Multi-night sailing voyages from USD 250/person (shared) to USD 3,500/night (private charter). Sleep aboard a traditional phinisi while diving Komodo’s legendary sites.
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 2–4 dives daily and island exploration after sunset.
Phinisi liveaboards combine authentic sailing heritage with modern dive amenities — tank storage, nitrox capability, PADI dive masters, dive briefings every morning. The shallow-draft phinisi anchors feet from pristine reefs; divers descend directly from the platform, minimising transition time and maximising bottom time.
The gold standard for underwater enthusiasts in Komodo. A wooden Indonesian schooner purpose-equipped for serious diving, with crew specialising in Komodo conditions rather than general tourism.
Liveaboard Features
Why multi-night diving radically changes the Komodo experience.
| Aspect | Liveaboard | Day Charter |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3–7 nights continuous; multi-dive per day | Single day; 1–2 dives typical |
| Dive Sites | Remote, uncrowded sites; deep Manta Point profiles | Accessible sites near Labuan Bajo; shallower |
| Dives Per Day | 2–4 dives daily — breakfast, lunch, afternoon, optional night | 1–2 dives maximum |
| Sleep Location | Aboard the yacht, anchored at dive sites | Hotel in Labuan Bajo or Bali (separate from dive boat) |
| Meals | 3 daily — breakfast dive snacks, lunch, dinner | Lunch only; breakfast and dinner at hotel |
| Cost / Person | USD 250–800 (shared); USD 400–1,500 (private cabin) | USD 150–300 / day boat-only; hotels extra |
| Best For | Serious divers maximising bottom time and remote access | Casual divers, limited time, onshore activities priority |
Three booking modes — from solo divers joining shared expeditions to full-vessel charters.
Shared Solo Divers & Couples
Bunk-bed or twin-share cabins, group dining, communal dive briefings. Social atmosphere — perfect for solo divers or couples joining existing expeditions.
Semi-Private
Most Popular
Privacy + Joined Trip
Private cabin (no bunkmate), select private dining, flexible activity choices. Couples and small groups wanting privacy without full-vessel charter premium.
Private Charter Your Group Only
Entire phinisi for your group. Custom dive plan, flexible schedule, private crew. USD 1,900 / 8 guests ≈ USD 237 per person — shared economics, exclusive experience.
3, 5, or 7 nights aboard — each adding deeper sites and more dives.
Starter
8–9 dives 2 Nights Aboard
USD 750 – 1,200 / pax (shared)
Immersive
13–15 dives 4 Nights Aboard
USD 1,200 – 2,000 / pax (shared)
Deep Voyage
18–22 dives 6 Nights Aboard
USD 1,800 – 3,200 / pax (shared)
Advanced divers can request technical dives (nitrox, rebreather, deep profiles). Some liveaboards offer TEC certifications — confirm operator capability when booking.
Phinisi liveaboards reach the legendary sites that day trips cannot.
Cathedral-sized coral pinnacle with seasonal manta ray aggregations — current diving and unforgettable encounters.
Submerged rock with healthy soft corals, schooling fish, macro photography — consistent excellent visibility.
Island rock formations with Napoleon wrasse and barramundi jack schools — safe intermediate dive.
Deep wall with macro life and nudibranchs — strong night dive option.
Snorkel/dive directly from beach — shallow coral garden, turtles, macro subjects, ideal for skill brushing.
Soft coral gardens, schooling jacks, turtles — intermediate dives in beautiful conditions.
How dive operations actually run, day to day.
Each morning the dive master presents a site briefing covering depth, current, hazards, marine life, photography opportunities, and emergency procedures. All dives run buddy-system with the dive master providing third-member oversight. DAN dive insurance (decompression sickness coverage and emergency evacuation) is typically included.
BCD, regulator, tanks, and weights are provided. Bring your own personal computer, mask, fins, and wetsuit (or rent onboard for USD 20–30). Nitrox is available (typical USD 5–10/tank premium) for extended bottom time on deeper dives. Rebreathers available on select liveaboards for tech-certified divers.
All-inclusive of accommodation, meals, crew, tanks/weights, DAN insurance, dive briefings, and Komodo permit.
| Liveaboard Type | 3-Day Cost | 5-Day Cost | Per Night | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Cabin | USD 750 – 1,200 / pax | USD 1,200 – 2,000 / pax | USD 250 – 400 / pax | 8–16 divers |
| Private Cabin | USD 1,200 – 2,400 / pax | USD 2,000 – 4,000 / pax | USD 400 – 800 / pax | Varies |
| Private Vessel | USD 4,000 – 8,000 | USD 8,000 – 15,000 | USD 1,900 – 3,500 | 4–8 guests |
Extras: nitrox (USD 5–10 / tank), underwater camera rental (USD 50–100 / day), certifications (USD 200–400). Excluded: alcohol, flights, personal activities, tips.
Everything divers and snorkellers ask before booking a phinisi liveaboard in Komodo.
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. The shallow-draft phinisi anchors close to pristine reefs for direct platform entry.
Shared cabin: USD 250–400/person/night; a 3-day trip costs USD 750–1,200. Private cabin: USD 400–800/person. Private vessel: USD 1,900–3,500/night for the entire boat. All meals, diving, and Komodo permits are included.
Most liveaboards offer PADI Open Water certification courses (3–4 days, USD 300–500). You can also choose snorkel-only itineraries — many liveaboards welcome non-diving guests, who enjoy snorkelling, island treks, and onboard relaxation.
Tanks, weights, dive master guidance, briefings, emergency procedures, and DAN insurance. BCD and regulator are included; bring your own mask/fins or rent onboard. Nitrox is available as an extra (USD 5–10/tank premium).
Typically 2–4 dives daily — breakfast dive, mid-day dive, afternoon dive (optional), and night dives at remote anchorages. Divers set their own pace; nobody is required to dive if tired or seasick.
Absolutely. Most non-diving guests snorkel, swim, hike on islands, and enjoy onboard relaxation. Diving is optional and never required. The experience is designed for everyone in the group.
Top sites include Manta Point (mantas), Batu Bolong (reef wall), Castle Rock (pelagic fish), Crystal Rock, Karang Makassar, Gili Lawa, and Rinca reefs. Average visibility is 15–30 m with water temperatures 26–29°C.
Private charters mean exclusive use for your group. Vessels typically range 4–8 guests on the dedicated dive phinisi tier; larger phinisis can host more. We match vessel size to your group for optimal comfort and experience.
Less dive focus? See our phinisi sailing, motor yacht, and cruise charter categories.
Shared liveaboard departures fill 4–6 weeks ahead in peak season. Private charters can flex around your schedule — tell us your dates and dive certification level.
Plan My Liveaboard ExpeditionLast updated: April 2026
