Komodo Liveaboard: Advice and Recommendations please

[carono6333]

Hi all. We're thinking of doing a Komodo LOB. Somewhere towards mid-price...avoiding the very budget so can be sure won't be a boat full of backpackers or snorkellers, or compromise on divesites visited.

I'd love to receive any advice on which company/boat to book with. A friend recommended wunderpus , but they only seem to do shorter trips, and we'd prefer something around 6d/5n. We're both experienced so challenging diving is fine. Prefer vessels without air-con and internet access, although that seems almost impossible to avoid these days.

Any tips and recommendations very gratefully received. Thanks in advance!

 

[Wingy]

Have a look at Pindito...aircon yes but no wifi and 20 + years in business. Not sure if Tambora is down in Komodo during your time frame but another top notch boat.

 

[tursiops]

We used Mermaid II Bali-Komodo-Bali. Great trip.

 

[borisphotosafari]

I have used a few LOB in Indonesia. The best one that I been on was Amira. It's roomy and the best dive deck I have ever seen.
Komodo trips on Amira are done at the beginning and end of summer if that fits your plans.
Last time I was in Komodo, I found it crowded and the dive sites away from day boats and short trip boat were the best. Pick the trip that leaves from Bima or Lubuan Bajo, closer travel to best sites.

 

[All Star Liveaboards]

Hi all. We're thinking of doing a Komodo LOB. Somewhere towards mid-price...avoiding the very budget so can be sure won't be a boat full of backpackers or snorkellers, or compromise on divesites visited.

I'd love to receive any advice on which company/boat to book with. A friend recommended wunderpus , but they only seem to do shorter trips, and we'd prefer something around 6d/5n. We're both experienced so challenging diving is fine. Prefer vessels without air-con and internet access, although that seems almost impossible to avoid these days.

Any tips and recommendations very gratefully received. Thanks in advance!

From May-October All Star Liveaboards operates in Komodo. We offer 9-night itineraries for $3,240. You can find additional info on our website, Incredible Scuba Dive Liveaboard All Star Indonesia, and info from our recent blog post about our Komodo itinerary- Komodo-The Overlooked Dive Destination of Indonesia Komodo – The Overlooked Dive Destination. Feel free to email me with any questions you may have at kevin@allstarliveaboards.com

 

[carono6333]

Have a look at Pindito...aircon yes but no wifi and 20 + years in business. Not sure if Tambora is down in Komodo during your time frame but another top notch boat.

Thanks for suggestions. Tambota doesn't appear to be doing Komodo this year... and wow... Pindito is sold out already! Must be a well-respected company

 

[carono6333]

I have used a few LOB in Indonesia. The best one that I been on was Amira. It's roomy and the best dive deck I have ever seen.
Komodo trips on Amira are done at the beginning and end of summer if that fits your plans.
Last time I was in Komodo, I found it crowded and the dive sites away from day boats and short trip boat were the best. Pick the trip that leaves from Bima or Lubuan Bajo, closer travel to best sites.

My wife last dived Komoda around 15 years ago. She said they didn't see other divers even at the best sites. I guess things have changed a lot! I'll check out the Amira...tnx

 

[matts1w]

My first year to Komodo was ten years ago. Returned three years later. Loved it to bits. Did another trip two summers ago and was AMAZED at all the boats. Dont get me wrong... the diving is still spectacular and you will have an amazing trip. It just does not feel like being on the end of the Earth anymore.

Check out Moana: Moana Liveaboard - Komodo Liveaboard | Indonesia | Moana Cruising

Its a great midrange boat. It would not hesitate to use them again.

 

[carono6333]

My first year to Komodo was ten years ago. Returned three years later. Loved it to bits. Did another trip two summers ago and was AMAZED at all the boats. Dont get me wrong... the diving is still spectacular and you will have an amazing trip. It just does not feel like being on the end of the Earth anymore.

Check out Moana: Moana Liveaboard - Komodo Liveaboard | Indonesia | Moana Cruising

Its a great midrange boat. It would not hesitate to use them again.

Hey that's great thanks. Funnily enough, a friend mentioned Moana and i've just heard back from them. Their website doesn't give too much info and i was unsure. Great to hear you've experienced them. The boat looks like our style... simple enough but with everything we need, and not too large. I think it's a choice between this one and Wunderpus. When (if) Wunder reply to my messsage i'll hopeful;y be closer to a decision.

Also... we're thinking of going in May when there are less boats but still great conditions. Hopefully that'll be the best for good diving and less boats.

 

[Dan]

I have used a few LOB in Indonesia. The best one that I been on was Amira. It's roomy and the best dive deck I have ever seen.
Komodo trips on Amira are done at the beginning and end of summer if that fits your plans.
Last time I was in Komodo, I found it crowded and the dive sites away from day boats and short trip boat were the best. Pick the trip that leaves from Bima or Lubuan Bajo, closer travel to best sites.

I’ll be in Amira on Larry Smith Memorial trip to Raja Ampat with his son, Casey in January 2020.

Back to the topic, I went to Komodo first time in 2008 with budget liveaboard MV Tarata – Grand Komodo for 8D/7N. I was happy with the experience & took 7 of my buddies from Texas for repeat performance in 2012. Then in 2013 I went with a mid-range class liveaboard, Mermaid I Mermaid Liveaboards | Liveaboard Scuba Diving Vacations | Hammerhead Indonesia for 11D/10N roundtrip Bali-Komodo-Bali. That is still one of the best liveaboard trips I have ever done. I have done several liveaboard trips to Komodo, Raja Ampat, GBR, Galápagos, Palau, Cocos, Socorro & Maldives.