Ultimate Beginner’s Guide: 6 Steps to Plan Your Dream Liveaboard Trip in Komodo Indonesia

Liveaboard Trip in Komodo: How to Plan Your First Dream Adventure (Beginner-Friendly!)

Liveaboard trip in Komodo—the phrase alone sounds like something straight out of a dream. But if it’s your first time, you’re probably wondering:

How does it actually work?
What should I pack?
Do I need to be a diving pro?

We get it. That mix of excitement and nervousness is real. Planning your first liveaboard adventure can feel overwhelming, but trust us—you’re in for something truly life-changing.

At Scuba Junkie, we’ve helped hundreds of beginners take that leap, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through 6 simple steps to help you feel fully prepared, confident, and most of all—excited.

Let’s dive in.

1. Understand the Best Season to Go

Komodo offers incredible diving year-round, but knowing the seasons will help you choose the trip that’s right for you:

• Dry Season (April–October): Crystal-clear waters, warm temps (26–29°C), and visibility up to 30m. We dive mostly in the north and center.
• Wet Season (November–March): Slightly cooler water (24–28°C), but manta rays galore! During these months, we dive in the south, where nutrient-rich waters attract these gentle giants.

Either way, you’re guaranteed epic dives, but your choice can shape the vibe of your adventure.

2. Choose the Right Boat (It Matters More Than You Think)

Picking the right liveaboard isn’t just about where you dive—it’s about who you dive with.

KLM Eliya is Scuba Junkie’s handcrafted phinisi-style liveaboard, and she’s a dream for first-timers:

• Small groups (14 max), so you never feel lost
• Personal dive briefings and safety-focused guides
• Optional PADI Advanced or Nitrox courses during your trip
• Onboard chef, ensuite cabins, espresso machine… need we say more?

We’ve built this boat (and this experience) for divers like you—curious, excited, maybe a little nervous—and we’re here to make your first time unforgettable.

3. What to Pack (and What You Don’t Have To)

On your liveaboard trip in Komodo, we want you to relax from the moment you step onboard. That’s why we provide almost everything you’ll need.

✅ We Take Care of:

• Reef-safe toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner & shower gel
• Towels and a cozy hooded poncho for between dives
• High-quality dive gear (included in all dive packages)
• A reusable water bottle (yours to take home!)

🎒 What You Should Bring:

• Swimwear
• T-shirts, shorts, and comfy clothes
• Light jacket or raincoat
• Wide-brimmed hat & sunglasses
• Sneakers or sandals (for land treks)
• Sarong or light shawl for evenings
• Camera gear, chargers, memory cards
• Spare batteries, ear plugs, eye mask
• Cash for park fees
• Proof of certification & dive insurance

We recommend packing light—but don’t forget the essentials that’ll make you feel at home on the sea.

4. What Life Onboard Looks Like

Curious about what a typical day feels like?

Imagine this…

• 🌅 Wake up with the sun, coffee in hand, the islands of Komodo rising around you
• 🐟 Dive 1, then a hearty breakfast
• 🐠 Dive 2, then lunch and surface time to relax
• 🌴 Land excursion to visit Komodo dragons, Pink Beach, or a lookout point
• 🌊 Dive 3, then snacks and a chilled sunset moment
• 🌙 Optional night dive (magical!)
• 🍽️ A delicious 3-course dinner under the stars

Whether you’re taking your Advanced Open Water course or just soaking in your first few dives since certification, we tailor the pace to you.

Need a refresher course? No worries—it’s free and part of the fun.

5. Respect the Park: Dive with Purpose

Komodo National Park is more than beautiful—it’s vital. As visitors, we have a responsibility to protect it.

At Scuba Junkie, we live and breathe conservation. We don’t serve seafood onboard. All products are biodegradable. And we work closely with local communities to keep this ecosystem alive.

💚 Here’s how you can help:

• Use only reef-safe sunscreen
• Don’t touch coral or marine life
• Bring reusable items
• Avoid single-use plastics
• Follow our guides—every time

When we protect the reef, we make sure it’s still here for the next generation of divers (and your next trip too 😉).fragile beauty.

6. Final Tips to Make Your First Trip Perfect

• Book early, especially in peak season (June–September)
• Arrive a day early in Labuan Bajo to avoid stress
• After the trip, stay an extra night to clear your no-fly time
• Let us know if you have special dietary needs
• Questions? Reach out anytime—we love helping new divers!

Our team is just a message away at liveaboards@scubajunkie.com

Ready to Plan Your First Liveaboard Trip in Komodo?

You don’t need years of diving behind you. You just need curiosity, a bit of courage, and a love for the ocean.

Because once you’ve spent your days diving with mantas and your nights under starlit skies, you’ll understand why this is the kind of trip that changes you.

💬 Still have questions about your first liveaboard?
Tell us in the comments—we’re happy to help you start your dream.