Phinisi Liveaboard Labuan Bajo
Phinisi liveaboard in Labuan Bajo offers multi-night sailing voyages from $250/person (shared cabin) to $3,500/night (private vessel charter). Sleep aboard a traditional wooden sailing yacht while diving Komodo’s legendary sites—Manta Point, Crystal Rock, Batu Bolong—during 3-7 day immersion experiences. Our phinisi liveaboards combine authentic Indonesian sailing heritage with modern dive amenities: tank storage, nitrox capability, PADI dive masters, and dive briefings every morning.
What Is a Phinisi Liveaboard?
A phinisi liveaboard is a traditional Indonesian sailing yacht retrofitted for multi-night diving expeditions. Unlike day-charter phinisis that return to port each evening, liveaboards remain anchored at remote dive sites, enabling multiple dives daily and island exploration after sunset.
Phinisi liveaboard features:
- Wooden schooner construction with modern dive equipment
- Dive platform for easy water entry/exit
- Tank storage and refill compressor onboard
- PADI dive masters and certified crew
- Nitrox capability (extended bottom time)
- 3-7 night itineraries anchored at dive sites
- 4-12 cabins (shared or private options)
- DAN dive insurance typically included
- Crew specialization in Komodo diving, not general tourism
Phinisi liveaboards are the gold-standard for underwater enthusiasts. The shallow-draft phinisi anchors feet from pristine reefs; divers can descend directly from the platform, minimizing transition time and maximizing bottom time.
Liveaboard vs. Day Charter—Key Differences
| Aspect | Liveaboard | Day Charter |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3-7 nights continuous; multi-dive per day | Single day; 1-2 dives typical |
| Dive Sites | Remote, uncrowded sites; Manta Point depth dives | Accessible sites near Labuan Bajo; shallower |
| Dives Per Day | 2-4 dives daily (breakfast dive, lunch dive, afternoon option) | 1-2 dives maximum |
| Sleep Location | Aboard yacht, anchored at dive sites | Hotel in Labuan Bajo or Bali (separate from dive boat) |
| Meals | 3/day including breakfast dive snacks, lunch post-dive, dinner | Lunch only; breakfast/dinner at hotel |
| Cost/Person | $250-$800/person for 3-5 days (shared); $400-$1,500 (private) | $150-$300/day boat cost only; hotels extra |
| Best For | Serious divers, maximizing dive time, deep-sea experience | Casual divers, limited time, onshore activities priority |
Our Phinisi Liveaboard Fleet
We represent dive-specialist phinisis in Labuan Bajo. Standard configurations:
Shared Liveaboard Phinisis
4-10 shared cabins | 8-16 divers per vessel | $250-$400/person/night
Bunkbed or twin-share cabins, group dining, communal dive briefing area. Social atmosphere perfect for solo divers or couples joining existing expeditions. No private gatherings, but strong camaraderie.
Semi-Private Liveaboard Phinisis
6-8 private cabins | 6-12 guests per vessel | $400-$800/person/night
Private cabin occupancy (no bunkmate), select private dining, flexible activity choices. Ideal for couples or small groups wanting privacy without full-vessel charter premium.
Private Liveaboard Charter
4-8 private cabins | Your group only | $1,900-$3,500/night (entire vessel)
Entire phinisi dedicated to your group. Custom dive plan, flexible schedule, private crew service. Full flexibility with shared-cost economics: $1,900/night ÷ 8 people = $237.50/person (similar to shared but exclusive).
Multi-Night Itineraries
3-Day Dive Expedition (2N Aboard)
Cost: $750-$1,200 per person (shared cabin)
- Day 1 (Fri evening): Check-in 2pm, dive briefing, 2 dives (afternoon: Batu Bolong, sunset dive at Karang Makassar)
- Day 2 (Sat): 4 dives (Manta Point AM, Crystal Rock noon, Gili Lawa afternoon, night dive)
- Day 3 (Sun): 2 morning dives (final choice), debark noon
- Total dives: 8-9 dives over 2.5 days
5-Day Expedition (4N Aboard)
Cost: $1,200-$2,000 per person (shared)
- Day 1: Afternoon dives (Batu Bolong, Karang Makassar)
- Day 2: 4 dives (Manta Point AM, Crystal Rock, Gili Lawa, night dive)
- Day 3: Rinca Island area dives (4 dives); island snorkel
- Day 4: Flores northern shore dives (Sangeang Island option); night dive
- Day 5: 2 final dives, return to Labuan Bajo
- Total dives: 13-15 dives over 4 days
7-Day Deep Dive Voyage (6N Aboard)
Cost: $1,800-$3,200 per person (shared); $2,500+ per person advanced diving
- Days 1-2: Komodo prime sites (Manta Point, Crystal Rock, Batu Bolong)
- Days 3-4: Rinca Island, Gili Lawa, Flores northern reefs
- Days 5-6: Remote outer islands, technical diving sites (deep walls, caves)
- Day 7: Final dives, return
- Total dives: 18-22 dives over 6 days
Advanced divers can request technical dives (nitrox, rebreather, deep profiles). Some liveaboards offer TEC certifications or advanced training; confirm operator capability when booking.
Diving on a Phinisi Liveaboard
World-Class Komodo Dive Sites
Manta Point (Dec-March peak): Cathedral-sized coral pinnacle; seasonal manta ray aggregations; 40-60 foot depths; current diving; unforgettable encounters
Crystal Rock: Submerged rock formation; healthy soft corals; schooling fish; macro photography; 30-50 foot depth; consistent excellent visibility
Batu Bolong: Island rock formations; Napoleon wrasse, barramundi jack schools; 25-40 foot depth; safe intermediate dive
Karang Makassar: Deep wall, macro life, nudibranchs; 60+ foot descents available; night dive opportunity
Gili Lawa Darat: House reef snorkel/dive from beach; shallow coral garden; turtles; macro subjects; perfect for skill brushing or photography focus
Rinca Island reefs: Soft coral gardens; schooling jacks; turtles; intermediate dives; 30-50 foot depth
Dive Briefings & Safety
Each morning, dive master presents site briefing: depth, current, hazards, marine life, photography opportunities, emergency procedures. All dives are buddy-system with dive master as third-member oversight. DAN dive insurance (coverage for decompression sickness, emergency evacuation) typically included in liveaboard cost.
Equipment & Nitrox
BCD, regulator, tanks, and weights provided. Bring personal computer, mask, fins, wetsuit (or rent onboard for $20-30). Nitrox available (typical $5-10/tank premium) enabling extended bottom time on deeper dives. Rebreathers available on select liveaboards for tech-certified divers.
Pricing
| Liveaboard Type | 3-Day Cost | 5-Day Cost | Per Night | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Cabin | $750-$1,200 | $1,200-$2,000 | $250-$400/person | 8-16 divers |
| Private Cabin | $1,200-$2,400 | $2,000-$4,000 | $400-$800/person | varies |
| Private Vessel | $4,000-$8,000 | $8,000-$15,000 | $1,900-$3,500 | 4-8 guests |
What’s included: Accommodation, meals, crew, tanks/weights, DAN insurance, dive briefings, Komodo permit. Extra: nitrox ($5-10/tank), underwater camera rental ($50-100/day), certifications ($200-400).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a phinisi liveaboard?
A traditional Indonesian wooden sailing yacht retrofitted for multi-night diving expeditions. Divers sleep aboard, anchor at remote dive sites, and complete 2-4 dives daily.
How much does a phinisi liveaboard cost?
Shared cabin: $250-$400/person/night; 3-day = $750-$1,200. Private cabin: $400-$800/person. Private vessel: $1,900-$3,500/night (entire boat). All meals, diving, and Komodo permits included.
What if I’m not certified?
Most liveaboards offer PADI Open Water certification courses (3-4 days, $300-500). You can also choose snorkel-only itineraries; some liveaboards accommodate non-diving guests.
What’s included in the dive package?
Tanks, weights, dive master guidance, briefings, emergency procedures, DAN insurance. BCD and regulator included; bring own mask/fins or rent. Nitrox available extra.
How many dives per day?
Typical 2-4 dives: breakfast dive, mid-day dive, afternoon dive optional. Night dives available. Divers set pace; no pressure to dive if tired or sea-sick.
Last updated: April 2026
Book Your Phinisi Liveaboard Expedition
Reserve your dive adventure today. Shared liveaboard itineraries fill 4-6 weeks in advance (peak season); private charters accommodate flexible scheduling. Your multi-night Komodo diving journey awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a liveaboard?
A liveaboard is a multi-night voyage where you sleep on the vessel, waking up at a different island or dive site each morning. All meals, activities, and accommodation are included in one package.
How much does a luxury liveaboard in Labuan Bajo cost?
Shared luxury liveaboard: $250–$450/person for 3D2N. Private luxury liveaboard: $1,900–$4,500/night for the entire vessel. Prices vary by vessel class and season.
Is the liveaboard suitable for non-divers?
Absolutely. Most guests snorkel, swim, hike on islands, and enjoy onboard relaxation. Diving is optional and never required. The experience is designed for everyone.
What dive sites will we visit?
Top dive sites include Manta Point (manta rays), Batu Bolong (reef wall), Castle Rock (pelagic fish), and Crystal Rock. Average visibility is 15–30 meters with water temperatures around 26–29°C.
How many guests are on a private liveaboard?
Private charters mean your group exclusively. Vessels range from 8 to 24 guests. We match vessel size to your group for optimal comfort and experience.
