1. Choose Your Departure Port
   • Padangbai: Best for fast catamarans; 12‑hour sail to Labuan Bajo.
   • Serangan: Ideal for larger Phinisi vessels; offers a more leisurely 24‑hour crossing.
2. Select a Reputable Operator
   • Look for operators with a Komodo liveaboard from Bali specialization.
   • Ask about their marine park permit handling and crew certifications.
   • Verify that they provide daily briefings on currents, tides, and wildlife sightings.
3. Secure Your Permits Early
   • Komodo National Park caps daily entries; book at least 60 days in advance.
   • Confirm that the operator includes the $30 park fee in the package price.
4. Arrange Transfer to the Port
   • Private car or shuttle from your Bali hotel to Padangbai/Serangan (≈ 30 min).
   • Ask the operator if they provide airport pick‑up for added convenience.
5. Finalize Your Dive Plan
   • Discuss preferred dive sites: Batu Bolong (30 m, strong currents), Manta Point (25 m, night dive), Castle Rock (35 m, macro).
   • Confirm tide windows: early morning for Batu Bolong, late afternoon for Castle Rock.
6. Pack Smart
   • Bring a 5 mm wetsuit (dry season) or 7 mm (wet season).
   • Include a reef‑safe sunscreen, dry bag, and a reusable water bottle.
7. Prepare for On‑Board Life
   • Expect communal meals; inform the crew of any dietary restrictions.
   • Bring a headlamp with extra batteries for night dives.
8. Confirm Final Details (48 hrs before departure) Verify departure time, weather forecast, and any last‑minute changes with the operator.
9. Board and Set Sail
   • Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for safety checks.
   • Enjoy the first sunrise over the Bali Sea as the boat heads east.
10. Dive and ExploreFollow the daily dive schedule, keep a dive log, and share sightings with the crew to help refine future routes.

The Best Dive Sites on a Bali‑Start Route

Batu Bolong (30 m)

• Depth: 20‑30 m
• Key Species: Manta birostris, Humphead wrasse, Moorish idol
• Best Time: Early morning (6 am‑9 am) when currents are moderate.
• Insider Tip: Ask the crew to anchor in the lee side of the reef to reduce drift; the water here is crystal‑clear, allowing you to see the iconic “batu” (rock) silhouettes against the sunrise.

Manta Point (25 m)

• Depth: 20‑25 m (night dive)
• Key Species: Manta birostris, Giant cuttlefish, Banded pygmy shark
• Best Time: Night dive (22:00‑00:30) after a full moon for optimal plankton activity.
• Insider Tip: Bring a red light to avoid startling the mantas; they often glide just a few meters from the surface, creating a surreal, lantern‑lit tableau.

Castle Rock (35 m)

• Depth: 30‑35 m
• Key Species: Giant trevally, Wobbegong, Blue-spotted ray
• Best Time: Late afternoon when the sun filters through the overhang, casting dramatic shadows.
• Insider Tip: This site is known for strong currents; ask the dive master to pair you with a strong swimmer for safety, and keep an eye on the tidal chart (low tide at 16:45 is ideal).

Pink Beach (Shallow)

• Depth: 2‑5 m
• Key Species: Clownfish, Butterflyfish, Sea turtles
• Best Time: Mid‑day for snorkeling; the sand glows pink under the sun.
• Insider Tip: Bring a snorkel mask for a quick surface break; the beach is a perfect spot for a lunch picnic on the deck.

Practical Insider Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Tide Awareness: The Lombok Strait experiences a semi‑diurnal tide; plan your deepest dives around slack tide (usually around 10:30 am and 22:30 pm) to avoid strong drift.
• Ask About the “Komodo Drift”: Some operators schedule a mid‑journey drift to the Kelimutu area, where you can see bioluminescent plankton on a moonless night.
• Bring a Waterproof Logbook: Recording depth, temperature, and species helps the crew fine‑tune future itineraries and gives you a personal souvenir.
• Stay Hydrated: The tropical heat can be deceptive; a hydration pack with electrolytes will keep you comfortable during long sail legs.
• Night Dive Protocol: Always keep a surface marker buoy (SMB) inflated; night currents can be deceptive, and the SMB helps the boat locate you quickly.

• 5 mm wetsuit (dry season) or 7 mm (wet season)
• Dive computer (mandatory for deep dives)
• Reef‑safe sunscreen (required by the park)
• Dry bag for electronics and valuables
• Headlamp with extra batteries for night dives

Can I bring my own boat crew or guide?

Yes, but the operator must approve the crew’s certifications and insurance. Most liveaboards prefer using their own experienced crew to maintain safety standards and ensure seamless coordination with local authorities.

Are there any restrictions on marine life interaction?

Komodo National Park enforces a no‑touch policy. Divers must maintain a minimum distance of 2 m from manta rays and avoid feeding any wildlife. The park also prohibits the collection of coral fragments and shells.