Sailing Komodo: The Ultimate Liveaboard Experience

A liveaboard adventure in Komodo National Park offers one of the most immersive ways to experience this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its rugged islands, rich marine biodiversity, and the iconic Komodo dragons, the park is a paradise for divers and nature enthusiasts alike. By staying on a liveaboard, you’ll have the unique opportunity to explore remote dive sites, witness breathtaking sunsets over the Flores Sea, and wake up each day surrounded by pristine waters. Whether you're diving with manta rays, hiking to panoramic viewpoints, or relaxing on deck, a liveaboard allows you to fully embrace the magic of Komodo from both land and sea.

Chapters

Mikumba Diving

Komodo Liveaboard Video

Mikumba Diving

Mikumba Diving is a well known dive operator based in Labuan Bajo, specialising in liveaboard and day trips to Komodo National Park. Here are some reasons why I chose to dive with them:

1. Expert Dive Team and Safety

Experienced Guides: Mikumba Diving is known for its professional and knowledgeable dive instructors who are passionate about the underwater world and ensure divers get the most out of their experience.
Focus on Safety: With well-maintained equipment, thorough safety briefings, and adherence to dive protocols, Mikumba prioritises safety while offering an adventurous experience. Divers of all levels can feel secure, whether they’re beginners or experienced.

2. Diverse Dive Experiences

Liveaboard Adventures: Mikumba’s liveaboard trips offer multi-day exploration of Komodo’s most stunning and remote dive sites. This allows you to experience more than you would on a day trip, with the chance to wake up each day at a new, pristine dive site.
Day Trips: For those short on time, Mikumba offers well-organised day trips, ensuring you still get to see some of Komodo’s best underwater locations.
Dive Courses: From beginner PADI certifications to advanced courses, Mikumba Diving caters to divers of all skill levels, offering tailored dive experiences.

3. Access to Top Dive Sites

Komodo’s Best: Mikumba takes divers to world-class sites like Batu Bolong, Manta Point, and Castle Rock. Whether you’re after thrilling currents, stunning coral reefs, or encounters with manta rays, they know the best spots to ensure you have an unforgettable dive.
Remote Locations: Their liveaboards venture to lesser-known dive sites that are often inaccessible by day boats, providing a more exclusive and serene experience.

4. Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability Commitment: Mikumba Diving is committed to eco-friendly operations, reducing their environmental impact by practicing responsible tourism. They actively engage in conservation efforts to preserve Komodo’s marine life and ecosystems, aligning their business with sustainability principles.

5. Comfortable and Well-Equipped Boats

Liveaboard Comfort: Mikumba’s liveaboard boats are designed with comfort in mind, providing cozy accommodations, delicious meals, and a relaxed atmosphere. After a day of diving, you can unwind on deck and enjoy the incredible scenery of Komodo National Park.
Day Trip Convenience: Their day boats are well-equipped, offering a smooth, comfortable ride for divers looking for shorter adventures.

Nusantara: About The Boat

Nusantara is one of the popular liveaboard boats operating in Komodo National Park, offering a range of diving experiences. This is the boat I chose to spend my Liveaboard experience on, and it did not disappoint!

Trip Features:

The boat is 21 metres long and 3 metres wide, with loads of space to relax on the boat in between dives.
Spacious diving deck to gear up and jump straight off the platform.
2 bathrooms with toilets and showers.
Large dining area for group meals.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Huge sun deck and shaded area with comfy beanbags.
Soft drinks and alcohol available for purchase.
Complimentary tea, coffee and fresh fruit 24/7.
Dive tanks, weights, wet suits, masks and flippers provided (dive computer to rent).

Deep Adventure Dive OR Open Water Certification Required

9 Dives Included

Accommodation

The maximum number of guests is 12, with 8 people sleeping in the dorm cabin and 4 sleeping on the top deck.

Cabin:

Sleeps 8 in a dormitory style cabin (with privacy curtains)
Bathrooms: 2 shared western-style bathrooms with showers
Fans provided in cabin
Power sockets available
Blanket and towel provided
Safe, secure equipment storage

Top Deck:

Sleeps 4
Heaps of room for luggage storage
Power sockets available
Blanket and towel provided
The best sunrise views

Travel Tip

When I booked my trip there were no cabin beds left available, so I booked to sleep on the deck. This actually turned out to be a much better option. The temperature is cooler, there is double to space for luggage and you get to wake up to sunrise!

Sleeping on the deck of a komodo liveaboard

Food and Drink

The meals provided on Nusantara are all freshly prepared by the chef onboard and included in the price. Dietary needs can be catered for.

Meals can include noodles, rice, traditional Indonesian dishes, fresh fruit, various curries, pancakes, omelettes, chicken dishes and more.

Any fish served have been caught from outside of the National Park.

Tea, coffee and water are also included, whilst soft drinks and beer are available to purchase at an additional cost.

3D 2N Itinerary

Mikumba Diving offer various dive packages, but the one I chose to do was the 3 day 2 night liveaboard. You can find the itinerary for this below:Mikumba Diving offer various dive packages, but the one I chose to do was the 3 day 2 night liveaboard. You can find the itinerary for this below:

Check into the dive shop in Labuan Bajo anytime before 4pm the day before departure. Here, the team will measure you for the correct kit including wet suits, flippers, masks and weights. Any outstanding payments and any required paperwork will be completed now.