Every diver knows that Indonesia is the epicenter of picturesque scenery, untouched coral reefs, and a variety of diving spots. For readers who don’t know, Indonesia has almost 17,000 different islands, the majority of which are still inhabited. In such a scenario, it’s no surprise that the best way to explore the sparkling water of Indonesia is on a liveaboard vacation.
A liveaboard adventure is basically a cruise trip where you spend anywhere between 5-14 days on a cruise/boat and go on multiple dives (3-5) per day. This gives scuba divers the opportunity to enjoy multiple dives and explore some of the hidden diving spots, tucked away in complete seclusion.
It doesn’t matter if you have been on multiple diving trips or have just started with your diving career, adding Indonesia liveaboards to your bucket list will be a wise decision. But, which route is the best for an unforgettable adventure? This is the first question every diver struggles to answer as soon as they start looking for liveaboard packages in Indonesia: https://www.dive-the-world.com/liveaboards-indonesia.php.
The vast range of liveaboard options can easily make it overwhelming for anyone to pick the best deal for their adventure. If you are also struggling to make a decision, don’t panic! In this guide, we have listed 5 of the most popular liveaboard routes and cruises that are perfect for an adventure-filled getaway in Indonesian water.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
1. Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is the most famous diving spot in Indonesia. The regency is stretched across hundreds of jungle-covered islands that remain untouched throughout the year. However, these lavish jungles aren’t the reason why you should pick Raja Ampat as the liveaboard destination for your trip.
Across all these islands, the water is filled with a wide variety of species such as the manta rays, dolphins, whales, and even sharks. In total, there are 3,000+ marine species that you can encounter during your dives. In addition to this, Raja Ampat also houses 600 different coral species that are mesmerizing beyond explanation.
So, if you want to experience the biodiversity of the Indian and Pacific oceans, Raja Ampat should be your first priority. And, since it’s a popular diving spot in Indonesia, you are most likely to find affordable liveaboard packages here as well.
2. Komodo
Komodo island is widely known as one of the best diving spots in the world. The island gets its name from the Komodo dragon – a monitor lizard – that inhabits the entire stretch of the island. The island is protected as a national park and is made up of mostly of rusty bare volcanic hills but is covered in places under a blanket of sparse forest.
However, there’s another side to Komodo island that makes it the perfect spot for diving enthusiasts. There are regular departures of liveaboard cruises to the island that’ll allow you to take a dive at some of the most astonishing places on the planet. The water surrounding the Komodo island is popular for brightly-colored reefs and critters galore.
Moreover, the majority of packages also include island exploration. So, apart from spotting reefs and sharks, you’ll also be able to encounter the famous Komodo dragon during your liveaboard trip.
3. Banda Sea
The Banda Sea is one of the hidden parts of Indonesia. As opposed to the previous two locations, the Banda Sea is a vast stretch of sea encompassing hundreds of islands that could only be explored via a liveaboard boat. It means you won’t have to deal with the commercial crowd and you’ll only be surrounded by individuals who have the same passion for scuba diving as you.
Since a wide stretch of water hasn’t been visited by many humans, you can expect to witness underwater coral gardens with healthy reefs and many marine species. The Banda Sea offers multiple diving spots including Banda Neira, Pulau Nusa Laut, Run and Adonara islands, and a group known as the Forgotten Islands.
These spots attract schools of hammerhead sharks, and manta rays that migrate every year to relax and enjoy the warm waters of the Pacific ocean. So, if you want to explore a hidden gem and spend time with other divers, Banda Sea liveaboards would be a suitable option.
4. Aqua Blu
Now that we’ve discussed the most famous liveaboard diving locations in Indonesia, let’s move toward some famous cruises that offer packages in the country. Aqua Blue is a luxury yacht that houses nearly 15 individually-designed sea-facing suites onboard. In addition to this, there is a dedicated gym, lounge-&-bar, and a sun deck where you can relax at the end of your daily dives.
The boat can easily accommodate up to 30 individuals, which makes it perfect for large groups and families. Apart from your daily dives, you can also relish the benefits of the onboard equipment and enjoy other water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and sea excursions.
Finally, a well-experienced crew will accompany you on all the dives and you’ll be able to explore the underwater world in a completely safe environment. The only downside of choosing Aqua Blu is its hefty price. An 8-13 day liveaboard trip can cost anywhere between US$ 8,000 -US$ 9,000, making it one of the most expensive liveaboard packages in Indonesia.
5. Mikumba 2
Now, if you are a budget/solo traveler and looking for a more affordable option, the Mikumba 2 liveaboard would be worth your consideration. It’s a mid-sized boat that can accommodate as many as 12 guests on a single trip. So, despite its relatively smaller size, you won’t feel crowded while sitting on the deck.
There are six cabins on board that come with all the essential amenities you’ll need during your vacation. The crew is extremely friendly and has conducted thousands of safe dives in different corners of the Indian/Pacific ocean.
Being a pocket-friendly liveaboard cruise, you can book Mikumba for as low as US$ 260 per day. It means, even a 10-day liveaboard vacation will only cost you US$ 2,600 – US$ 2,800 – way cheaper than a luxury cruise like Aqua Blu. Now, even though you won’t get luxuries such as a gym or a spa, the Mikumba 2 still has a dedicated library, cinema, and a bar.
In short, the Mikumba 2 is a complete oasis for someone who wants to explore Indonesia’s coral reefs on an economy budget.
Conclusion
Tucked between the intersection of the Pacific and Indian oceans, Indonesia is the perfect liveaboard destination for any diving enthusiast. Irrespective of your experience, you can book a dedicated trip and embark on some of the most memorable experiences of your life.
