each site.
What certification level do I need?
Open Water certification is sufficient for many sites. Advanced Open Water is recommended for the best drift dives. Our guides always assess conditions and match groups to appropriate sites.
How do I get to Komodo?
Fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) on Flores island. Direct flights are available from Bali (1.5 hrs), Jakarta, and other Indonesian cities. We provide airport-to-boat transfers.
Explore More
See Other Destinations
Banda Sea
With its volcanic islands and deep waters, the Banda Sea is home to hammerhead sharks, sea snakes, and vibrant coral gardens.
Explore
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, with over 75% of the world's coral species and more than 1,500 fish species found in its waters.
Explore
Bali
From manta rays at Nusa Penida to the legendary USS Liberty wreck, Bali offers world-class diving with easy international access.
Explore