Komodo by Liveaboard: The Complete Insider Guide

A liveaboard trip through Komodo National Park is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. The park spans 1,817 square kilometres of sea, and the best dive sites, the most remote islands, the least-visited dragon habitats, are all accessible only by spending nights on the water. Day trips from Labuan Bajo are fine for a taste, but they barely scratch the surface.

Choosing the Right Boat

Labuan Bajo has dozens of liveaboard operators ranging from budget phinisi to fully crewed luxury vessels. For diving, the key specs are: a 12V or 220V charging bank for cameras, a proper dive deck with rinse tanks, and a compressor that can keep up with multiple dives per day. For non-divers, look for boats with good snorkeling access — shallow platforms, available fins, a guide who knows where the mantas are.