Indonesia liveaboard diving with Magika
Magika runs private diving charters in Komodo National Park with up to three guided dives a day, tanks and weights included. 2027 rates start at USD 11,000 for a 3D2N private diving charter with 1–5 guests. Komodo is our cruising ground; Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea run on the opposite monsoon and are served by other vessels in the fleet.
The unrivalled appeal of diving from a boat
Choosing a liveaboard means access to sites that day trips structurally cannot reach. You follow the best conditions, dive multiple sites daily, and wake up already over the reef.
A day boat from Labuan Bajo can deliver Batu Bolong and Manta Point. It cannot deliver Manta Alley in the far south, Cannibal Rock, or a first dive at slack water before anyone else arrives — because the long legs are sailed overnight at 8 knots while you sleep.
Beyond the water: nine en-suite air-conditioned cabins, full board, indoor and outdoor dining, a lounge and a sundeck, and hot water from an onboard heater after a cold southern dive.
The Komodo dive and sail package
Manta rays, reef sharks, turtles and an astonishing spread of macro life, against a backdrop of healthy coral — plus ranger-guided trekking for the dragons.
- Expedition to diverse Komodo dive sites, including Batu Bolong, Manta Point and Castle Rock.
- Opportunities for land excursions to see Komodo dragons at Komodo or Rinca.
- Guided dives with experienced instructors and divemasters.
- Full-board accommodation with freshly prepared meals.
- Afternoon coffee or tea with snacks, because three dives a day is genuinely tiring.
- Focus on marine conservation and responsible diving practices.
Dive sites, depth and difficulty
Komodo’s currents are the reason for the fish biomass — and the reason certification level matters here more than in most of Indonesia.
| Site | Depth | Current | Suits | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siaba Besar | 5–18 m | Light | All levels, first dives | Sheltered bay, turtles |
| Karang Makassar (Manta Point) | 8–18 m | Gentle drift | All levels | The most reliable manta site in the park |
| Tatawa Besar | 5–18 m | Easy to intermediate drift | Intermediate | The best soft coral in Komodo |
| Batu Bolong | 5–35 m | Permanent, moderate to strong | Advanced or strong intermediate | Dense fish biomass |
| Castle Rock | Varies | Very strong, negative entry | Advanced — typically AOW + 30–50 dives, reef hook | Sharks and trevally in numbers |
| Manta Alley (south) | 5–25 m | Moderate to strong, with swell | Intermediate to advanced | The highest manta density in the park |
Water is 27–29 °C in the north from November to April and 26–28 °C from May to October, with 15–30 m visibility. The southern upwelling from June to September drops it to 21–25 °C with a sharp thermocline and 10–20 m visibility — bring a thicker wetsuit if you are diving the south.
Private diving charter, 2026 and 2027
A separate rate card from the sailing packages, because it carries a dive guide, tanks, weights and up to three dives per day.
| Package | Year | 1–5 guests | 6–10 | 11–15 | 16–20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D2N diving | 2026 | USD 9,500 | USD 10,200 | USD 11,250 | USD 12,200 |
| 3D2N diving | 2027 | USD 11,000 | USD 11,800 | USD 13,050 | USD 14,100 |
| 4D3N diving | 2026 | USD 12,650 | USD 13,650 | USD 14,550 | USD 15,400 |
| 4D3N diving | 2027 | USD 14,600 | USD 15,800 | USD 16,850 | USD 17,750 |
| 5D4N diving | 2026 | USD 15,750 | USD 16,450 | USD 17,550 | USD 18,550 |
| 5D4N diving | 2027 | USD 18,200 | USD 19,000 | USD 20,250 | USD 21,400 |
Diving packages exclude personal dive equipment rental, park and ranger fees, Kalong Island entrance, travel insurance, laundry and underwater documentation. Full inclusions on whole-boat pricing by season.
Beyond Komodo
Raja Ampat, in West Papua, is the epicentre of marine biodiversity and dives October to April. Cenderawasih Bay offers year-round whale shark encounters. The Banda Sea, with its schooling hammerheads and volcanic walls, is a shoulder-season expedition.
None of those are Magika itineraries. They run on the opposite monsoon from Komodo — which is precisely why liveaboards reposition between the two regions each year. If you want Raja Ampat, see the luxury Raja Ampat programme, and read the month-by-month season comparison before you pick dates.
Frequently asked questions
How many dives a day are included?
Up to three on the diving package, with a dive guide, tanks and weights supplied. Personal equipment rental beyond tanks and weights is charged separately.
What certification do I need?
Open Water or equivalent covers most of the standard circuit. Batu Bolong needs advanced or strong intermediate skills, and Castle Rock realistically needs Advanced Open Water plus 30–50 logged dives and a reef hook. Tell us your level and we will match the sites.
Does Magika dive Raja Ampat?
No. Magika’s published programme is Komodo National Park out of Labuan Bajo. Raja Ampat runs on the opposite monsoon and is served by the operator’s dedicated Raja Ampat fleet.
When is the best time to dive Komodo?
April to June and September to November are the calmest with the best visibility. December to March is monsoon — rougher, but peak manta density. July and August are peak season and windy around Padar.
How cold is the water?
27–29 °C in the north from November to April, 26–28 °C from May to October. The southern upwelling from June to September drops to 21–25 °C with a sharp thermocline.
Can non-divers join a diving charter?
Yes — snorkellers and non-divers share the same itinerary, and the tenders run separate programmes. If half your group does not dive, the sailing package plus separate dive arrangements is often cheaper.
Tell us your certification, we will build the week
Send your group’s certification levels and logged dives. We will match the sites, the season and the package — and say so if the month is wrong.
Whole-boat charter and shared cabins · Labuan Bajo departures · 2026 & 2027 dates open