Top rated liveaboards in the Komodo National Park

Want to know which of the many dive liveaboards currently sailing in Komodo is right for your next dive trip? To help you decide, we’ve used our first-hand knowledge of diving in Komodo and reviewed our feedback from our guests, to identify Komodo’s very best liveaboards.

And, to make it even easier, we’ve categorised our recommended liveaboards in Komodo based on our most popular requests – including affordability, luxury, and suitable for photographers.

Wunderpus is a traditional Indonesian sailing vessel simmering with sustainable style. Discerning divers will appreciate the four well-appointed cabins, four delicious meals per day, and incredible views from the beanbag lounge and outdoor dining room. Guests opting for this stunning phinisi can also choose from exciting four and five-day scheduled safaris, or opt for a private charter for a truly bespoke itinerary.

Accommodating a maximum of just eight guests, Wunderpus’ delivers surprisingly intimate and adventurous voyages for the price tag. The vessel also guarantees outstanding dive services with small group sizes, top of the line rental gear, and carefully scheduled experiences aimed at helping you encounter marine life – not other divers.

And, if you’re travelling on a particularly tight budget and hoping to get the most bang for your buck, check out this boat’s partner liveaboard – Mimic. This vessel offers some of Komodo’s lowest prices, and shared dorm-style accommodations.

The salubrious Gaia Love motor yacht offers an outstanding alternative to the classic Indonesian phinisi vessel typically cruising Komodo National Park. This 40-metre steel-hulled liveaboard was designed with modern style and an emphasis on comfortable diving in remote waters. Underwater photographers will also greatly appreciate this boat’s dedicated camera room and 11 large compartmentalised camera rinse tanks to suit a variety of setups.

Luxury and exceptional service are at the heart of this liveaboard’s operations, thanks to a range of exclusive elements reminiscent of a five-star hotel. Communal areas are both spacious and sophisticated, and have been finished with plush details and inviting furniture, while upper deck cabins feature private balconies. And the elevated facilities don’t stop there. Gaia Love’s dive deck is extensive, enabling stress-free experiences and easy access to the tenders.

Sokaraja is a simple yet inviting Indonesian phinisi that promises a fun and relaxed social atmosphere, with family-style meals, chilled out sun and shade lounges, and a maximum of ten guests on board. Plus, guests can choose from a range of creative itineraries hitting all of Komodo's most impressive dive sites and above-water attractions.

Sokaraja incredible four and five-day trips offer some of Komodo National Park's most accessible rates. Guests can choose between shared dorm-style or private cabins, with options for every budget and personal travel style. But, don't let this boat's low prices fool you, it's still a spacious and stylish option for liveaboard diving in Komodo.

Blue Manta is a sizable steel-hulled vessel offering a uniquely smooth and stable cruising experience. Divers opting for this spacious and modern motor yacht will enjoy an incredible selection of itineraries combining northern and southern Komodo with the world-class muck diving of Maumere. 

Blue Manta has some of Komodo’s best facilities for underwater photographers, comparable to some of the top resorts. These fully photo-supported safaris feature small dive groups, with a maximum of four guests per eagle-eyed guide, as well as an onboard photo crew. Of course, this vessel also features dedicated rinse bins, compressed air hoses, and individual camera stations to help you care for photo and video gear.

Komodo Sea Dragon is a recently refurbished phinisi liveaboard combining a sleek, modern style with classical charm. Constructed from golden-hued wood and finished with neutral linens, this vessel gives off an inviting beach-house aesthetic that abounds in natural light. At 35-metres long, Komodo Sea Dragon comfortably accommodates up to 16 guests in six above-deck cabins, ensuring everyone on board can enjoy the stunning ocean vistas.

Komodo Sea Dragon is a snorkeller-friendly liveaboard ensuring non-divers don’t miss-out on the fun. Diving and snorkelling activities are conducted from an accompanying 18-metre tender, leaving the main vessel free from unnecessary clutter. Try-dives are available for snorkellers interested in dipping a toe into the world of scuba, while nitrox is available for more experienced guests. 

Jakaré is a beautiful boutique phinisi complete with sumptuous, well-appointed interiors throughout – from the gorgeous cabins, and inviting saloon, to the shaded open-air lounge and sundeck. This traditional sailing vessel also offers a small and intimate group setting with plenty of room for each guest to spread out. Whilst on board, guests will enjoy seven to twelve action-packed days at sea, with options for adventure beyond scuba diving. 

Plenty of liveaboards claim to be family-friendly, but few actually are. However, Jakaré is doing things differently. The vessel delivers incredible hospitality for guests of all ages, including plenty of action for non-divers, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and trekking, as well as yoga and mindfulness sessions on select trips.

Adelaar is a stunning schooner boasting over a century of seafaring history. Complete with teak-panelling, high ceilings, and sophisticated style, this vessel offers all the luxury and comfort of a five-star hotel. And, with just eight guests accommodated during each trip, the atmosphere is both intimate and relaxing. 

Many liveaboards spend around five days exploring Komodo, but Adelaar is setting a new standard! This boat offers incredible 10-day expeditions to lesser-known diving areas, with a focus on wildlife conservation and exploratory diving. Speciality conservation-focused trips are also available, with a marine-biologist led agenda complete with individual manta ID, daily lectures, above-water environmental activities, and more!

Cheng Ho is a traditional Indonesian phinisi offering a down-to-earth atmosphere complemented by a handful of onboard indulgences. Guests on board this vessel will be captivated by its undeniable charm, which combines an age-old design with flourishes of modern comfort and style – including an on deck hot tub. Part of the reputed Sea Safari Cruises fleet, Cheng Ho offers first-class facilities for divers of all types, including extra assistance for underwater photographers, as well as tech and rebreather support with prior notice. 

This vessel’s roomy communal spaces facilitate group interaction without feeling crowded, making it well-suited to dive clubs and large cohorts of friends. But, best of all, Cheng Ho also offers great discounts for group bookings, including up to four guests free-of-charge!

This luxurious partner of the legendary Scubaspa Ying and Yang in the Maldives specialises in indulgent escapes from the everyday, with brand new facilities and unparalleled personal service from a highly-trained international team. Dedicated scuba divers will also appreciate Scubaspa Zen’s stunning itineraries and outstanding amenities for divers and photographers, including a 21-metre accompanying dhoni.

Like other vessels in this fleet, Scubaspa Zen feels more like a floating five-star resort than a liveaboard. Whilst on board, guests can indulge in perfectly-appointed oversized cabins, delicious gourmet cuisine, and watersports of all kinds. But, Scubaspa Zen’s most relaxing services are its award-winning spa treatments and daily yoga sessions, ensuring even the most dedicated divers can find time to work on their wellbeing.