Komodo Liveaboard: Advice and Recommendations please

[bshort4]

I wouldn't count on there being less boats in Komodo in May as that's the start of high season there. All the liveaboard boats that had switched their diving to South Komodo and Raja during the wet season will be back in North Komodo by then. I just did a budget liveaboard in North Komodo in mid-November (and a one day day trip) during the low season and every night when we moored the boat there were at least four to five other boats moored close to us. You can't walk one hundred feet down the main street of Labuan Bajo without running into another dive shop and all of them run day boats each day to the north and most also seem to have a liveaboard option too. The day trip boat I was on was packed with like 16 divers and the experience wasn't the best and I cancelled diving with them the next day. Check the moon phase for when you will be there -- we dived at the start of a new moon and the currents were ripping which was good for spotting the big guys. We dived with 20 to 30 Mantas at Makassar (Manta Point) during a pretty stiff current--five days later I returned to the same site on the day trip---no current at all and two small Mantas that we just got a glimpse of before they disappeared. It was nice that the first dive every morning on the liveaboard was before any of the day boats made it out to the dive sites so we pretty much had the sites to ourselves---especially when looking for Mantas before all the other boats show up to possibly scare them away. I'm sure you'll have a great trip no matter what--good diving!

 

[DSR-3]

+1 for the Mermaid from Bali.
I was caught-out twice on getting to Labuan Bajo and the Aggressor by weather (missed 1 day). Last trip the Mermaid's Bali departure/return was reassuring and convenient. Awesome trip too!

 

[carono6333]

We're pretty keen to do our diving around Komodo rather than 'Bali - Komodo - Bali' route. I see what you are saying... just we would rather stick to the Komodo region.

I looked at Uber diving - because we really like the no frills boat, no aircon etc - but the photos on the website make it look like the young backpacker crowd. Much prefer mid-range so a boat is more mixed , but not high end where everyone is too busy talking blah blah about their careers.

Moano were really responsive with their communication, whereas Wunderpus still haven't replied to facebook or email contact. I guess it's looking like our choice is made. I have to wait a couple of days before making the booking so still open to suggestions if anyone has any. Thanks for advice so far.

 

[Centrals]

I looked at Uber diving - because we really like the no frills boat, no aircon etc - but the photos on the website make it look like the young backpacker crowd. Hate to say it, but we're getting on a bit and prefer older adults for conversation in the evening. Have we turned into old farts?

You probably have!!!!
If there are two of you then why would you bother with the others. Keep an open mind because NOT every "young backpacker" behave the same. They might have something to offer!

 

[carono6333]

You probably have!!!!
If there are two of you then why would you bother with the others. Keep an open mind because NOT every "young backpacker" behave the same. They might have something to offer!

Looks like i'd edited my post just before you commented. I don't worry about their behaviour. No worries - just prefer a different boat. We're all different...

 

[carono6333]

OK... a friend of ours has just recommended Current Junkies |. They are really affordable and are a simple, no-frills boat. I think we have found a winner! Now awaiting reply to email to book for June, as they are fully booked for May.

 

[Centrals]

If the plan on Current Junkies doesn't work out perhaps you can look at Scuba Junkie Komodo. I am not sure if their LoB will be ready by June but 3 dives a day is the agenda, same as Current Junkies. The client on SJ is mixed.
There are enough materials on SJ in SB for you to read.

 

[Luko]

I looked at Uber diving - because we really like the no frills boat, no aircon etc - but the photos on the website make it look like the young backpacker crowd. Much prefer mid-range so a boat is more mixed , but not high end where everyone is too busy talking blah blah about their careers.
.

Well, We are a couple at the beginning of their 50's and we dived with Dragon Dive Komodo which is supposed to be a backpacker operation.
The thing is that their boat offers a large suite at low cost, I prefer to have a large breezy space with an individual terrace on a low cost boat than a cabin with only a porthole on midrange boat.
The rest of the divers where either young backpackers, or single divers in their 40's, hving English, Argentinian, Israeli, Swiss, Spanish and French nationalities. All in all it was a great experience, we had lots of different discussions, different point of views (mostly on veganism , half of the divers were ), traveling exprience to share (most of the people were traveling for 3 months at least, some for a year). I pretty much enjoyed their company better than the usual know-it-all hardcore diver.

I have posted a report on this board that you may check. I would highly recommend their liveaboard, providing you book the inexpensive suite.

 

[carono6333]

Hi Luko... it's ok, i'm cool with backpackers and am very across that it can be a good experience.. i just prefer to dive boats that are not full of backpackers on a budget. Aware also that you can get stuck with dive bores elsewhere. You never really know! The Dragon boat looks pretty good and i'm sure would be a good time. Thanks for the recommendation

 

[carono6333]

If the plan on Current Junkies doesn't work out perhaps you can look at Scuba Junkie Komodo. I am not sure if their LoB will be ready by June but 3 dives a day is the agenda, same as Current Junkies. The client on SJ is mixed.
There are enough materials on SJ in SB for you to read.

Just checked their website and no mention of a liveaboard yet. Thanks for mentioning these guys... wasn't aware they were on komodo as i only know them from sipidan