6D/5N — South Komodo, Nusa Kode & Gili Motang Expedition

Komodo offers year-round diving, but each season has its own highlights. April to June is the sweet spot: warm water (26–29 °C), excellent visibility up to 30 m, calm seas, and peak pelagic action as nutrient-rich currents sweep through after the wet season. July–August brings cooler southern waters (20–25 °C) that attract massive manta aggregations at Manta Alley — visibility drops to 10–15 m due to plankton, but the marine life is extraordinary. September–November offers calmer surface conditions and reliable manta sightings in the central route. December–March is wet season with occasional rain and choppier seas, but far fewer boats and excellent macro diving.

A minimum PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) certification is strongly recommended. Komodo is known for its currents — sites like Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, and Shotgun require drift diving experience and solid buoyancy control. Some central and northern sites are accessible to confident Open Water divers, but southern sites like Manta Alley involve stronger currents and thermoclines. We recommend a minimum of 30 logged dives. If you hold an Open Water certification, consider completing your Advanced course before your trip — or contact us to discuss your options.

Currents in Komodo range from mild to extreme depending on the site, the tide, and the moon phase. Popular sites like Batu Bolong and Crystal Rock can produce 3–4 knot currents, and unexpected downcurrents are possible at exposed pinnacles. That said, experienced dive guides read the conditions before every dive and adjust the plan accordingly — choosing the right entry point, depth, and timing. You will always dive with a guide at a maximum ratio of 4 divers per guide. Carrying a surface marker buoy (SMB) is mandatory.

Starting April 2026, the Indonesian government enforces a daily visitor cap of 1,000 people across the core zones of Komodo National Park. The quota is divided into three timed sessions of approximately 300–330 visitors each. All entries must be pre-booked through the official SiOra application — walk-in visits are no longer possible. Liveaboard guests benefit from guaranteed quota slots secured by the operator during booking. Park entrance fees remain at IDR 250,000 (approx. USD 17) per day for foreign visitors. Booking your liveaboard in advance is now more important than ever, especially during the June–September peak season.

Day trips depart from Labuan Bajo at around 7:30 AM and return by 5:00 PM, with 2–3 hours of transit time each way and typically 2–3 dives. A liveaboard eliminates transit: you wake up anchored at the dive site and can do 3–4 dives per day across a much wider area. Iconic sites in the south like Manta Alley, Cannibal Rock, and Torpedo Alley are only reachable by liveaboard. You also get to visit Padar Island, Pink Beach, and see Komodo dragons — experiences that require overnight stays within the park.

Komodo National Park is home to a resident population of over 1,000 manta rays, so sightings are possible year-round. The two main sites are Manta Point (Karang Makassar) in the central route — a shallow drift over a rubble plateau with multiple cleaning stations — and Manta Alley at the southern tip of Komodo Island, where aggregations of 20–50 individuals are common. Peak manta season runs from June to October when plankton-rich currents draw large numbers to feed. On multi-day trips (5D4N and longer), you will typically visit both sites.

Water temperature in Komodo varies dramatically between north and south. Northern sites (Castle Rock, Crystal Rock) stay warm at 26–29 °C year-round. Southern sites (Cannibal Rock, Manta Alley) can drop to 19–22 °C due to cold upwellings, especially between July and September. A 5 mm wetsuit is recommended for south dives, and many divers add a hooded vest. For the north, a 3 mm suit is usually sufficient. We recommend bringing both options if you are joining a trip that covers all areas.

Yes. Nitrox (EANx 32) is available for all Nitrox-certified divers. It is highly recommended for multi-day liveaboard trips in Komodo — the enriched air extends your no-decompression limits and reduces fatigue across 3–4 dives per day. You can add Nitrox during booking or request it on board. If you are not yet certified, consider completing the PADI Enriched Air Diver course before your trip.

Trip packages typically include full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks), cabin accommodation with AC and ensuite bathroom, 3–4 guided dives per day with tanks and weights, land excursions (Komodo dragon trek, Padar Island hike, Pink Beach), drinking water, tea, and coffee. Not included: Komodo National Park entrance fees (paid separately, approx. USD 17/day for foreign visitors), equipment rental, Nitrox upgrade, alcoholic beverages, crew gratuity, and travel insurance. Check each trip listing for exact inclusions.

Most Komodo liveaboard routes stay within the sheltered waters of the national park, so conditions are generally calm. However, crossings between the northern and southern areas can produce moderate swells, especially during July–September. If you are prone to motion sickness, take preventive medication (such as Dramamine or Stugeron) before boarding and stay hydrated. Ginger tea and wristbands also help. Sleeping in a midship cabin, staying on deck in fresh air, and keeping your eyes on the horizon are all effective strategies.

Labuan Bajo (LBJ / Komodo Airport) is the gateway to Komodo National Park. Direct flights operate daily from Bali/Denpasar (DPS) — the flight takes about 1 hour. There are also connections from Jakarta (CGK) and from Surabaya (SUB). We recommend arriving at least one day before your liveaboard departure to account for any flight delays. Transfers from Labuan Bajo airport or your hotel to the boat are typically included or easily arranged.

Yes. Komodo offers exceptional snorkeling at many sites, and non-diving companions can join land excursions to see Komodo dragons, hike Padar Island, relax at Pink Beach, and enjoy the onboard experience. Some boats offer a dedicated snorkeling guide. Contact us before booking to confirm availability and pricing for non-diving guests.

Essential items: your dive certification card and logbook, a surface marker buoy (SMB) and whistle, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and light windbreaker, personal medication (including seasickness remedies), a rashguard or UV shirt, and a waterproof bag for electronics. If you own your own mask, fins, and dive computer, bring them — personal gear always fits better. Full equipment rental is available if needed. Note: diving gloves are not permitted in Komodo National Park, and fishing equipment is prohibited.

All liveaboards carry emergency oxygen kits, first aid supplies, fire extinguishers, life jackets, and life rafts. Communication equipment includes a satellite phone, VHF radio, and GPS. The nearest hyperbaric chamber is located at Siloam Hospital in Labuan Bajo. Dive guides carry SMBs and safety reels on every dive. A pre-trip safety briefing covers emergency procedures, dive signals, and boat evacuation protocols.

A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure. Free cancellation is available up to 90 days before the departure date — your deposit is fully refunded. Cancellations between 60–90 days receive a 50% deposit refund. Within 60 days of departure, the deposit is non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel and dive insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and hyperbaric treatment.