Bali is an amazing hub for scuba diving, and one of the best ways to experience the diverse marine life and incredible dive sites around Bali is by taking a liveaboard diving trip. 🐠🚤 A liveaboard allows you to explore some of the best dive spots in Bali and nearby islands, all while enjoying the comfort of staying on the boat and having multiple dives a day.

Here’s a guide to the best liveaboard diving trips from Bali that offer unforgettable underwater adventures! 🌊🌟

1. Komodo National Park (3-5 Days)

Best For: Experienced divers, manta ray enthusiasts, and those seeking big pelagics 🌟

Overview: Just a short boat ride from Bali, Komodo National Park is a world-renowned diving destination. The park is famous for its vibrant reefs, incredible biodiversity, and thrilling drift dives. On a Komodo liveaboard, you can explore iconic dive sites like Castle Rock, Batu Bolong, and Manta Point, where you’ll have the chance to swim with majestic manta rays, sharks, and schools of barracudas.

• Highlights:
  • Manta Ray diving at Manta Point.
  • Incredible drift dives with pelagic fish.
  • Explore stunning coral reefs.
  • Visit the famous Komodo Dragons on land (optional day trips).
• Best Season: April to November, when the weather is calm and visibility is high.

2. Raja Ampat (7-10 Days)

Best For: Advanced divers, underwater photographers, and nature lovers 📸🌿

Overview: Located in West Papua, Raja Ampat is often called the “Amazon of the Seas”, home to some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet. Many liveaboard trips from Bali offer journeys to Raja Ampat, exploring its stunning coral reefs, vibrant fish life, and crystal-clear waters.

• Highlights:
  • Dive at Misool, famous for its vibrant coral gardens and huge schools of fish.
  • Discover Dampier Strait for its incredible macro life and big pelagics.
  • Underwater photography opportunities with the world’s most pristine coral reefs.
• Best Season: October to April for optimal visibility and calm seas.

3. Alor Archipelago (5-7 Days)

Best For: Experienced divers and those looking for remote, off-the-beaten-path adventures 🏝️

Overview: The Alor Archipelago is a hidden gem located east of Bali. Known for its amazing muck diving and macro life, Alor offers divers the chance to see rare and unique species. Its deep drop-offs and colorful reefs make it an excellent choice for liveaboard diving trips focused on underwater photography and exploration of less-visited dive sites.

• Highlights:
  • Muck diving in clear waters with a chance to spot rare creatures like nudibranchs, mimic octopuses, and leaf fish.
  • Vibrant coral reefs with plenty of pelagic fish and big schools.
  • Remote, uncrowded dive sites with beautiful underwater landscapes.
• Best Season: April to November, when the water is calm and visibility is best.

4. Flores & The Lesser Sunda Islands (5-7 Days)

Best For: Divers of all levels, manta ray lovers, and adventurers seeking diverse dive sites 🌊🐡

Overview: The Lesser Sunda Islands are an archipelago that includes the famous Komodo National Park and other pristine islands such as Flores. A liveaboard in this area offers a mix of diverse dive sites, including coral reefs, wreck dives, and the chance to swim with manta rays at Manta Point. You can also explore less-visited sites around Sumbawa and West Timor.

• Highlights:
  • Dive at Komodo and Rinca Islands, home to beautiful coral gardens.
  • Swim with manta rays in Manta Point.
  • Explore remote and untouched dive sites with abundant marine life.
• Best Season: April to November, when conditions are optimal for diving.

5. Banda Sea & Ambon (7-10 Days)

Best For: Advanced divers, wreck diving enthusiasts, and underwater photographers 📸⚓

Overview: Located to the east of Bali, the Banda Sea offers some of the most unique diving experiences in Indonesia. Known for its history (shipwrecks) and exceptional biodiversity, this liveaboard trip takes you to remote islands where you can explore historical wrecks, vibrant coral reefs, and schools of fish.

Best Season: March to November for clear waters and good visibility.

Highlights:

Wreck diving around Ambon and Banda Neira.

Dive at Pulau Ai and Nusa Laut for beautiful coral reefs and macro life.

Discover the area’s historical and cultural significance.

6. Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan (3-5 Days)

Best For: Manta ray lovers, intermediate to advanced divers, and those looking for a nearby liveaboard trip 🌊🐋

Overview: Located just a short distance from Bali, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan offer spectacular dive sites that can be explored via liveaboard. These islands are famous for encounters with manta rays at Manta Point and the chance to see the sunfish (mola mola) at certain times of the year. While not as remote as Komodo or Raja Ampat, the diving here is still world-class and easily accessible.

• Highlights:
  • Dive with manta rays and mola mola in crystal-clear waters.
  • Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
  • Accessible from Bali, making it perfect for shorter liveaboard trips.
• Best Season: Mola mola season is from July to October, while manta ray sightings can happen year-round.

7. The Forgotten Islands (7-10 Days)

Best For: Experienced divers, adventure seekers, and those wanting to explore remote, untouched dive sites 🏝️

Overview: The Forgotten Islands, located in the southeast of the Banda Sea, are some of the most remote and unexplored dive destinations in Indonesia. Liveaboard trips to these islands offer access to pristine reefs, untouched waters, and the chance to see unique marine life, including manta rays, sharks, and diverse macro creatures.

• Highlights:
  • Explore remote dive sites with abundant marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
  • Encounters with pelagic fish, manta rays, and rare species.
  • Very few crowds, offering a more private and untouched experience.
• Best Season: March to November, for calm seas and clear visibility.

8. Triton Bay (7-10 Days)

Best For: Nature lovers, advanced divers, and those looking for pristine, remote dive sites 🌿🐟

Overview: Located in West Papua, Triton Bay is an incredible, remote diving destination with pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life. The area is famous for its diverse ecosystems, muck diving, and large schools of fish. The liveaboard trip will take you to some of the least explored dive sites in Indonesia, offering an opportunity for adventure.

• Highlights:
  • Explore uncharted muck diving spots with macro treasures.
  • Coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, nudibranchs, and sea horses.
  • Remote, beautiful islands with few other divers around.
• Best Season: March to November for calm weather and the best visibility.

Final Thoughts 🌊

Liveaboard diving trips from Bali are an unforgettable way to explore some of the most amazing underwater destinations in Indonesia! From the famous Komodo National Park to the remote Raja Ampat and Triton Bay, there are liveaboard trips for divers of all levels and interests. Whether you’re after vibrant coral reefs, thrilling drift dives, or encounters with manta rays and sunfish, these trips promise an incredible diving adventure.

When choosing a liveaboard, consider the duration, your dive experience level, and the type of marine life you’re most excited to see. And don’t forget to pack your underwater camera – Bali and the surrounding dive destinations offer some of the best photo opportunities in the world! 📸🐠