Solo Liveaboard Dive Trip – komodo islands
The Komodo Islands
The Komodo Islands is a stunning, rugged and must visit destination for all divers and fellow adventure seekers. Although I made this solo a trip a few years back, memories of the vivid ocean scapes are still etched into my mind. I decided to do a liveaboard dive trip not only because it was on my bucket list, but because it is a fantastic way to see the more remote dive sites that can’t be reached on day dive trips. I hope this post convinces you to take the plunge.
About Komodo Islands
The Komodo Islands sits in the Indonesian archipelago of over 17,000 islands and lays just east of the more popular (and busier) Gili Islands. It is home to the ancient Komodo Dragons that grow up to 3 metres in length and remain as the largest lizards on earth. Komodo National Park, and UNESCO heritage park, covers and protects the entire Komodo Island region, which is well known for its absolutely stunning and varied marine life – a true diver’s haven. National Geographic also recently rated The Komodo National Park as one of top ten must visit destinations in the world.
How to Get There
- Flying from Bali (Denpassar) airport to Labuan Bajo airport is the fastest and easiest route – approx. 1 hour / $100 one way. Domestic airlines include Garuda, Transnusa, and others.
- Labuan Bajo can also be reached by sea, with various liveaboards leaving other mainland destinations. More information here.
What you Will Need
- Advanced dive certificate license is preferable due to the strong currents (however best to double check with the dive company)
- Dry bag (very useful to keep things like your phone / camera and books dry on those private beach exploration days)
- GoPro or other dive friendly camera (otherwise just use your eye cameras)
- Cash for park entry fees
- Optional: Snorkel and goggles, you might like to have your own set that fits better (my preference, and doesn’t take up too much carry bag space)
- Optional: BYO beers, ciders, wine – your pick!
Dive Booking
The liveaboard was booked through Dive Komodo *not sponsored or affiliated* for about $150 AUD per day. This covered 3 to 4 dives per day, all food and drinks (not alcoholic), and full gear. Crew included 2 dive instructors were present for all dives, a captain and a deck hand. I really loved how the dive group was capped at a maximum of 8 people. We were even luckier to have 6 divers in total, which made for a more chilled experience on and off the boat.
The Trip
Going Solo
If you haven’t dived in a while, you may wish to fly in to Labuan Bajo of a morning and do a day dive trip to refresh yourself. As a solo female, I would recommend trying to stay closer in the main town centre. I stayed a bit further out and had to walk down a few dark roads at night and while nothing bad ever happened, I did feel a bit uncomfortable and was stopped a few times by motorbike passerbys.
Food
The daily liveaboard price included all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) plus snacks (often juicy fresh fruit), coffee, tea and juice. Meals were hearty, extremely delectable, and often Indonesian inspired. By some marvel, the captain also doubled as an amazing chef and all meals were cooked by him.
Diving and Marine Wonderland
Get prepared, because the diving is out of this world. At many Komodo dive sites, you will not have to look far for pristine soft and hard corals, scorpionfish, cuttlefish, eels, octopus, gobies, as well as vivid nudibranches. You may be so lucky to spot a family of pink pigmy seahorses, as I did (another reason to go with Dive Komodo, as I would have missed this if not pointed out to me).
Manta Rays
Komodo is renowned for its strong underwater currents, which attract immense schools of marine life. Being passive plankton feeders, this region attracts the majestic manta rays with manta ray season occurring between December to February. Nonetheless, I dove in August and spotted 3 beautiful manta rays on one day. Mola Mola’s are also synonymous with the Komodo area however I was not so lucky to see any during my dive trip. Dive Komodo offer a specialty dive course where you can learn all about the wonderful manta rays and contributes to 1 of 5 specialty dive courses needed to obtain your dive master certification (extra cost).
Private Pink Beach
Boasting to be one of few in the world, the pink beaches are not obvious to the eye but if you take a closer look at the shoreline sand, you will notice the subtle pink hues. The pink sand derives from ages old pink coral that has slowly disintegrated into tiny granules, which scatter across the beaches. Komodo hosts one of only 7 pink beaches in the entire world.
Private beach all to ourselves 
If you look closely, you can see the subtle pink hues of the coral sand just at the shoreline. 
Sunrises and Sunsets
Whilst sipping on a cool afternoon beverage and looking out into the dusk horizon, make sure to keep a sharp eye out for schools of dolphins that like to escort the boat along its way. This happened to me on my very first dusk and after that I knew I was in for a magical few days. Depending on the time you visit, you may be woken just before sunrise for a morning dive and if you aren’t, do it anyway just to see the visual glory of a sunrise over sea.
Sunsets over private beaches 
Waking early for sunrises was worth it every time. 
Sunset were hazy and golden
Komodo Dragons
Actually habituated on one of the smaller Komodo Islands, Rinca Island, the Komodo Dragons are a majestic must see. The Komodo National Park is the only place where you can have a close encounter with the ancient dragons and was recently rated one of the top ten must visit destinations in the world by National Geographic. There is a small entry fee cost separate to the liveaboard package. Komodo National Park is the only place where you can have a close encounter with the ancient dragons. There is a small entry fee cost separate to the liveaboard package.
Have you been to the Komodo Islands area? I’d love to hear about your experiences or feel free to comment with any questions below.
Jess xx
