Scuba diving in Photos in Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is a dream destination for scuba divers—home to manta rays, pristine coral reefs, turtles, reef sharks, and some of the best drift diving in the world. But because it’s remote, reaching Komodo requires some planning. Many divers aren’t sure where to start: Should I fly into Bali or Jakarta? How do I get to Labuan Bajo? Should I book daily dives or a liveaboard?
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This guide gives you everything you need to know about traveling to Komodo specifically as a scuba diver. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to plan your flights, what to pack, and how to maximize your time underwater.

Step 1: Arrive in Indonesia (or Fly Direct to Labuan Bajo)

Most divers traditionally entered Indonesia via Bali (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK) before connecting to Labuan Bajo. But now it’s easier than ever, with new direct international flights to Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
Direct International Flights to Labuan Bajo (LBJ)
  • Singapore (SIN → LBJ) – Perfect for international divers connecting through Asia’s biggest hub.
  • Kuala Lumpur (KUL → LBJ) – Great for budget-friendly connections via AirAsia and other carriers.
👉 This is a huge time-saver. You can now skip domestic transfers entirely and land straight in Labuan Bajo with your dive gear.

Step 2: Domestic Flights Within Indonesia

If you’re already in Indonesia, you can still take short domestic flights to Labuan Bajo:
  • From Bali (DPS → LBJ): ~1 hr 15 min
  • From Jakarta (CGK → LBJ): ~2.5 hrs
  • From Surabaya (SUB → LBJ): ~2 hrs
Airlines serving the route include Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Lion Air, Citilink, and TransNusa.

​👉 Diver’s Tip: Arrive one day before your first dive—this gives you time to rest, handle luggage, and enjoy Labuan Bajo before boarding your boat.

Step 3: Daily Diving vs Liveaboard Diving

Once you’re in Labuan Bajo, you have two main options:

Daily Diving

  • Stay in a hotel or resort.
  • Join dive boats that leave in the morning and return in the evening.
  • Great for flexibility and comfort on land.

Click for our Daily Komodo Fun Dives

Liveaboard Diving

  • Sleep on the boat and dive around the clock.
  • Visit more remote sites (e.g., South Komodo, Horseshoe Bay).
  • Ideal for divers who want to maximize dives and explore the full park.
👉 Which to choose? If you’re short on time or traveling with non-divers, daily diving works well. If you want the full Komodo experience, liveaboards are unbeatable.

Click for our Unique Komodo 3 day/2 night Trips

Alternative Routes (For the Adventurous Diver)

  • Overland from Lombok to Flores
    A multi-day trip involving buses and ferries. Scenic, but tiring with dive gear. Not recommended if your goal is diving quickly.
  • Liveaboard Cruises from Bali
    Some luxury and budget boats make the journey Bali → Komodo (7–10 days), combining diving in both areas. Perfect if you want a once-in-a-lifetime extended dive holiday.

    Contact us

Choose from any of our Komodo National Park Tours
1 Day Trips
3 Day / 2 Night
4 Day / 3 Night

We can visit places such as;​
  • Komodo Island
  • Rinca Island
  • Kalong
  • Gili Lawa
  • Sebayur
  • Taka Makassar
  • Tatawa Kecil*
  • Siaba Besar
  • Manta Point
  • Kalong
  • Menjerite
  • Kelor 
  • Bidadari
  • Kanawa
  • Pink Beach
  • Long Beach
  • The Passage*
  • Batu Bolong*
  • Castle Rock*
  • Crystal Bay
  • (* Only for scuba trips)
Contact us for any questions:  
WhatsApp: 
​+62 812-3855-3678      
Email: [email protected]

Step 4: Visas & Park Fees

  • Visa on Arrival (VOA): Most travelers can get a 30-day VOA at the airport for around USD $35. It can be extended once for another 30 days.
  • Komodo National Park Fees: Divers pay higher entry fees compared to land-based visitors. These fees go toward conservation and are usually included in your dive package—confirm with your operator.  Click here to see the latest updates on Komodo National Park fees

Step 5: Packing & Gear Tips for Divers

Travel Light if Possible
Domestic airlines have baggage limits (15–20 kg checked, 7 kg carry-on). If you bring your full dive kit, you may need to pay excess fees.
What to Pack
  • Certification card & logbook.
  • Dive computer (essential in Komodo’s currents).
  • Mask, fins, wetsuit (3mm is enough).
  • Reef-safe sunscreen & rash guard.
  • Underwater camera (carry it as hand luggage).
Renting vs Bringing Gear
  • BCDs and regulators are bulky—many divers choose to rent these locally.
  • If you’re a photographer, bring your own camera and housing—rental options are limited.
👉 Important: Always leave a full 24-hour no-fly window after your last dive before boarding a plane out of Labuan Bajo.

Step 6: Planning Your Dive Days

To make the most of your trip:
  • Plan at least 3–5 days of diving to see both the northern and central Komodo sites.
  • If possible, add 7+ days for a liveaboard—it allows you to dive remote southern sites with rare critters.
  • Add one buffer day in Labuan Bajo after diving before your outbound flight.

Frequently Asked Questions (Divers Ask Us)

Q: How many dives can I expect on a Komodo liveaboard?
A: Most liveaboards offer 3–4 dives per day, including night dives.
Q: Is Komodo suitable for beginner divers?
A: Yes and no. Some sites are calm and perfect for beginners, but Komodo is famous for strong currents. Beginners should dive with a trusted operator who chooses sites carefully.
Q: What’s the best time of year to dive in Komodo?
A: Year-round diving is possible. Peak manta season is December–February. Best visibility is usually April–October.
Q: Can I bring scuba tanks or weights on the plane?
A: No, but all dive centers provide them.

Why Divers Love the Journey

Getting to Komodo isn’t just about logistics—it’s about the adventure. Flying over volcanic islands, arriving in the port town of Labuan Bajo, and seeing wooden phinisi liveaboards lined up at the harbor—it’s all part of the diving experience. Unlike some destinations, Komodo feels remote, wild, and untouched. That’s why the diving is world-class.

Reaching Komodo for diving is easier than many think. Fly into Bali or Jakarta, connect to Labuan Bajo, and from there the world’s best diving is at your fins. Whether you choose a daily diving trip or a luxury liveaboard, you’ll experience manta rays, sharks, and reefs that few other places on Earth can match.
👉 Ready to dive?
Contact Maika Komodo Tour & Diving and let us plan your perfect diving adventure in Komodo National Park.
For all our services, you can visit our individual pages here;
​Daily Diving Trip in Komodo
Komodo Open Water Course
Komodo Advanced open water course
3 day 2 night komodo tour
one day komodo tour

    Contact us with any questions.
You can also book from our choice of Luxury Liveaboards.
Celestia Phinisi  -  
Maika Komodo Tour & Diving offer Komodo tours and scuba diving in Komodo National Park.  Our office is located on the main tourist street in Labuan Bajo.  The address is; 

Maika Komodo Tour & Diving
 Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86763, Indonesia

Our Google maps can be found here at Komodo Tour & Diving
For those looking, you can also visit our Phinisi for sale page.
Contact Maika Komodo Tours for any questions you may have. 
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