The place is stunning with myriads of gorgeous soft corals and too many nudibranchs to count. 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. Also, the Seven Seas in equipped with 3 speedboats and the latest safety features, allowing peace of mind for the entire cruise. The golden passage is a shallow dive site with a maximum depth of around 20 meters. South Komodo is harder to reach as the waves are bigger in that area. The Komodo resort is another great island hotel. 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. You can get your complete quality dive gear rented onboard free of charge! Those strong currents create the biodiversity in Komodo and offer the potential for significant action with tons of large pelagic. Those inclusions are:all meals, all beverages beers & 1 glass of wine with dinner-, diving basics, DM service, airport and hotel pickup/transfers. Few people know that you can also dive it from Sumbawa. 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. TIP: At the time of writing, Garuda allows 23 kg of diving equipment as free extra baggage, making it the best choice of airline for divers in Indonesia. You get to visit Rinca Island early in the morning. You have more chances to see the mantas on this dive site if there is a bit of current. I was half expecting whales to come by and feed on this feast. We saw some dolphins from the boat but unfortunately didnt see them underwater. Another outdoor area is the lounge, just behind the restaurant. The amount of large fish is spectacular with a lot of surgeonfishes, big eyes jacks But if you look beyond the fishes, you will also find stunning soft corals and small creatures like crocodile fishes, nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, I wish I could dive here every day! Liveaboards are more friendly for people traveling alone while scuba diving the Komodo islands. Indeed, the 16 guests are well cared for by a boat crew of 22! Meals are usually a mix of Asian and Western fares. Review of Raja Ampat cruise with Neomi liveaboard, Cruising and Diving Raja Ampat with Coralia liveaboard, Exploring Raja Ampat and Triton Bay With Ilike liveaboard, Your email address will not be published. The waves are smaller, making it easier for boats to reach the dives sites that are more exposed ( It might not be possible to dive the North Komodo dive sites every day in January and February as the waves are too big). Dive sites in South Komodo are easier to access, Even though it is called the rainy season, it doesnt rain that much, The visibility in the central and south part of Komodo drops down. The biggest rock goes up to the surface, and the smallest one is 12 meters down. It is the dry season, so less chance of rain or waves, The visibility in the north and central Komodo is at its best. The Neomi liveaboard also has great cabins and experienced dive guides. We dove 70 minutes here, but I could have honestly stayed another 30 minutes. The 24 crew members will help, guide and pamper you all along your diving cruise. Plus, theres a lounge area in every cabin, making you feel home while away at sea! The diving season of the south Komodo National Park is the opposite to the north and central regions and the best time to go there is November to April. If you stay on one of the resort islands, you also can spend more time on the beach. Mantas came and went in their graceful ballet. We found a huge white frogfish and a few nudibranchs. Resorts typically offer watersports, excursions, a gym, sport, and a spa. I took one of my flights in business class with Batik air, and it was not worth it. It is a stunning sight to see hundreds of giant bats flying simultaneously. Padar island is one of those picture-perfect places. The sea apples are also frequently seen here. I personally avoid July and August as I find komodo diving too crowded. Being a class of his own, the Damai I offers a totally all-inclusive experience through its Singnature Service. Read this if you are into Macro and critters, Northern Pacific Expeditions review: Discovering Alaska on a small ship, Chartering a Yacht to sail Virgin Islands with Navigare Yachting, Les nuits Botanique festival review: City break in Brussels. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You might not be thinking of booking a diving cruise right now but if you subscribe to our promo email, you will never miss the next great deals for when you want to take your next trip! 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. For day tours, Kalong island is usually combined with a visit to Rinca Island to see the dragons. 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. It is seldom crowded as few people dive from Sumbawa. You can talk to multiple dive shops and choose the one that dives the sites you want. There are fewer hard corals in this park area but more gorgonians and soft corals. Other diving destinations in Indonesia worth checking out. Areas of black sands surround corrals bommies. People have been taken by the current before. There is a spacious indoor lounge and bar where guests can listen to music, watch television or look at their latest shots. It is not uncommon to see unprepared divers tumbling around and popping up to the surface. It offers an all-inclusive luxury liveaboard experience with spa treatments just like its twin vessel, the Damai I. Anything can happen while scuba diving the Komodo islands, and by choosing the right dive sites, the right timing, and the best guides, you have more chances of stumbling upon the action. The Ayana Komodo hotel is a sizeable tower-style building on the outskirt of Labuan Bajo. We are diving on an active volcano! It is the best Komodo liveaboard for beginners divers, family and is perfect for people looking for a small intimate boat. Beside all of this, the Waow never neglects its main mission; diving the incredible waters of Indonesia. It is very intimate. It is an underwater pinnacle that starts at 5 meters and goes down to 30 meters. What a fantastic dive site! The dive deck is huge, lots of personal storage is available and all the basics are there, such as nitrox, rinse tanks, camera table, etc. Therefore, the operation runs smoothly, guests can enjoy their time as well as plenty of room on board. Also, the Seven Seas has kayaks which guests can use, when the boat is moored somewhere, to venture off a bit! Another more comprehensive option is World nomad. Some dive sites like Batu Bolong are becoming very crowded so being the first group in the water for a sunrise dive makes a big difference. Therefore, when you book your dive trip, it is essential to book a liveaboard or daily dive boat that fits your level. They have a great sea view and a small beach. The high scuba diving season for Komodo is May October, which is also the dry season. This Komodo dive guide will help you plan the perfect trip for YOU. I totally enjoyed the end of the afternoon and sunset cruising. The boat feature an air conditioned salon, fully equipped with a cocktail bar and flat screen televisions, plus the movie network! So make sure you check again shortly before your flight. You can see here a list of all the best liveaboards in Komodo with upcoming departure dates and prices. The blue is full of sharks and other predators. Most day dive shops will include dive gears in the trip price. It is a new boat and is very sturdy. In my experience, we often see them, but they are usually just cruising by. It is a sandbank with a sloping reef that is mainly sand a few coral bommies. Diving on Cozumel: The Perfect Return into the Blue! Moreover, its the name of a wonderful Scuba Diving destination in Indonesia. My favorite Italian in the whole of Indonesia is called made in Italy and is located near the Bintang resort. Add generally good visibility, and you have everything a diver could wish for. A 17-day cruise is surnamed the biodiversity special as you cross a large part of Indonesia and experience different seas and ecosystems. Plus, the most discerning guest is sure to be pleased as there are 2 highly sought-after chefs onboard. Tip: There is often more current close to the surface, so it is good to down quickly, and it might require a negative entry. The Indo Siren welcomes up to 16 guests on each cruise. A selection of beer, wine and spirits are available for sale. This site not only has lovely corals and soft corals, but the amount of fish is genuinely stunning. When you pay the base fare / regular booking plan, some services are included, just like in every other cruise. I stopped counting them after the first five, but there must have been over 30. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site created to conserve the unique Komodo Dragon and its habitat. It is a steep walk of about 1 hour, but it is not technically difficult since theyve built a path. The cruise and diving operations are supervised by the professional cruise directors and lead by 12 crew members. The rooms are very classy and modern, a bit like you would expect from any five stars luxury hotel around the world. 2022 - I have been really lucky to dive all over the globe over the past few years. Also, the Tiger Blue has one family cabin which can sleep up to 4 people. Batu Bolong is a peninsula that goes down to 90 meters. TIP: to avoid popping up, deflate your BCD as you exit the Cauldron. Every cabin has private climate control as well as an attached bathroom. Some dive sites in Komodo can have powerful currents that can be dangerous for inexperienced divers. This 40 meters wooden boat is a member of the Sea Trek Fleet. There is also and indoor, air conditioned salon for those who like to keep it cool. One of the reasons I adore scuba diving the Komodo islands. They will cater to any specific requirement. The highlight of this site is it has cleaning stations for mantas, so they are often seen here. This is changing fast with more and more luxury hotels opening around Komodo. Anything can happen in Komodo! It starts at about 4 meters and goes down to below 40 meters. For total beginners, it is possible to learn to dive in Komodo and even do your open water there. I have been really lucky to dive all over the globe over the past few years. Furthermore, there are bathrooms and hot showers right by the dive platform, thats one bonus. It is one of Indonesias most luxurious ( and expensive) boats. Following the seasons, the Tiger Blue offers luxury liveaboard cruises both in Komodo and Raja Ampat. I have been to Komodo 3 times since the start of Covid. If you want to stay in the center of town, check out the Meruorah Komodo. A SMB. This stunning 40m vessel welcomes a maximum of 12 guests. The place seems to be fished heavily, so dont expect as many big fishes and schools of fish as in the Komodo national park. I am also a fan of happy bananas for healthy food and Sushis. 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. You need to mention it when booking if you would like to have the Signature Service Rate. Karang Makassar and Mawan are your best chance at seeing manta ray in Komodo. While tips vary and are discretionary, the crew is always grateful to receive something. The most reliable info I found regarding the latest requirement by destination is the Garuda page which you can access here. Individual stations, personal lockers and inside, by the lounge, camera and video stations. It is crucial to have insurance when traveling, especially if you are doing adventure activities with risks involved. The Tiger Blue offers a great deal of activities and lots of flexibility. Indeed, the dive shaded deck is huge, and literally, its a full size dive center. See the section below for my review of the best hotels and resorts around Komodo. The dive platform is roomy and two fresh water showers are there for your convenience. Read more about the amenities and specs of the, Best Indonesia Liveaboard Reviews of 2016. And yes, the picture below is mating sharks!!! Four of them are double rooms and the four others are twin rooms. Some are on beach bungalows with outdoor bathrooms and have a great vibe. A camera if you have one. They were coming from everywhere. Also, personal storage space is available, including smaller drawer for your personal items. It offers an all-inclusive luxury liveaboard experience with spa treatments. There is plenty of space for the 16 guests to gear-up comfortably. Finally, the dive deck! Also, daily housekeeping service and laundry cleaning are available. Indeed, Komodo boasts incredible dive sites teeming with marine life, big and small. Bubbles dive site got its name from all the bubbles coming out of the ground. On a boat, everyone follows the same schedule. Staying on a private island give you much more of a holiday feel. It is an excellent place to spot sharks at 20 meters. Here you can find the healthiest hard corals in Komodo. I did the Komodo to Bali trip, which allowed me to dive the fantastic Sangean island. TIP: If you are flying internationally in Jakarta, beware that there are two airports in Jakarta, so make sure both your flights are in the same airport. Watching the sunset from the top of Padar island is a must do. The wall is full of amazingly colorful corals and small critters. South Komodo is home to manta alley dive sites where up to 50 mantas can congregate. If it happens to you, dont panic. Komodo is undeniably one of the best places for diving in the world. TIP: Be prudent when you dive Batu Balong and stay close to the reef as there can be strong downwards currents. It will be more peaceful and allows you to relax on the beach. Komodo diving has the reputation of being for advanced divers only. Sangean island, located between Komodo and Lombok, is one of my favorite dive sites in the world for Nudibranch. If the service is excellent, I tend to go a bit higher than that. The crew is dedicated to your care and to insure you are spending the best holiday possible. Since February 2021, the ministry of transport has allowed low-cost airlines to fill up every seat in the plane again. They have the best beach for snorkeling straight outside of your room. Other good options include Citilink and Batik Air. The Komodo national park is reached via the Labuan Bajo airport. It is peak manta season in central Komodo. Being on a liveaboard allows you to dive it early before the day boats show up. Each cabins has climate control, natural light, ensuite bathroom with hot shower as well as personal storage space. To get to Padar, you have to take a boat from the mainland of Labuan Bajo, which takes around 3 hours. 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). Come back for more information on the Mantra. It is, however, possible to choose the time of the day and the dive sites to have more or less currents. A 5-millimeter wetsuit ( or even bigger if you go to South Komodo). Delicious meals and snacks are served, buffet style, all day. This is when the magic happens, and if you are lucky, you might even stumble upon some corals or sponges pollination. No lounge access and no extra food and drink on the plane. I stayed in Kalimaya resort, and you can read my review here. Just the same small plastic water bottle you get in economy. In fact, you have the choice of using the Signature Service on a la carte basis or on an all-inclusive plan. I also did their Komodo to Sumlaki itinerary. TIP: Citilink has a sports club that you can join for 450000 Rp. The main point of liveaboard diving is to maximize the amount of time diving. The most thought after diving trip in Indoensia is the. I dont think there is one liveaboard that is better for everyone. Indeed, with individual rinse tanks and gear storage, there is plenty of room for you to put your gear on, and off. There are over 60 liveaboards diving in Komodo, so choosing the perfect one can be challenging. You can find over ten boats on a single dive site, making it very crowded underwater. 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. If you are afraid of getting seasick, check out the Neomi liveaboard. It offers a few pinnacles like the world-famous Batu Bolong. The Arenuis philosophy is that no diver should have to choose between the comfort of a 5 stars accommodation, the personalized service and the action packed remote waters of Indonesia. Staying in a hotel will be slightly cheaper than a high-end liveaboard, especially if you share the room. All the areas and room on the boat are spacious. Central Komodo is the core region of Komodo and is the closest to Labuan Bajo. Batu Bolong is Komodos most famous dive site, and its an example of diving at its best. I have had many mantas encounters at Mawan where mantas would come to an almost touching distance to me. It is the channel between two islands, and it often has strong currents. There is a balcony at 30 meters, where you can hook to see the fishs actions. It takes 10-15 minutes to drive into town. Your equipment will always be ready and waiting for you on the tender. Tip: do not bring gloves as they are not allowed in Komodo (and not needed). It lasts for about 10 minutes. 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. 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. Indonesia is a communal society, and there are many people on the boat that work hard, but that you might not see much on board (think about the sailors doing night navigation or the engineering team). 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. Diving is one of the reasons I spend 4-5 months in Indonesia every year. Ensure you read the small print. The negative entry straight on to meet 6 or 7 grey reef sharks will help you awaken swiftly . Besides more diversity in dive sites, you also get to spend time cruising on the boat. The Crystal Rock dive site in Komodo is composed of two submerged pinnacles near Gili Lawalaut. This Komodo diving guide is based on my experience going 15 times to Komodo since 2006. Coming soon! It also reduces your chances of seeing mantas and sharks as they are less likely to approach if they are very crowded. There are a lot of big pelagic fishes hanging out in the area. Also, here is our full list of Budget Liveaboard and Luxury Liveaboard in Indonesia. 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 divided into four regions, and they are quite different: North Komodo is where to go and find channels, pinnacles, and some great drift dives. The 17 000 islands of Indonesia offer the best diving in the world. Are you better of staying on a liveaboard or in a resort? 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 crack in the rock at 7 to 10 meters that you can go through. As everyone is on the same schedule, it is also easier to get to know the other passengers. Staying in town gives you access to the best restaurants and your choice of day tours. review of my stay at the Komodo resort here. The Indo Siren sails the waters of Indonesia all year with destinations such as Komodo & Raja Ampat. The park nowadays also includes the marine protected area, and it includes one of the richest marine environments in the world. The Padars visit can be combined with a trip to Komodo National Park. TheGolden Passage dive site in Komodois exhilarating, as the drift can be quite fast through the channel between Komodo Island and Gili Lawa Darat. Mantas here are very used to divers. It is straightforward to get to with direct flights from Bali that last about 1 hour. The Shotgun is one of the most exhilarating dive sites in Komodo. Your email address will not be published. If you stay calm, give them space, and dont get too close to them, they will likely come close to you and check you out. Most liveaboards do not, and it can be pricey (up to 300 USD per week for a full set rental). And unless you choose an upper deck cabin, they often dont have a view or balcony. 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. It is more about finding the one that works best for you. Check their prices here. With eight cabins, it is a medium-size boat. There is also a roomy camera room with individual work stations where you can work on your picture and charge your material. 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. If you are traveling with non-divers, they might be happier in a resort. Castle Rockis probably my favorite dive site in Komodo. I like to wear neoprene socks in my fins. It can happen, but I have been to Komodo many times during the rainy season, and it has never happened to me. High-end liveaboards cost 500-600 USD per night per person. The amount of fish is impressive, with hundreds of red anthias fishes. In addition to regular liveaboard diving cruises, the Katharina runs themed cruises and snorkeling only cruises and sails year round in Indonesia. I recommend tipping the whole crew rather than giving individual tips. It is a lot less crowded with divers, and the main reason to come here is the Sangean island dive sites. So if you have time, consider doing both. Here are some suggestions based on my experiences. It can be a bit rough as there are no luxury hotels, but it is super rewarding with beautiful landscapes and welcoming people. There is a spacious sun deck with cushioned sunbeds as well as a covered outdoor dining area. We also saw an octopus and a pink pipefish that I had never seen before. They migrate every day around sunset time. They were down at about 30 meters. Features on the Damai II are literally the same as the Damai I, just above on this list. Furthermore, the Damai 2 is a little larger, offering even more spacious rooms as well as more sunbathing spots around the vessel. The significant disadvantage of liveaboard diving is having limited room space. This is the largest dive site in Komodo, spanning over 2 kilometers. The food is prepared from fresh ingredients, including fresh sea food, and there is always a variety of choices. It is Komodos newest luxury hotel, so I havent had a chance to try it yet, but I will try it on my next trip to Komodo ( so stay tuned for my review). On board the Seven Seas, there are 2 experienced cruise director in addition to the 18 crew members. There are an indoor air-conditioned lounge and dining area. Lets try to make it easy. Sign up to my mailing list to receive monthly liveaboards deals and promos. It gives you 20 kg of freediving equipment on all flights, so you pay back the card with only one trip. This stunning 40m vessel welcomes a maximum of 12 guests. The boat is small enough that it is also easy to charter privately. On the top deck, you can sunbath during daytime, watch the stars & have dinner at night. On the upside, the stern stateroom are about 400m, each including a private patio, day bed, desks and ensuite. 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. This is partially true. Built in 1995, the Katharina underwent an extensive interior renovation in 2014. I am a fan of Ilike liveaboard. Amed, Tulamben, or even North Bali usually have calm water, and you can dive directly from the shore. Moreover, there is a massage service available daily. There are slopping corrals and walls coming off Tatawa, Siaba, and Mawan islands. I stayed in all the luxury resorts in Komodo and Labuan Bajo and did five of the best liveaboard cruises in Komodo.
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