Do you charge a fee for your booking services?

No. Our pricing is the same as booking directly with the operator. We're compensated by the operators we partner with, not by you. You get our help finding the right boat, plus on-trip support if anything goes wrong, at no extra cost.

What is the cancellation policy for a liveaboard booking?

Each operator sets their own terms. Generally: cancellation 90+ days before departure receives most of the deposit back (sometimes minus an admin fee), 60–90 days gets a partial refund, and less than 60 days is typically non-refundable. The exact terms are on your invoice. We strongly recommend travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage.

How many dives are included per day on a liveaboard?

Typically 3 dives per day plus an optional night dive (4 total). Some boats offer up to 4 day dives. Fewer on transit days when the boat is moving between regions.

What experience level do I need for an Indonesia liveaboard?

Most trips require Open Water certification minimum. Raja Ampat and Komodo recommend Advanced Open Water. Banda Sea and Forgotten Islands require Advanced. Belongas Bay in Lombok requires Advanced. Newly certified divers can be matched to beginner-friendly boats in Komodo or northern Raja Ampat.

Will I get seasick on a liveaboard?

Possibly, especially on long crossings (Banda Sea, Forgotten Islands, Cenderawasih). Most boats stop at anchored sites between dives, so the boat isn't moving most of the time. Bring motion sickness medication (Stugeron / Cinnarizine is what local crews recommend), sleep in a mid-ship lower cabin if you're prone to it, and start medication the night before. Crossings are typically done overnight.

What should I pack for a liveaboard trip in Indonesia?

Essentials: reef-safe sunscreen (oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free), wide hat, UV shirt, light quick-dry clothes, one warm layer for night crossings, flip-flops, your regular medications and motion sickness pills, passport, dive certification card, dive insurance proof, and cash in USD or IDR for marine park fees and tips. Underwater photographers should bring a dry bag, extra batteries, SD cards, and a small surge protector.

Liveaboard Indonesia - FAQ

LIVEABOARD INDONESIA FAQ

Q: How much does a Liveaboard Indonesia trip cost?

Indonesia liveaboard prices vary significantly by destination, boat class, and trip length. Budget shared-cabin trips start from around USD 150-200 per person per night. Mid-range boats run USD 250-400 per night. Luxury and private charter vessels range from USD 500 to over USD 1,500 per person per night. Komodo is generally the most affordable destination; Raja Ampat and Banda Sea crossings sit at the higher end. Contact us for a tailored quote.

Q: What about marine park fees?

Marine park fees are charged separately and paid in cash on arrival. They go to local conservation authorities. Always confirm current fees before departure.

Q: What's the difference between a cabin booking, an open trip, and a private charter?

A cabin booking (or open trip) means you book one cabin on a scheduled departure with other guests — it's the cheapest option and best for solo travelers, couples, or small groups. A private charter means you book the entire boat exclusively for your group — more expensive but you control the itinerary and pace.

Q: How far in advance should I book a liveaboard in Indonesia?

For peak season (December to February for Raja Ampat, July to September for Komodo), book 9–12 months ahead. Popular boats sell out 12–18 months out. For shoulder season or off-peak, 3–6 months is usually enough. Last-minute availability happens but is rare on the better boats.

Q: Is there a minimum trip length?

Yes, 3 days and 2 nights is the shortest trip we book. Most liveaboard trips run 4–11 nights depending on the region. Raja Ampat and Komodo are typically 7–10 nights; Banda Sea crossings can run 11–13 nights.

Q: What happens if the operator cancels the trip?

If an operator reschedules for mechanical issues, weather, or regulation changes, you'll be offered a date change or alternative boat at no extra cost. If neither works, you receive a full refund of what you paid the operator. We help mediate so you don't have to negotiate directly.

Q: What's included in a liveaboard package?

Standard inclusions: all meals, cabin accommodation with linens and towels, dive guides, weights and tanks, all scheduled dives (typically 3–4 per day), airport transfers in the embarkation town, and drinking water/tea/coffee. Not usually included: rental dive gear, nitrox fills, alcohol, marine park fees, crew gratuities, and dive insurance.

Answers your questions about costs, booking, diving requirements, and what to expect onboard

1. Getting Started

Who are we?

LiveaboardIndonesia.com is a booking platform and travel agency based in Bali, specializing in liveaboard trips across the Indonesian archipelago. We work with 180+ vessels covering diving, snorkeling, and private sailing charters from Sorong to Sumbawa, from budget phinisi to luxury yachts.

Who's behind the team?

Our in-house team includes former cruise directors and destination specialists who have personally sailed most of the routes we sell. We’re based in Indonesia, so when you contact us during peak season you’re not waiting on someone halfway across the world.

Why book through you instead of direct?

Two reasons. First, we don’t charge a markup — you pay the same price as booking direct, and you get our help finding the right boat for your dates, budget, and experience level. Second, when something goes wrong (a flight delay, a boat reschedule, a last-minute itinerary change), we handle it. Most operators are running boats and don’t have full-time guest-services teams onshore.

Do you charge a fee for your services?

No. Our pricing is the same as booking directly with the operator. We’re compensated by the operators we partner with, not by you.

Is there a minimum trip length?

Yes — 3 days and 2 nights is the shortest trip we book. Most liveaboard trips run 4–11 nights depending on the region. Raja Ampat and Komodo are typically 7–10 nights; Banda Sea crossings can run 11–13 nights.

Can you book my flights and hotels too?

Yes. We have our in-house travel agency for booking pre- and post- guest’s trip, not just a boat booking platform. We can arrange domestic flights, pre- and post-trip hotels, ground transfers, and land excursions. Most guests find it simpler to let us coordinate everything.

2. Booking & Pricing

How much does a Liveaboard Indonesia trip cost?

Prices vary widely by destination, boat class, and trip length.

What about marine park fees?

Marine park fees are charged separately from the trip price and paid in cash on arrival. They go to local conservation authorities, not the operator.

What's the difference between a cabin booking, an open trip, and a private charter?

Cabin booking (or “open trip”) — you book one cabin on a scheduled departure with other guests. Cheapest option. Best for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who don’t mind sharing the boat.

Private charter — you book the entire boat exclusively for your group. More expensive but you control the itinerary, schedule, and pace. Best for groups of 6+ or guests who want flexibility.

Some operators only run private charters; others mix both. We can advise based on group size.

Is my booking final and confirmed as soon as I place my order?

No. We first verify availability with the operator — many dive operators work offline or without live booking systems. We confirm within 24 hours. Once confirmed, we issue an invoice and the booking is finalized on payment.

How far in advance should I book?

For peak season (Dec–Feb for Raja Ampat, Jul–Sep for Komodo), book 9–12 months ahead. Popular boats sell out 12–18 months out. For shoulder season or off-peak, 3–6 months is usually enough. Last-minute availability happens but is rare on the better boats.

3. Payments

What forms of payment do you accept?

Major credit cards, bank transfers in multiple currencies, and alternative payment methods through Xendit and Flywire (secure international payment platforms). Wire transfer is most common for full charters.

Do I pay a deposit or in full?

Standard is a deposit at booking confirmation (typically 25–30%) with the balance due 60–90 days before departure. Specific terms vary by operator — we’ll confirm before invoicing.

Are there fuel surcharges or extra fees?

Some operators add a fuel surcharge if oil prices spike between booking and departure. This is normally disclosed at booking. Beyond fuel and marine park fees, common extras are: nitrox fills, alcohol, premium camera rentals, and crew gratuities.

4. Changes & Cancellations

How can I make changes to my reservation?

Email us. For date changes, we’ll check operator availability and any rebooking fees. For destination changes, the answer depends on whether your boat can be redeployed — sometimes yes, often easier to move you to a different boat.

What's the cancellation policy?

Each operator sets their own terms. Generally:

Cancel 90+ days before departure → most of deposit refundable, sometimes minus admin fee
Cancel 60–90 days → partial refund
Cancel less than 60 days → typically non-refundable

The exact terms are on your invoice. This is why we strongly recommend travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage.

What happens if the operator cancels the trip?

Operators sometimes reschedule for mechanical issues, weather, or government regulation changes (Komodo has had periodic restrictions, for example). In that case:

You’ll be offered a date change or an alternative boat at no extra cost
If neither works, you’ll receive a full refund of what you paid the operator
We help mediate so you don’t have to negotiate directly

What if the weather is bad and dive sites are skipped?

Most liveaboards run year-round at their destinations and pick safe routes. Itineraries are guidelines, not contracts — captains adjust based on conditions. Missed dive sites are rarely compensated, but a capable captain will always find diveable alternatives.

Do I need travel insurance?

Strongly recommended. Trip cancellation insurance protects your deposit if you can’t travel. Travel medical insurance covers illness and injury overseas. Dive insurance covers diving-specific incidents.

5. Destinations

We cover every liveaboard destination in Indonesia. See all destinations →

LIVEABOARD INDONESIA FAQ

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