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Liveaboard Diving in Indonesia

Liveaboard SCUBA diving in Indonesia boasts the greatest variety of marine life found throughout the world.

Indonesia is an undisputed liveaboard diving and SCUBA diving mecca. As the world's largest archipelago, Indonesia holds four times more ocean than land and stretches from Indian Ocean paradises to the Pacific's bursting biodiversity hotspots. This wealth of water makes liveaboard diving in Indonesia the best way to plunge into a kingdom of unparalleled sights and experiences. With 34,000 miles of coastline, 11,000 uninhabited islands, more than 500 species of coral and over 2,000 species of fish, this really is what makes scuba diving in Indonesia such a diver's paradise.

Liveaboard dive trips in Indonesia can speed you off to Komodo National Park for sharks, mantas, dolphins and tiny macro-critters, or to Raja Ampat's pristine coral gardens and record numbers of crazy coral reef species. Explore the gin-clear waters of the Banda Sea and its undersea mountains, or feast your eyes on Alor's rugged volcanic terrain while enjoying unspoiled diving below the surface. Pioneers may choose Indonesia's untouched 'Forgotten Islands,' accessible only by liveaboard. And don't forget Lombok Strait for amazing drift diving along the walls of dramatic ridges and canyons.

Liveaboard Diving in Indonesia

Komodo National Park, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits at the centre of the Indonesian archipelago. Its dazzling collection of offerings ranges from dugongs to seamounts, to the legendary Komodo Dragon. Attractions of Komodo diving include wildlife large and small, nourished by deep upwellings and nutrient-rich waters. Komodo dive sites enjoy an abundance of mantas, sharks, whales, turtles, and hundreds of fish and coral species. Komodo offers everything from unique macro critters to larger marine life such as Hammerhead or Whitetip reef sharks and dolphins.

The length of most Komodo dive safaris is 8 to 12 days. Diving in Komodo can be done year-round, but the most popular months for liveaboard boat trips coincide with the Southeast Monsoon, from May to October. At this time, the water in the north of the park is warm (up to 30 C), and visibility is at its best. Budgets for Komodo liveaboard trips range from 200 to 500 euros per. day; though especially luxurious boats can run over 900 euros per. day.

Komodo liveaboards depart from Bima Bay (Sumbawa), Labuan Bajo (Flores), or Maumere (Flores), all about one hour's flight from Bali or Jakarta. However, trips that include Lombok dive sites begin in the port of Benoa on Bali. Dedicated Komodo liveaboard trips often visit dive sites around Sangeang Volcano and Sumbawa island. On dive safaris departing from Bali, many Indonesian liveaboard trips additionally include Moyo, Satonda, Gili Banta, and Gili Lawa Laut dive sites.

Escape to some of the worlds most untouched scuba diving on a Raja Ampat liveaboard, where you will experience arguably the most pristine and diverse scuba diving in the world. The remote archipelago of Raja Ampat (also known as The Four Kings) in West Papua is considered the pinnacle of pristine biodiversity hotspots and the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle's many world-class dive areas. Jungle-clad islands brimming with tropical life complete the view above water.

Diving Indonesian liveaboards is truly an unforgettable experience that offers challenging dives for intermediate and experts and also easy diving for beginners. Many of the divers who visit Raja Ampat are well-seasoned, serious marine life enthusiasts treating themselves to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. At dive sites like Kri Island, Manta Ridge, and The Passage, you'll see a whopping 75 percent of the world's coral species, mantas and sharks, and hundreds of unique critters, creatures, and ecosystems that give Raja its claim to fame as the 'global epicentre' of tropical marine biodiversity.

The length of most Raja Ampat itineraries is 7 to 12 nights. Diving in Raja Ampat can be done year-round, but most Raja Ampat liveaboards run their trips between October and April when the sea and skies are calmest. The water temperature ranges from 27-30 C. The budgets for a Raja Ampat liveaboard ranges from roughly 200 to 500 euros per. day, though especially luxurious boats can run over 900 euros per. day. Raja Ampat liveaboards often depart from Sorong, reachable by domestic flights from Jakarta, Manado, Makassar, or Ambon. Liveaboards departing and landing in Sorong often spend their time between the well-endowed 1500 islands of Raja Ampat. Other boats offer adventurous tours that include the Banda Sea, whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, the Halmahera Sea, and more.

More Liveaboard Trips in Indonesia

Be a pioneer and travel back in time to the Forgotten Islands, the most pristine, unexplored dive area in Indonesia and only accessible by Liveaboard boat.
Enjoy the unspoiled Banda Sea alongside Dogtooth Tuna and the Ambon Scorpionfish.
Beat the crowds in Alor, and experience top-quality, crystal-clear diving all to yourself.
Grab your camera for Lembeh Strait's unparalleled collection of wild and wacky critters.
Take the plunge in far-flung Wakatobi's exclusive, vibrantly healthy reefs and tropical paradise islands.

Tips for Travellers

The best time to dive in Indonesia is between May and September; however, Indonesia dive safari season really is year around. Monsoon season usually hits in December and lasts through June. If you are looking to see sunfish, you should go between July and October. Water temperatures in Indonesia range between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius (71 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit) depending on what time of year and location. Visibility ranges between 6 to 50 meters (20 to 160 feet) or better with depths going up to 40 meters (140 feet). Currents are generally mild but can be strong in some areas.

Departure Ports and How To Get There

Bali is one of the main departure locations for liveaboard diving Komodo via Lombok. Bali's main liveaboard departure port is Benoa, in the south of the island. SCUBA diving off Bali can include a visit to Crystal Bay for a chance of Mola Mola (Sunfish) encounters, or a dive at the famously colourful Liberty Shipwreck, full of marine life in a shallow location. Bali dive sites hold a variety of underwater landscapes and special species; depending on where you choose, you can enjoy high-quality muck diving, large pelagics, or quiet, coral-filled bays. Expert divers will be challenged and excited by wild currents around Nusa Lembongan, and entry-level divers can find ample offerings of beautiful locations suitable for beginners and coursework.

International flights to Bali depart regularly from around the world, often with a transfer in a nearby Southeast Asian country like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. If you're in Southeast Asia already, direct flights are available. Standard itineraries for liveaboards departing Bali are usually Komodo-bound. However, they stop at premier Lombok dive sites along the way, such as Moyo, Satonda, Gili Banta, and Gili Lawa Laut. Extended itineraries may additionally venture farther east from Komodo to Flores and Alor for serene, world-class diving without the crowds.

The port of Sorong, a city in the province of West Papua, is a major departure location for liveaboards in Indonesia travelling to Raja Ampat and Ambon. From Sorong, dive sites in Raja Ampat and nearby are easily accessible. Land tours for waterfalls and bird-watching add to the offerings, as well as Cassowary Cape, with its white-sand beach and cassowary trees. Snorkelers and divers alike can enjoy the area.

Domestic flights to Sorong depart from Jakarta, Manado, Makassar, and Ambon. Standard liveaboard itineraries departing Sorong are focused on the Raja Ampat area. Extended liveaboard boats departing or disembarking in Sorong offer a great variety of dive tours, some to/from Ambon and the Banda Sea, some to Cenderawasih Bay Bay for whale sharks, and some traversing the Halmahera Sea.

Indonesia Diving Reviews

9.1 Superb
301 Verified Reviews

9.6 Exceptional
jungyun P
South Korea

It was great. I will definitely come back again.

Diving Indonesia in January on the Pearl of Papua

8.8 Fabulous
Caren L
United States

I have been to Indonesia a few times before and I really like this country. The people are ver kind

Diving Indonesia in January on the Pearl of Papua

8.8 Fabulous
Toby M
United States

Indonesia is my favorite location for diving

Diving Indonesia in December on the Putri Papua

8.0 Very good
elaine S
New Zealand

Always great. Good, experienced dive guides are vital.

Diving Indonesia in December on the Cheng Ho

6.4 Review score
Ofir C
Poland

My overall experience is very good. I think Indonesia is a great destination for diving. A scale of its own.

Diving Indonesia in December on the Teman

5.2 Review score
Chloe T
United Kingdom

Amazing corals and sealife - particularly macro and mantas

Diving Indonesia in December on the Mari

9.6 Exceptional
Daniel N
Sweden

Fantastic, hands down the best diving of my life so far. And I have done Maldives, Red Sea, Palau, Far North Australia and so on.

Diving Indonesia in December on the Mermaid I

9.6 Exceptional
Bryan H
United States

The density and diversity of life; coral, fish, and plants is incredible. There was not a single dive that couldn't find some interesting bit of life to observe. The currents were stronger than any previous experience, but the dive masters and crew were amazing at getting me up to speed. Fantastic experience and very fun experience.

Diving Indonesia in December on the Ratu Laut

8.4 Very good
Karin M
Switzerland

Very good. We were also in Komodo where the visibility was much better.

Diving Indonesia in November on the Ratu Laut

8.4 Very good
Petter Kvinge T
Norway

Probarly among the best in the world

Diving Indonesia in July on the Tiare Cruise

8.4 Very good
Cindy P
United States

This experience was a little different than our last trip in 2012. We were happy to return to 5 of the same dive sites that were at the top of our list last time, which did not disappoint in the least. Citrus Ridge, Melissa's Garden, Anita's Garden, Mayhem & Blue Magic are at the top of the list for great dives here in Raja Ampat. Indonesia diving has such variety, living coral of all types and good diving conditions for all levels of divers. Everything is still so alive in Indonesia!

Diving Indonesia in April on the Sea Safari 8

9.6 Exceptional
Becky Y
Hong Kong

When it comes to diving destination, I feel that if Indonesia is either the top or if not, it is near the top! There are 17,000 islands, surrounding by the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, with its rich marine life! It’s a diver’s dream coming true. Honestly I have not yet come across anyone who did not enjoy their times diving in Indonesia! I myself have dove in Raja Ampat 6 years ago and I was so impressed with what I saw that I’ve come back for more! 6 years later, it was just as good. I am happy! One more thing---Indonesians are the nicest people and our dive masters and the crew were all hard working and very kind and friendly to us! I will be back (again and again, that‘s for sure!)!

Diving Indonesia in January on the Epica

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Liveaboard Diving in Indonesia

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Indonesia Diving Reviews

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