A Komodo liveaboard covering 10 nights across south Komodo is the longest-format expedition we run, pairing the world-famous north currents with the cold, macro-rich waters of Nusa Kode, Cannibal Rock and Manta Alley. Expect 27–30 dives over 10 days, from IDR 42,500,000 per person, departing Labuan Bajo April–November.
Most operators sell a 3-night sampler and call it “Komodo.” The south is where the park earns its reputation among serious divers — and it is precisely where short charters never reach. Since 2015, komodoislandliveaboard.com has specialised in one thing: full-length Komodo National Park expeditions aboard our own fleet. This 9-night / 10-day voyage is our flagship, and the only itinerary built specifically to give you the entire park — north and deep south — on a single trip.
Why 10 nights is the only way to truly dive south Komodo
South Komodo sits on the Indian Ocean side of the park. Upwellings push water temperatures down to 20–24°C, and the reefs explode with rare macro life, pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and seasonal manta aggregations. Reaching Nusa Kode and Horseshoe Bay from Labuan Bajo (LBJ) costs a full day of steaming each way — impossible to justify on a 3 or 4-night trip. Ten nights gives you the transit budget to work the south properly and still dive the marquee north sites at their best.
- Manta Alley — the park’s most reliable south manta cleaning station, often 8–15 rays in a single dive
- Cannibal Rock & Horseshoe Bay — critical-macro cathedral: Rhinopias, frogfish, nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses
- Yellow Wall of Texas — vertical soft-coral wall in Nusa Kode, best on incoming current
- North icons — Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, The Cauldron (Shotgun), Tatawa, Siaba, Makassar Reef (Manta Point), Gili Lawa
10-day itinerary at a glance
| Day | Zone | Featured sites | Dives |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LBJ embarkation | Check dive + briefing, sail overnight | 1 |
| 2 | Central | Sebayur, Siaba Besar, Makassar Reef (Manta Point) | 3 |
| 3 | North | Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Gili Lawa Laut | 3–4 |
| 4 | North | The Cauldron (Shotgun), Tatawa Besar & Kecil | 3 |
| 5 | Transit south | Batu Bolong, Padar crossing, sunset trek | 2 |
| 6 | South — Nusa Kode | Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall of Texas | 3 |
| 7 | South — Horseshoe Bay | Cannibal Rock (dusk), Torpedo Alley (night) | 3 |
| 8 | South — Manta Alley | Manta Alley x2, German Flag | 3 |
| 9 | Return north | Batu Bolong, Mawan (manta + reef) | 3 |
| 10 | LBJ | Rinca ranger walk (Komodo dragons), disembark | — |
Total: 27–30 dives. Sequencing is tide-led — our cruise director finalises the running order onboard to hit each site on the correct current window. Currents on the north sites are strong; Advanced Open Water certification is strongly recommended, and a minimum of 30 logged dives with recent cold-water/current experience for the south.
2026 rates — 9 nights / 10 days
| Cabin type | Per person (IDR) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Shared twin cabin (dive package) | 42,500,000 | ~$2,650 |
| Master / private ensuite cabin | 58,000,000 | ~$3,620 |
| Full private yacht charter (up to 10–14 guests) | from 280,000,000 | ~$17,500 |
What’s included
- 9 nights en-suite accommodation with daily housekeeping
- 27–30 guided dives, tanks, weights, dive guide (max 4 guests per guide)
- All meals, snacks, fresh fruit, tea & coffee, drinking water
- Nitrox for certified divers, dinghy transfers, onboard dive deck & camera table
- Airport pickup in Labuan Bajo and return transfer
Not included
- Komodo National Park entry: IDR 650,000 per person plus the daily conservation levy under the 1,000-visitor/day quota (effective April 2026)
- Equipment rental (IDR 350,000/day full set), flights to LBJ, crew gratuity, travel & dive insurance (DAN mandatory)
The yacht — specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length / beam | 32 m phinisi / 8 m |
| Guests | Max 14 (12 on the 10-night for comfort) |
| Cabins | 7 en-suite (twin + master), individual A/C |
| Crew + dive staff | 10, including cruise director & 3 guides |
| Compressor / Nitrox | 2 compressors + membrane Nitrox |
| Tenders | 2 dive dinghies with dedicated boatmen |
| Safety | Nautilus Lifeline, O2, first aid, DAN-linked evac plan |
Best time to sail
The Komodo dry season runs April–November, and this is the only window we operate the south route — the Indian Ocean swell makes Nusa Kode uncomfortable outside it. July–September is peak: cooler south water concentrates the macro and manta action, though the reefs run 20–22°C, so a 5mm wetsuit (7mm for the cold-blooded) is essential. If you want warmer, calmer diving, weigh a shorter north-only trip via our durations comparison.
How to book
Reserve your cabin with a 50% deposit; the balance is due 14 days before departure (H-14). The 10-night flagship sails on fixed dates and sells out 4–6 months ahead in peak season. Message our expedition desk on WhatsApp with your preferred dates and certification level and we’ll hold a cabin for 72 hours. New to the park? Read the full Komodo liveaboard FAQ before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
How many dives are in the 10-night south Komodo liveaboard?
Between 27 and 30 dives across 9 diving days, including up to 4 dives per day in the north and dedicated dusk and night dives in Horseshoe Bay. The final count depends on tides and group experience.
What certification do I need for south Komodo?
Advanced Open Water is strongly recommended, with a minimum of around 30 logged dives. The north sites (Castle Rock, The Cauldron) carry strong, cold currents; the south demands buoyancy control for macro. Nitrox certification is a real advantage over 10 days.
How much is the Komodo National Park entry fee?
IDR 650,000 per person, plus a daily conservation levy tied to the 1,000-visitor daily quota introduced in April 2026. It is paid separately from your cabin fare and collected onboard. Budget roughly IDR 3–4 million total for a 10-day permit.
How do I get to the boat?
Fly into Labuan Bajo (LBJ) airport — direct from Bali (Denpasar) in about 1 hour 15 minutes. We include a complimentary airport transfer to the harbour. Arrive at least one day early; we strongly advise not flying the morning of embarkation.