PELAGIAN LiveaboardPelagian: Wakatobi's Boutique Liveaboard
Pelagian is Wakatobi's intimate liveaboard, just ten divers aboard. It works the reefs, walls, and critter-rich muck of southeastern Sulawesi, with longer dives, attentive guiding, and access to spots the day boats never reach. Small groups, big diving.
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Imagine diving in a destination where there are so many islands to discover that you simply never run out of new places to dive. That’s Indonesia, and with more than 18,000 islands in the archipelago, you can be sure that there are always opportunities to explore somewhere new on a liveaboard trip.
If you’re wondering what you might discover, the list is long: Komodo offers a chance to swim with manta rays and experience exhilarating currents while Raja Ampat lets you marvel at beautiful healthy soft coral reefs while looking for pelagic species. Lesser-known areas like the Banda Sea let you swim with schooling hammerhead sharks and even explore underwater volcanoes.
Ambon and Alor, Cenderawasih Bay, Raja Ampat, Triton Bay—the list of must-visit destinations in Indonesia goes on and on.
The eastern islands of Indonesia are known as the Coral Triangle or the “species factory,” simply because you can find nearly 500 species of hard and soft coral here and thousands of fish species, everything from psychedelic frogfish to schooling jacks, manta rays, and sharks.
Indonesia truly has it all—a range of biodiversity that is hard to find elsewhere. The best way to explore this wide-ranging destination is on a liveaboard, largely because many sites are only accessible by boat.
There are over 70 liveaboards operating in Indonesia, so there are plenty of excellent choices not mentioned here—that said, let’s dive into our overviews of the top 10 liveaboards in Indonesia.
Pelagian liveaboard overview
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Dive on some of the most spectacular coral reefs found in southeastern Sulawesi, Indonesia and see moray eels, jewel-like nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and a mind-boggling variety of fish and invertebrates — all aboard the Pelagian. On this luxury dive vessel, associated with the equally luxurious Wakatobi Dive Resort, guests will travel to a variety of stunning dive locations around Wakatobi,…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Well-equipped, spacious camera room
- Friendly staff and knowledgeable dive guides
- Superb food
- Small groups of 10 to 12 guests
- Dives often exceed 70 minutes
- Warm towels and hot drinks after every dive
Things we don’t like:
- Odor was present in some of the cabins
- Trip logistics (e.g., dive sites promised and number of days scheduled for the trip) sometimes change
Where to book Pelagian liveaboard overview:
Emperor Harmoni liveaboard overview
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Raja Ampat, Komodo, and the Banda Sea—these three destinations may well be the top three tropical reef-diving destinations in the world. All three are located in Indonesia and on the itineraries offered by Emperor Harmoni. Think lush, vibrant coral reefs teeming with schooling reef fish, surrounded by stunning topography, and an excellent chance of pelagic encounters. Plus, there is a…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Brand-new liveaboard, purpose-built for diving
- Great for single travelers with a guaranteed same-sex cabin share or a cabin to yourself
- All-in pricing, including marine park and port fees and nitrox
- Choice of itineraries covering world-renowned destinations and areas that are a little more off the beaten track
- Dual engines for added safety in remote areas
- Attentive crew and eagle-eyed guides for all dive sites
Things we don’t like:
- Lounge can feel a bit crowded during briefings with all divers present
- Limited to three dives per day
Where to book Emperor Harmoni liveaboard overview:
Indo Master liveaboard overview
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Imagine drifting by current-swept reefs, surrounded by stunning, healthy coral and schooling reef fish. Drop a little deeper to spot reef sharks, watch trevallies hunt, or drift in awe while watching manta rays. Indonesia’s reefs have it all, and if you love to see unparalleled diversity of marine life, there is nothing quite like the Coral Triangle. Built in 2022…
Key facts
Things we like:
- New and comfortable liveaboard for up to 18 divers
- Luxuriously equipped, spacious cabins, including one family suite
- Choice of 7- and 10-night itineraries in Indonesian hotspots
- Free Wi-Fi
Things we don’t like:
- Check the cost of additional onboard services to avoid surprises at the end of the trip
Where to book Indo Master liveaboard overview:
Gaia Love liveaboard overview
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Are you ready to discover some of the world’s best diving? Indonesia is home to all-time favorites like Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park. Plus, there are up-and-coming destinations like the Banda Sea and Alor. The Gaia Love is a modern motor yacht that was built with one goal in mind—allowing divers to get the most out of their diving…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Well-thought-out diving facilities to accommodate 22 divers
- Private balconies on upper deck cabins
- Large camera space compared to the size of the boat
Things we don’t like:
- Dive sites can be a little crowded when all 22 divers are in the water
Where to book Gaia Love liveaboard overview:
Samambaia liveaboard overview
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Raja Ampat, Komodo, Alor, and the Banda Sea—the Samambaia liveaboard covers what could arguably be Indonesia’s top four liveaboard diving destinations. Why travel there? Here are just a handful of reasons: Raja Ampat is home to beautifully healthy, colorful reefs with an abundance of marine life. Komodo is renowned for adrenaline-fueled diving on current-swept reefs; Alor allows you to combine…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Nitrox included in the liveaboard price
- Italian coffee options
- The cruise director is also a passionate underwater photographer
- Great range of activities outside of diving
Things we don’t like:
- Limited or no Wi-Fi in some locations
Where to book Samambaia liveaboard overview:
Damai I liveaboard overview
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Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, and the Forgotten Islands – the list of destinations covered by the Damai I liveaboard reads like the equivalent of a ‘Who’s Who’ of Indonesian diving destinations. Aside from covering these crowd-pleasers, this liveaboard also travels to some hidden gems. East of Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay allows you to explore WWII wrecks. You could…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Beautifully designed yacht crafted by one of Indonesia’s most renowned boatbuilders
- Excellent ratio of dive guides to divers
- Outstanding camera facilities
- Great combination of familiar and off-the-beaten-track itineraries
Things we don’t like:
- No internet access
Where to book Damai I liveaboard overview:
Dewi Nusantara liveaboard overview
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Experience all the bucket list dive spots while cruising on the Dewi Nusantara, a luxury, three-masted schooner. It’s the largest wooden liveaboard in Indonesia, yet it sails with only 18 passengers. Ambon and Alor, the Banda Sea, Cenderawasih Bay, Raja Ampat, and Triton Bay—if those names mean something to you, prepare to be awestruck with the Dewi itinerary. The eastern…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Unbeatable panoramic views from the master suite
- Two sundecks for relaxing in between dives
- Beautifully appointed luxury with a splash of traditional Indonesia decor
- Plenty of space with a great ratio: 18 guests to 19 crew members
Things we don’t like:
- Some of the lower deck cabins only have one porthole
Where to book Dewi Nusantara liveaboard overview:
White Manta liveaboard overview
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Launched in 2019, the White Manta is the newest member of the Manta fleet and partners with Explorer Ventures as the White Manta Explorer. From diving with schools of hammerhead sharks in Ambon, to swimming with non-stinging jellyfish in a freshwater lake near Sangalaki, to discovering the incredible biodiversity in Raja Ampat, each itinerary on this luxurious vessel offers up…
Key facts
Things we like:
- 24/7 satellite WiFi connection
- Offers shared cabins on select itineraries
- Good for people with seasickness
- Great for photographers
- Dive guide to diver ratio of 1:4
Things we don’t like:
- Limited availability of triple-bed cabins
- Only 3 mm shorty wetsuits available for rent
- Nitrox available, but not included
Where to book White Manta liveaboard overview:
Ambai liveaboard overview
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Luxurious bucket-list diving in Indonesia—that’s what the Ambai liveaboard’s website promises. Destinations include some of the most popular areas of the archipelago like Raja Ampat, Komodo, and Sulawesi. Known for colorful, healthy reefs brimming with soft coral (Raja Ampat), adrenaline-inducing currents and pelagic encounters (Komodo), and a unique combination of deep coral walls and unparalleled muck diving (Sulawesi), Indonesia has…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Smaller liveaboard for a more personal experience
- Great choice of world-class diving itineraries
- Nitrox included in the cruise price
- Support with trip extensions and onward travel arrangements
Things we don’t like:
- Twin cabins are relatively small
Where to book Ambai liveaboard overview:
Best time to go
Indonesia is a year-round dive destination, but as you might expect with a country so vast, different areas are better seasonally. No matter when and where you go, expect warm air temperatures. The tropical climate keeps it between around 73 and 91 F (23 to 33 C) year-round. Water temperatures fluctuate similarly, ranging from around 78 to 84 F (26 to 29 C). The dry season is roughly from April through October, which makes for better visibility and cooler water temperatures.
When it comes to dive seasons though, the best time to visit Raja Ampat is roughly November through April. From May through October, most liveaboards move to Komodo and/or Alor.
Diving in Indonesia by region
Indonesia is made up of thousands of volcanic islands—a huge nation that is home to hundreds and hundreds of different ethnic groups that speak all different languages. From its unique beaches to awesome volcanoes, to jungles overflowing with wildlife, to an underwater world teeming with marine life, Indonesia offers something for every kind of traveler.
With thousands of dive sites to choose from and everything from muck diving to megafauna spotting, it’s best to get a general idea of what you want to see before you choose a liveaboard. Different regions offer different types of diving, and during different seasons, so start by deciding when and where you want to go:
Komodo
There’s something for everyone in legendary Komodo. Dramatic walls and canyons are draped with vibrant corals, and exhilarating drift dives will leave your adrenalin pumping. Rather take your time? No problem—there are world-class macro dives, too, where you can hunt for the ocean’s most elusive tiny critters.
One of the highlights in Komodo is the chance to see oceanic mantas at several well-known sites like Manta Point, Batu Bolong, and Makassar Reef. The best time to dive Komodo is April through November.
Raja Ampat
Remote Raja Ampat, which means “Four Kings,” is tucked into the West Papua province of eastern Indonesia. The ‘four kings’ refer to the islands of Misool, Batanta, Waigeo and Salawati, but it’s the underwater realm that truly astonishes here.
You’ll get the chance to spot both smaller critters and pelagics, but the true star here is a pristine reef, bursting with color, life, diversity, and abundance. Highlights include everything from pygmy seahorses to wobbegong sharks. World famous dive site Cape Kri holds the record for the largest number of species ever spotted on a single dive. The best time to dive Raja Ampat is October to April.
Alor and Flores
Alor and Flores remain somewhat undiscovered treasures, although many liveaboards are catching on and adding these destinations to their itineraries. Expect a bit of a grab bag, with vibrant, coral-encrusted walls, current-swept pinnacles, and sandy slopes perfect for muck diving.
Search hard-coral gardens for the bucket-list rhinopias fish, or keep your eye on the blue for passing pelagics. Year-round diving is possible here, with dry season running May through November and rainy season from December through April.
Banda Sea
Speaking of undiscovered treasures, a liveaboard trip to the Banda Sea delivers delights galore. Covering 182,000 square miles (470,000 square km), the Banda sea stretches between Sulawesi, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea. The Maluku Islands—also known as the Forgotten Islands—dot the water like pristine green gems, and the underwater landscape is just as untouched.
Sitting right in the middle of the Coral Triangle, the marine realm promises exploratory diving with stunning coral landscapes, hammerhead cleaning stations, huge schools of fish, and plenty of macro diving. There are two distinct dive seasons, falling between the monsoons. Plan your visit from April to May or September to November.
Sulawesi
Southeast Sulawesi is home to stunning coral reefs, colorful walls, plentiful macro life, pinnacles, and occasional pelagics. North Sulawesi, though less frequently visited by liveaboards, is home to legendary Lembeh, the world’s epicenter for finding the wacky and weird while macro diving. Nearby Bunaken offers turtles, trevally, and more stunning coral life.
The best time to dive Sulawesi is during the dry season from July through October. Diving is still possible during the shoulder season (March-April and November-December), but you should expect rainy conditions and reduced visibility.
What to know about liveaboard diving in Indonesia
- Diving in Indonesia is possible year-round. However, Indonesia is a huge country and weather may not be the same in different areas. Before you plan your liveaboard trip, check the weather conditions within the area that you choose.
- Most liveaboards will account for the weather somewhat, repositioning to take advantage of the best conditions.
- Rainy season is between November to March.
- Dry season is between April to October.
- Bali has its own weather system and is a lot less affected by monsoon.
- Visibility is not great during rainy season due to surface conditions. However, remember that if you’re looking to dive with manta rays in Komodo, monsoon season is the time to do it.
- Not all liveaboards run through monsoon season; however some dive safaris around Raja Ampat and Komodo tend to run year-round.
- The air temperature in Indonesia varies between 77 F to 95 F (25 to 35 C) depending on the season and location.
- Water temperature averages between 79 to 86 F (26 to 30 C) throughout the year. However locations such as the Komodo Islands can drop to a chilly 61 F (16 C).
- Depending on when and where you go, visibility ranges from 33 to 197 feet (10 to 60 m).
- There are over 250 airports in Indonesia. Twenty of them are international, so traveling around the islands is not difficult. The two most common points of arrival and departure are Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta and Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali.
- You will require a visa to visit Indonesia if you are traveling from the west.
- Currency used throughout Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah. Check xe.com for the most current exchange rates.
- Due to the sheer size of Indonesia, hundreds of languages are spoken throughout the islands. The most common is Indonesian, also called Bahasa Indonesia. English is widely spoken.
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