Komodo Liveaboard Recommendations in April?

[Pasha]

I'm planning a solo trip to Flores / Komodo end-April and looking for reliable liveaboards that won't cost an arm an a leg. Have trawled through the forums and emailed a couple of the names that are frequently mentioned, but so far I haven't been able to secure any because they are fully booked or the dates clash. The ones I've contacted are Ari Dive (Ola), Dive Komodo and Divine Diving (still waiting for a reply). Does anyone have any other leads? I'm looking at a short trip between 2 - 4 nights.

Some other questions:
1. Is day trip diving a lot less worth while than on a liveaboard? Are there still good sites to see?
2. Since April is a relatively low season, what are the chances I can rock up to a LOB operator when I get to Labuan Bajo (also since I'm travelling alone, the chances of finding another group might be low)?

Thanks for your help.

 

[matts1w]

Look at Wicked Diving- Komodo.

 

[Wisnu]

check SMY Mangguana. She's moving in the park all the time and you can stay in the boat for min. 2 days.
here our trip report

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/indonesia/467690-komodo-smy-mangguana.html

 

[Cali_diver]

I have been to Komodo twice on a liveaboard. I have watched day boats drop their divers in the wrong place in a pretty crazy current. The guides said the day boats don't have time to wait for currents to be favorable and diving can be quite unpleasant in an unfavorable current. I remember one guy finning down and grasping for rocks that were well out of his reach, then shooting off into the blue. I am not saying that all day boats would be like this, but I would highly recommend a liveaboard.

 

[pughio83]

Anyone know why many of the liveaboards are cheaper in June vs April and May for Komodo ? I here conflicting reports that the weather is similar at these times?? Looking at mermaid Komodo trip next yr with June being the most available along with July.

 

[DSR-3]

I have had great luck with the ScubaBoard trips' forum finding last-minute/solo spots. Most recently the Komodo Dancer for a steal, through Aquamarine Dive Bali (great service). I would start with them and then the suggested boats reviewed in this forum. Have fun- what an awesome place!

 

[Lorenzoid]

Black Manta's shorter Komodo trip was excellent.

 

[LiquidDivingAdventure]

Komodo Dancer has one berth female share April 18-28. I'd also suggest Wicked Diving but they run limited dates.

 

[bqualls]

Totally satisfied with Mermaid 2. Cruised with them 4 years ago and loved the boat and crew. They picked some really nice sites between Komodo and Bali --- very surprised at the quality of dives between Komodo and Bali. Not a budget buster compared to the other LOBs I've been on.

 

[Tippytoes12]

We went to Komodo with Mermaid 2 and Raja Ampat with Black Manta.....both were fantastic...probably our two best holidays ever ever.