Komodo, Indonesia - Scuba Junkie Liveaboard

28th June - 3rd July 2026

Since diving in Komodo earlier this year, I can’t get it out of my mind. Thrilling currents, incredible biodiversity and dive sites that stretch for miles make Komodo one of the world’s top dive destinations. Darren and I are desperate to go back, and this time we want to take you with us, so we’ve decided to charter the beautiful Scuba Junkie liveaboard!

The Komodo islands lie in the heart of the coral triangle where swirling currents that rise from the deep bring vital nutrients to support some of our planet’s most biodiverse reefs. I’ve never seen so many different species of fish and coral in a single dive! As the current throws you along the reef you’ll spot Eagle rays, Sharks, Turtles and if you’re lucky, Mantas! But Komodo isn’t just about crazy currents, the reefs here are the healthiest I’ve ever seen and every dive here is exciting for its own reason. Our trip will take us to all the famous sites as well as some lesser known sites where we will usually be the only group in the water.

It’s also not just about the diving! We will do a couple of land excursions to visit some beautiful viewpoints like the one in the picture above and see the famous Komodo Dragons. At several of our mooring spots, there is also the chance to do some snorkelling in our surface intervals. My favourite spot is “turtle point”, a lagoon area with a sandy bottom which is perfect for photographing Green turtles.

We’ve chosen to go with Scuba Junkie because we’ve dived with them before and know they’re an amazing company. The experience they provide on their liveaboard is second to none and in our opinion, a total bargain for what you get! The KLM Eliya is the most beautiful boat on the water, the food is amazing, cabins are cozy and comfortable and the itinerary is just perfect. But it isn’t just the boat that makes the scuba junkie experience so special, the crew and dive guides are amazing! We completely trust them to help us navigate some of Komodo’s more challenging conditions, and they put a real emphasis on sustainability and ethical dive practices which really resonates with us.

We can’t wait to share this experience with you, keep reading for more details and how to book!

~Ella & Darren~

The diving on this trip will have something for everyone. We will start off with a couple of easy macro dives to search for seahorses, nudibranchs and a whole host of other creatures that you probably never knew existed! Then, as the group gets back into the swing of diving, we will begin to do some drift dives, flying over endless reef past sharks, turtles and manta rays, ending up in the most beautiful shallow coral gardens. There is even a chance to spot the elusive Dugong! We will also be doing several night dives to search for octopus, squid and frogfish, but these are always in a sheltered spot, away from any current to make them nice and easy. Towards the end of the trip, we will start to do some of the more famous sites like “Castle rock”, “Crystal rock” and the infamous “Cauldron” featuring “the Shotgun” - one of the craziest dives you’ll ever do!

One of my favourite dives last time was at “Batu Bolong”, a wall of coral, sheltered from the current, alive with thousands of Anthia fish that I genuinely could have watched for days. “Mawan” was our best manta dive and one of the most special dives of my life - we watched the mantas dance around a cleaning station for over an hour and everyone in the water was so respectful which made the experience all the more special.

Komodo is famous for strong currents but this doesn’t mean that every dive will be challenging. Mostly if there is a current, we will be drifting with it until the current dies out and we end up in a shallow coral garden to explore as we do our safety stop. The Scuba Junkie team know what tides are best for each dive site and will ensure that we have the best and safest possible experience. Your dive guide will have a reef hook with them at all times to give you a rest from the current if you want to stop and look at something!

Because of the likelihood of current on a lot of dives, we highly recommend you to be minimum Advanced open water certified (or equivalent) to join this trip. However, if you are only open water certified, there is the option to do the course on the trip, but it will cost extra and we recommend getting it before so that you can get the most out of our dives without having to worry about skills. Don’t worry if you haven’t dived for a while though, we will start the trip with easier dives to make sure everyone is comfortable before we attempt some of the more challenging dives.

Diving in Komodo

Cabins onboard KLM Eliya

Every detail on the KLM Eliya has been considered in minute detail; from choosing the highest quality of materials for the structure of the ship, to the consideration given to the amenities and safety onboard. Eliya has 4 double / twin cabins & 2 triple cabins positioned on the middle deck. The 2 triple cabins have 3 single beds in each room, and the 4 double cabins have a queen size bed as well as an additional single bed so are suitable for both double and twin occupancy. These cabins can be accessed via a stairwell from the main saloon area. Every cabin is fitted with an air conditioning unit and has its own private bathroom. The boat has electricity and wifi 24/7, with lots of plug points for charging cameras etc.

  • Double/Twin room

  • Ensuite bathroom

  • Double room

  • Triple room

Itinerary

Day 1 - 28th June - Embarkation

One of the Scuba Junkie drivers will collect you from your hotel (If you plan to take the early morning flight they can have their driver collect you from the airport, but we recommend arriving the day before) and bring you to the SJ office in Labuan Bajo. All guests will meet at our office in town between 08:00-8:30am. We will then walk down to the harbour together at 09.00am. 

Once everybody is onboard, the crew will offer you a welcome drink and the Cruise Director will orientate you to the KLM Eliya and explain how the next week is going to work as well as ensuring you are fully aware of all safety procedures onboard.

You will be given ample time to check out your cabins and become familiar with the boat while we make our way to the first dive site.

Today we aim to do 3 dives with you: 2 afternoon dives with lunch in between, followed by a sunset/ night dive before a delicious evening meal cooked by our fantastic local chefs. Depending on the the Cruise Directors plans, today might offer 2 dives + the opportunity to see the Komodo Dragons on Rinca island- the specific itinerary will be clarified once you are aboard :) 

Day 2-5 - 29th June - 2nd July

As we will have journeyed overnight, we will wake you up nice and early for your first dive of day 2! Today your adventure truly begins with world class dive sites that the Komodo National Park has to offer.

Days 2- 5 will follow a similar schedule:

We will wake you each morning around 6.00am, allowing you the option to enjoy some light snacks, tea and coffee, before embarking on your first exhilarating dive of the day- we cannot think of a better way to wake up!

After Dive 1 you will be welcomed back onboard with a hot, tasty breakfast to enjoy as we travel to our second site of the day.

Dive 2 will begin late morning. After Dive 2 you will enjoy an extended surface interval, allowing ample time to enjoy a delicious lunch!

Dive 3 will begin late afternoon, allowing plenty of time to soak up the stunning scenery this area has to offer. 

Your final dive of the day will be a sunset/ night dive. Depending on the location of the site, we will serve dinner either before, or after this dive. 

It's not all about the diving! At some point during day 2-5 we will aim to explore the Komodo National Park a little deeper with two incredible land/nature tours (such as a walk up Gilli Lawa Darat for incredible views over the National Park, encountering the Komodo Dragons on Rinca island, visiting the famous Pink beach or a trip to see the fruit bats to name a few possibilities!) These will vary depending on which part of the Komodo National Park you are in. Your Cruise Director will explain more during your welcoming briefing!

Ella will also be running some underwater photography, action cam and editing workshops throughout the trip for those who want it.

Day 6 - 3rd July - Disembarkation

Your final dive will be in the morning, so to ensure you clear the 18 hr no fly time, we recommend that you book a departing flight the day after you disembark from KLM Eliya.

After your last and final dive (until next time that is!) and, as no journey to Komodo National Park is complete without a visit to see the famous Komodo Dragons, we will take you over to Rinca island for your Dragon Tour!

The Ranger Station at Loh Buaya offers a recently built Education Centre which is a great addition to seeing the Komodo Dragons. The Rangers of Rinca are infinitely knowledgeable about the Komodo Dragon and are always happy to share their knowledge with you.

The trekking time on Rinca Island usually ranges from 1.5 - 2 hours (including visiting the Education Centre). Komodo dragons are not the only animal you can see here- keep your eyes out for monkeys, water buffalo, deer and an array of birds flying over head!

If you have already enjoyed the wonders of Rinca island on day 1, then the plan will be to complete 2 morning dives today!

KLM Eliya will return to harbour around 14:30pm on the final day. Breakfast and lunch are served as per usual after the first and second dive (or Dragon tour). Once back at the office in town, the Scuba Junkie staff will assist in settling any remaining payments, and arranging taxis to your hotels or airport.

Pricing and Inclusions

Twin room - £1795 x 2 spots available

Triple room - £1595 x 4 spots available

Please note that the double rooms have one double and one single bed in them so suitable for double or twin occupancy.

You must be minimum Advanced open water certified by the time of the trip BUT if you only have your open water you are still able to join as long as you do your advanced course on the trip which is an extra 400USD.

A £500 deposit is due at the time of booking which is non-refundable after 2 weeks.

The rest of the payment can be processed at a later date with the full amount due by the 28th March latest.

By booking this trip, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to all Terms & Conditions listed below.

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What’s included

  • One transfer to and one transfer from the KLM Eliya

  • 5 nights accommodation onboard

  • Ensuite Cabin

  • 20 dives including night dives

  • Dive equipment rental

  • View points

  • Photography workshops

  • Photos and videos taken by Ella

  • All meals, snacks, juice, tea & coffee

  • Towels and toiletries

  • Dive guide 4:1 ratio

What’s NOT included

  • International flights to and from Labuan Bajo

  • Travel Insurance

  • Dive Insurance (mandatory)- we recommend DAN Europe/worldwide

  • Nitrox tanks

  • Komodo National Park entrance fees - 275,000IDR/ ~£13

  • Tips for the crew

  • Alcohol and soft drinks

  • Additional courses such as Advanced 400USD / Nitrox 120USD

FAQs

How do I get to Komodo?

  • You need to fly to Labuan Bajo and we recommend you stay in a hotel for one night before the boat’s departure just in case your flight gets delayed or cancelled. There are lots of connecting flights through Bali and from there it’s only an hours flight to Labuan Bajo. Alternatively you can fly via Kuala Lumpur.

Do I need to be Scuba certified for this trip?

  • Ideally you should be Advanced open water certified for this trip if you intend to participate in all the dives but there is the option to join as an open water diver as long as you complete the advanced course during the trip. Personally we’d recommend doing it before though, to get the most out of our dives. Nitrox is a bonus but not essential and you can also do the course on the trip if you want.

  • It is also possible to join as a non-diver! Scuba junkie will have a snorkel guide to take you snorkelling while the rest of us dive but there is no discount for this option.

How do I secure my spot?

  • Either fill out the contact form or message Ella or Darren directly and they will give you the bank details to send your £500 deposit. Only once you’ve paid your deposit is your spot secured. The rest of the payment is due before the 28th March, 2026.

Can I come solo?

  • Absolutely! This is the perfect trip to do as a solo traveller, group of friends or a couple! Darren and Ella always work extra hard to make sure everyone feels included and will make friends quickly:)

Do I need to be a photographer?

  • No you don’t, Ella will be taking lots of photos for you to have as souvenirs anyway!

  • But, if you’re wanting to learn more about underwater photography then this is the perfect opportunity. Ella will be running workshops throughout the trip, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced but obviously these are all completely optional.

Cancellation Policy

  • If you change your mind within 14 days of paying the initial deposit, it will be returned in full.

  • After 14 days the initial deposit and subsequent payments become non-refundable.

  • The full amount must be paid at least 90 days before departure.

  • In the unlikely event that Ella and Darren are unable to host the trip, they will endeavour to find someone of similar experience to replace them.

  • In the unlikely event of cancellation either by you or by Ella & Darren, you are responsible for any costs or losses associated with international travel and it is recommended that you obtain travel insurance.

  • If the trip is cancelled by the operator, you will receive a full refund or credit towards a future trip.

Terms and conditions

  • No refunds shall be made for any services or activities that the participant has chosen not to partake in during the trip.

  • Spot reservation fee is non-transferrable.

  • The itinerary may be altered due to weather, sea conditions, current strength, safety concerns, government regulations, or operational decisions.

  • Ella and Darren are not liable for any delays, program changes, natural hazards, accidents, machinery breakdowns, weather conditions, park closures or other unforeseen incidents.

  • Ella and Darren reserve the right to publish content on social media and their website featuring participants unless a guest opts out in writing.

  • The trip requires 12 paid participants to run, if the minimum is not reached, Ella and Darren reserve the right to cancel the trip and issue full refunds.

  • Participants are responsible for ensuring they meet Indonesia’s passport, visa and entry requirements.

  • Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own flights, travel to the departure port, accommodations before/after the trip and any required transit arrangements.

  • No refunds are issued for missed flights, missed embarkation or late arrival.

  • All divers must hold a valid certification appropriate for the planned dive depths.

  • Ella and Darren recommend a minimum of 20 logged dives as certain sites will require more experience.

  • Divers must be medically fit to dive. A dive medical may be required if you answer “yes” to any items on the diver medical questionnaire.

  • Dive accident insurance is mandatory for diving in Komodo national park.

  • Guests participate in diving and all trip activities at their own risk.

  • Participants agree to adhere to all safety briefings, dive plans, and instructions from guides and crew.

  • Guests are responsible for bringing properly functioning gear or using the scuba junkie gear.

  • Diving, boating and travel in remote areas carry inherent risks. By joining the trip, participants acknowledge and accept these risks.

  • There is no guarantee of specific wildlife sightings or dive conditions.

  • Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, delays, baggage, and medical emergencies is strongly reccommended.

  • Participants must disclose any medical conditions that may affect their safety during the trip.

  • Emergency evacuation from remote areas may take time and involve significant cost. These costs are the guest’s responsibility unless covered by insurance.

  • Disruptive, unsafe, or aggressive behaviour may result in removal from the trip without refund.

  • Participants must follow local marine park rules, avoid touching marine life, and respect reef-safe diving practices.

  • Guests may be required to sign a liability release from the boat operator and Ella & Darren as a condition of joining the trip.

  • Participants agree to indemnify the organisers against claims arising from personal actions, negligence, or failure to follow safety instructions.