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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
- 546 Verified Reviews
Excellent - as a single country - the best diving in the world I've ever experienced.
Diving Indonesia in October on the Raja Ampat Aggressor
great value, one of the last best reef systems in the world
Diving Indonesia in October on the Tiare Cruise
Overall, the diving in Indonesia was amazing. Raja Ampat was the highlight.
Diving Indonesia in November on the Nyaman
The best diving experience I've had anywhere in the world!
Diving Indonesia in November on the Ilike
Beyond my wildest dreams
Diving Indonesia in November on the Tiare Cruise
Magical and memorable trip. Great nature. The 12 days on the boat went by too fast! I am concerned with increased number of tourists, however, as I have seen many times careless behavior of many divers around the reefs.
Diving Indonesia in November on the Ambai
5 stars - fantastic
Diving Indonesia in November on the Leyla
Indonesia has some of the best diving in the world. Other than Malaysia, I’ve never been anywhere equal to it.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Samambaia
Wonderful
Diving Indonesia in December on the Gaia Love
Fantastic. Sea life is varied and plentiful. Coral extremely diverse and healthy.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Ilike
The variety of marine life was awesome! Beautiful coral and lots of fish as well.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Mari
Great
Diving Indonesia in December on the Calico Jack
Unsurpassed diving.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Gaia Love
Excellent
Diving Indonesia in December on the Ambai
If Raja is representative of diving there, it is easily the best place to experience corals and fish diversity.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Mermaid II
Excellent
Diving Indonesia in December on the Seahorse
Fantastic. Have done it before, god-willing, will be doing it again.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Mikumba 2
10/10!
Diving Indonesia in December on the Mikumba 2
good, but not tremendously different from other dive sites in southern Asia
Diving Indonesia in December on the Solitude Adventurer
Loved it. Only negative, the people of Indonesia need to stop dumping trash into the ocean, and the rivers that flow to the ocean. They need to protect the amazing reefs and fish life they have. We saw trash way out in secluded places. I hope they start a trash program on the islands. This place is a real treasure and needs protection!!!
Diving Indonesia in December on the Solitude Adventurer
Excellent diving overall in Indonesia. Generally good equipment for rentals, and healthy corals and fish populations.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Carpe Diem
It was great. I had the opportunity to see so many things like manta rays, nudibranchs, flamboyant cuttlefish and tons of other things.
Diving Indonesia in January on the White Manta
Wonderful. No major issues ever arose.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Mermaid II
So good that I am already planning on coming back!
Diving Indonesia in January on the Blue Manta
Top notch. Highly recommend
Diving Indonesia in January on the La Unua
Every dive was beautiful and each brought introductions to new animals and corals. The variety and amount of animals, the huge schools--no universities of fish, the variety of corals, and the colors --brilliant, dazzling, and existing for no apparent reason made diving in Indonesia a peak life experience that will not be easily diluted. We hope to return someday.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Mari
Even if you have already been diving in Bali or Komodo, each region of Indonesia seems unique and distinct from the others.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Carpe Diem
Amazing!
Diving Indonesia in February on the Gaia Love
Worth the effort to get there
Diving Indonesia in February on the Empress II
This is my fourth trip diving, two liveaboards each trip, in many areas of Indonesia and I think it's one of the best places to dive on the planet. The reefs are still very healthy and the biodiversity is incredible.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Indo Aggressor
Indonesia was good, the people are so friendly and warm!
Diving Indonesia in February on the Sea Safari 8
Raja Ampat is well protected and there is little evidence of trash or human impact. The marine life is healthy and the soft corals colorful and beautiful.
Diving Indonesia in March on the Ondina
Can’t believe I’ve waited this long
Diving Indonesia in March on the Sokaraja
komodo national park was the best diving site I have been to in Indonesia
Diving Indonesia in July on the Seaisee
Excellent
Diving Indonesia in November on the Dewi Nusantara
Fantastic diving, amazing people, one of our favourite countries to visit not just for diving but the whole experience.
Diving Indonesia in October on the Raja Ampat Aggressor
挺好
Diving Indonesia in August on the Mermaid II
A fantastic place to dive but very mixed conditions. From easy to undiveable, good visibility to terrible visibility, cold water to warm. Saw some amazing fish life on some dives and very little on others. This is not a destination for inexperienced divers.
Diving Indonesia in October on the Empress II
Simply amazing!
Diving Indonesia in October on the Kira Kira
Diving in Indonesia is always excellent - every dive site offers something different.
Diving Indonesia in October on the Coralia
Indonesia has great diving, Komodo and Raja Ampat are absolutely amazing.
Diving Indonesia in November on the Epica
Overall awesome trip, diving exceeded my expectations, perhaps on par or even better than Raja Ampat. Hope to return soon.
Diving Indonesia in November on the NusaTara
Great experience, very various dive sites from walls to drifts, to coral gardens.. Be aware that some currents may be strong in Raja Ampat :)
Diving Indonesia in November on the Epica
We didnt do any diving just snorkeling but that was one of the best I have ever done. Close to snorkeling in Australia
Diving Indonesia in November on the Vidi
Currents brings food for all sea life.. Most dive site in Komodo comes with current, so you are almost guaranteed a good healthy corals and marine life
Diving Indonesia in November on the Komodo Shalom
Excellent
Diving Indonesia in November on the Tiare Cruise
Bis auf gaffende Männer im Hafen von Labuan Bajo ... die immerhin nicht betrunken (muslimisch) sondern nur schlecht erzogen und dumm waren, alles fein. So sind sie halt die Hafenstädte. Im Vergleich zu Bali war es auf Flores viel dreckiger obwohl dort viel weniger Touristen waren... Vielleicht genau deshalb. Preis Leistung ist gut und alle Unterkünfte waren sauber, wenn auch manchmal heruntergekommen und nicht alles funktionierte... Aber dann waren sie auch günstig. Service und Personal immer freundlich und hilfsbereit.
Diving Indonesia in November on the Komodo Shalom
Probably the best in the world.
Diving Indonesia in November on the Carpe Diem
Very good. But keep an eye out for heavy currents.
Diving Indonesia in November on the Komodo Shalom
Good Environment with amazing underwater world
Diving Indonesia in November on the Ratu Laut
Great diving suited to advanced confident divers. The islands are picturesque and there is an abundance of fish and corals. The limited English speaking of dive guides lets some of the safety aspects down.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Pearl of Papua
Very good, it was nice to see vital corals and many spieces that I have never seen before.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Pearl of Papua
Indonesia has absolutely fantastic diving
Diving Indonesia in December on the Seahorse
Wonderful will be back.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Seahorse
Really great. A lot of beatiful living things to see under the sea.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Ratu Laut
I love diving in Indonesia - this was an expensive trip relative to other locations but it was definitely worth it.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Ratu Laut
Awesome! Will continue to explore more of the Indonesia islands
Diving Indonesia in December on the Coralia
Fantastic, I fully recommend
Diving Indonesia in December on the Sea Safari VII
We dives in Komodo as well as Raja Ampat. This is a good combination for confirmed divers. All good was it last, we were shocked but the amount of trash and plastic in the water (and on land!!!) and the little interest showed but the whole crew and guests onboard the Tiare at least, in Komodo it was a lot better on that front.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Tiare Cruise
Very happy
Diving Indonesia in December on the Mikumba 2
Indonesia is my favorite destination for diving...
Diving Indonesia in December on the Ambai
All the diving I have done in Indonesia has impressed me. Just need to get away from the population centres
Diving Indonesia in December on the Mermaid II
Experience of a lifetime
Diving Indonesia in December on the Damai I
Great as earlier experience in other parts of the country
Diving Indonesia in December on the Teman
Best in the world.....currents, lots of fish, healthy reefs, beautiful scenery topside too.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Indo Aggressor
very good
Diving Indonesia in December on the NusaTara
We really enjoyed our diving experience in Indonesia. Very organized.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Raja Manta
Amazing dive sites and diving professionals. Beautiful corals, diversity of fish and overwhelming macro!
Diving Indonesia in December on the Mikumba 2
I have also been in North Sulawesi before, which was great, but Raja Ampat was even more impressive.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Raja Manta
I loved it. Coral was very good shape in many places and marine life was really diverse. So many manta rays!
Diving Indonesia in January on the Oceanic
Magical!
Diving Indonesia in January on the Epica
Definitely recommended
Diving Indonesia in January on the Mantra
I would rate at the top of all the locations I have had the opportunity to dive.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Blue Manta
Always fantastic. Always seeing new creatures
Diving Indonesia in January on the Epica
Had only good experiences but the best one was the Liveaboard in Raja Ampath
Diving Indonesia in January on the Putri Papua
Effortless, safe, comfortable and fascinating!
Diving Indonesia in January on the Tiare Cruise
So far really good, professional, always felt safe and well taken care of.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Emperor Raja Laut
Condition is a little hard and some current almost every dive. We had to cancel some dives due to current. Great coral reef and marine lives.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Akomo Isseki
The Dampier Strait was the best by far
Diving Indonesia in January on the Epica
Really Outstanding! Already planning my return.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Tidak ApaPa
Enjoy diving Komodo. I’ll come back next year.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Cheng Ho
Love it. Corals are in great condition and all the creatures that you can see are amazing.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Ratu Laut
Awesome! From Wide angle (perfect healthy corals to amazing topography and pelagic heaven) to macro (you name it u got it!)
Diving Indonesia in January on the Indo Aggressor
Fantastic!
Diving Indonesia in January on the La Galigo
We love Indonesia, which is why we always go back after many, many times.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Mermaid I
Triple fantastic
Diving Indonesia in February on the Mikumba 2
Overall, the experience was perfect.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Lady Denok
Great clear water, good depths for snorkelling, good coral, fish, mantas and turtles up very close.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Royal Fortuna
Even greater than I could expect
Diving Indonesia in February on the Jaya
Great!
Diving Indonesia in March on the Ratu Laut
Indonesia is diving paradise with many corals and fish.
Diving Indonesia in March on the Pearl of Papua
It was our 5th dive-trip to Indonesia so safe to say that we love it.
Diving Indonesia in March on the Jakaré
Best dive I everhad
Diving Indonesia in March on the Jaya
outstanding
Diving Indonesia in March on the Mermaid II
Love it - the corals are really beautiful and the diversity of sea life was impressive. Can't wait to come back!
Diving Indonesia in March on the Tanaka
This is my first time diving in Indonesia. Given what I've experienced onboard the Aggressor, I can promise this will not be my last time.
Diving Indonesia in March on the Raja Ampat Aggressor
The best for me so far, absolutely loved it!
Diving Indonesia in March on the Teman
Amazing and challenging at the same time. You have to be able to handle currents here.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Neomi Cruise
It was okay but think Thailand is better but really enjoyed the trip overall even though I've been to better diving spots
Diving Indonesia in March on the Coralia
Very good dive sites and good value for money. Fish life is high.
Diving Indonesia in July on the Indo Aggressor