Scuba diver with manta ray in Komodo crystal clear water

World-Class Dive Expeditions

Diving Liveaboard Phinisi — Komodo & Raja Ampat

Explore the world’s richest marine ecosystems from the deck of a handcrafted phinisi. Professional dive masters, unlimited dives, and access to sites unreachable from land — the ultimate liveaboard diving experience in Indonesia.

Plan Your Dive Trip

What Is a Diving Liveaboard Phinisi?

A diving liveaboard phinisi is a multi-day scuba diving expedition aboard a traditional Indonesian sailing vessel, equipped with professional-grade dive equipment, compressors, nitrox systems, and certified dive masters. Unlike day trips from shore-based dive centers, a liveaboard takes you to remote dive sites across Komodo National Park, Raja Ampat, and the Banda Sea — sites that are only accessible by boat and rarely visited by other divers.

Indonesia sits within the Coral Triangle — the epicenter of marine biodiversity containing over 75% of all known coral species and more than 3,000 species of reef fish. A phinisi liveaboard is the most immersive and luxurious way to explore these underwater treasures.

Dive Destinations

Komodo National Park

3–5 night liveaboard

Home to oceanic mantas, reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and some of the strongest currents in Indonesia — creating nutrient-rich waters teeming with pelagic life. Key sites include Batu Bolong, Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, Manta Alley, and the legendary Cauldron passage.

🐙 3–4 dives/day (dawn, morning, afternoon, optional night)
🌊 Visibility: 15–30m depending on site and season
🦈 Highlights: Mantas, reef sharks, giant trevally, pygmy seahorses
📅 Best season: April–November

Komodo Details

Raja Ampat

5–10 night liveaboard

The planet’s most biodiverse marine region — over 1,500 fish species and 600 coral species documented. Pristine reefs untouched by mass tourism, with everything from schooling barracuda to walking sharks and wobbegongs on night dives. Sites span Dampier Strait, Misool, Wayag, and Fam Islands.

🐙 3–4 dives/day + unlimited house reef snorkeling
🌊 Visibility: 20–40m, some of the clearest in Asia
🦈 Highlights: Walking sharks, wobbegongs, schooling fish, pristine soft corals
📅 Best season: October–April (calmest seas)

Raja Ampat Details

What’s Included in Your Dive Liveaboard

Dive Equipment & Support

✓ Full dive gear (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins)
✓ Nitrox (EANx 32) — unlimited fills included
✓ 3–4 guided dives per day
✓ PADI/SSI certified dive master on every dive
✓ Dive tender (RIB) for site transfers
✓ Underwater camera rinse station
✓ Emergency oxygen and first aid

Vessel & Hospitality

✓ Private en-suite cabin with AC
✓ Private chef — 3 gourmet meals + snacks
✓ Unlimited water, tea, coffee, soft drinks
✓ Sundeck, salon, and communal dining
✓ Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear
✓ Fresh towels and bed linens daily
✓ Professional captain and crew (8–12 staff)

Sample Dive Itinerary — Komodo 5 Days / 4 Nights

Day 1 — Labuan Bajo to Sebayur

Board at Labuan Bajo harbor. Check-dive at Sebayur Kecil (easy reef, max 18m). Afternoon dive at Sebayur slope — nudibranchs, frogfish, blue-ringed octopus. Sunset briefing on deck, welcome dinner.

Day 2 — Batu Bolong & Makassar Reef

Dawn dive at Batu Bolong — Indonesia’s most famous pinnacle. Walls of anthias, white-tip reef sharks, giant trevally in the current. Second dive at Makassar Reef (Manta Point) — seasonal manta ray cleaning station. Afternoon at Crystal Rock.

Day 3 — Castle Rock & Padar

Morning drift dive at Castle Rock — schooling fusiliers, grey reef sharks, eagle rays. Transfer to Padar area. Optional Padar Island sunrise trek (non-diving activity). Afternoon dive at Pillarsteen — macro paradise.

Day 4 — Manta Alley & Horseshoe Bay

Full day in south Komodo. Manta Alley for oceanic manta encounters. Cannibal Rock — one of Indonesia’s best muck dives (sea apples, frogfish, decorator crabs). Night dive at Horseshoe Bay — Spanish dancers, cuttlefish, hunting lionfish.

Day 5 — Tatawa & Disembark

Final morning dives at Tatawa Besar — gentle drift over hard coral gardens. Log book signing, crew farewell. Return to Labuan Bajo harbor by noon. Airport transfer included.

Dive Liveaboard Pricing

Destination	Duration	Private Charter From	Open Trip From	Dives Included
Komodo	4 nights	USD 20,000/vessel	USD 1,200/person	12–16 dives
Komodo Extended	6 nights	USD 30,000/vessel	USD 1,800/person	18–24 dives
Raja Ampat	7 nights	USD 45,000/vessel	USD 2,500/person	21–28 dives
Raja Ampat Extended	10 nights	USD 60,000/vessel	USD 3,500/person	30–40 dives

All dive equipment and nitrox included. Private charter prices are for the full vessel. Minimum certification: Open Water (Advanced recommended for current sites).

Full Pricing Guide

Certification Requirements & Courses On Board

Our liveaboards welcome divers of all levels. Non-certified partners and family members can snorkel every site while divers descend.

Beginner (Open Water)

Access to most dive sites at shallower profiles. Our dive masters pair with you 1:1 for current dives. Perfect for Komodo’s sheltered sites.

Advanced Open Water

Recommended for Komodo’s drift dives and Raja Ampat’s deeper walls. Can be completed on board — 2 days of adventure dives during your trip.

Non-Divers Welcome

Partners who don’t dive enjoy world-class snorkeling at every site, kayaking, island treks, and the full luxury phinisi experience. Many couples combine diving with non-diving activities seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions — Diving Liveaboard

How many dives per day on a liveaboard?

Typically 3–4 dives per day: an optional dawn dive, morning dive, afternoon dive, and occasional night dive. Rest periods between dives are spent on deck with meals, snacks, and relaxation. Total dives range from 12 to 40+ depending on trip length.

Is nitrox included in the price?

Yes, nitrox (EANx 32) is included on all our dive liveaboard phinisi vessels at no extra charge. This allows for extended bottom times and shorter surface intervals — essential for multi-dive days. You need a valid nitrox certification or can complete one on board.

What certification level do I need?

Minimum PADI Open Water or equivalent for most sites. Advanced Open Water is recommended for Komodo drift dives and Raja Ampat walls. We can conduct Advanced Open Water courses on board during the trip. Non-divers can join for snorkeling at every site.

Can I bring my own dive equipment?

Absolutely. We have dedicated rinse tanks and storage. Most experienced divers bring their own mask, computer, and wetsuit. Full rental sets are included in the charter price for those who prefer to travel light — all equipment is serviced annually.

Is Komodo or Raja Ampat better for diving?

Both are world-class but different. Komodo offers thrilling current dives, manta encounters, and dramatic pelagic action. Raja Ampat offers unmatched biodiversity, pristine soft corals, and calmer conditions. Komodo suits adrenaline-seeking divers; Raja Ampat suits those who want pristine reef exploration. Many divers do both.