9 Best Liveaboard Dive Trips in Indonesia [From Budget to Luxury Boats]

Indonesia is the largest island nation; and in this archipelagic country, are pristine beaches as well as striving Marine Life. The most popular spot to dive is at Komodo. Not only is it the land of Dragons, but with the Pacific and the Indian Ocean around it, the sea creatures are endless.

A great way to discover what is under the sea is to go on a liveaboard. For those who don’t know what it is, it’s somewhat a cruise where you can sleep in. However, unlike cruises; you get a chance to dive or swim in the ocean every day and witness marine life in its glory. Spend 4 days or 11 days aboard and you would definitely have abundant stories to tell after your liveaboard dive trips in Indonesia.

As there are many liveaboard dive trips that are offered in Indonesia, we have summarized the Best Liveaboard dive trips so that you can choose what calls you. I guarantee you will witness the beauty of the sea world on this trip. See rays, sharks, sea horses, turtles, and coral reefs. Sleep under the stars and witness the majestic sunrise and sunset. The best way to have a getaway is being in a liveaboard!

Best Budget Liveaboard Dive Trips in Indonesia

Mikumba 2

Price:From USD 233 per day
Anchors at Waisai
Speed: 8 knots
Max Guests: 12
Cabins: 6
Rooms: Lower deck and master cabins
Itinerary: 7D6N (16 dives) or 9D8N (22 dives)
Inclusive of: Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks,  Diving Package, Fuel Surcharge, and VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (EUR 100 per trip), Visas, and Fees
Optional Fees: Alcohol, Rental Gear and Gratuities

On this liveaboard dive trip in Indonesia, not only will you discover what is under the sea but you get to bird watch and visit the beach and see locals. In this traditional Phinisi, roam around barefoot to the cinema, library, and bar. Enjoy Indonesian cuisine as well as fresh dragon fruit smoothies. You will definitely have a memorable vacation without breaking the bank.

La Unua

Price: From USD 199 per day
Anchors at Labuan Bajo
Speed: 12 knots
Max Guests: 6
Cabins: 3
Rooms: Bunk bed, double bed and suite cabin
Itinerary: 4D3N (11 Dives) or 6D5N (17 dives)
Inclusive of: Airport and Hotel Transfer, Meals and Snacks, Land excursions, Diving Package, Snorkel Gears or Guides, Kayaks and Paddleboard, Toiletries, and Towels, WiFi, Port Fees, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (IDR 300,000 per trip), Visas and Fees
Optional Fees: Dive and Travel Insurance, Alcohol and Soft drinks, Private Dive Guide ad Extra Dives, Scuba Diving Courses, Gratuities

Catering to only 6 guests, La Unua will be a serene and intimate experience at an affordable price. Besides the 3 cabins, there are lounges, bars and a sunbathing area. Have a dive trip to Komodo and see marine creatures such as sea horses and mantas. You can book this liveaboard dive trip in Indonesia privately too; this would be romantic and a great place to propose!.

Akomo Isseki

Price: From USD 147 per day
Anchors at Labuan Bajo or Waisai
Speed: 8 knots
Max Guests: 8
Cabins: 4
Rooms: Standard cabins and shared bathrooms
Itinerary: 8D7N (17 dives) to 11D10N (25 dives)
Inclusive of: Meals and Snacks, Diving Package, Fishing, Kayak, and Paddle Boards, Land Excursions,  VAT
Required Fees: Dive and Travel Insurance, Rental Gear, National Park Fees (IDR 2M – 1.2M)
Optional Fees: Alcohol and Soft drinks, Private Dive Guide ad Extra Dives, Scuba Diving Courses, Gratuities

For those on a budget, this is one of the most affordable liveaboard dive trips in Indonesia. Destinations include Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park. Set foot on islands and dive deep on the seas. While cruising, you can lounge under the sun, meet fellow passengers at the common areas and eat delicious food. Witness sunsets and sunrises and have fun-filled memories in Akomo Isseki.

Best Mid-Range Liveaboard Dive Trips in Indonesia

Tanaka

Price: From USD 316 per day
Anchors at Labuan Bajo
Speed: 12 knots
Max Guests:16
Cabins: 6
Rooms: Double Cabin or Suite
Itinerary: Choose a minimum of 4D3N (8 dives) or a maximum of 7D6N (20 dives)
Inclusive of: Airport and Hotel Transfer, Meals and Snacks with soft drinks and welcome drinks, Land excursions, Diving Package, Snorkel Gears or Guides, Kayaks and Paddleboard, Toiletries, and Towels, Environment Tax, Fuel Surcharge or Port Fees, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (USD 25 per day), Nitrox
Optional Fees: Local Flights, Alcohol, Private Dive Guides, Scuba Diving Courses, Rental Gear, Laundry, WiFi, Gratuities

Discover the beauty of Indonesia through diving, snorkeling or island hopping. In this liveaboard, you relax and feel the rays of the sun at the sun deck and sleep under the stars. Not only do you experience the sea but you can also have an adventure on an island. Have an unforgettable liveaboard dive trip in Indonesia with Tanaka.

Carpe Diem

Price: From USD 295 per day
Anchors at Wasai (sometimes Sorong)
Max Guests: 8
Cabins: 4
Rooms: Twin or Double cabins
Itinerary: a minimum of 7D6N (15 dives) to 10D9N (24 dives)
Inclusive of: Hotel and Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks with soft drinks, Diving Package and extra dives, Snorkel and Rental Gear and Guide, Kayak and Paddleboard, Land Excursions, Toiletries and Towel, yoga, Fuel Surcharge, and Port Fees, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (USD 100 per trip), Dive Insurance, Visas, and Fees
Optional Fees:  Alcohol, Local flights, Naturalist Guide, Scuba Diving Courses, Gratuities

Perfect for those who want a more intimate experience; Carpe Diem is a liveaboard dive trip in Indonesia that caters only to 8 guests at max. Even if you are only 2, they won’t cancel on you. You would not be hungry too as 5 delicious meals a day are served. Trips would be at Raja Ampat or Komodo depending on the months. On your dives see mantas, turtles and many other sea creatures. Enjoy also Land excursions and witness Komodo dragons roam freely.

Moana

Price: From USD 309per day
Anchors at Labuan Bajo
Speed: 8 knots
Max Guests: 10
Cabins: 5
Rooms: Twin or Double cabins
Itinerary: 6D5N (14 dives) or 8D7N (28 dives)
Inclusive of: Hotel and Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks with soft drinks, Diving Package, Snorkel Gear and Guide, Land Excursions, Toiletries and Towel, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (EUR 125 per trip)
Optional Fees:  Dive and travel insurance, Alcohol, Local flights, Extra dive, private dive guide, rental gear, Gratuities

I remember this song from the Moana movie: “If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me, one day I’ll know there’s no telling how far I’ll go,” just by the name of the boat. This beautifully designed boat has a salon, large deck where you can lay under the sun or stars. The food offered in this boat is proudly fresh and without additives resulting in a healthy and delicious meal. Enjoy discovering marine life and also a hike on an island. You’ll go far with this liveaboard dive trip in Indonesia.

Best Luxury Liveaboard Dive Trips in Indonesia

Blue Manta

Price: From USD 355 per day
Anchors at Sorong
Speed: 10 knots
Max Guests:22
Cabins: 14
Rooms: Deluxe or Double Cabins
Itinerary: 8D7N (22 dives) or 11D10N (30 dives)
Inclusive of: Hotel and Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks, Diving Package, Land Excursions, Toiletries and Towel, Laundry, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (USD 180-250 per trip), Port Fees, Visas and Fees
Optional Fees:  Alcohol and Softdrinks, Nitrox or Scuba Diving Course, Snorkel or Rental Gear, Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear, Land Excursions, Laundry, WiFi Gratuities

Built last 2014, this 5-year old boat was built for those who want to experience a liveaboard dive trip in Indonesia. With 22 experienced crew, you will be immediately catered if you need help or have questions. Check out the beauty of Komodo, Alor, the Forgotten islands as well as the abundant marine life. After this trip, you would want to go back for more.

Tiare Cruise

Price: From USD 402 per day
Anchors at Sorong / Ambon
Speed: 10 knots
Max Guests: 14
Cabins: 6
Rooms: Cabins
Itinerary: 8D7N (18 dives) or 12D11N (30 dives)
Inclusive of: Hotel and Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks with soft drinks and welcome cocktails, Diving Package, Snorkel Gear and Guide, Kayak and Paddleboard, Land Excursions, Toiletries and Towel, Laundry, WiFi
Required Fees: National Park Fees (USD 170-350 per trip), Port Fees
Optional Fees: Alcohol, Nitrox, Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses, Massage, Gratuities

In this liveaboard dive trip in Indonesia, explore areas along the Komodo National Park, Forgotten Islands, Banda sea and many more. With only a maximum of 12 guests, expect a more intimate getaway with Tiare cruise. You can catch stunning views with the sea breeze and the sun rays at either the sun deck or the bow lounge. See absolutely stunning corals, schools of fish, sharks with amazing dive guides.

Coralia

Price: From USD 403 per day
Anchors at Sorong
Speed: 11 knots
Max Guests: 16
Cabins: 8
Rooms: Cabins (Lower Deck and Master)
Itinerary: 8D7N (18 dives) or 12D11N (32 dives)
Inclusive of: Hotel and Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks, Diving Package and extra dives, Kayaks and Paddle Board, Land Excursions, Toiletries and Towel, WiFi, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (USD 85), Port Fees, Dive Insurance
Optional Fees:  Alcohol, Nitrox, Private Dive Guide, Snorkel or Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses, Massage, Laundry Gratuities

Built last 2018, Coralia was built for liveaboard dive trips in Indonesia. Enjoy the spacious cabins with modern amenities, a gorgeous salon and dining area, an entertainment room, and outdoor lounges. Since this is stationed in Raja Ampat, best known for colorful corals and diverse marine life, the crew knows where to dive. You may be able to explore Komodo National Park and other places too. Hiking and snorkeling are part of the activities. You wouldn’t want to go home after this holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I don’t know how to dive, is that okay?

Yes, everybody is welcome. You may choose to snorkel near the ocean’s surface. However, if you want to dive there are Diving Courses available for an additional fee.

2. I want to dive, however, I have no experience, can I do it?

Some (open water) can let you dive without experience. However, some advanced ones will need a minimum of logged dives. You can also get a Diving Course on the vessel. A dive log, btw, is a record of the number of times you have been diving underwater

3. I don’t know how to swim, is that okay?

Yes, there is swimming equipment (like life jackets) that could help you float.

4. Is Insurance included?

Some liveaboards provide travel and dive insurance, however, some don’t. To be safe, you have to purchase travel insurance every time you travel.

5. I’m vegetarian or allergic to some food, can I have special requests?

Liveaboards can cater to those who have different food preferences, just make sure to state it on your reservation.

6. Can we spend time at the beach?

Most liveaboards have land excursions included in their itinerary, you may have a barbeque on the beach or hike in the mountains. Please check if what you have book includes such.

7. Why do you need to pay National Park fees?

The Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage; the fee is for the everyday maintenance of the site.

8. How to get here?

If you are going to Sorong or Waisai, you need to fly to Sorong. For Labuan Bajo there is Komodo Airport. However, these two don’t cater to international flights so you need to fly to Jakarta, Makassar or Manado.

You would not definitely regret this liveaboard dive trip in Indonesia, as you would not only see the diverse marine life but also real live dragons (well, komodo dragons.) Aboard the ship enjoys the food and the fresh sea breeze, lay under the sun or stars and get to unwind. Enjoy the dive-eat-sleep routine every day. The con though is going home and missing the peace. However, after this liveaboard dive trip to Indonesia, try it in other places too!

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