Komodo Liveaboard Season Is ON – What No One Tells You
Komodo is on fire this time of year — and I don’t just mean the diving.
This is one of the richest marine environments in the world with manta rays, reef sharks, pristine coral walls, epic drift dives, macro life for days and… dragons. Literally.
Indonesia’s Komodo National Park is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever dived. If you’ve never been, this is the season to go (June to September = peak conditions).
But here’s the part no one tells you when planning a trip: your boat matters as much as your dive sites
I learned this the hard way when I went on my first liveaboard in Komodo last year — a typical wooden phinisi. The trip wasn’t bad, but it left me with a few lessons I think every diver should know before choosing a vessel in Indonesia.
How to dive Komodo: Land-based vs Liveaboard
While you can dive Komodo from land, liveaboards offer way far more value:
You reach the best sites before the day boats.
You skip long daily transfers.
You dive more (often 3–4 dives/day).
You get the full remote Komodo magic — sunrises, stars and stunning surface intervals.
Choosing the Right Vessel — Not All Boats Are Equal
Many boats operating in Indonesia are wooden “phinisi” sailing ships. They look dreamy on Instagram — big sails, traditional masts, but here’s the truth:
They don’t actually sail (most raise the sails for photo ops on the last day).
Why so many? Sailing vessels have cheaper licensing than motorized boats.
The downside? Smaller cabins, less stability in rough seas and high maintenance — wood traps moisture and many phinisis get musty.
What to Look For Instead
When diving in remote areas like Komodo or Raja Ampat, safety and comfort are non-negotiable.
Make sure the boat has:
Solid build (steel hulls = more stable, spacious cabins, less mold risk)
Proper first-aid and emergency protocols
Experienced, certified crew
Satellite comms and oxygen on board
Transparent operator reputation
My Komodo Experience: The Good, the Bad & the Moldy
The diving was amazing — that much is true. But the boat itself? Let’s say it wasn’t quite the dream you see on Instagram.
Cabins were tiny. I was lucky to get the master cabin because I booked last-minute, but even that one felt cramped and run down. Sharing one of those cabins as a couple? Wouldn’t recommend.
The food was inconsistent — decent some days, but no buffet or choices. Just a fixed plate and if you didn’t like it… well, that was it.
The group dynamics were tricky. We were only six divers, which made the boat quiet — but not in a fun, relaxed way. A few guests weren’t social, and it was just too small to find your own flow. Our cruise director, while kind, dominated every conversation and couldn’t dive with us due to health issues. That felt odd too.
Tips were handled poorly. On the last day, they strongly suggested a fixed crew tip amount with no space to give what you thought was fair. It felt pushy and a bit awkward.
In hindsight, I should’ve paid slightly more and gone with a higher-tier operator. The difference in quality, comfort and professionalism would’ve been massive.
Why This Matters
Both Komodo and Raja Ampat are remote destinations. You’re hours if not days away from a hospital or hyperbaric chamber — so the boat must be ready for emergencies with trained crew, oxygen, first aid and reliable communication.
But it’s not just about safety — it’s about your entire experience.
The boat is your floating home for 7–10 days:
It’s where you eat, sleep, laugh and recover between dives.
It sets the vibe for the whole trip — whether you’re socialising, resting or soaking in paradise.
So YES, it really matters that you choose the right one.
If you’re thinking of going to Komodo this season, don’t roll the dice with a random booking site. Let’s find you a boat you’ll love — where the memories come from the diving and not the disappointment onboard.
