Komodo Liveaboard Diving Aboard Shenron
Three- to seven-day small-group expeditions combining 3 to 4 dives per day, flexible seasonal routes, private ensuite cabins, selected air-conditioned dorm berths and direct booking with Dragon Dive Komodo.
PADI 5-Star IDC Dive Resort · Always two guides onboard · Maximum 4 divers per guide
Why choose a Komodo liveaboard?
A liveaboard lets you sleep inside the national park, reach sites beyond a practical day-trip radius and dive at better times of day. Shenron adds a small guest capacity, private cabin comfort and direct support from a Labuan Bajo dive resort.
- Choose 3D/2N for a compact introductionCentral and seasonal northern highlights with up to nine dives.
- Choose 4D/3N for the best balanceUp to eleven dives and more flexibility to follow the season.
- Choose 5D/4N for a fuller Komodo experienceUp to fourteen dives plus stronger scope for land highlights.
- Choose 6D/5N or 7D/6N for expedition rangeLonger access to remote south, Nusa Kode, Gili Motang or a grand seasonal route.
Compare Shenron liveaboard itineraries
Dive counts are maximum planned totals. The captain and dive team adjust every route for tides, currents, weather, park access and guest experience.
3D/2N · Central and North Komodo
A short, dive-focused introduction centred on Komodo's central reefs with seasonal access toward northern sites.
- Typical highlights: Manta Point, Batu Bolong, Siaba and northern options
- Best for confident divers with limited time
- Exact certification requirement shown per departure
4D/3N · Komodo Discovery
Enough time to combine Central Komodo with North or South according to the season and daily conditions.
- Central and North generally from April to October
- Seasonal southern routing from November to March
- Komodo dragon trek and other land stops when scheduled
5D/4N · Komodo Highlights
A broader itinerary with time for signature dive areas, manta opportunities and selected land experiences.
- Central plus North or South depending on season
- Potential Padar hike, Pink Beach and dragon trek
- Advanced Open Water strongly recommended
6D/5N · Nusa Kode and Gili Motang
A dedicated expedition into cooler, more remote southern waters with extra time around Nusa Kode and condition-dependent Gili Motang exploration.
- Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall and Manta Alley possibilities
- Advanced certification and 30 logged dives expected
- 5 mm exposure protection recommended
7D/6N · Komodo Grand Voyage
The widest available Shenron format, designed for divers who want a full week and maximum route flexibility.
- Route varies significantly by season and departure
- Best suited to experienced Advanced divers
- Review the exact trip listing before booking
Tailor-made Shenron charter
Charter enquiries can be built around group experience, preferred dates and seasonal route feasibility.
- Private use of the vessel
- Route designed with the operations team
- Subject to park rules and navigation conditions
Typical day-by-day itineraries
Every departure is adjusted for tides, weather, visibility and park access. These are the typical routes our guides work from.
3D/2N · Central and North Komodo — day by day
Day 1 — Boarding in Labuan Bajo and cruise into the park. Check dive at Sebayur Kecil or Siaba, then a second dive deeper into Central Komodo, often Tatawa or Mawan. Optional night dive around Siaba when conditions allow. 2 dives + optional night dive.
Day 2 — Batu Bolong in the morning, then Manta Point over the cleaning stations. Afternoon ranger-guided Komodo dragon trek on Komodo Island, with an optional night dive near Pink Beach. 2 dives + dragon trek + optional night dive.
Day 3 — Northern finale at Castle Rock, Crystal Rock or The Cauldron when conditions allow, or a Padar-area alternative. Lunch onboard during the return cruise; arrival in Labuan Bajo around 17:30.
4D/3N · Komodo Discovery — day by day
Day 1 — Check dive at Sebayur Kecil, then a second dive in Central Komodo or the Padar area depending on the seasonal route. 2 dives.
Day 2 (April to October) — Three Sisters in the morning, the Padar viewpoint hike, then two exploration dives around Padar including Pillarsteen. 3 dives + Padar hike.
Day 2 (November to March) — Deep south: Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall and Manta Alley. 3 dives.
Day 3 — Morning ranger-guided dragon trek, then Pink Beach, Manta Point and a gentler central reef such as Tatawa Besar or Siaba. 3 dives + dragon trek.
Day 4 — Final dives in North Komodo (Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, The Cauldron) or on central signatures such as Batu Bolong, Mawan or Manta Point. Last dive around midday, lunch onboard, arrival early afternoon. 3 dives.
5D/4N · Komodo Highlights — day by day
Day 1 — Check dive at Sebayur Kecil, then a first manta encounter at Manta Point (Karang Makassar), plus a night dive from the evening anchorage. 2 dives + night dive.
Day 2 (April to October) — Three Sisters, the Padar viewpoint hike, then two exploration dives around Padar including Pillarsteen. 3 dives + Padar hike.
Day 2 (November to March) — Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall and Manta Alley in the nutrient-rich south. 3 dives.
Day 3 — Two remote southern-area dives chosen on current and tide, the ranger-guided Komodo dragon trek, and a night dive. 2 dives + dragon trek + night dive.
Day 4 — The strongest diving day: Pink Beach, Manta Point, then Batu Bolong. 3 dives.
Day 5 — Optional early dive at Mawan, Pengah, Castle Rock or Crystal Rock, then brunch onboard during the return cruise. Check-out by 14:00; book flights from 16:00 onwards, with a minimum 18-hour surface interval before flying. 2 to 3 dives.
6D/5N · South Komodo, Nusa Kode and Gili Motang — day by day
Day 1 — Check dive at Sebayur Kecil, Mini Wall or a sheltered central reef, then a first manta opportunity at Manta Point or Mawan before cruising south. 2 dives.
Day 2 — Three Sisters, then Pillarsteen, Secret Garden or Padar's southern reefs, with the Padar viewpoint hike when conditions and timing allow. 3 dives + possible Padar hike.
Day 3 — Full South Komodo day around the tip of the island: Manta Alley, End of the World, German Flag or nearby exposed reefs. 3 dives.
Day 4 — The heart of the expedition at Nusa Kode: Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall, then Boulders, Torpedo Alley or Crinoid Canyon. 3 dives.
Day 5 — Flexible exploration day around Gili Motang when the sea allows, or the strongest available Nusa Kode and South Komodo sites. 3 dives.
Day 6 — Ranger-guided dragon trek on Komodo or Rinca, plus one gentle final dive at Pink Beach, Siaba or Mawan when flight timing allows, then brunch on the return cruise. Check-out by 14:00; book flights from 16:00 onwards, with a minimum 18-hour surface interval before flying. 1 dive + dragon trek.
Check Shenron dates, cabins and prices
Open any departure to see its exact route, certification requirement, cabin inventory, base price and charges added during booking.
What your liveaboard trip includes
The individual departure listing and checkout summary remain authoritative because routes and fees can vary.
Included in the trip package
- Accommodation in the selected cabin or berth
- Full-board meals and snacks
- Water, tea and coffee
- 3 to 4 guided dives per full diving day, route permitting
- Tanks and weights
- Nitrox for certified Nitrox divers
- Towels and bed linen
- Scheduled land activities described in the itinerary
Not included unless selected
- International and domestic flights
- Travel and diving insurance
- Rental dive equipment (35 EUR per day, full set)
- Optional PADI courses and private guide
- 15-litre tanks or other paid upgrades
- Beer and sodas from the onboard selection
- Optional Starlink access (10 EUR flat per trip)
- Crew gratuities
Mandatory charges: Komodo National Park fees and any applicable fuel surcharge are integrated into checkout and included in the final total published before payment. A mandatory charge may appear as a separate line, but there is no later cash payment for the same park fee.
Liveaboard or daily diving from the resort?
Choose Shenron if
- You want to sleep inside Komodo National Park
- You want 3 to 4 dives on full diving days
- You want better access to remote southern areas
- You prefer an immersive, dive-focused trip
- You are comfortable living aboard for several nights
Choose day trips if
- You prefer a hotel room every night
- You have only one or two diving days
- You travel with non-diving companions
- You need greater flexibility between diving days
- You are newly certified and need a gentler progression
North, Central and South Komodo
No wildlife sighting or named dive site can be guaranteed. Shenron's team selects the safest, strongest route available for the actual conditions.
Current-fed pinnacles
Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Cauldron and Golden Passage are among the seasonal possibilities for experienced groups.
Year-round core
Batu Bolong, Manta Point, Mawan, Siaba and other central reefs provide walls, drifts, cleaning stations and sheltered alternatives.
Cooler expedition diving
Manta Alley, Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall and Nusa Kode reward experienced divers with soft corals, mantas and exceptional macro life.
Komodo changes with the monsoon
Primary Central and North season, generally with warmer northern water and greater access to current-fed pinnacles.
Primary Central and South season, with cooler nutrient-rich water, lush soft corals and southern manta possibilities.
Central Komodo remains important throughout the year. The final route always depends on weather, currents, visibility and park access.
Certification, arrival and equipment
Check the exact departure
Most Shenron trips recommend or require Advanced Open Water, recent experience and good buoyancy. Dedicated southern expeditions expect at least 30 logged dives.
Sleep in Labuan Bajo first
Arrive at least one night before departure. The meeting point is Dragon Dive Komodo Resort at 08:30, for a morning departure between 09:00 and 10:00 — your confirmation message remains authoritative.
Bring proof and insurance
Bring certification cards, logbook, personal medication and appropriate travel and dive insurance covering evacuation and hyperbaric treatment.
Surface marker buoy
An SMB is mandatory in Komodo. Full rental equipment is available, but verify sizes and requested extras before departure.
Plan for temperature changes
A 3 mm suit often suits North and Central routes. South Komodo can require a 5 mm suit and hooded vest depending on season and personal tolerance.
Protect the surface interval
A minimum 18-hour surface interval after the last dive is observed before flying. On longer formats check-out is by 14:00, so book departure flights from 16:00 onwards on your final day.
What changes between departures?
| Variable | Why it changes | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Trip length, cabin, occupancy, season and mandatory charges | Live departure checkout |
| Guest capacity | Most trips use 8; selected dorm trips may use 10 | Individual trip listing |
| Dive count | Weather, currents, travel distance and land activities | Trip itinerary and onboard briefing |
| Certification requirement | North, Central and South routes have different demands | Individual trip listing |
| Named sites | Tide, sea state, visibility and park access | Daily decision by captain and dive team |
Questions before you book
What is included in a Shenron Komodo liveaboard trip?
Are Komodo National Park fees included in the liveaboard price?
How much does a Shenron liveaboard cost?
What certification do I need for a Komodo liveaboard?
Is Nitrox included on Shenron?
How many dives are planned each day?
How many guests are on Shenron?
When and where do Shenron trips depart?
Is alcohol available onboard Shenron?
Is there Wi-Fi onboard Shenron?
Can I rent dive equipment on Shenron?
Can I complete Advanced Open Water or Nitrox onboard?
Can non-divers or snorkellers join Shenron?
What is the difference between Shenron and Komodo day trips?
Find the right Shenron departure
Use the live calendar for cabin-specific pricing and availability, then open the individual trip to review its exact route, level, fees and inclusions before paying.
Trip information reviewed 16 August 2026. The individual departure and checkout summary remain the source of truth.