Liveaboards · Indonesia
Dive Liveaboards Indonesia
A liveaboard in Indonesia takes you between remote reefs and islands, with departures from ports such as Sorong, Labuan Bajo and Ambon. Most trips last about a week, though shorter and longer routes are available. Expect three or four dives a day, often including a night dive, with coral, fish, manta rays and sharks on the better-known routes. There are 94 liveaboards, with trips from £471$629€562.
Indonesia liveaboard routes
The table lists departures on sale over the next twelve months, route by route, using the name of each itinerary. It also shows the lowest price at the most common length, with figures refreshed every night.
| Route | Departure ports | Most common length | From | Departures | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raja Ampat | Sorong or Waisai | 7 nights | £1,934$2,586€2,310 | 1009 | Open Water, or Advanced Open Water with 30 or 50 dives, boat dependent |
| Komodo | Labuan Bajo or Bali | 3 nights | £471$629€562 | 1588 | Open Water, or Advanced Open Water with 30 or 50 dives, boat dependent |
| Banda Sea and Alor | Ambon or Maumere | 7 nights | £2,110$2,821€2,520 | 149 | Open Water, or Advanced Open Water with 30 or 50 dives, boat dependent |
| Wakatobi | Wakatobi | 7 nights | £2,298$3,072€2,745 | 72 | Open Water, or Advanced Open Water with 30 or 50 dives, boat dependent |
Prices are per person, excluding flights and costs on board.
Raja Ampat liveaboards for reefs and remote islands
Raja Ampat liveaboards leave from Sorong or Waisai and generally run from October to April. The area holds records for coral and fish diversity, with routes through the Dampier Strait and Misool. A week is usual, while longer itineraries reach more remote areas. This suits you if reefs, fish life and quiet sites matter more than a packed schedule.
Komodo liveaboards with currents, manta rays and sharks
Komodo liveaboards leave from Labuan Bajo and operate in Komodo National Park. Strong currents are part of the appeal, with manta rays and sharks among the sightings divers look for. Many departures last three or four nights, making this a practical choice when you have less time. Komodo generally follows the dry season.
Banda Sea and Alor liveaboards to remote sites
Banda Sea and Alor liveaboards use departure ports including Ambon and Maumere. These are longer routes to remote sites that almost nobody dives. Allow about a week or more, with itineraries of ten nights or longer reaching further into the area. They suit you if the journey and remoteness are part of the attraction.
Wakatobi liveaboards on south-east Sulawesi reefs
Wakatobi liveaboards depart from Wakatobi and follow the reefs of south-east Sulawesi. The usual trip lasts about a week, giving you time for several dives each day and often a night dive. Check the itinerary carefully because every boat sets its own certification and equipment requirements. Wakatobi is a route for divers who want reef diving away from the busier choices.
Indonesia liveaboard special offers
−£2,194−$2,933−€2,620Pelagian
Indonesia
AsiaDeparts 23 Nov · 7 nights
−49%per person
£2,298 £4,492$3,072 $6,005€2,745 €5,365
and 8 more departures on offer
Discover this boat
−£1,351−$1,807−€1,614Amira
Indonesia
AsiaDeparts 15 Dec · 11 nights
−29%per person
£3,357 £4,708$4,487 $6,294€4,009 €5,623
and 1 more departure on offer
Discover this boat
−£1,072−$1,434−€1,281Raja Ampat Aggressor
Indonesia
Asia★ 9.1/10 (47 reviews)
Departs 13 May 2027 · 10 nights
−25%per person
£3,218 £4,290$4,301 $5,735€3,843 €5,124
and 1 more departure on offer
Discover this boat
The boats
Where these boats go
Questions about liveaboards in Indonesia
When is the best time for an Indonesia liveaboard?
Indonesia has liveaboard departures all year as a country. Raja Ampat generally runs from October to April, while Komodo generally follows the dry season, so choose the route as well as the date.
Which Indonesia liveaboard route should I choose?
Choose Raja Ampat for exceptional coral and fish diversity, or Komodo for strong currents, manta rays and sharks. Banda Sea and Alor suit a longer, more remote trip, while Wakatobi focuses on reefs in south-east Sulawesi.
How do I get to an Indonesia liveaboard?
Check the boat's departure port before booking. Depending on the itinerary, you may need to reach Sorong, Waisai, Labuan Bajo, Ambon, Maumere or Wakatobi, and you should confirm whether transfers are included.
What is not included on an Indonesia liveaboard?
Marine park fees, nitrox, rental equipment, crew tips and transfers are often extra. Each boat has its own terms, so check the inclusions and payment details before you travel.
How long should I book for an Indonesia liveaboard?
A week is usual, but Komodo has many three or four-night trips. Routes of ten nights or more reach the most remote areas, particularly where the departure port and return port are far apart.
Can I dive on the last day of an Indonesia liveaboard?
No diving is planned on the last day. You need at least 24 hours between your last dive and take-off, so allow enough time when arranging your onward travel.
Indonesia liveaboard FAQ
How much does an Indonesia liveaboard cost?
Trips start from £471$629€562 for the most common length shown on this page. The price is per person and excludes flights and costs on board.
Is there an Indonesia liveaboard season?
Departures run all year across Indonesia. Raja Ampat generally runs from October to April, while Komodo generally follows the dry season.
What certification do I need for an Indonesia liveaboard?
Depending on the route and boat, Open Water may be accepted, or Advanced Open Water with a minimum of 30 or 50 dives may be required. The boat's page gives the exact requirement.
Where do Indonesia liveaboards depart from?
Departure ports include Sorong, Waisai, Labuan Bajo, Ambon, Maumere and Wakatobi. Check the port and transfer arrangements for your individual boat.
How many dives a day do you do on an Indonesia liveaboard?
The usual plan is three or four dives a day, often with one at night. A briefing is given before each dive.
What will I see on an Indonesia liveaboard?
Depending on the route, you may see coral and fish diversity, manta rays and sharks. Komodo is known for strong currents, while Raja Ampat includes the Dampier Strait and Misool.
How long should I wait before flying after diving in Indonesia?
Allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and take-off. There is no diving on the last day of the liveaboard.
Do I need dive insurance for an Indonesia liveaboard?
Dive insurance is strongly recommended and is often requested at boarding. It should cover diving accidents and treatment at a recompression chamber.
Are nitrox and marine park fees included?
They are often not included, along with rental equipment, transfers and crew tips. Check the individual boat's terms before paying.
What type of boat is used for an Indonesia liveaboard?
The country's fleet is often made up of phinisi, traditional wooden sailing ships. Each boat has its own layout, facilities and operating terms.
