Feedback on operations in Komodo and Sulawesi

[MXGratefulDiver]

I'm planning for our March 2008 trip, and wanted to see if anyone's had experience with a couple of the outfits I'm looking into ...

- Odyssea Divers in Manado
- Grand Komodo Liveaboards in Komodo

If so, what have your experiences been like ... positive? Negative? What did you like, what did you wish would've been different?

Any first-hand info would be helpful.

Thanks ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[OnTheSpot]

Hi Bob

We know a fair bit about both destinations.

Komodo and North Sulawesi are two of the best liveaboard destinations in Indonesia which (in my humble opinion) is the best country in the world for diving.

I have been on a Komodo liveaboard with Grand Komodo - 'No frills' would be the best way to describe them. They are popular with Asian divers on a budget - expect Singaporeans looking for cut price deals.

Odyssea divers are a little different. They have a resort in Manado and two liveaboards. One is very simple but the other, The Odyssea 1 is a pretty substantial boat with big beds and high ceilings - good if you are tall like me. It does trips both around North Sulawesi and also Raja Ampat. I am planning to join them later this year on one such trip.

Let me know if you need any more info. or use the Indo link below.

Cheers

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Thanks ... we're now taking a serious look at the Pelagian for the Komodo portion of our trip. How do they stack up to the Odyssea?

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[OnTheSpot]

Well the Odyssea doesn't do Komodo trips - North Sulawesi or Raja Ampat only

Pelagian is big brash and high end. You can compare all the relevant boats through the Indonesia link in my signature.

There is quite a choice of boats so you should take your time and make sure you choose one that suit your needs.

 

[dutchpickle]

If you prefer to be shore based out of Labuanbajo you might give Reefseekers a look. First rate Brits - Earnest and Kath.

 

[dawhale]

I have spent 32 days on Grand Komodo live-aboards, http://www.komodoalordive.com/ , and can highly recommend them. They pioneered the diving in the Komodo area.
If you dive North Sulawesi save your money and dive from a land based operator. Have a great trip.

 

[SCUBAJENNIFER]

Bob, I loved Grand Komodo!! It is no frills, but they have the best guides in the area and are there year round, unlike some of the Thai ops that come down in the summer. I did the ****Kira and had everything I could have asked for. I'm planning on going back in a year or so and I would definitely use them again.

 

[bvmjethead]

mmmmmmmmm Indonesian coffee mmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[camden]

we had really good time and were really pleased with the service we had with grand komodo tours. the boat is not luxurious but all you need is there and the divemaster we had-the owner actually- was really helpfull and knowledgeable.

 

[nikefreekz]

which boat were you on? i understand Grand Komodo run a fleet of LOBs...