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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, stretching 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 center 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 world's 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 epicenter" 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 budget 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, snorkeling in the Halmahera Sea, and more.
Surrounded by thousands of hectares of Marine National Parks, Sulawesi island is split into four peninsulas; the East Peninsula, the South-east Peninsula, Minahasa Peninsula to the north, and South Peninsula. The island and its surrounding dive sites are inaccessible by traditional means, meaning the best way to enjoy diving around Sulawesi is by liveaboard. The efforts made to preserve the stunning island have been rewarded with some of the most prolific dive sites in the world. One island alone, Bunaken, has over 70% of all fish species that exist in the Indo-Western Pacific Ocean. Gorontalo is a region that was originally formed by volcanic activity, and there is an incredible abundance of marine life. This Marine National Park has an area of thousands of hectares with pristine conditions in an area with one of the highest recorded species counts on the planet.
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 into 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's dive safari season really is year-round. The 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 colorful 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 to 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 traveling 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
- 9.2 Superb
- 612 Verified Reviews
I would rate it as good to excellent. My perspective is based on 54 year of diving and more than 1000 logged dives.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Mari
Most diverse coral and fish I've ever seen. Water was warm and mostly calm.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Neomi Cruise
Very nice, water was a little murky.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Scubaspa Zen
This trip the weather was not so good and that impacted visibility. The $350 park fee was excessive.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Ilike
I’d only heard stories about how beautiful these reefs were and the sheer amount of life lived up to the hype. So many different species, all layered as far as the eye can see. More soft and hard corals than ive ever seen. Tons of tiny things and big things.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Jaya
The diving was great, just sad to see trash in the water in some areas.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Calico Jack
Excellent dispite the limited visibility
Diving Indonesia in February on the Lady Denok
8/10 due to the amount of plastic/garbage found in a lot of dive sites
Diving Indonesia in March on the Jelajahi Laut
Great diversity of fish and sea life along with vibrant corals
Diving Indonesia in March on the Solitude Adventurer
Very good, again, hoped for more pelagics, but the coral was the healthiest I've seen since in probably 10 years, tons of fish, lots of macro
Diving Indonesia in April on the Blue Manta
Very good. Some of the best in the world. Local fishing is taking a toll on mid to large animal populations for sure.
Diving Indonesia in April on the Blue Manta
overall good experience but not adequately prepared for strong currents.
Diving Indonesia in April on the Queenesia
Above average. Very diverse
Diving Indonesia in April on the Neptune One
Would absolutely recommend everyone dive Komodo. The Manta Dive is spectacular.
Diving Indonesia in May on the Komodo Sea Dragon
Excellent, enjoyed the challenge of stronger currents on some dives, and more relaxing experiences on others. Quantity and variety of underwater sea life was wonderful, water temperature was pleasant. Very excited to return today! Highly recommend.
Diving Indonesia in May on the Neptune One
Incredible reefs and wildlife and will certainly be going again as soon as possible!
Diving Indonesia in May on the Scubaspa Zen
We saw at least 2 turtles on every dive! The coral is the most beautiful and lovely I’ve ever seen! The most beautiful place I’ve ever dove!
Diving Indonesia in June on the Nusantara
I dove in Raja Ampat in 2019, this is second location for Indonesia diving. The diversity of corals is a very real thing and should be experienced.
Diving Indonesia in June on the Moana
Overall great if you like macro and don’t mind long crossings between dives
Diving Indonesia in June on the Mermaid I
Beautiful reef with a great biodiversity.
Diving Indonesia in July on the Blue Manta
So much variety in Indonesia, absolut must.
Diving Indonesia in August on the Sokaraja
Loved the strong currents and pinnacle dive
Diving Indonesia in August on the Coralia
The trip was very good as well as the quality of the dive sites. I had hopes of seeing dolphins, and more reef sharks, but what we did see was still great! The night dives and macro life was a nice treat as well. The top 2 liveaboards I have experienced have been in Indonesia, better boat and service than we have experienced in amazing dive destinations like Socorro and Galapagos!
Diving Indonesia in August on the Solitude Adventurer
Incredible! The best dive sites we’ve ever been to! Amazingly healthy, vibrant reefs & outstanding wildlife.
Diving Indonesia in September on the Nusantara
The diversity of ecology, topography, conditions and marine life were breathtaking! Would highly recommend to anyone!
Diving Indonesia in September on the Anne Bonny
Excellent. Can’t be best for the sheer diversity of sightings.
Diving Indonesia in September on the Seahorse
Great trip and excellent reefs. I only worry that central Raja has already exceeded it's environmental carrying capacity of divers: many with bad habits, poor reef protection, using spray on sunscreens, etc.
Diving Indonesia in October on the Ilike
Picturesque, exactly as pictured, occasional strong currents - reef hook recommended
Diving Indonesia in December on the Amaya Explorer
Great!! Would love to explore more of this country!!
Diving Indonesia in December on the Carpe Diem
Incredible. The people and the staff were so warm and accommodating.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Solitude Adventurer
I’ve dived in Bali (Amed, Tulamben, Kubu, Pemuteran, Nusa Penida, Padangbai) a number of times. In my mind, corals and fish in both places are equivalent in terms of beauty and diversity except that there is much more current in Raja Ampat and greatly more Oceanic Mantas there.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Mari
Overall the holiday and diving experience was very good. I guess to have made it really outstanding the right conditions have to be met in terms of visibility. But that's tough luck. Still and amazing adventure at a very remote place with very friendly people and beautiful landscape above and below water.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Solitude Adventurer
Warm tropical diving.very enjoyable
Diving Indonesia in February on the Tiare Cruise
We had very bad visibility (10-15 m) for their standards. But it was as advertised other than that. High density of life and variety. Splendid Macro experience.
Diving Indonesia in February on the White Manta
Indonesia diving is known for its biodiversity.
Diving Indonesia in February on the Seaisee
Diving in Indonesia is a great experience because every spot is so beautiful overall. Even if it's not a highlight you will still see schools of reef fish everywhere and the corals are very healthy making it colorful and vivid. It's a joy to be part of the reef for the hour's dive and I'm always looking forward to the next dive. The currents in Raja Ampat can be harsh and some dives could be cancelled for rough weather. It's important to have the experience in how to deal with strong currents either way and a reef hook is definitely a way to save energy trying to stay in one place.
Diving Indonesia in March on the Putri Papua
Perfect dive trip and great moments on some of the small islands!
Diving Indonesia in March on the Jaya
I believe the diving in Indonesia is a one of the best diving in the world. Because Can dive with many many kind of schooling fishes.
Diving Indonesia in March on the Seaisee
The very complicated logistics and the insecurity of not reaching the destination in a timely manner. That is all
Diving Indonesia in March on the Jaya
The equatorial sea is rich in everything. I love Indonesia!
Diving Indonesia in March on the White Manta
Nice warm water Different levels of visibility - not all were great, but reasonable Lots of fish both large and small
Diving Indonesia in March on the Nusantara
A biodiverse marine world and in many places still healthy. Always a variety of experiences and observations. Always colourful. Some local communities are aware of looking after their vulnerable resource i.e. the ocean and tourists, while others unfortunately are not paying attention. It was sad to see the amount of plastic in Raja Ampat's oceans. Short legs of travel were frustrating because of untrustworthy airlines and loss of flights, resulting significant loss in funds for us. This is an obstacle for future travels in Indonesia, especially to more remote parts.
Diving Indonesia in March on the Akomo Isseki
Love diving in Indonesia. Warm waters, tons of life, incredible coral.
Diving Indonesia in March on the Neptune One
Indonesia is a fantastic country to dive. High quality Dive shops, experienced Dive masters/ instructors, varying locations/ types and diving marine life
Diving Indonesia in April on the Sokaraja
Indonesia is great. Most people are very friendly and welcoming. Prices are cheap and you get everything you need.
Diving Indonesia in April on the Sokaraja
Amazing. It's my second time diving in Indonesia and Raja Ampat contains so many incredible dive sites, accessible via Liveaboard.
Diving Indonesia in April on the Neomi
World Class diving, pristine coral, lots of pelagics
Diving Indonesia in April on the Nusantara
Fantastic sightings, interesting dives. Not great visibility when diving central but Mistool was amazing visibility.
Diving Indonesia in April on the Mari
Very enjoyable but we did worry about the pollution & damage to the reef from boats getting too close to the dive sites & damaging coral with the current , maybe some Water Police to manage this & the clean the rubbish from the waterways .
Diving Indonesia in April on the Ikan Biru
A very enjoyable experience with good coral and fish life. Manta's were a bonus!
Diving Indonesia in April on the Adelaar
Definitely returning to Indonesia. Muck diving was incredible and the liveaboard area in Komodo was exciting.
Diving Indonesia in May on the Blue Manta
Great discovery in changing conditions (water temperatures) and underwater landscapes were very diverse
Diving Indonesia in June on the Scubaspa Zen
Amazing diving, most of the dives were not for beginners
Diving Indonesia in June on the Scubaspa Zen
Love it. Incredible variety, size and quality of diving, great level of divemasters. Hard to beat.
Diving Indonesia in June on the Neptune One
Diving in Indonesia, particularly in the coral triangle, is one of the most extraordinary things you can do in life. A feast for the eyes.
Diving Indonesia in June on the Bajak
The dive sites are well protected with colourful coral, many fishes and bigger stuff like Manta, sharks and Turtle. You never get bored, with a few drift dives for more fun!
Diving Indonesia in June on the Sokaraja
Great visibility, diverse underwater economy system, and fun current. It is a must-dive destination.
Diving Indonesia in July on the Blue Manta
Very special, great visibility and variety of fish! Currents can be daunting but with with the right boat and dive master so worth it!
Diving Indonesia in July on the Mikumba 2
Perfect
Diving Indonesia in August on the Jelajahi Laut
At times challenging due to strong currents, but also rewarding, and overall amazing.
Diving Indonesia in August on the Mikumba 2
Very healthy reefs with an exceptional variety of species and diverse topography.
Diving Indonesia in August on the Akomo Isseki
It was the best experience. Such value for money!
Diving Indonesia in August on the Nusantara
Brilliant well lead dives . At times there were plenty of others divers around but you get that .the fish didn’t seem bothered so neither were we .
Diving Indonesia in August on the Busy Girl
A+++
Diving Indonesia in August on the Mikumba 2
Diving is very good in terms of biodiversity, colors and reefs., but if you are not in a marine park you clearly see the overfishing: hardly any jacks, barraqcudas, snappers, tunas or sharks left.
Diving Indonesia in August on the Neptune One
Superb Culture and people
Diving Indonesia in August on the Ilike
Very good. Between Bali (Nusa Penida) and komodo, 10 times komodo. Way more interesting and the water is warmer
Diving Indonesia in August on the Ikan Biru
great visibility with great people
Diving Indonesia in August on the Sokaraja
Very nice, we saw everything that we supposed to see. The currents added an extra good spicy for the divings, pretty fun!
Diving Indonesia in August on the Nusantara
Awesome, I recommend it to all people that have some advanced diving experience
Diving Indonesia in September on the Sokaraja
Varied, vibrant, excellent
Diving Indonesia in September on the Jaya
Much better than expected. Reef healthier than imagined and visibility better than previously experienced in Bali.
Diving Indonesia in September on the Scubaspa Zen
Overall, diving in Indonesia was great so far. Diverse sites for different experience levels. Currents can be strong, so be careful. It is advised to start diving in Indonesia in easy spots first, and then slowly get familiar with the current. The underwater show is incredible.
Diving Indonesia in September on the Nusantara
Indonesia is world-class for biodiversity.
Diving Indonesia in October on the Epica
It's mostly great diving in Indonesia, but poor weather conditions can change itineraries to visit poorer dive sites
Diving Indonesia in October on the Mari
Outstanding. I will be back for more!
Diving Indonesia in October on the Jakaré
Raja Ampat was the best
Diving Indonesia in October on the Epica
Its my second time in indonesia and I love it here. From people to diving to hiking to exploring cultural villages. You get everything! Absolutely recommend!
Diving Indonesia in October on the Nusantara
Very good
Diving Indonesia in October on the Mermaid II
Huge Biodiversity!
Diving Indonesia in November on the Sokaraja
Colourful and still so many fishes and corals, such a blast
Diving Indonesia in November on the Moana
Indonesia is some of the worlds best diving for reefs & sharks. But the muck diving is, frankly, depressing - plastic everywhere. One guest on our boat was seriously ill after diving in polluted Ambon Bay.
Diving Indonesia in November on the Blue Manta
So colorful
Diving Indonesia in November on the Sokaraja
This was my first time diving in Indonesia and it exceeded my expectations. From the variety of dive sites and creatures there was so much to see, and even after an 11-day liveaboard it felt like each day was a new adventure.
Diving Indonesia in November on the Queenesia II
Wonderful ocean, divers that care and a genuine care for the environment
Diving Indonesia in December on the Tiare Cruise
One of the best for macro sighting and photography.
Diving Indonesia in December on the La Galigo
Excellent
Diving Indonesia in December on the Raja Ampat Aggressor
Love diving in Indonesia, so many places to explore
Diving Indonesia in December on the Kira Kira
Hopefully in future goverment and other parties will invest more in to litter management. Would be an absolut horror if the garbage takes over the dive sites even more than it is already now.
Diving Indonesia in December on the Carpe Diem
Amazing! Great corals and good visibility with a lots of life
Diving Indonesia in January on the Queenesia
Great corals, a lot of fish, diverse dive sites, healthy environment, manta rays & sharks, somestimes not the best visibility, we were mostly the only boat at the dive sites which was cool
Diving Indonesia in January on the Nusantara
Very friendly people, and musical.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Raja Ampat Aggressor
Great biodiversity!
Diving Indonesia in January on the Gaya Baru Indah
Great experience, there is No better macro diving in the world then in indonesia
Diving Indonesia in January on the Mermaid II
Raja is one of those places that once you've been there you want yo go back. 20 dives in 6 days on the mikumba so it's pretty full on, but the sites are quite close. Very comfortable boat, coral gardens that are extraordinarily good and marine life is mind blowing. Visibility was c10-15 metres and there are considerable currents to bear in mind. It takes 2 days+ to get there but worth it.
Diving Indonesia in January on the Mikumba Dua
Be sure to bring 3mm wetsuit. The water can still be 26 during summer
Diving Indonesia in February on the Pearl of Papua
Loved it. Still unique and a lot if intact reefs
Diving Indonesia in February on the Raja Ampat Aggressor
Visibility was not as good as expected but it was low season so I think it was great
Diving Indonesia in February on the Queenesia
Diving was incredible and I would thoroughly recommend Komodo National Park. Be aware that visibility can be only 10-15m in March.
Diving Indonesia in March on the Queenesia
Great country, great diving , airlines dodgy, way to much rubbish everywhere
Diving Indonesia in May on the Blue Manta