Adelaar Komodo Liveaboard: Premium Diving Adventures
Komodo National Park: An Unmatched Destination
Experience the unparalleled beauty of Komodo National Park with Adelaar, the premier Komodo luxury liveaboard. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this breathtaking destination offers not only encounters with the famous Komodo dragons but also a dive into an extraordinary underwater world. Set sail with Adelaar to explore the park’s dramatic landscapes and vibrant marine life.
Diving Year-Round: A Season for Every Explorer
Komodo is an exceptional diving destination throughout the year, each season bringing its own distinctive allure. With Adelaar’s Komodo liveaboard, you can dive from May to September, experiencing warmer waters in the north and cooler, nutrient-rich currents in the south during the summer, while in winter, these conditions reverse. This seasonal diversity ensures every dive is a uniquely memorable experience.
Cruise Durations: Adelaar Signature and Whale Sharks
Adelaar Liveaboard offers a variety of cruise durations to suit different schedules and preferences. Our 10-night Signature Bali-Komodo-Bali cruise is perfect for those who enjoy the journey and wish to avoid domestic flights. This itinerary combines the excitement of open-sea sailing with the rich marine biodiversity of Komodo.
On every cruise passing by Sumbawa, we include a stop at Teluk Saleh for diving or snorkeling sessions with whale sharks. Here, guests can spend hours marveling at these gentle giants around the bagans (fishing platforms).
For a shorter experience, our 7-night cruises to and from Labuan Bajo provide a private and intimate exploration of Komodo’s waters.
Komodo Liveaboard Diving: Essential Guide to Water Temperatures
Explore Komodo’s Waters with Adelaar where the northern and southern waters offer varied diving experiences. The northern waters of Komodo are warmer, ranging from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), while the southern waters are cooler, between 21°C and 26°C (70°F to 79°F). This temperature difference affects the marine life and visibility, offering a unique diving experience in each region.
For comfort in these varying temperatures, a 5mm thick wetsuit is recommended. It provides warmth in the south and flexibility in the north, ensuring a comfortable dive throughout Komodo National Park.
Marine Life Galore: Dive into Diversity
Komodo’s waters are teeming with life, making it a top destination for divers worldwide. Adelaar’s Komodo liveaboard takes you to premier dive sites like Manta Alley, where majestic manta rays glide, and Castle Rock, known for its vibrant corals. Dive at Batu Bolong for an aquarium-like experience, and feel the adrenaline at The Cauldron’s famous drift dive. Tatawa Besar and Tatawa Kecil offer a ballet of colorful marine species, ideal for underwater photography. These sites are a haven for divers seeking encounters with sharks, turtles, and a myriad of tropical fish.
Day 1: Welcome to Adelaar!
The meeting point will be at the Main Passenger Jetty in Serangan Harbor at 8:30 AM, where our crew will welcome you. As soon as everyone is aboard, we depart Serangan and move along the coastline of Bali, cruising overnight to Satonda Island. We hope for a magnificent sunset over Bali’s majestic Mt Agung.
Day 2 Moyo & Satonda Islands, Sumbawa
Two morning dives are scheduled at Pulau Moyo along the fringing reef outside the main village. Arrival in Satonda will be late afternoon with one dive along a sloping reef, with a sandy bottom and with many coral outcroppings. As the sun sets, the sky fills with bats heading to the mainland for their nightly forage. We prepare for the first night dive of the trip. (2 – 3 dives)
Day 3 Teluk Saleh
Teluk Saleh Bay where we will spend time with the surfacing Whale sharks. This permanent aggregate of whale sharks have recently been discovered. Conservation International was instrumental in tagging the sharks and educating the local villages on conservation measures to preserve the habitat of these gentle giants. Our onboard team works closely with the local village who guide us to the spots of recent sightings. Early morning snorkeling and diving session with the sea giants. Afterward we continue our travel to Komodo National park.(2-3 day dives)
Day 4: North Komodo National Park – Gili Lawa Laut
We are up early for a glimpse of the sunrise as we arrive at Gili Lawa Laut. The park is located in the region known as Wallacea, denoting the overlapping of Australian and Asian biogeographical areas. There is a splendid assortment of dive sites just outside this picturesque bay. (3-4 dives)
Day 5: Central Komodo National Park – Komodo Island
Dragons! We go ashore at 7:00 AM for a ranger guided hike into the interior of Komodo Island, to look for Komodo dragons. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the only natural habitat of these giant monitor lizards. So the area was designated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. Once safely back aboard, we travel south for a late morning and afternoon dive along the coast of Komodo. At dusk, we dive Lehok Sera to search for the elusive mandarin fish. (3-4 dives)
Day 6: South Komodo National Park – Rinca & Nusa Kode
An early morning departure is planned, as we head to the extreme southern end of Komodo to Manta Alley. This area typically has much cooler temperatures with nutrient rich waters, perfect for Mantas! We enjoy lunch as the boat moves to southern Rinca to an area known as Nusa Kode. With the towering cliff walls surrounding all sides, the landscape in this remote area, is breathtaking. The resident dragon population likes to sun themselves on the beach from time to time. Catch a glimpse of these prehistoric animals from the safety of Adelaar’s main deck. After the sun sets, we prepare for a night dive, and a late dinner. (3-4 dives)
Day 7: Center Komodo National Park – Wainilu
We depart early from Padar and enter the central park area, also known as ‘current city’. This area of the park is subjected to the strong tidal currents that run through the Lintah Strait, bringing with them, plenty of marine life. These currents make for lots of action and exhilarating drift dives. Besides, mantas are often swimming in these parts. In the late afternoon, we make our way north toward Wainilu and prepare for a night dive. (3-4 dives)
Day 8: North Komodo National Park – Gili Lawa Laut & Gili Lawa Darat
We spend the morning diving around the northern boundary of the park off the islands of Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat. Then, we say goodbye to Komodo National Park and start our westward journey back towards Bali. We stop for the night in Banta Island, just outside the park boundary, and prepare for our last night dive. (3-4 dives)
Day 9: Sangeang volcano, Sumbawa
A very early morning departure, with destination Sangeang, a volcano whose most recent eruption was in 2014. Upon our sunrise approach, Sangeang rises majestically from the sea, emitting the occasional puff of smoke. The black sandy bottom of this site makes for spectacular diving. Indeed, in places, a steady stream of gaseous sulfur, bubbles up from the sand making its way towards the surface. Swimming through, you have the feeling of being in an underwater jacuzzi! Tonight, we sail through the night towards Moyo Island. (3 dives)
Day 10: Moyo Island, Sumbawa
We arrive at Moyo Island early this morning, for our final two dives along the fringing reef, outside the main village. A shore excursion takes you through the local village along a winding path towards a waterfall. Those daring enough can grab the rope, swing out over the falls and drop into the pool below! We finally sail through the night towards Bali. (2 dives)
Day 11: Thanks for joining us!
Arrival in Serangan Harbor, Bali will be after 10:00 AM. We wish you a nice journey back home or to your next destination. Thank you for joining us on the best Liveaboard in Komodo.
Day 1: Welcome to Adelaar!
A domestic flight from the island of Bali or Jakarta brings you to the harbor town of Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores. Our staff greets you at the airport and facilitate your transfer to your hotel (on day before departure) or to the harbor where Adelaar is anchored (on the day of departure). As soon as everyone is aboard, we depart the harbor, with destination Sabolon island, where we will do 1 or 2 check dives. Then, we anchor in a quiet bay for the night. (1 dive)
Day 2: North Komodo National Park
We spend the day diving around the northern boundary of the Park, off the uninhabited islands of Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat. At sunset we move in closer to Komodo bay for our night dive. (4 dives)
Day 3: North & Central Komodo National Park
An early morning hike is planned on Komodo for a chance to see the elusive Komodo dragon. Dives will be along the coast of Komodo as we head down to the southern end of the Island. A night dive is planned. (4 dives)
Day 4: South Komodo Island & South Rinca
This morning we move around to the extreme southern end of Komodo Island to our dive site, Manta Alley. This area typically has much cooler temperatures with nutrient rich waters, perfect for Mantas! After our two dives here, we enjoy lunch as the boat moves to southern Rinca to an area known as Nusa Kode. With the towering cliff walls surrounding all sides, the landscape in this remote destination is breathtaking. Dragons like to roam the beach area scavenging for food, easily seen from the safety of the Adelaar. A night dive is planned. (4 dives)
Day 5: South Rinca & Padar island
An early morning departure out of the bay and we move north to Padar for the day. Just before sunset, we go ashore and hike across Padar to a beautiful crescent bay, with a perfect view of the sunset. Alternately, for those who prefer to be underwater, a night dive is planned. (4 dives)
Day 6: Sebayur
Our last diving day is spent around the island of Sebayur just north of the park. (2 dives)
Day 7: Labuan Bajo
We arrive in Labuan Bajo in the morning at 7:00 AM then disembark after breakfast for your onward journey.Thanks for joining us!
This is a sample itinerary and subject to change due to wind and weather conditions.
For our non-diving guests, in addition to snorkeling, we offer Stand-Up-Paddle boards (SUP), and a 2-seater kayak. Not all areas of the park are suitable for these activities. Our cruise manager will be able to find the right times and places for these activities.
Day 1: Welcome to Adelaar!
The meeting point will be at the Main Passenger Jetty in Serangan Harbor at 8:30 AM, where our crew are standing by to welcome you. As soon as everyone is aboard, we depart Serangan and move along the coastline of Bali, cruising overnight to Satonda Island. We hope for a magnificent sunset over Bali’s majestic Mt Agung.
Day 2: Moyo & Satonda Islands, Sumbawa
Two morning dives are scheduled at Pulau Moyo along the fringing reef outside the main village. Arrival in Satonda will be late afternoon with one dive along a sloping reef, with a sandy bottom and with many coral outcroppings. As the sunsets, the sky fills with bats heading to the mainland for their nightly forage. We prepare for the first night dive of the trip, and afterwards will travel through the night to Sangeang. (3-4 dives)
Day 3 Teluk Saleh
Teluk Saleh Bay where we will spend time with the surfacing Whale sharks. This permanent aggregate of whale sharks have recently been discovered. Conservation International was instrumental in tagging the sharks and educating the local villages on conservation measures to preserve the habitat of these gentle giants. Our onboard team works closely with the local village who guide us to the spots of recent sightings. Early morning snorkeling and diving session with the sea giants. Afterward we continue our travel to Sangeang.(2-3 day dives)
Day 4: Sangeang Volcano, Sumbawa
Sangeang volcano, whose most recent eruption was in 2014, rises on the horizon. As we approach the island at sunrise, be prepared for an occasional puff of smoke from the still active crater. The black sandy bottom of this site makes for spectacular diving. Indeed, in places, a steady stream of gaseous sulfur bubbles up from the sand towards the surface, creating the feeling of an underwater jacuzzi! We will then anchor for the night here, with a night dive planned. (2 dives)
Day 5: Central Komodo National Park – Komodo Island
Dragons! We go ashore at 7:00 AM for a ranger guided hike into the interior of Komodo Island, to look for Komodo dragons. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the only natural habitat of these giant monitor lizards. The area was designated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. Once safely back aboard, we travel south for a late morning dive along the coast of Komodo. At dusk, we dive Lehok Sera to search for the elusive mandarin fish. (3 dives)
Day 6: South Komodo National Park – Nusa Kode
We plan an early morning departure, as we head to the extreme southern end of Komodo to Manta Alley. This area typically has much cooler temperatures with nutrient rich waters, perfect for Mantas! We then enjoy lunch as the boat moves to southern Rinca to an area known as Nusa Kode. With the towering cliff walls surrounding all sides, the landscape in this remote area, is breathtaking. The resident dragon population likes to sun themselves on the beach from time to time. Catch a glimpse of these prehistoric animals from the safety of Adelaar’s main deck.. After the sun sets, we prepare for a night dive, and a late dinner. (3-4 dives)
Day 7: North Komodo National Park
We enjoy the last dives of the trip around the Northern boundary of the Park and the islands of Sebayur. Be aware of your “no fly time” and plan your last dive to stay within safe flight limits. (2 dives)
Day 8: Thanks for joining us!
We arrive in Labuan Bajo in the morning by 7:00 AM. Disembark after breakfast for your onward journey. We wish you a nice journey back home or to your next destination. Thank you for joining us on the best Liveaboard in Komodo.
* Our itinerary Komodo-Bali follows the same journey steps in reverse (download both PDFs above).
Day 1: Bali
After boarding Adelaar in Serangan in the South of Bali, you will enjoy your first day on board whilst cruising along the Bali coast in the afternoon before crossing the Wallace line in the evening.
Day 2: Moyo
Clear, warm water with lots of fish awaits you on the first day of diving on the seamounts off the island of Moyo. An optional village visit with a stroll to a nearby waterfall is also possible. (2 to 3 day dives)
Day 3: Sangeang
After a second night’s crossing, the critters inhabiting the colourful reefs of Sangeangs rich black sandy slopes are waiting to be discovered. (3 day dives, 1 night dive)
Day 4: Banta
A completely different underwater landscape provides the setting for today’s underwater adventure. The hard coral formations on Bantas white sandy substrate are the home of a multitude of fish, turtles, sea snakes, reef sharks and the occasional eagle and manta rays. (3 day dives, 1 night dive)
Day 5: South Komodo National Park
This whole day is dedicated to rays: during the day we check out ‘Manta Alley’, arguably one of the world’s best sites to observe the gentle giants – and in the evening we look for their smaller cousins, the elusive torpedo rays. (3 day dives, 1 night dive)
Day 6: South Rinca Komodo National Park
Extraordinarily healthy and unique reefs that shelter an abundance of weird and wonderful critters make this part of the Komodo national park a photographer’s dream. (3 day dives, 1 night dive)
Day 7: Central Komodo National Park
In the morning we visit the island of Rinca to spot some of the terrestrial wildlife found in the park – with the Komodo dragons as highlights. After the walk we’ll dive some of the action packed sites of the central section of the park – stunning coral reefs bathed in a dazzling explosion of colourful fish life, that will make any diver beg for more of the same. (2 day dives, 1 night dive)
Day 8: Gili Lawa North Komodo National Park
The seamounts and drift dives around the Gili Lawa islands in the northernmost part of the park are deservedly amongst the signature dive sites of the Komodo archipelago – a real diver’s dream. In the evening, the effort of climbing up to the viewpoint will be rewarded with a glorious sunset over the whole national park. (3 day dives, 1 night dive)
Day 9: Tatawa Komodo National Park
The constant current feeding the corals around the Tatawa islands make sure that the surrounding reefs are as colorful as tropical reefs can get – an adequate setting for our last dives in the park. (3 day dives)
Day 10: Palue
The steep walls of the volcanic Island Palue to the North of Central Flores are covered in soft corals and gorgonians – with a bit of luck we might even spot a pygmy seahorse or some of the rare nudibranchs found on these reefs. After the morning’s diving, we’ll pull up the sails and start the final stretch of our voyage. (2 day dives)
Day 11: Maumere
After a last delicious breakfast it is time to say goodbye and disembark – until the next time.
(Actual itinerary might vary depending on weather and sea conditions)
* Our itinerary Maumere-Bali follows the same journey steps in reverse (download both PDFs above)
Day 1 Labuan Bajo
A domestic flight from the island of Bali or Jakarta brings you to the harbor town of Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores. You are greeted at the airport by our staff for transfer direct to the harbor where Adelaar is anchored. As soon as everyone is aboard, we depart the harbor, with destination Sebayur, where we will do our check dive. We move to Kalong to anchor for the night. At sunset, the skies are filled with fruit bats taking flight to the mainland for their nightly feed. (1 Dive)
Day 2 Komodo National Park Dragon walk
Dragons! We go ashore at 7:00 AM for a ranger guided hike into on Rinca Island, to look for Komodo dragons. And hope to spot some of the terrestrial wildlife found in the park. After the walk we’ll dive some of the action-packed sites of the central section of the park – stunning coral reefs bathed in a dazzling explosion of colorful fish life, that will make any diver beg for more of the same. (3 dives)
Day 3 Komodo National Park
The seamounts and drift dives around the Gili Lawa islands in the northernmost part of the park are deservedly amongst the signature dive sites of the Komodo archipelago – a real diver’s dream. In the evening, the effort of climbing up to the viewpoint will be rewarded with a glorious sunset over the whole national park. (4 dives)
Day 4 Sangeang
A very early morning departure, with destination Sangeang, a volcano whose most recent eruption was in 2014. Upon our sunrise approach, Sangeang rises majestically from the sea, emitting the occasional puff of smoke. The black sandy bottom of this site makes for spectacular diving. In places, a steady stream of gaseous sulphur, bubbles up from the sand making its way towards the surface. Swimming through, you have the feeling of being in an underwater jacuzzi! The critters inhabiting the colorful reefs of Sangeang’s rich black sandy slopes are waiting to be discovered. Tonight, we sail through the night towards Moyo Island. (3 dives)
Day 5 Moyo
We arrive at Moyo Island early this morning, for our two dives along the fringing reef, near the main village. Clear, warm water with lots of fish await you on the seamounts off the island of Moyo. A shore excursion takes you through the local village along a winding path towards a waterfall. Those daring enough can grab the rope, swing out over the falls and drop into the pool below! Once back onboard, we move into Teluk Saleh a large bay hosting a permanent aggregate of whale sharks. (2 dives + waterfall walk)
Day 6 Teluk Saleh
Our cruise director is up extremely early to meet up with our local fixer to coordinate our whale shark encounter with the local Bagans. Going by dinghy from platform to platform to find out who has sighted circling whale sharks. Once identified, we get geared up as Adelaar moves closer to the Bagan site. Typically clear water. (Bagans, 1 dive)
Day 7 Sumbawa Besar
After breakfast, it is time to disembark and say goodbye – until the next time.
(Actual itinerary might vary depending on weather and sea conditions)
* Our itinerary Sumbawa Besar-Komodo follows the same journey steps in reverse (download both PDFs above)
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