Quick Answer: Our comprehensive FAQ addresses everything from booking procedures and pricing details to diving safety protocols and vessel amenities. Whether you’re a curious first-time liveaboard guest or an experienced diver, find answers to frequently asked questions about our expeditions, fleet specifications, destination details, and practical travel logistics.
Booking & Reservation Questions
How do I book a liveaboard trip with you?
Visit our booking page to browse available dates, select your preferred vessel, and reserve your spot. You can filter by destination, vessel type, and trip duration. Initial reservation requires a deposit; final payment is due 60 days before departure. We provide detailed booking confirmations with all trip details, vessel information, and pre-trip requirements via email.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellations made more than 90 days before departure receive full refund of deposit and paid fees. Cancellations between 60-90 days before departure receive 50% refund. Cancellations less than 60 days before departure forfeit deposits and paid fees. Travel insurance covering trip cancellation is strongly recommended and available during booking.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept international credit cards, bank transfers, and payment plans for extended bookings. A 30% deposit secures your reservation, with final balance due 60 days before departure. All payments are processed securely through international payment gateways.
Can I modify my booking after confirming?
Yes, modifications are possible subject to availability. Changing to different dates, vessels, or trip lengths can be accommodated up to 60 days before departure, subject to availability and potential pricing adjustments. Contact our booking team to discuss changes. Modifications within 60 days of departure are subject to reduced flexibility due to final logistics planning.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, substantial discounts apply to groups of eight or more passengers. Custom group itineraries are available for larger bookings. Contact us directly to discuss group rates, custom dates, and specialized programs for diving clubs, corporate retreats, or special occasions.
Pricing & Value Questions
What is included in the liveaboard price?
Our pricing includes accommodation in your selected cabin category, all meals prepared by our culinary team, non-alcoholic beverages, guided diving services, snorkeling activities, all equipment and tanks, port fees, and environmental fees. Excluded are alcoholic beverages, gratuities, travel insurance, and personal expenses.
Why does price vary by season?
Pricing reflects seasonal demand, operational costs, and diving conditions. Peak season (June-August and December-January) features optimal diving conditions, larger marine life congregations, and highest demand, resulting in premium pricing. Shoulder seasons offer excellent value with still-excellent conditions. We provide transparent pricing information for all seasons.
Are there hidden fees or additional costs?
No hidden fees. All costs are disclosed upfront. Required costs included in pricing are accommodation, meals, diving, and transfers from Labuan Bajo. Optional costs include gratuities for crew (15-20% customary), alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, advanced diving certifications, specialty diving guides, and photographer services.
Diving & Certification Questions
What diving certification do I need?
Minimum certification is PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent from recognized agencies). Uncertified individuals can complete PADI Certification courses onboard through our instructors, though pre-cruise certification is recommended to maximize diving time. Refresher courses are available for certified divers who haven’t dived recently.
Can I learn to dive during the liveaboard?
Yes, PADI Certification courses are available onboard. The Openwater Certification requires four days including classroom instruction, confined water training, and open water dives. Advanced Certification, Rescue, and Specialty courses are also available. Discuss certification requirements during booking to ensure proper scheduling.
How many dives are included daily?
Standard itineraries include three dives daily: two daytime dives and one night dive. Some expeditions include four dives on specific days. Dive schedules accommodate tidal conditions, wind patterns, and marine life activity. You’re never required to dive; many guests enjoy snorkeling instead.
What if I’m not a strong swimmer or nervous about diving?
Komodo diving is appropriate for beginners, with our experienced guides providing extensive support. Confined water training builds confidence. Snorkeling is an excellent alternative offering incredible marine life views without the equipment or certification requirements. Many first-time ocean visitors choose snorkeling initially, then transition to diving later in the trip.
What happens if conditions are too rough for diving?
Safety is paramount. If conditions exceed safe diving parameters, we modify the schedule or substitute alternative locations. Rough conditions are temporary and usually clear within hours or days. Our extensive regional knowledge allows us to identify protected dive sites suitable for various conditions. No refunds are issued for weather-related schedule changes; the value is reallocated to alternative activities.
Vessel & Accommodation Questions
What accommodation options are available?
Our fleet features various cabin categories from comfortable economy cabins to luxurious suites. Most cabins are outside cabins with windows or portholes. Standard amenities include private bathroom, air conditioning, comfortable bedding, individual climate control, and storage. Premium suites feature larger spaces, premium bedding, and enhanced furnishings.
Do cabins have private bathrooms?
Yes, all our cabins feature private ensuite bathrooms with hot water showers, toilet, and sink. This is a significant amenity distinguishing our vessels from budget liveaboards where bathrooms may be shared. Bathroom amenities including towels, toiletries, and hairdryers are provided.
What is the vessel size and passenger capacity?
Our vessels range from intimate 20-passenger yachts to larger 60-passenger ships, allowing selection based on preference for exclusivity or broader community experience. Larger vessels provide more amenities; smaller vessels offer more personalized service and greater agility for reaching remote dive sites. All maintain superior comfort and safety standards.
How reliable is air conditioning in tropical heat?
Our vessels feature modern marine air conditioning systems with individual cabin controls. Systems are regularly serviced and maintained. In port or during surface intervals, deck fans and natural ventilation supplement cooling. Cabins remain comfortably cool throughout the day and night, though you can adjust your preferred temperature.
Destination & Activity Questions
What destinations do your liveaboards visit?
Our primary focus is Komodo National Park and surrounding waters. Itineraries typically include Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Padar Island, and strategic small islands featuring exceptional marine life and strong currents. Some expeditions extend to Raja Ampat or other Indonesian diving destinations based on itinerary selection.
Can I snorkel instead of dive?
Absolutely. Snorkeling is encouraged for non-divers and as an alternative activity for certified divers. Snorkeling excursions access many of the same marine environments as diving sites. Snorkeling gear is provided or available for rent. Many guests snorkel in the morning and dive in the afternoon, or rotate between activities based on interest.
What island activities are available besides diving?
Depending on your itinerary, activities include island hikes to view Komodo dragons, beach time on pristine islands, visits to local villages, wildlife photography, underwater photography instruction, educational presentations about conservation and marine biology, and cultural experiences with local communities.
Safety & Medical Questions
What safety certifications and insurance do you maintain?
Our vessels maintain current Indonesian maritime certifications, professional safety audits, and comprehensive liability insurance. All crew members maintain current safety certifications. Vessels carry emergency communication systems, life support equipment, and first aid kits exceeding regulatory requirements. All guests are required to have adequate travel insurance with medical coverage.
What happens if there’s a medical emergency?
We maintain partnership with international medical evacuation services. All crew members are trained in first aid and emergency response. Vessels carry advanced medical equipment including oxygen systems designed for diving emergencies. The nearest major hospital is in Labuan Bajo with helicopter evacuation available for serious emergencies. Comprehensive medical information is collected during booking to identify potential issues.
What medical conditions might restrict diving?
Conditions including heart disease, lung disease, seizure disorders, diabetes, and ear/sinus problems may restrict diving. Pregnancy excludes diving. Recent surgery, infections, or medications affecting balance or judgment may also be contraindications. Medical screening is conducted during booking. Consultation with your physician is recommended if you have any medical conditions or take medications.
Practical & Logistics Questions
How do I get to Labuan Bajo to join the liveaboard?
Labuan Bajo is served by Komodo Airport with daily flights from major Indonesian cities (Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya). International visitors typically fly to Bali or Jakarta first, then connect to Labuan Bajo. We coordinate airport transfers included in your package. Arrive one day before departure to clear immigration and enjoy Labuan Bajo; we provide information about hotels and activities.
What should I pack for a liveaboard trip?
Pack light, quick-drying clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, personal medications, travel documents, and water shoes. Leave space for snorkeling/diving gear or rent from us. Optional items include camera equipment, binoculars for wildlife viewing, reading materials, and portable battery chargers. We provide detailed packing lists upon confirmation.
What about seasickness?
Modern vessels feature stabilizers reducing motion significantly. Cabins located amidships experience less motion. Medication including scopolamine patches and dramamine are effective for most people. Ginger supplements help some travelers. Seasickness is unusual on our routes except during brief transitions between islands. Acclimation typically occurs within first day or two.
Is travel insurance required or recommended?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and required by our policies. Ensure coverage includes medical expenses, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and dive-specific medical emergencies. Diving injuries are sometimes excluded from standard travel insurance; verify your policy includes diving coverage or purchase specialized dive insurance.
What is the weather like in Komodo?
Komodo is tropical with minimal seasonal temperature variation (constant 28-30°C). The dry season (May-September) features calm seas and excellent visibility. The wet season (November-March) brings occasional rain, rougher seas, and reduced visibility, but offers fewer tourists, lower prices, and different marine life activity patterns. We operate year-round with adjusted itineraries for seasonal conditions.
Can I bring my own diving equipment?
Yes, most divers bring personal gear (wetsuit, regulators, dive computer). All equipment must meet current safety standards. We provide high-quality rental equipment if preferred, and tanks and weights are provided on every dive. Personal equipment is welcomed and stored securely onboard.
Communication & Special Requirements
What communication is available on the liveaboard?
Vessels typically have satellite communication available in common areas. Internet connectivity is limited offshore. We recommend disconnecting and enjoying the digital detox experience that liveaboards provide. Urgent communications with shore can be arranged through satellite systems. Email and basic communications are possible but not reliable for constant connectivity.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Our culinary team accommodates diverse dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergies. Inform us during booking of any requirements. Our chefs are experienced preparing specialty meals; diverse diets are incorporated seamlessly into menus.
Do you offer photography or videography services?
Yes, professional underwater photography is available through our staff photographers. Digital images are provided after the trip. Videography services can document your expedition for personal use or professional purposes. Discuss these services during booking to arrange coverage and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Excellence Standards
How do you maintain service excellence across all vessels?
All crew members undergo standardized training programs covering service standards, safety protocols, and diving excellence. Our team is recruited for both professional expertise and genuine passion for hospitality. Regular staff training ensures consistent quality across our entire fleet. Guest feedback directly influences operational improvements.
What makes your liveaboards different from competitors?
We distinguish ourselves through exceptional vessel design, expert crew, sustainability commitment, and strategic partnerships. Unlike some operators, we invest in next-generation technology, environmental conservation, and community development. Our pricing is transparent, our service genuine, and our commitment to your experience comprehensive.
