I spent six days diving in Komodo in June with the Komodo Sea Dragon liveaboard. This is my review of the trip and the diving. Komodo is a very special place to explore and offers some of the best diving in the world. Keep reading to find out if the Komodo Sea Dragon is the best boat for your next Komodo adventure.
Content of this article:
How to get to Komodo ( Labuan Bajo)?
Komodo is an amazing destination for diving and cruising and is a must-visit for everyone. The town of Labuan Bajo in Flores is the entry point to the national park.
The Komodo Sea Dragon departs from Labuan Bajo and can be easily accessed with direct flights from Bali, which take about one hour. Over ten direct flights are available daily.
Labuan Bajo also offers direct flights to Jakarta and Makassar.
Tip: If you are flying internationally to Jakarta, be aware that there are two airports in Jakarta. Therefore, ensure that both your flights depart from the same airport.”
What airlines to choose in Indonesia?
I usually fly to Labuan Bajo with Garuda, as they have an excellent luggage policy for diving equipment.
Tip: Currently, Garuda allows 23 kg of diving equipment as free extra baggage, making it the best choice of airline for divers in Indonesia.
Other good options include Air Asia, Citilink and Batik Air.
I took one of my flights in business class with Batik Air, and it was not worth it. You get an extra 10 kg of baggage allowance and a bigger seat, but that’s it. There is no lounge access and no extra food and drink on the plane. Not even a coffee or a soft drink—just the same small plastic water bottle you get in economy.
Tip: If you fly Air Asia, it is cheaper to pre-book your diving bag as sports equipment than as regular luggage.
If you’re considering booking Lionair because it looks cheaper, read my review on why I will not fly Lion Air here.
Tip: Airlines in Indonesia do not usually check the weight of my carry-on bag as long as it is a reasonable size.
Getting from the Labuan Bajo Airport to the Port
Keep in mind that the Komodo Sea Dragon does not provide airport transfers, so you will need to arrange your own transportation to meet them at the harbor.
Upon arrival at Labuan Bajo’s Komodo Airport (LBJ), you can easily find taxis just outside the airport. At the time of writing, the cost for a taxi ride to the harbor was about 100,000 Rupiahs (approximately 6 USD). The airport is conveniently located just a short drive from the town center, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition from air travel to land travel.
Getting on the Komodo Sea Dragon
I was given the cruise director’s WhatsApp phone number, so I messaged them when I arrived at the port. The port was very crowded and a bit confusing, with many boats, but the Komodo Sea Dragon team did a great job of finding me. They spotted me as soon as I got out of the taxi and collected my bags. Then, we boarded a small tender boat to get to the bigger boat.
Review of the Komodo Sea Dragon Boat
The Komodo Sea Dragon is an impressive 38-meter vessel that offers tailored accommodation for just 12 passengers across 6 cabins, ensuring an intimate and expansive experience. In contrast to the trend of larger boats accommodating 14 to 20 passengers, the coziness and exclusivity offered by the Komodo Sea Dragon are enjoyable. Despite its somewhat weathered exterior, the interior provides a comforting and inviting atmosphere.
This vessel is designed to cruise the tranquil waters of Komodo, with all cabins and common areas located above deck, allowing for breathtaking panoramic views. The staircase is wide and easy to navigate. Crafted from warm wood, the boat emanates a soothing ambiance that enhances the seafaring adventure.
The Komodo Sea Dragon is accompanied by an 18-meter diving boat that follows it around Komodo, ensuring that diving gear and compressors are housed separately, preserving the main boat’s space.
Review of the main deck on the Komodo Sea Dragon
We boarded the Komodo Sea Dragon through the main deck, and I was immediately impressed by its spacious layout. The well-maintained deck features polished wooden floors and plenty of seating areas, both indoors and outdoors. The main deck includes an outdoor lounge area, a dining room, and 2 balcony cabins at the rear of the boat.
Outdoor lounge area
On the outdoor seating area, comfortable loungers are strategically placed, perfect for enjoying a drink after diving and taking in the stunning views of the Komodo National Park. The open-air setup is shaded and allows for a constant breeze, making it an ideal spot to unwind with a book or chat with fellow divers.
Dining Room
The dining room on the Komodo Sea Dragon features large windows that provide panoramic views of the ocean. On the left side, there is a large table for 12 guests. The communal dining style fosters a sense of camaraderie among guests, making meal times enjoyable and social.
On the right side of the dining room, there is a very comfortable sofa, as well as a tea and coffee station. The coffee provided is instant, but there is a varied selection of five or six different types of tea to choose from. Throughout the day, a selection of fruits is also available. This is the area where the Wi-Fi modem is located, so if you want to check your emails, this is the place to be.
Each guest receives a refillable aluminum water bottle to use during the trip. The bottle can be refilled at the water station in the dining room.
The kitchen is located below deck and isn’t visible, with an installed elevator for easily transporting dishes up and down.
Review of the upper deck on the Komodo Sea Dragon
The upper deck has 4 cabins, the bridge, and the sun deck
Sun Deck
On the top deck, you’ll find a dozen comfortable sunbeds that offer a front-row seat to nature’s breathtaking theater. Whether you want to bask in the warm glow of the sunset or lose yourself in the twinkling stars above, this area has got you covered. The adjustable awning serves as your personal spotlight, allowing you to tailor the ambiance to your liking. With abundant space for all 12 passengers, you’ll never have to worry about missing out on this serene experience. Stepping onto the top deck is like finding your own slice of paradise amidst the vast expanse of the open sea.
Tip: Be cautious of the sun. Komodo is near the equator, and the sun is treacherous. Apply sunscreen generously, and make sure you use a reef-safe sunscreen, as some products are harmful to the sea.
How do you know if your sunscreen is reef-safe?
Check the ingredients label on your sunscreen. Ingredients generally recognized as safe include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Unsafe ingredients include PABA and trolanlminevsalicytate. Octinoxate and Oxybenzone are also banned in a few countries.
Review of the cabins on the Komodo Sea Dragon
The Komodo Sea Dragon only has 6 cabins, which is quite limited for a boat of its size. 4 of the cabins are luxury cabins with private balconies, and the other 2 are standard cabins with windows.
Overview of the balcony cabin
I stayed in the upstairs balcony cabin number 5 on the Komodo Sea Dragon, and those cabins are nothing short of luxurious. They are some of the most spacious cabins you can find on a liveaboard in Indonesia and are well-appointed. The bed was large and incredibly comfortable, with high-quality linens and pillows that ensured a good night’s sleep.
Tip: The bed can’t be separated into 2 beds, so if you are sharing with a friend, you might prefer the standard cabins. Please note that their is a sofa in the room that could be used as a bed for a child or a small person
The cabin featured ample storage space, including a wardrobe and desk. There is a safety box in the wardrobe.
Tip: Request a balcony cabin on the upper deck. They are further away from the motor, so it will be a bit quieter.
The cabin had 10 charging plugs!! So you can keep all your gadgets charged. The boat doesn’t have a camera room, but with the desk in the room and all the plugs, it can become your own camera room. Some of the plugs are international and have USB sockets.
Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning that you can adjust individually.
The large windows allowed for plenty of natural light and offered a beautiful view of the sea, making it a serene and relaxing retreat. If you don’t like using AC, the windows can be opened, allowing you to get fresh air into the cabin.
Tip: If you open your window, be carefull as the boat motors of both the main boat and the diving boat was sometimes very smelly and a strong smell of pertrol fume would enter the room.
What truly set the Komodo Sea Dragon Deluxe cabins apart was the secluded balcony at the stern of the boat. I spent numerous hours there, captivated by the awe-inspiring Komodo landscape stretching out before me.
The standard cabins were also quite spacious. They have 2 single beds, so they are a better option if you are sharing with a friend. They are also located on the upper deck so, away from the motor noise, and with large panoramic windows that can be opened. They only miss the balcony.
Overview of the bathroom
The shower area is separated from the main bathroom, so you can keep everything dry. Shampoo and soap are provided.
Tip: Bring your own conditioner as the seawater from diving can be hard on the hairs
A hairdryer is provided.
The cabin was cleaned daily, and fresh towels were provided midweek.
Tip: the window of the bathroom is seethrough so people outside can actually see you inside. It is easy to fix. Just bring a sarong or a towel, and you can make your own curtain
Review of the food on the Komodo Sea Dragon
The food options on the Komodo Sea Dragon are abundant and diverse. I have never encountered such a wide selection on a small liveaboard.
Breakfast
Every morning at 7 a.m., before the first dive, a breakfast spread is offered to cater to all tastes and preferences. It includes a variety of fresh tropical fruits—pineapples, papayas, and watermelon—as well as yogurts. For those who prefer a heartier start, there are toasts and a selection of warm dishes. There are 6 different options to choose from every day, including eggs, sausages, noodles, and fried rice. Coffee, a selection of teas, and fresh juices are always available.
Lunch and Dinner
Lunch and dinner onboard are buffet-style with a variety of dishes reflecting both Indonesian and international cuisine. There are always fresh salads with crisp vegetables and a choice of dressings, as well as a selection of hot dishes. You might find Indonesian classics like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), or satay skewers with a rich peanut sauce on any given day. There are also Western options such as pasta, grilled chicken, and fish dishes. The menu is written on a board every morning, giving you a chance to anticipate and look forward to the meals later in the day.
What was truly remarkable was the fact that, in addition to the already extensive buffet offering a wide variety of options, we were also given the opportunity to select from a range of à la carte dishes. This included the ability to choose an extra course from a selection of three main courses and three dessert options for every meal.
Snacks and drinks
There is a table where fruits, tea, and coffee are available all day to keep everyone satisfied. After the third dive at 4 pm, guests are welcomed back with a spread of light snacks such as cookies, cakes, or fresh fruit.
The onboard bar is well-stocked with a variety of drinks, including soft drinks, juices, beer, and wine. It is available for a fee. A beer is 60000 pies, soft drinks are 30000, and wine starts at 450000 per bottle. For those who enjoy a cocktail, the crew is more than happy to mix up something special.
Special Dietary Needs
One of the standout aspects of the dining experience on the Komodo Sea Dragon is the attention to special dietary needs. The chef kindly adapted dishes to my dietary requirements and made sure I always had plenty of options to choose from. Prior to the trip, guests are asked about their dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone’s needs are met from the first meal to the last.
Review of the crew on Komodo Sea Dragon
The Komodo Sea Dragon has a big crew of 16 people which is a lot of crew for a boat that can hold a maximum of 12 guests. There is a good atmosphere on the boat. Yello, the cruise director, is local to Flores and was very attentive to the guest’s needs. The boat and cabins are kept clean, the food is delicious, and they organize four dives a day. The team was very friendly, and the two waiters were always proactive in asking us if we wanted a drink.
Who are the other passengers on the Komodo Sea Dragon?
During my trip, we were only 10 passengers and were from all over the world. Most passengers were beginners with 20-100 dives, and the crew did a good job of selecting the dive sites and dive times to minimize the current.
Passengers were from China, Europe and Australia
Tip: The boat is chinese owned and there is a large selection of dive books in chinese for chinese passengers
Review of the dive organization onboard the Komodo Sea Dragon
Diving schedule
The Komodo Sea Dragon liveaboard usually schedules four dives per day. The first dive is at 7:50, the second at 10:30, the third at 14:30, and a night dive at 18:00.
On most liveaboard in Indonesia, you don’t dive on the first day as it is spent resting and getting familiar with the boat. On the Komodo Sea Dragon, they, however, offer two dives on the first day.
Only two dives are offered the day before departure to comply with the 24-hour no-dive safety limit before a flight. This allows divers enough time to degas before their flight. Make sure to schedule your flight after 12:00 to participate in the last two dives. During the 6-day cruise, 18 dives were offered, which, in addition to the excursions, kept us very busy.
Dive briefing
The dive briefings were professional and included a map of the dive site, a dive plan, and instructions on the expected current. The maximum dive time is 60 minutes (or 50 bars).
The dive masters systematically checked the current before getting us in the water, and the currents were well managed, as we never had to dive against it.
The diving was well-organized, and we would typically have a cup of tea during the surface interval between the two-morning dives.
Diving from a day boat
What makes the Komodo Sea Dragon different from most other liveaboard in Indonesia is that there is a smaller diving boat following the main liveaboard.
All the gears and tanks stay on that boat.
The Komodo Sea Dragon would usually park at a mooring in an area in the morning and stay there until the next day. We would then reach the dive sites using the Dive boat.
On the plus side, it allowed the Komodo Sea Dragon to get the best moorings in a protected area, so we had very quiet nights. Great for people who are prone to sea sickness. On the downside, it could sometimes take 30 or 40 minutes on the dive boat to reach the dive site. The dive boat would also leave for 2 dives in the morning with no option to come back to your cabin on the main boat to shower or relax.
Tip: Make sure you bring the dive towels located in your cabin on the day boat as you won’t come back to the main boat between the first and the second dive
The diving boat is spacious. The bottom level has diving equipment and a toilet. Each diver is assigned a station with a box to store their equipment. There is a bench in front of the dive tank, making it easy to gear up.
Tip: The motor smelled horribly when the boat started, so to avoid that, you might want to sit on the upper deck when they start the engine
Getting into the water is super simple: We just walk to the back of the boat and jump from the platform.
Coming back on the boat after the dive is equally easy as the ladder is large and comfortable.
The top level of the diving boat has a shaded relaxing space with 12 bean bags. It was a great place to be during the surface interval.
Nitrox, Tanks, and Gears
The crew would change the tanks for us between dives, making it effortless. they would even open the tank for us!
The Komodo Sea Dragon has a new Nitrox compressor, but it wasn’t yet fully operational during my cruise. I was, however, grateful to the team for trying to make it work for me and allowing me to dive with Nitrox. Nitrox costs an extra 15 USD per day, and I recommend you analyze your tank and even bring your analyzer while they get familiar with the new equipment. The analyzer on the boat was a bit finicky, and the same tank would come back with a Nitrox content ranging from 29 to 37…
Tip: If you need Nitrox, it’s best to pre-book it as the capacity is currently limited.
The water temperature was consistently 28 or 29 degrees in the north of Komodo but came down to 24 degrees in the south, so you might want to bring a 5 mm dive suit for those dives.
You could be tempted to dive without a wetsuit. Still, I recommend wearing at least a rash guard, as jellyfish and stinging plankton are present in the water.
Most passengers on the boat were beginner divers who rented their diving gear from the boat. The gear seemed to be in good condition.
Tip: For you own safety, bring a dive computer and an SMB. Reef hooks and gloves are not allowed in Komodo.
Diving groups are organized by levels.
There were only ten divers during my week. The Komodo Sea Dragon had four dive masters. There were two groups of four divers, and then two other people who were not good divers had a dive master each. Even if the boat is full, they usually have three dive masters for 12 divers, which gives you a maximum of four divers per group. They also allocate groups based on diving experience. The dive masters, Yello, Amanda, and Cristo, were competent and caring.
Review of the Itinerary of the 6-day Komodo Cruise with the Komodo Sea Dragon
I went on a six-day cruise in June, visiting the most famous dive sites in Komodo and some iconic parts of the national park.
Day 1: Settling in and check-dive
We boarded at the end of the morning and were quickly on our way, navigating towards the Komodo resort and Sebayur dive site. T
The boat departed shortly after lunchtime, and we had 2 hours of peaceful navigation until the first dive site.
Unlike many liveaboards who don’t dive on the first day, the Komodo Sea Dragon got right into the serious things and offered one afternoon dive and one night dive.
We also had a lot of time to get familiar with the boat and unpack.
We anchored near the Komodo Sea Dragon and enjoyed the beautiful view.
It was already time for our first Komodo sunset.
Day 2: Central Komodo diving with eagle and manta rays.
Siaba Kecil Dive site
Siaba Kecil is a drift dive, and it was a bit of an adventure for us. The tide was falling, and we started our dive on the north side reef of the island. At 18 meters, the sloping reef was adorned with beautiful soft corals, creating a stunning underwater landscape. Just five minutes into the dive, we lost one of the divers and had to abort the dive. Fortunately, he was okay; he just got afraid of the current. Once we regrouped and ensured everyone was safe, we went down again and were able to continue exploring Siaba kecil dive site .
The sheer diversity of marine life was striking. Schools of colorful fish swirled around me, creating a mesmerizing underwater dance. At 18 meters, there was a fish overhang where we saw a fantastic array of marine life. Hawksbill turtles and sweetlips were abundant, adding to the richness of the dive. We also encountered a blacktip shark and eagle rays, which made the dive even more exhilarating. The coral formations were healthy, diverse, and bursting with color. White tips, Napoleon wrasses, and schooling fusiliers added to the dynamic underwater environment. In the shallow area, beautiful staghorn corals with anthias created a vibrant and picturesque scene.
The water temperature, ranging from 28 to 29 degrees Celsius, was perfect, making the dive comfortable and enjoyable.
Makassar Reef dive site
We had originally planned to dive Mawan, but the waves were too big, so we decided to dive Makassar reef in search of Mantas.
Makassar reef is one of the favorite sites in Komodo, known for its manta encounters, and it didn’t disappoint. The reef itself is beautiful, but it bears the scars of a harsh past. The site is called Makassar Reef because of the fishermen from Makassar who once dynamited the reef, leaving it destroyed and full of broken coral. It is incredible that people can be so short-sighted and destroy the ecosystem in such a way. Though dynamite fishing isn’t practiced in Komodo anymore, I was in Kalimantan last month, and we could still hear explosions and dynamite fishing while diving near Maratua!
Despite the damaged coral, we don’t dive at Makassar Reef for its coral, but for the chance to see the magnificent manta rays.
As we drifted along the reef, the first awe-inspiring sight was a majestic manta ray. It appeared almost out of nowhere, gliding gracefully through the water with its enormous wings. Seeing it up close was surreal; its size and elegance were truly mesmerizing. It circled around us a few times, giving us an unforgettable show.
Not long after, we encountered a few sharks. They swam close enough for us to get a really good look, their sleek bodies cutting effortlessly through the water. The mix of excitement and respect I felt watching these powerful creatures was indescribable.
Tatawa Besar dive site
The current was gentle, making it an enjoyable drift dive that allowed us to fully appreciate the stunning underwater landscape without too much effort.
As we drifted along, schools of colorful fish were everywhere, moving in synchrony and creating a dynamic, ever-changing scene. I saw angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish, their colors vivid against the coral backdrop. At one point, a group of fusiliers passed by, their silver bodies shimmering in the light.
One of the highlights of the dive was encountering a few of hawksbill turtles. They were unbothered by our presence, gracefully gliding through the water and stopping occasionally to nibble on the coral.
A night dive was offered but I chose to stay onboard and enjoy the sunset from my private balcony.
Day 3: South Komodo: colder water and stunning viewpoints
Three sisters dive site review.
The Three Sisters consist of three large, submerged pinnacles that rise from the ocean floor, creating an impressive and dramatic underwater landscape. The pinnacles are covered in a beautiful mix of hard and soft corals. The structure was teeming with life, with colorful corals providing shelter for a myriad of fish. It is incredible that this place is a short distance from central Komodo, but the water temperature and the corals are totally different. The colors here are much more soft, almost pastel-like.
Moving between the pinnacles, we navigated through a sandy channel that connected the first and second structures. Schools of fusiliers and snapper swam between the pinnacles, creating a mesmerizing underwater ballet. This pinnacle was equally stunning, with an abundance of gorgonian sea fans and sponges. The variety of marine life here was incredible. I saw several nudibranchs, moray eels peeking out from crevices, and a few lionfish displaying their spiny fins. The pinnacles also had a significant number of anemones with resident clownfish, which were a joy to watch as they darted in and out of their homes.
The currents were mild to moderate, making it a relatively easy dive.
Secret Bay dive site review
Secret Bay is the plateau of a small rocky island. It is considered a muck diving site, which means the focus is on the fascinating macro life hiding in the sandy and muddy bottom rather than on coral formations. It wasn’t the most exciting dive of the trip
Hiking Padar Island
Padar Island is the most photographed area of Komodo. It is also the typical Instagram spot, so expect it to be very crowded. During our stay, there were 50 boats in the bay!
Most people hike to the top of the island to reach the viewpoint. It is an easy but strenuous path with 850 steps.
Tips: The steps are easy to maneuver and can be done in flip-flops. Remember to bring water with you, as there is nothing on the island.
The trail is well-marked but can be quite steep in places. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top, but I took my time to enjoy the scenery and took breaks when needed. The view from the top was incredible but very crowded – there were hundreds of people there. I could see the three different-colored beaches – pink, white, and black – which was truly a unique sight. The sunset was majestic.
Tip: There are a few viewing platforms just below the top one, and the view is fairly similar. However, they are empty, as everyone wants to hang out at the summit. So, for a more peaceful experience, I recommend watching the sunset from the second-highest platform. I did that and was alone there.
We cruised back to the Komodo Sea Dragon after sunset and we were in for a loud night. Some of the boats anchored around us were party boat and had loud music going on until late in the night.
Day 4: encountering the majestic Komodo Dragon and diving with a school of Mobula rays
Searching for Dragons at Komodo Island
Visiting Komodo Island and seeing a Komodo dragon was an incredible experience. We started the day hiking the island, excited to catch a glimpse of the famous Komodo dragons. Our adventure began with two rangers who took us on an easy walk through the island’s rugged terrain.
Tip: here too, the path is easy and can be done with flip flops
Our first stop was the watering hole, a common spot where dragons are known to gather. It was fascinating to see the natural habitat of these magnificent creatures, even though we didn’t spot any dragons there. Next, we visited the dragon nest, learning about the nesting habits and life cycle of the Komodo dragons. The rangers shared interesting facts about their behavior and conservation efforts.
Despite not seeing any dragons during the walk, our luck changed when we reached the beach. There, basking in the sun, was a massive Komodo dragon. It was an awe-inspiring sight. The dragon seemed unbothered by our presence and was kind enough to pose for us, allowing us to take some amazing photos. Seeing such a powerful and ancient creature up close was surreal.
The rangers were knowledgeable and ensured our safety throughout the hike.
Having a coconut on Pink Beach
After our dragon encounter, we headed to Pink Beach. The turquoise water was mesmerizing, and the pinkish hue of the sand added a magical touch. We sipped fresh coconut while listening to the sound of the waves, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the stunning surroundings. The beach was a perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of Komodo.
It was a packed morning, as we had one more dive before lunch.
Pink Beach dive site review
Diving at Pink Beach was an absolutely breathtaking experience. The dive site’s topography is diverse, featuring a mini wall that slopes down into deeper waters teeming with life.
We started our dive near the sandy areas, interspersed by a few sad-looking coral bommies. It wasn’t the most exciting dive when suddenly a school of 10 manta rays swam towards us. They were a majestic sight, moving in unison and creating a mesmerizing dance. The presence of these rays added a sense of wonder to the dive.
As we drifted towards the mini wall, the underwater landscape shifted dramatically. The wall was covered in a rich tapestry of hard and soft corals, sponges, and sea fans, making it a haven for marine life.
Certain areas of the mini wall were absolutely buzzing with life. Schools of fish were everywhere, creating a lively and dynamic underwater environment. We saw various species of fish swimming together in perfect harmony, their colors and movements adding to the visual spectacle.
Sharks were patrolling the area as well, their sleek bodies cutting through the water with ease. It was thrilling to observe them in their natural habitat, adding an element of excitement to the dive.
One of the highlights of the dive was spotting a cuttlefish. It was fascinating to watch as it changed colors and textures, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Its graceful movements and curious nature made for a memorable encounter.
Makassar Reef dive site
During our second dive at Makassar Reef, we were hoping to see mantas. We didn’t have to wait long before spotting one gracefully gliding through the water. Unfortunately, it didn’t stay around for long, but it was still amazing to see such a majestic creature, even if only briefly.
As we continued the dive, we were amazed by the abundance of marine life. We counted at least 10 sharks, each more impressive than the last. Their sleek, powerful bodies moved effortlessly through the water, and watching them was both exhilarating and awe-inspiring.
The real highlight of the dive, however, was something truly special. We came across two octopuses that were mating! It was an incredible sight to witness, their intricate dance and changing colors creating a mesmerizing spectacle. I had never seen anything like it before, and it was an unforgettable moment that made this dive truly unique.
It was time to start navigating towards North Komodo. I witnessed a whale breaching in the water. We arrived at a gorgeous bay just in time for the sunset and settled there for the night.
Day 5: Incredible amount of fish in North Komodo
Today, we were in for a treat with 3 of Komodo’s best dive sites. The Cauldron, Castle Rock, and Crystal Rock.
The Cauldron dive site
The Cauldron is a bowl-shaped depression with steep walls that create a natural underwater amphitheater. The entry point is a gentle slope leading down into the ‘bowl,’ which is filled with vibrant corals and marine life.
One of the most fascinating features of The Cauldron is the narrow channel known as “The Shotgun.” This channel connects the bowl to a deeper area and creates a natural current, which can sometimes be quite strong.
On our dive, the current was mild, so we could easily navigate through the channel without being swept away. The slow current made this part of the dive a bit less exhilarating than it can be when there is a strong current.
Tip: to avoid popping up, deflate your BCD as you exit the Cauldron. The current will push you up, so reducing the air in your BCD in advance will help you have the correct buoyancy as you go up fast. Don’t panic, the current is strong in the channel but it will stop on its own after a few minutes of drifting. So dont fight the current and enjoy the drift while watching your buancy.Tip: As you pass through the channel, don’t forget to look out for mantas, as they often hang around in the current. Unfortunately, they were not there during our dive.
Towards the end of the dive, we explored the sandy bottom with a beautiful shallow coral garden, where we found various critters such as garden eels and gobies. It was a peaceful way to wrap up the dive.
Castle Rock dive site
Castle Rock is an exceptional dive site known for its breathtaking topography and diverse marine life. It is an underwater pinnacle that ranges from 5 meters to 30 meters deep, and it is probably my favorite dive site in Komodo. This is a site where magic can happen, so don’t miss this dive.
The site can experience strong currents, which adds to the excitement of the dive. Many large pelagic fish can be observed in the area. At 30 meters, there is a balcony where divers can secure themselves to observe the fish. The variety of large fish, including surgeonfish and big eye jacks, is remarkable.
In addition to the fish, the site also features stunning soft corals and small creatures like crocodile fish, nudibranchs, and pygmy seahorses. To observe the large number of fish, you should be prepared for strong currents and use a reef hook to anchor. This allows you to stay in the current without too much effort and enjoy the majestic show!
Crystal Rock dive site
Tip: There is often more current close to the surface, so it is good to down quickly, and it might require a negative entry.
Day 6: Diving Batu Bolong, beach time, and flying foxes
Tip: Be prudent when diving Batu Balong and stay close to the reef, as there can be strong downward currents. Batu Bolong is one of the most dangerous sites in Komodo, and it has claimed many lives.
As we continued our exploration, I noticed several white-tip reef sharks resting on the small overhangs. Their presence truly added an extra thrill and sense of wonder to the dive. We also came across a few turtles peacefully grazing on the coral or sleeping.
Batu Bolong dive site can get jam-packed underwater as it is the one dive that everyone diving Komodo wants to do. I have seen over 100 divers on that dive site! We were, however, very lucky as we started the dive, being the only boat there. It helps to be on a liveaboard as day trips from Labuan Bajo usually reach the site around 10 or 11 am.
Mawan dive site
Mawan was, unfortunately, the last dive of the trip. is a gentle drift dive over a sizeable coral garden. The coral is not fantastic, but the mantas that often roam this site are the main attraction here. Mantas usually hang around near the cleaning station at the island’s tip. The area is not very deep, at about 10 meters.
Tip: Mantas here are very used to divers. If you stay calm, give them space, and don’t get too close to them, they will likely come close to you and check you out. I have had many mantas encounters at Mawan where mantas would come to an almost touching distance to me. But if you swim towards them, they will see that as a sign of aggression and leave the dive site.
Unfortunately, mantas were not present during our dive, and the current was a bit weird. It was quite strong for the begining of the dive and then started to push us down the slope. So we had to fight a bit and then seek shelter in the shallow coral garden.
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in streaks of orange. Thousands of flying foxes, with their wings outstretched, launched themselves into the twilight sky. They looked like giant black birds swirling and diving in a mesmerizing dance. Their dark silhouettes formed a constantly shifting tapestry against the fiery backdrop.
I watched in awe as the living wave of bats surged towards the mainland. They flew in a seemingly coordinated formation, a dark tide flowing across the darkening sky. The spectacle was both eerie and breathtaking. Every now and then, a few stragglers would peel off from the main group, their wings beating a powerful rhythm as they zoomed past our boat.
The sheer number of these creatures was astonishing—we were told there are 800,000 of them! It was like witnessing a living, breathing cloud come to life. The experience left me speechless, filled with a sense of wonder at the beauty and wonder of nature.
Is there internet on Komodo Liveaboards?
The Komodo Sea Dragon offers free internet, but the availability is limited to areas with a 4G signal. They have one 4G modem router, and the connection can get congested if everyone is using it. The modem is located in the dining room, and the signal did not extend to my cabin on the upper deck.
If you want a better connection, I recommend buying your own Telkomsel SIM card for your mobile phone. It costs about 150,000 Indonesian rupiahs (~10 USD) with a data plan for a month. Telkomsel has the best coverage in the remote regions of Indonesia. The internet connection was good in most of Komodo National Park. We often had 3G or 4G signals for a few hours a day. There were a few places where the signal was strong enough to make WhatsApp calls. The signal at the top of Padar is also very good due to the altitude, so if you need to make a video call home, this is the best spot.
The only place without an internet signal was South Komodo, so expect to be unreachable for one or two days during this cruise.
Tip: The Internet signal is better the higher you go on the boat. It would often not work in the cabin, but it would on the sun deck. Don’t expect the connection to be good enough to download movies, but it was certainly good enough for web surfing, checking emails, and using messenger services.
Extra fees when diving on the Komodo Sea Dragon liveaboard
Please be aware that you currently ( June 2024 ) have to pay the extra park fee of about 200 USD and the nitrox of 100 USD in addition to the cruise fee. If you don’t have your own diving gear, you can rent them from the boat for a fee. Also, don’t forget to tip the crew as they work very hard and it is customary to tip diving liveaboard crew in Indonesia.
In conclusion of my review of the Komodo Sea Dragon trip to Komodo
The Komodo Sea Dragon offers a luxurious live-aboard experience akin to staying in a floating hotel. Known for its spacious and stable boat, the absence of night navigation, and large cabins with balconies, it is an ideal choice for those susceptible to seasickness. Divers with minimal current experience will find comfort in the attentive dive crew, who carefully tailor dives to suit individual skill levels. The variety and choice of food available is exceptional, setting it apart from any other liveaboard in Indonesia.
Komodo is celebrated as one of the world’s premier diving destinations, teeming with colorful fish, majestic mantas, graceful sharks, and stunning coral formations. Whether you’re a novice diver or seeking a distinctive vacation, the Komodo Sea Dragon is a great option. Every moment spent aboard, from the thrilling dives to the serene times on deck, is an experience to be cherished.
To book the Komodo Sea Dragon, check their website here.