Komodo Diving: Liveaboard or Resort?
Both options offer world-class diving. The right choice depends on your time, budget, experience level, and what you want from your trip. We operate both — here's our honest comparison.
⚡ Quick Decision
🚢 Choose Liveaboard if...
- You want maximum dive time (3-4 dives/day)
- Remote sites matter (South Komodo, Manta Alley)
- You're an experienced diver (20+ dives)
- You prefer an immersive, all-inclusive experience
- Time is limited and you want to maximize it
🏨 Choose Resort if...
- You're learning to dive or taking a course
- Traveling with non-divers or family
- You want flexibility to mix diving + land tours
- Budget is a primary concern
- You prefer hotel comfort over cabin life
Compare Your Options
We operate both — so we can give you an honest, unbiased comparison.
Liveaboard (Shenron)
Max 8 guests • 4 ensuite cabins • Nitrox included
- 3-4 dives/day including sunrise/sunset options
- All regions — North, Central AND South Komodo
- Remote sites: Manta Alley, Cannibal Rock, End of the World
- All meals, snacks, drinks included
- Nitrox included for certified divers
- Dedicated camera rinse & charging station
- Wake up at the dive site — no commute
Dive Resort (Labuan Bajo)
PADI 5★ IDC • Pool • Full dive center
- 2-3 dives/day on day trips
- North & Central Komodo focus
- Perfect for PADI courses (pool + sheltered sites)
- Mix diving with Padar hikes, dragon treks
- Flexible — dive some days, rest others
- Comfortable hotel rooms with AC
- Ideal for families and non-divers
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | 🏨 Resort | 🚢 Liveaboard | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dives per day | 2-3 | 3-4 | Max water time → Liveaboard |
| Site access | North & Central | All regions | South Komodo → Liveaboard |
| Daily cost | Lower | Higher | Budget → Resort |
| Cost per dive | Higher (fewer dives/day) | Often lower (more dives/day) | Value per dive → Liveaboard |
| Flexibility | High | Fixed itinerary | Mixed activities → Resort |
| PADI courses | All levels | Limited | Learning → Resort |
| Non-divers | Easy | Possible but limited | Families → Resort |
| Nitrox | Extra charge | Included | Multi-day diving → Liveaboard |
| Commute to sites | 45-90 min each way | Wake up there | Comfort → Liveaboard |
| Experience needed | Beginner OK | 20+ dives recommended | New divers → Resort |
Scenarios: What's Right for You?
🎓 "I want to get certified"
- → Resort
- Pool training + sheltered sites
- PADI Open Water to Instructor
- Then join a liveaboard after!
🦈 "I want to see mantas"
- → Either can work
- Resort: Manta Point (Central)
- Liveaboard: Manta Alley (South)
- Peak season: Nov-Apr
👨👩👧 "Traveling with family"
- → Resort
- Non-divers can do land tours
- Flexible schedule
- Kids activities available
📷 "I'm a serious photographer"
- → Liveaboard
- More dives = more chances
- Dedicated camera station
- Better macro sites (South)
⏱️ "I only have 3-4 days"
- → Resort for flexibility
- Or short liveaboard trip
- Focus on North/Central sites
🤿 "I want it all"
- → Combine both!
- 3 days resort + 4 days liveaboard
- All regions covered
- Best of both worlds
Meet Shenron
If you're leaning toward liveaboard, here's what a boutique option changes in practice:
Shenron offers an intimate diving experience with maximum 8 guests. No crowds, no compromises — just focused diving with a dedicated crew who know these waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a liveaboard worth it for Komodo?
Yes, if you want maximum dive time and access to remote sites like Manta Alley and Cannibal Rock in South Komodo. Liveaboards reach areas that day boats simply cannot efficiently access. You also wake up at the dive site — no 90-minute commute each way.
How many dives per day: liveaboard vs resort?
Liveaboard: 3-4 dives/day including possible sunrise/sunset dives. Resort: 2-3 dives/day on day trips. Over a week, that's potentially 10+ extra dives on a liveaboard.
Can beginners do a Komodo liveaboard?
Some trips accept Open Water divers, but we recommend at least 20-30 logged dives and comfort with currents. Alternatively, get certified at the resort first, build experience on day trips, then join a liveaboard later.
What about non-divers?
Non-divers are better suited to the resort where they can enjoy Padar hikes, dragon treks, snorkeling, and town activities while you dive. Some liveaboards accept snorkelers but options are limited.
Which is cheaper: liveaboard or resort?
Daily cost is higher on a liveaboard, but cost per dive is often lower because you're doing 3-4 dives/day instead of 2-3. Liveaboards also include meals, accommodation, and often Nitrox. Total trip cost depends on duration.
Can I combine liveaboard + resort?
Absolutely — it's the best way to experience all of Komodo. Many guests do 3-4 days at the resort (courses, North/Central sites) then 3-6 days on Shenron (South Komodo, remote sites). We can help plan the perfect combo.
Are park fees included?
No — Komodo National Park fees are paid separately on both resort and liveaboard trips. Fees are set by Indonesian authorities and can change. We brief you with the latest official rates before departure.
Not Sure Which to Choose?
Tell us your dates, experience level, and goals — we'll recommend the perfect option (or combo) for you.
