Discover the Best Indonesia Liveaboard Dive Routes
Indonesia liveaboard trips offer scuba divers one of the most unforgettable ways to explore the Coral Triangle. With over 17,500 islands and waters teeming with marine life, these cruises provide access to some of the most biodiverse and remote dive sites on the planet. From colorful reefs to nutrient-rich seas full of manta rays, sharks, and rare macro creatures, an Indonesia liveaboard is the ultimate choice for divers looking to combine adventure, comfort, and exploration.
The country’s location near the equator gives divers warm water year-round, with visibility ranging from 30 to 260 feet and depths reaching over 130 feet. Each region has a distinct microclimate, so trips can be planned almost any time of year, though certain areas have peak seasons for encounters with creatures like whale sharks, Mola Mola, and hammerhead sharks. With healthy reefs, black sand muck diving, and world-famous macro life, an Indonesia liveaboard allows divers to experience the full spectrum of underwater wonders.
Beyond the water, Indonesia offers a rich cultural and scenic experience. Passing islands reveal turquoise seas, lush vegetation, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Onboard a liveaboard, divers can combine daily dives with relaxation, photography, and exploration of remote villages or historical sites. The combination of marine diversity and adventure makes Indonesia liveaboard cruises a bucket-list experience for divers of all levels.
Why Choose an Indonesia Liveaboard
Indonesia liveaboard trips provide unique access to multiple dive destinations in a single journey. You can explore Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, and West Papua without returning to shore each night. Traveling by boat also allows divers to reach remote reefs, drift along nutrient-rich currents, and encounter schools of fish and large pelagics that are rare in crowded sites. Onboard amenities make long diving days seamless, with easy access to meals, gear storage, and relaxation.
Liveaboards also provide a variety of dive experiences that a land-based trip cannot match. Currents bring in manta rays, reef sharks, and schooling fish, while black sand muck sites host some of the rarest macro creatures in the world. Divers can combine soft coral gardens, walls, and pinnacles into one trip, ensuring every day offers something new. The combination of adventure and comfort makes these trips ideal for divers seeking an immersive experience.
Highlights of Indonesia Liveaboards:
Access to multiple remote dive destinations in one itinerary
Variety of dive types: walls, drift dives, reef flats, and muck sites
Opportunities to see both macro life and pelagics, including manta rays, sharks, and whale sharks
Onboard convenience: meals, gear storage, and comfortable accommodations
Shore excursions for cultural experiences, remote villages, and volcanic landscapes
By choosing an Indonesia liveaboard, divers gain the freedom to explore isolated reefs and unique ecosystems in comfort. With expert crew guidance and carefully planned routes, every trip offers both adventure and relaxation, making liveaboards the preferred choice for serious divers.
Raja Ampat Liveaboard Trips
Raja Ampat is considered one of the top diving destinations in the world, with unparalleled biodiversity. Divers encounter over 3,000 fish species and 600 coral types, ranging from colorful reefscapes to soft corals and black coral forests. Macro enthusiasts can find pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and crinoid shrimps, while pelagic seekers may swim alongside manta rays and wobbegongs. The area’s remote location ensures a truly exclusive diving experience.
A liveaboard in Raja Ampat allows exploration of multiple dive sites across different habitats. From shallow reef flats to deep walls and isolated pinnacles, each dive presents a unique combination of marine life and underwater landscapes. Currents bring schools of fish in incredible numbers, offering opportunities for spectacular photography and memorable encounters with rare species.
Top Raja Ampat Experiences on a Liveaboard:
Manta ray cleaning stations and sightings
Pygmy seahorses and other rare macro species
Drift dives along nutrient-rich channels
Vertical walls and isolated pinnacles
Pristine reefs largely untouched by tourism
Exploring Raja Ampat on a liveaboard ensures divers can experience the full diversity of the region. With a combination of comfort, adventure, and access to remote sites, these trips are ideal for those who want an immersive dive vacation without compromise.
Komodo Liveaboard Trips
Komodo National Park offers nutrient-rich waters and vibrant coral reefs. Currents deliver big pelagics, schooling fish, and healthy coral systems, creating a dynamic underwater environment. The park is known for its variety of dive sites, from channels and walls to coral gardens, ensuring every dive provides something new.
Liveaboard trips in Komodo often include shore excursions. Divers can visit remote islands and see the iconic Komodo dragons, combining underwater adventure with unique land experiences. These trips provide a balance of macro and pelagic encounters alongside cultural and scenic exploration.
Highlights of Komodo Liveaboards:
Vibrant coral reefs with diverse marine life
Encounters with manta rays, reef sharks, and schooling fish
Macro photography opportunities including nudibranchs and shrimps
Shore excursions to Komodo and surrounding islands
Optional routes to Moyo, Sangeang, Satonda, Sumbawa, Flores, and Alor
Komodo liveaboards deliver a complete diving experience, allowing divers to enjoy pelagics, macro life, and dramatic underwater landscapes in one trip. Routes are often varied to include less-crowded sites, giving divers a sense of exploration and discovery.
Cenderawasih Bay and Triton Bay
Cenderawasih Bay has become a hotspot for whale shark encounters. Feeding near local fishermen’s boats, it is common to see multiple whale sharks in one dive. The region also contains several WWII wrecks and excellent macro diving, making it a mix of large animal encounters and smaller, fascinating species. Limited liveaboard traffic means diving here feels pioneering.
Triton Bay, often included on longer itineraries with Raja Ampat or the Banda Sea, is famous for its striking cliffs and lush, tropical scenery. Underwater, it offers soft coral gardens, black coral forests, and schools of epaulette and whale sharks. Occasional sightings of pilot whales add a rare thrill for divers seeking encounters with unusual marine species.
Both destinations benefit from a sense of remoteness. With few other divers and largely unexplored waters, liveaboards in these regions allow divers to experience Indonesia’s wild side. The combination of pristine reefs, large animals, and unique macro life ensures these areas are unforgettable stops on any Indonesia liveaboard adventure.
Banda Sea and Ambon
The Banda Sea is emerging as a world-class dive destination, especially for those seeking both macro life and big pelagic action. Ambon Bay, in particular, is renowned for its muck diving, where divers can encounter rare creatures like Ambon scorpionfish, fingered dragonets, and multiple moray eel species.
The region also offers healthy coral reefs, clear waters, and abundant schools of fish. Its small local population means limited human impact, keeping the underwater environment pristine. Divers looking for remote experiences without large crowds will find Banda Sea liveaboards appealing.
Adding to the experience is the historical and cultural significance of the Spice Islands. Visiting these waters combines incredible diving with a sense of history and tradition, offering more than just underwater exploration. Liveaboards provide the perfect platform to see both marine wonders and local culture in a single trip.
Wakatobi, Alor, and Flores
Wakatobi in south Sulawesi is known for its pristine reefs and abundant fish life. Protected as a national park, it offers divers the chance to explore coral gardens with very few other boats around. Soft corals, colorful reefs, and thriving marine populations make it a paradise for underwater photographers.
Alor and Flores are less-visited, offering remote diving with excellent visibility and varied dive sites. Liveaboards here are ideal for those who want to avoid crowds and experience both macro and pelagic life. Shore excursions may include traditional villages, markets, or volcanic sites, enhancing the cultural side of the trip.
These regions provide a balance of adventure and exclusivity. Divers can enjoy both the underwater richness and the sense of exploring areas largely untouched by tourism. Liveaboards give access to multiple sites in a single journey, ensuring a diverse and memorable experience.
Planning Your Indonesia Liveaboard
Planning an Indonesia liveaboard starts with selecting the right departure point. Most liveaboards operate from Bali, Jakarta, or Manado, with transfers from airports or hotels included. Domestic flights connect these hubs to more remote destinations, allowing access to even the farthest islands.
Consider timing based on regional conditions. Komodo has optimal visibility from April to November, while manta rays are most frequent in December through February. Raja Ampat and West Papua are calmest and driest from October to April. North Sulawesi and Bali offer diving year-round, with seasonal variations in currents and visibility.
Planning Tips for Indonesia Liveaboards:
Choose departure ports near international hubs for easy access
Plan trips around regional peak seasons for creature encounters
Include both macro and pelagic dive interests in your itinerary
Arrange travel insurance to cover diving activities and trip changes
Coordinate transfers and accommodations for a smooth experience
Proper planning ensures a safe, convenient, and enjoyable liveaboard. With careful attention to timing, destinations, and logistics, divers can focus on the adventure and biodiversity that make Indonesia liveaboards so extraordinary.
Mermaid II
The Mermaid II is a 33-meter steel-hulled motor vessel designed for comfort and efficiency on Indonesian dive trips. It accommodates up to 18 divers, with 10 cabins ranging from deluxe twin/double cabins to more budget-friendly shared cabins. The vessel’s layout emphasizes both social spaces and personal comfort, featuring two indoor saloons, a large sun deck, and an entertainment area with movies, music, and iPads for guest use. While not a luxury yacht, Mermaid II delivers a reliable and intimate liveaboard experience with a strong focus on diving convenience.
Mermaid II primarily operates in Indonesia’s premier dive destinations, including Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda, Alor, Lembeh, Togian, and Sumbawa. Guests can expect 3 dives per day with optional night dives, guided by experienced dive leaders. The dive deck is designed for efficiency and comfort, featuring rinse tanks, storage for gear, and easy access to dive tenders. Photography enthusiasts have space to set up and rinse cameras, though dedicated camera rooms are not available.
Highlights & Features:
10 cabins (8 Deluxe, 2 Budget) with air-conditioning and sea-view windows
Up to 3 dives per day + optional night dives
2 fast dive tenders for easy access to sites
Meals served in the main saloon; buffet-style meals with snacks and drinks
Dive deck with rinse tanks and gear storage
Entertainment system, movies, iPads, music library
Operates in Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda, Lembeh, Alor, Togian, Sumbawa
Mermaid II is ideal for divers seeking a comfortable and intimate experience without the premium amenities of larger yachts. Its smaller size fosters a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, perfect for both new and experienced divers who want efficient itineraries in Indonesia’s most iconic dive regions. While it lacks some luxury touches, it consistently delivers a high-quality diving experience with reliable service and a welcoming crew.
White Manta
The White Manta is a 46-meter steel-hulled motor yacht launched in 2019, offering modern amenities and comfort for up to 22 divers. The yacht features 14 air-conditioned, ensuite cabins ranging from double/single combinations to single occupancy options, ensuring privacy and flexibility. Its large saloon includes a 52" TV, media server, and both indoor and al fresco dining areas. The sundeck is partially covered with loungers and sun chairs, creating multiple relaxation areas. This vessel is designed with serious divers and photographers in mind, boasting a spacious dive deck, 4 dive tenders, and a dedicated camera room with ample charging and workspace.
White Manta cruises cover a wide variety of Indonesian dive destinations, including Raja Ampat, Banda Sea, Lembeh, Halmahera, Triton Bay, Ambon, and the Sangalaki-Maratu-Kakaban region. Guests enjoy up to 4 dives per day plus night dives, with small groups led by 5 dive guides for personalized attention. The enriched air nitrox system is available for certified divers. Photographers benefit from the dedicated camera room, rinse tanks, and wide outdoor workspace on the dive deck. Non-divers, children, and families are well-catered for, making White Manta suitable for mixed groups.
Highlights & Features:
14 ensuite cabins with sea-view windows; single occupancy allowed
4 dives per day + night dives; 5 dive guides ensure small groups
Dedicated camera room + rinse tanks + wide outdoor workspace
4 RIB dive tenders for easy access to dive sites
24-hour satellite WiFi, indoor & al fresco dining, 5 meals/day
Operates in Raja Ampat, Banda, Komodo, Lembeh, Halmahera, Triton Bay, Ambon, Sangalaki-Maratu-Kakaban
Enriched air nitrox available; suitable for non-divers and families
White Manta is perfect for divers who value luxury, photography facilities, and exploration-focused itineraries. Its larger size and additional amenities provide a more upscale and comfortable experience, while the experienced crew ensures efficient diving operations and personal attention. It’s especially appealing for underwater photographers, families, or anyone seeking an immersive adventure to both classic and remote Indonesian dive destinations.
Amira
The Amira is a 44-meter steel-hulled liveaboard that offers luxury and comfort for up to 22 divers. Launched in 2014, it features 12 cabins on the main and upper decks, all air-conditioned and with ensuite bathrooms. The vessel emphasizes social and relaxation spaces, including a large saloon with multimedia facilities, a partially covered sundeck with loungers, and both indoor and al fresco dining areas. Amira is designed to balance comfort and efficiency, with spacious dive decks and multiple dive tenders, catering especially to divers who value convenience and personalized service.
Amira sails primarily in Indonesian hotspots such as Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda Sea, Lembeh, and Alor. It offers 4 dives per day with optional night dives, led by experienced dive guides who manage small groups for optimal underwater experiences. The dive deck is equipped with rinse tanks, storage spaces, and easy access to tenders. Photography enthusiasts are well accommodated with charging stations, storage, and ample workspace, making Amira ideal for underwater photography trips as well as general diving expeditions.
Highlights & Features:
12 air-conditioned ensuite cabins with flexible bed configurations
4 dives per day + optional night dives
3 dive tenders for easy access to dive sites
Dedicated spaces for cameras and equipment
Indoor and al fresco dining; buffet-style meals with snacks and drinks
Operates in Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda, Lembeh, Alor
Experienced crew and dive guides for small, personalized groups
Amira is suited for divers seeking a combination of comfort, accessibility, and exploration-focused itineraries. Its size provides a luxurious yet intimate atmosphere, allowing for relaxed socializing, efficient diving logistics, and support for underwater photographers. It is ideal for both new divers and seasoned explorers looking to discover some of Indonesia’s most iconic dive sites in style.
Calico Jack
The Calico Jack is a 31-meter motor yacht built for adventurous divers seeking a casual, intimate liveaboard experience. It accommodates up to 12 divers in 6 air-conditioned cabins, most with ensuite facilities. The vessel features an inviting saloon, a shaded sundeck, and an open-air dining area, prioritizing functionality and comfort. While smaller than luxury yachts like White Manta or Amira, Calico Jack offers a friendly and personal atmosphere, perfect for groups who enjoy a social vibe while exploring remote dive destinations.
Calico Jack operates across Indonesia’s top dive regions, including Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda, and the Sangalaki-Maratu-Kakaban area. Divers typically enjoy 3 dives per day with night dives available on request. The dive deck includes rinse tanks and gear storage, and the crew is attentive to both diving and logistical needs. While there is no dedicated camera room, photographers can use the dive deck for setup and charging. Calico Jack is particularly popular among divers seeking adventure, flexibility, and a more informal liveaboard experience.
Highlights & Features:
6 air-conditioned cabins; most with ensuite bathrooms
3 dives per day + optional night dives
Smaller, intimate vessel for up to 12 divers
Dive deck with rinse tanks and storage
Indoor saloon and open-air dining area
Operates in Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda, Sangalaki-Maratu-Kakaban
Casual, friendly atmosphere with attentive crew
Calico Jack is ideal for divers who prefer an intimate, adventure-focused liveaboard experience. Its smaller size allows for personalized service and a sociable environment, while still providing all essential amenities for comfortable diving. This vessel appeals to divers seeking less formal luxury, close-knit groups, and flexible itineraries in Indonesia’s most remote and biodiverse dive destinations.
Scuba Travel Agencies With Flexible Cancellation Policies
At Dive The World, we make planning your Indonesian liveaboard adventure simple and stress-free. With our extensive knowledge of dive destinations, seasonal conditions, and itineraries, we help you navigate the wide variety of options across Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, and beyond. From transfers and accommodations to special requests, we coordinate every detail so you can focus on the diving and the experience itself.
We also understand the value of flexibility. That’s why we offer guidance on liveaboards with flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to adjust plans due to weather, schedules, or unexpected changes without losing your investment. Our team can advise on which vessels provide the best access to prime dive sites, ensuring your itinerary maximizes encounters with manta rays, pelagics, macro critters, and other marine life.
Expertise across Indonesia’s top dive regions
Coordination of transfers, accommodations, and special requests
Advice on seasonal conditions and ideal dive windows
Guidance on liveaboards for every experience level
Support for flexible bookings and contingency planning
Insights into unique dive experiences, from macro life to pelagics
By working with us, you benefit from our years of experience in the region. We take care of logistics, contingencies, and insider tips so you can dive, explore, and enjoy the adventure. At Dive The World, we make sure every trip is seamless, memorable, and perfectly tailored to your diving aspirations.
Setting Sail for Your Decision
Indonesia liveaboard trips combine adventure, marine biodiversity, and comfort in ways that land-based diving cannot match. From the manta rays of Komodo to the whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay and the macro treasures of Raja Ampat, each region offers unique underwater experiences. Liveaboards provide access to remote sites, pristine reefs, and rarely visited islands, making each day an opportunity for discovery.
The vast size of Indonesia and its diverse microclimates allow divers to explore year-round. By choosing destinations carefully and planning around seasonal highlights, you can maximize encounters with pelagics, schools of fish, and rare macro species. Onboard accommodations and transfers streamline logistics, letting you focus entirely on diving and exploration.
We encourage you to get in touch with us to plan your perfect Indonesia liveaboard. Our team can help you select the best routes, advise on seasons, and ensure all logistics are handled so you can fully enjoy the adventure. Let’s make your liveaboard dreams a reality and dive into one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth together.
