Slack Water
Liveaboards · Indonesia

Komodo liveaboards

2–10 nights from Labuan Bajo or Maumere or Bima. Mantas, sharks and some of the strongest currents in diving.

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Manta ray swimming over a reef in green-blue water
Photo: Johnny Africa / Unsplash (Unsplash License)

At a glance

Best months
April to November
Trip length
2–10 nights
Departs from
Labuan Bajo, Maumere, Bima
Price per night
US$159–US$418Per person, typical published rates
Certification
Advanced certification needed
Current
StrongStrong, with down-currents

When boats run

April to November (dry season); December to March is wetter but good for mantas.

Overview

Most Komodo liveaboards leave from Labuan Bajo on Flores, and some use Maumere or Bima on Sumbawa. Short trips of 2 to 4 nights stay in the north and centre of the park. Longer trips of 7 to 10 nights add the cooler south or Sumbawa, mainly from April to November.

Komodo has more liveaboards than most destinations, so the price range is wide. Listings seen in 2026 typically run from about USD 159 to 418 per person per day, before park fees. Current is strong at many sites, and most boats expect Advanced Open Water and solid experience in current, with some asking for 50 logged dives.

Routes

  • Short trips, north and central Komodo2–4 nights. Short loops that stay near Labuan Bajo and dive the northern and central sites. A good fit for limited time; current at the northern sites is still strong.
  • Komodo National Park South3 nights. Heads south to the cooler, plankton-rich southern sites, then turns north back to Labuan Bajo. Expect colder water and thermoclines.
  • Komodo and Sumbawa7–10 nights · April to November. Longer trips that combine the whole park with Sumbawa. Listing sites recommend intermediate to advanced experience.

Getting to the boat

  • Labuan Bajo, FloresThe main departure port; most Komodo liveaboards start and end their loops here.
  • Maumere, FloresSome cruises depart from Maumere on Flores instead of Labuan Bajo.
  • Bima, SumbawaUsed by some boats, mainly on trips that combine Sumbawa and Komodo.

Who can go

Most Komodo liveaboards expect Advanced Open Water. Master Liveaboards (Indo Siren) and Girls that Scuba both ask for AOW plus 50 logged dives, and Master Liveaboards says divers below its minimum may be kept out of some or all dives. One short dive-centre trip listed on PADI Travel asks for 20 logged dives, so Open Water divers should ask operators directly and consider day boats first.

Advanced Open Water. Around 50 logged dives before strong-current sites.

What it costs

Published rates typically run US$159 to US$418 a night. Per person per day, shared cabin, Dive The World 'from' prices seen in 2026 (Sokaraja USD 159, Nusantara USD 210, Jaya USD 251, Jelajahi Laut USD 395, Moana USD 418). Park fees, fuel surcharges and often gear rental are extra; Nusantara includes scuba rental.

  • Park fee as charged by liveaboards: USD 17 per day on weekdays and USD 19 to 20 on Sundays and holidays (Sokaraja and Nusantara listings, Dive The World, seen 2026); Sokaraja adds an USD 8 ranger fee
  • Some boats charge a flat amount instead, e.g. USD 171 per trip for port and park fees (Moana, Dive The World, seen 2026)
  • Official foreign-visitor entry: IDR 150,000 on weekdays and IDR 250,000 on weekends and holidays, plus a diving surcharge reported as IDR 25,000 (Komodo Resort) or IDR 100,000 (Dive Tribe Komodo); sources disagree (2026)
  • Booking through the SiORA system with a daily visitor cap of 1,000 is reported for 2026 (Dragon Dive Komodo); not confirmed by an official source

Know the risks

  • Strong current
  • Down-currents
  • Cold thermoclines in the south

Questions

How much does a Komodo liveaboard cost?

Dive The World listings seen in 2026 typically start at about USD 159 to 418 per person per day. Budget boats sit at the low end. Park fees of roughly USD 17 to 20 per day are usually extra.

How many nights do I need for a Komodo liveaboard?

Short trips of 2 to 4 nights cover the northern and central sites near Labuan Bajo. Trips that include Sumbawa usually run 7 to 10 nights.

Can Open Water divers do a Komodo liveaboard?

Usually not. Most boats ask for Advanced Open Water, and some, such as Indo Siren, ask for 50 logged dives because of strong current. Ask the operator before booking, or start with day boats from Labuan Bajo.

Are Komodo National Park fees included in the liveaboard price?

Usually not. Many boats charge park fees on board, often in cash in rupiah. Some charge a flat fee per trip instead.

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Also by boat in the same months

Sources

Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Prices and fees change every season; confirm with the operator before you book.