Why you should choose Scubaspa Zen:
Unparelled personal service, full spa experience as well as a full professional dive operation, the best of both worlds.
Daily Yoga is available and stunning high end cuisine makes it an experience like no other.
Scubaspa Zen is the sister ship to the majestic, multiple award-winning luxury Maldives vessels Ying and Yang
Scubaspa Zen incorporates the Scubaspa laid-back luxury style and service with an extra personal touch, catering to only 20 guests in nine cabins inlcuding on the main deck the Dolphin Suite, Cowrie Suite & the Owner Manta Suite and on the Lower deck are the 6 Sea Star cabins.
The award-winning luxury vessels offer exceptional scuba diving, indulgent onboard spa facilities, creative gourmet cuisine, yoga activities, non-motorised water sport activities, stunning itineraries, and outstanding service.
Onboard a crew of 25 ensures high staff to-guest-ratio and unparalleled personal service.
Two spa therapists, a yoga master, and two highly skilled chefs join the experienced multilingual dive crew to ensure a delightful experience.
Two masted decks offer opportunities for sunset cocktails, outdoor dining under the stars, and an open-air cinema.
Take a look at the virtual tour


Scubaspa Zen - schedule
Scubaspa Zen - prices and what's included
Prices are per person per trip in US$ based on 2 persons sharing a cabin.
Exact pricing is available on the schedule here as prices vary dependant on the time of year, destination and the length of the trip and sometimes special offers are available.
The trip price includes :
Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Beach BBQ, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Night Dives, Kayaks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear, Snorkeling Guide, Stand Up Paddleboard, Beach Towels, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels, WiFi internet, Yoga.
The trip price does not include :
10% Government Tax, National Park fees, local permits, and harbour clearance $50-70 per day, Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Extra Dives, Nitrox, Nitrox Course, Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses, Fishing, Laundry / Pressing Services, Massage, Spa, Dive insurance is mandatory as is your own personal dive computer (You can rent one for the trip if you do not have your own).
Dive insurance is mandatory as is your own personal dive computer (You can rent one for the trip if you do not have your own).
As well as the Mandatory Dive Insurance we highly recommend Trip and Travel Insurance on the off chance of missed or cancelled flights / lost baggage, documents, money or passport / Covid issues or any other unforeseen problems that could possibly occur.
Dive Assure Insurance offers cover for all these eventualities as well as complete Dive Insurance all in one package.
Booking and Cancellation Terms and Conditions.
Booking deposit: 30% of your invoice total is required within 7 days of booking to confirm your booking.
Final payment of 70% is due to 90 days prior to the departure date to complete your invoice payment.
Individual bookings made less than 90 days before the departure date will be payable in full upon booking to confirm your booking.
Cancellation at any stage involves forfeit of monies already payed.
Full charter:
Booking deposit:
10% - within 7 days of booking - non-refundable
Second deposit:
20% 180 days prior to departure - non-refundable
Balance due
90 days before departure - non-refundable
Diving Equipment Rentals (USD) Per week
Full Set (regulator, octopus, BCD, wetsuit, mask, fins, dive computer) $60
Regulator with octopus $60
Computer $60
BCD $60
Wetsuit (shorty 3mm) $60
Snorkel gear included
Torch $10 per dive
Scubaspa Zen - gallery
Scubaspa Zen - Video
Scubaspa Zen - cabins
Scubaspa Zen caters to a maximum of 20 guests in nine cabins inlcuding on the main deck the Dolphin Suite, Cowrie Suite & the Owner Manta Suite all with sea views and on the Lower deck are the 6 Sea Star cabins.
All cabins are en-suite and air conditioned for your comfort.
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Manta Suite
The Manta Suite is a true sanctuary and offers you the utmost privacy with a spectacular living room and vast private lounge, idyllic for couples seeking the intimacy of a romantic Indonesian getaway.
This suite is 60-square meters with an overwater lounge with panoramic ocean views and the living space has a sofa that can be used as an extra bed for an additional guest.
An Ipad and portable speaker are provided with a wide selection of music and private dining is available and you may also enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of your room.
The unique design of this cabin features the highest quality materials such as exotic woods, handmade decorations from Bali, and a black marble bathroom with a one-of-a-kind sink made of Javanese yellow marble.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Manta Suite private lounge
The Manta Suite is a true sanctuary and offers you the utmost privacy with a spectacular living room and vast private lounge, idyllic for couples seeking the intimacy of a romantic Indonesian getaway.
This suite is 60-square meters with an overwater lounge with panoramic ocean views and the living space has a sofa that can be used as an extra bed for an additional guest.
An Ipad and portable speaker are provided with a wide selection of music and private dining is available and you may also enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of your room.
The unique design of this cabin features the highest quality materials such as exotic woods, handmade decorations from Bali, and a black marble bathroom with a one-of-a-kind sink made of Javanese yellow marble.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Twin Cowrie Suite
Opening onto the starboard side of the vessel, the 20-square meter Cowrie suite is located in the mid-section of the main deck with beds that can be set up as twin beds or one queen bed and an additional sofa that converts to a third bed, this cabin is a perfect choice for a family of three.
The unique design of this suite features the highest quality materials such as black teak, Slatelite stone panels, coconut shells, and handmade decorations from Bali.
The Cowrie Suite features the largest bathroom onboard with a one-of-kind onyx stone sink.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Double Cowrie Suite
Opening onto the starboard side of the vessel, the 20-square meter Cowrie suite is located in the mid-section of the main deck with beds that can be set up as twin beds or one queen bed and an additional sofa that converts to a third bed, this cabin is a perfect choice for a family of three.
The unique design of this suite features the highest quality materials such as black teak, Slatelite stone panels, coconut shells, and handmade decorations from Bali.
The Cowrie Suite features the largest bathroom onboard with a one-of-kind onyx stone sink.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Twin Dolphin Suite
Opening onto the port side of the vessel, the 18-square meter Dolphin suite is located in the mid-section of the main deck with beds that can be set up as twin beds or one queen bed as well as a small writing desk, this cabin is the perfect choice for a couple or friends.
The unique design of this suite features the highest quality materials such as black teak, Slatelite stone panels, coconut shells, decorations hand made in Bali.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Double Dolphin Suite
Opening onto the port side of the vessel, the 18-square meter Dolphin suite is located in the mid-section of the main deck with beds that can be set up as twin beds or one queen bed as well as a small writing desk, this cabin is the perfect choice for a couple or friends.
The unique design of this suite features the highest quality materials such as black teak, Slatelite stone panels, coconut shells, decorations hand made in Bali.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Double Sea Star Cabin
The Six Sea Star cabins are set on the port and starboard sides of the lower deck.
These suites are 16-square meters and are equipped with beds that can be configured as twin or double beds.
Each of these cabins has a writing desk, sofa, en suite bathroom with shower, wardrobe, and air conditioning.
The unique design of these cabins features the highest quality materials such as black teak and Slatelite stone panels and each of the cabins has unique decorations handmade in Bali and a one-of-a-kind sink made of fossilised wood, marble or onyx.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C. -
Twin Sea Star Cabin
The Six Sea Star cabins are set on the port and starboard sides of the lower deck.
These suites are 16-square meters and are equipped with beds that can be configured as twin or double beds.
Each of these cabins has a writing desk, sofa, en suite bathroom with shower, wardrobe, and air conditioning.
The unique design of these cabins features the highest quality materials such as black teak and Slatelite stone panels and each of the cabins has unique decorations handmade in Bali and a one-of-a-kind sink made of fossilised wood, marble or onyx.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C.
Lower Deck Sea Star Cabin
The Six Sea Star cabins are set on the port and starboard sides of the lower deck.
These suites are 16-square meters and are equipped with beds that can be configured as twin or double beds.
Each of these cabins has a writing desk, sofa, en suite bathroom with shower, wardrobe, and air conditioning.
The unique design of these cabins features the highest quality materials such as black teak and Slatelite stone panels and each of the cabins has unique decorations handmade in Bali and a one-of-a-kind sink made of fossilised wood, marble or onyx.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C.
For individual travellers there would be a +25% Single supplement surcharge, sharing with a stranger is not permitted on Scubaspa so you would receive your own private cabin.
Main Deck Dolphin Suite
Opening onto the port side of the vessel, the 18-square meter Dolphin suite is located in the mid-section of the main deck with beds that can be set up as twin beds or one queen bed as well as a small writing desk, this cabin is the perfect choice for a couple or friends.
The unique design of this suite features the highest quality materials such as black teak, Slatelite stone panels, coconut shells, decorations hand made in Bali.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C.
For individual travellers there would be a +25% Single supplement surcharge, sharing with a stranger is not permitted on Scubaspa so you would receive your own private cabin.
Main Deck Cowrie Suite
Opening onto the starboard side of the vessel, the 20-square meter Cowrie suite is located in the mid-section of the main deck with beds that can be set up as twin beds or one queen bed and an additional sofa that converts to a third bed, this cabin is a perfect choice for a family of three.
The unique design of this suite features the highest quality materials such as black teak, Slatelite stone panels, coconut shells, and handmade decorations from Bali.
The Cowrie Suite features the largest bathroom onboard with a one-of-kind onyx stone sink.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C.
For individual travellers there would be a +25% Single supplement surcharge, sharing with a stranger is not permitted on Scubaspa so you would receive your own private cabin.
Main Deck Owner's Manta Suite
The Manta Suite is a true sanctuary and offers you the utmost privacy with a spectacular living room and vast private lounge, idyllic for couples seeking the intimacy of a romantic Indonesian getaway.
This suite is 60-square meters with an overwater lounge with panoramic ocean views and the living space has a sofa that can be used as an extra bed for an additional guest.
An Ipad and portable speaker are provided with a wide selection of music and private dining is available and you may also enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of your room.
The unique design of this cabin features the highest quality materials such as exotic woods, handmade decorations from Bali, and a black marble bathroom with a one-of-a-kind sink made of Javanese yellow marble.
Each cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom and A/C.
For individual travellers there would be a +25% Single supplement surcharge, sharing with a stranger is not permitted on Scubaspa so you would receive your own private cabin.
Scubaspa Zen - itineraries
Scubaspa Zen Packages
A luxury Safari with Scubaspa Zen allows guests to discover Indonesia above and below the waves, immersing you in one of the most serene locations in the world.
Curated to cater for those divers who travel with non-divers and guests with a keen interest in spa travel.
Scubaspa offers a luxurious yacht experience where you can choose from an itinerary focused on scuba diving, spa, or a combination of the two, meaning non-divers will also enjoy sailing the best spots of Indonesia.
All rates are inclusive of the one of the 3 available packages below, choose the one that suits you best and please note you can always add extra dives or Spa treatments to your package on board at an extra charge.
The Scuba Package is a straight dive package offering up to 19 dives on the 7 night trip or 26 dives on a 10 night trip
The Scuba / Spa Package is a dive and spa package offering 6 dives and 4 spa treatments on the 7 night trip or 10 dives and 6 spa teatments on a 10 night trip
The Spa Package is a straight spa package offering 8 spa treatments on the 7 night trip or 11 spa treatments on a 10 night trip
Due to the many and varied itineraries we have provided links to the PDF forms for each different trip..
Raja Ampat 7 nights
Raja Ampat 10 nights
Komodo 7 nights
Komodo 10 nights
Scubaspa Zen - specs
Built in 2012, Scubaspa Zen Indonesia offers luxury safari aboard a custom phinisi style vessel which has been designed exclusively to accommodate up to 20 people in 9 high-class cabins or suites.
The 53-meter, three-expansive phinisi sailing vessel is both steady and graceful, crafted by the Konjo boat builder’s tribe from South Sulawesi.
Stepping into the extraordinary facilities onboard discover an essence of ancient romantic traditions enriched with modern design and technology, and embark on a unique way to experience untouched environments in some of the world’s most captivating destinations.
Indonesia is arguably one of the finest global diving destinations. With itineraries covering Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea and more, Scubaspa Zen will sail you to these world-renowned locations whilst taking care of your every need.
Scubaspa and award-winning, luxury vessels offer exceptional scuba diving, indulgent onboard spa facilities, creative gourmet cuisine, yoga activities, non-motorised water sport activities, stunning itineraries, and outstanding service. Onboard Scubaspa Zen, a crew of 25 ensures a high staff-to-guest ratio for unparalleled personal service.
Two spa therapists, a yoga master and two highly skilled chefs join an experienced multilingual dive crew to ensure a delightful experience.
Three expansive decks offer opportunities for sunset cocktails, outdoor dining under the stars, and an open-air cinema.
Facilities & Services:
Spa cabins with two therapists with operational time 9.00am to 18.00pm (latest booking time for massage is at 17.00pm), High-end dive equipment rental full set up to 20 people (side mount set) and separate diving station for each diver, 21 meters long dive boat with Nitrox, Restaurant, Bar, Outdoor SPA lounge, Yoga Parlour, Sundeck with size 168 sqm, Secluded deck for Thai massages and other treatments, Open air cinema, Merchandise and souvenir shop, Small Library, Camera and charging station enough for 18 people with a communal use computers with lightroom and photoshop installed, Non-motorized watersport 2 paddle board and 2 kayaks, Signature toiletries, Laundry service, Wi-Fi hot spots covering all vessel, complimentary 1GB data package provided, Daily Housekeeping
Safety Equipment:
Radar, Sounder, GPS Tracking, Radio VHF/DSC/SSB, Life Rafts, Life Jackets, Fire Fighting Equipment, Emergency Oxygen, First Aid Kits (Each crew member is First aid trained and all the dive crew are first responder trained), Trauma Medical Kits (seasick pills etc), Satellite Phone, Bilge Pump Alarm, Searchlight, EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon), Emergency Flares, Smoke Detectors, Life Rings, Fire hoses fed via a seawater booster pump, Designated escape routes, Emergency escape ladders from both lower and main deck evacuating to foredeck, Emergency lighting to all decks and escape routes, Dive dhoni (evacuation vessel for all guests and staff), Edge protection around the vessel to European height standard, Defibrillator
Scubaspa Zen - diving
Set in the midst of the Coral Triangle, the Indonesian Archipelago is a global biodiversity hotspot housing more than 76% of the world coral species and more species of reef fish than anywhere else on the planet. The region is earth’s largest archipelago, encompassing an impressive 17,500 islands of varied stunning landscapes and cultures.
Indonesia boasts a tropical climate, stretching for more than 5000 km on either side of the equator. This geographic variability means the water temperature and rainfall seasons will change regionally. The diving season in Indonesia is year-round, with scheduled trips during the dry season in the Komodo region from April to October. Dry season in the Raja Ampat and Banda Sea regions are during the northwest monsoon between October and April.
Scubaspa Zen covers a range of itineraries where you can experience the finest of Indonesia both above and below the surface. Breathtaking scenery in combination with spectacular diving through volcanic reef hotspots will be the status quo on Scubaspa Zen Indonesia voyages.
Diving with Scubaspa is a pleasurable, relaxed experience with all dive-related activity taking place on our diving Dhoni dive boat, which accompanies the main vessel. This ensures Scubaspa Zen vessel stays dry and is undisturbed by noise and activity. Twenty one meters in length, the dive boat carries all the equipment, including air and state-of-the-art Nitrox membrane compressors. Purpose-built for comfort with ample seating, multiple entry points, and toilet and shower facilities, our diving dhoni elevates your liveaboard diving holiday to true luxury.
Divers will be required to hold an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent as many sites require experience. They will be taken excellent care of by our knowledgeable multilingual dive masters/instructors and boat crew who will ensure divers truly enjoy all the magnificence of diving Indonesia.
Dive dhoni
Scubaspa is accompanied by its own dive boat, which serves as a floating dive centre. Based on decades of dive experience in the Maldives, these dive vessels have been specifically designed, for your comfort and relaxation.
To get the most out of exploring the wonders beneath the surface, you need to feel calm and relaxed prior to your dive, our dive boat makes this exceptionally easy, from the ample space and comfortable seating to the multi-entry points, stern platform and on-board toilet facilities.
The sun deck platform is a favourite lounging area after each dive.
Raja Ampat diving
All our boats run fantastic Raja Ampat liveaboards of varying length visiting all the best places each with their own unique itinerary and features.
They are all different prices dependant on the length of the trip and standard of the liveaboard.
All our liveaboards are for people enthusiastic or serious about their diving but also welcome snorkellers and non-divers who will have their own separate itinerary.
Raja Ampat (or the Four Kings) is an archipelago consisting of the islands of Misoool, Salawati, Batanta, and Wiageo which are surrounded by over 1,500 small islands and cays. Formerly known as Irian Jaya, this area is now part of the newly named West Papua province of Indonesia and is located on the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula, on the island of New Guinea.
Put simply, Raja Ampat could quite possibly be the best diving in the world. It certainly is the world's most bio diverse marine region with more recorded fish, coral and mollusc species than anywhere else on Earth. The variety of marine life can be staggering. Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs. In Mansuar, you may encounter large groups of manta rays and turtles. From the boat and often close to shore you may get the chance to don your snorkelling gear for some unforgettable interaction with resident pods of dolphins or even some passing whales. Other highlights include the innumerable war wrecks, both ships and planes (with new wrecks being discovered constantly).
The reefs of Raja Ampat are just as varied as the marine life. There are vertical walls, reef flats, slopes, sea mounts, mucky mangroves, lagoons and pinnacles. The reefs are in pristine condition with miles of perfect hard corals and many varied colourful species of soft corals. The diving is predominantly drift dives due to the moderate prevalent currents in the area which provide nutrients for the myriad fish and coral. Currents are average to moderate and vary from none to very strong. Visibility is normally very good but can vary and is normally at its best earlier in the day so your pre-breakfast dives are not to be slept through!
This is truly "Frontier Diving". Topside the beautiful islands stretch as far as you can see and are largely uninhabited. At night the lights of local fishing boats twinkle in the dark along the few inhabited shorelines while in more remote areas you may only see a distant spec of light over the entire horizon.
Raja Ampat has a high season from October to May and weirdly enough it is during their rainy season due to the winds in the dry season making parts of the park inaccessable.
The rainy season should not be mis-construed though. It is generally mostly a shower in the late afternoon and evening and most of the time the days are nice, wind is minimal and the skys are generally clear or slightly over cast.
The seas are calmer at this time of the year as the oppposite season has winds that kick up waves and make it very difficult to dive the more exposed sites in the Southern part of Raja Ampat.
The water temperature stays roughly the same around the 27-30 degrees celcius mark all year round.
Recently, due to the popularity of Raja Ampat, a lot of boats have been running trips in the so called low season (May to October) and this is also the dry season and so promotes nicer weather and better visibility but the trade off is that only the northern more sheltered part of the park is accessable due to higher winds and waves but as the area is so vast and there are so many quality dive sites the reports from these northern trips have been glowing so far and there are new dive sites being discovered all the time.
Komodo diving
From April to September, Scubaspa Zen Indonesia will take divers on an incredible journeys over seven to ten-night expeditions in Komodo National Park.
The National Park, originally conceived in order to protect the famous largest living lizard, the Komodo Dragon, now additionally includes the marine environment. It is located approximately 400 km east of Bali between East and West Nusa Tenggara islands.
Due to its location in the Flores Sea, where southward flowing Pacific currents merge into the Indian Ocean through narrow, deep channels via the Indonesian Throughflow, Komodo dive sites tend to have strong currents and an upwelling of nutrient-rich water. This means a lot of marine life activity and excellent drift diving!
Under the surface, submerged seamounts, pinnacles, channels and plateaus house a myriad of marine life, with hundreds of species of hard corals, plentiful fish, manta rays, turtles, dolphins and macro critters such as shrimps, nudibranch, and pygmy seahorses.
Famous dive sites such as Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, the Yellow Wall of Texas and Shotgun are all sure to impress every diver.
The Top 10 reasons to go to Komodo:
1. Marine Biodiversity: Komodo National Park is one of the most diverse marine habitats in the world with over 1,000 fish species, 260 species of coral, and a wide variety of macro life.
2. Manta Rays: The waters surrounding Komodo are famous for the presence of manta rays, making it a popular destination for manta ray encounters.
3. Komodo Dragons: Komodo National Park is the only place in the world where you can see the famous Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards.
4. Vibrant Reefs: The reefs around Komodo are known for their vivid colors and healthy coral growth, with numerous dive sites to explore.
5. Wrecks: There are several sunken World War II-era wrecks in the area that are popular among divers.
6. Current Diving: Komodo is known for its thrilling and challenging currents, which can provide an exciting diving experience for experienced divers.
7. Macro Life: In addition to the larger marine life, Komodo also offers a wealth of macro life for underwater photographers to capture.
8. Drift Diving: The currents around Komodo also provide excellent drift diving opportunities, allowing divers to effortlessly glide over the reefs.
9. Whale Sharks: Although sightings are not as common as manta rays, whale sharks can also be seen in the waters surrounding Komodo.
10. Island Hopping: In addition to the diving, Komodo National Park offers the opportunity to explore and hike the scenic islands, and relax on the beaches in between dives.
Diving in Komodo is not a new idea but recently it's being recognised as a premier destination due to the awesome variety of diving to be had.
Crystal clear water and dive sites where you never see another diver provide a little something for everyone whether it's macro or massive you love.
One day you can be crawling along the bottom looking at pygmy seahorses, frogfish and unusual nudibranch and the next you are in the big blue on an open water pinnacle as the mantas fly by, the sharks circle and the dolphins hunt and the next day diving a live volcano!!
For sheer variety there is no better place on earth.
Komodo is one of the few places left in the world where sharks are not rare and down south is one of the places where manta rays have their legendary aggregations, meaning they are here in the area in their hundreds!!!
One of the highlights of these trips is the rare opportunity to walk with the lengendary Komodo dragons. These truly awesome beasts can reach 3 metres plus and can reportedly run at 20km an hour chasing their prey. It's the icing on the cake, Stunning diving and one of the world's last surviving dinosaur descendants all one amazing package.
Covering the best of both worlds, from up close and personal with aggragating mantas to shy pygmy seahorses and rare nudibranches Komodo diving has it all. The beauty of Komodo liveaboard diving is in the balance between the large and small animals. One day you will be in the blue swimming with mantas and sharks and the next swimming along a bubbling volcanic reef covered with venting submerged fumeroles blowing bubbles into the water and hiding one of the worlds best kept secret macro dive sites.
In North Komodo the water temperature is normally 27-29°C. Around Southern Komodo and Rinca Islands the water temperature drops can drop a bit to 22-26°C. A 5mm long suit is advised and hood and booties are strongly recommended for the southern area.
These are some of the top sites that most liveaboards visit.
Angel reef, Moyo, Sumbawa diving
We start our Komodo liveaboard with the first dive of the trip and the check out dive. This dive site doesn't disappoint. A beautiful wall stretching down to 50 metres covered in hard and soft corals very reminiscent of Bunaken in North Sulawesi. Schools of bannerfish and trevally patrol the walls with the occasional reef sharks making an appearance. Ribbon eels hide in crevices and many different nudibranchs crawl over the vast elephant ear sponges that hang from the beautiful soft coral infested wall.
Satonda island bay
A protected bay on Satonda island north of Sumbawa hosts a treasure trove of macro critters, the more we dive here the more we find. The rare Denise pygmy seahorse lives in fans here, frogfish hang out in big barrel sponges and ghost pipefish hide amongst the featherstars that cover the reef slope. In the sandy bottom you can find jawfish with their mouths full of eggs, myriads of anemonefish, mushroom coral pipefish and spearer mantis shrimps.
Sangeang island diving
Sangieng island is a perfectly round volcanic island jutting up from the sea bed. Still active and last blowing in 1996 this well kept secret is one of the world's finest macro dive areas. With diving available all around the island there is not one specific spot but always new ones to be discovered. Bubbles of volcanic gas seep through the sand creating a surreal atmosphere and a warm black sand bottom hosting rare and unusual nudibranch. Pygmy seahorses, frogfish, Pegasus sea moths and carnivorous shells and all common here, this is my personal favourite dive site as every time we dive here there is a surprise in store of something new that is often not in the books - this site is why you go Komodo liveaboard diving.
Gps point - Gili Banta diving
Gps point is an open sea mount prone to strong currents at certain times of the day. This provides prolific hard and soft coral growth that is home to hundreds of different types of reef fish. Loved by sharks, white tip sharks cruise around the whole dive in amongst the hunting giant trevallies and schooling jacks and surgeon fish, an exciting dive.
Takat Toko, Gili Lawalaut diving
This is one of my favourite sites on the Komodo liveaboard itinerary and is very similar to Gps point this site takes it to the next level. Grey reef shark, white tip sharks, occassional dolphins and a literal fish soup created by jacks, surgeonfish, giant trevallies and bannerfish surround this large sea mount as you hang on to the reef edge and watch the action. Again this site is prone to strong currents but we time our dives to hit around slack tide and a little current brings in the big fish. Great pelagic action, my favourite blue water dive.
Lighthouse reef, Gili Lawalaut diving
An adrenalin pounding drift dive along the wall and around the corner under the lighthouse. Sharks, mantas, dolphins are all frequent visitors on the dive with some of the best coral reef top in the area around the corner out of the current at the end of the dive you can hunt for porcelain crabs, cuttlefish and unusual seahorses whilst waiting for the adrenalin to funnel out of your system and your heart rate to return to normal-this is what Komodo liveaboard diving is all about!.
Crystal rock, Gili Lawalaut diving
A stunning soft coral and sea fan covered pinnacle with crystal water clarity this is a great site for those magazine cover wide angle shots. With at least 5 different types of angelfish, 4 types of trigger and butterflyfish everywhere it is a excellent reef fish dive with frequent visits from eagle and manta rays and the resident sleepy hawksbill turtle.
Pink beach, Komodo diving
Colder water and lower vis here due to the huge amounts of organic matter in the water due to the southern currents but this is more than made up for by the astounding life available to see here due to this phenomenon. Normally done as a night dive it also makes a good day dive with everything from white tip sharks to pygmy seahorses; zebra crabs, Coleman shrimp, many coloured frogfish, xeno crabs, Spanish dancers, and unusual nudibranchs are hidden amongst the dense coral growth.
Cannibal rock, Rinca island diving
Colder water than the north but touted by many as one of the worlds best 10 sites, yes I know there seems to be way more than 10 "top 10 sites" but this one really is one if you like macro. Everything is here even the rarest of the rare, the Rhinopias scorpionfish. It's nudi heaven with only the special and the rare getting to appear here, more species than I care to mention along with large and different frogfish mixed in with schools of fish and the resident dopy turtle we do 2 dives here and it's still not enough!! You will love it, I personally adore this dive site.
Torpedo alley, Rinca island diving
Just next to cannibal rock and where the boat moors is a beach that has wild pigs, monkeys and Komodo dragons in the daytime and hosts a myriad of critters in the waters in front if it at night. Named for the large amount of torpedo rays found here, a member of the electric ray family- no touching! They cover the sandy bottom along with loads of nudis obvious on the black sand bottom along with bizarre crabs and octopus.
Manta alley, Komodo diving
In the cooler waters in the south of Komodo there is a bay in which there are a series of pinnacles that seem to be a magnet for aggregating mantas. They are here in their tens, often we come up having seen over 20 different individuals. Often a little shy, their evasive spins and pirouettes makes the watching of them that much more enjoyable.
Takat Makassar, Komodo diving
This is our other manta site. A little bit more of a risk to see them as it is a huge area and we drift along the bottom in about 10 metres but along the way we always run into loads of turtles, napoleon and humphead wrasse, white tip sharks and very very occasionally you will be incredibly lucky and run into the resident dugong that inhabits this area along with scores of mantas as they migrate north.
3 sisters, Padar island diving
A series of underwater pinnacles reaching nearly to the the surface off the coast of Padar island next to Komodo this site constantly springs surprises on you from silvertip sharks and mobular ray schools to marbled rays and rare nudibranchs.
Banda Sea and Ring of Fire
The Banda Sea is famous for its crystal-clear waters and with sheer walls covered in bountiful soft corals, sea fans, and sponges. In October and early November, the possibility to witness schooling hammerhead sharks cruising past puts this region on the avid diver’s bucket list. Not only a place for the large pelagics, Banda is home to many secret wonders.
The exceptionally remote region has a low population and dives sites are only accessible by liveaboard, thus the marine ecosystems here are in a near-pristine state.
The surface waters in Banda region are usually between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius. However, due to the oceanographic conditions in this region, dive sites can also be subject to cooler nutrient-rich waters upwelling and thermoclines, dropping down to a fresh 21-22 degrees Celsius. A full 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving in this region.
Scubaspa Zen - faqs
Climate
Indonesia is a vast archipelago made up of thousands of islands, stretching along the Equator from Southeast Asia to Australia: it covers more than 5,000 kilometers (3,000 miles) from west to east.
The climate of Indonesia is almost everywhere equatorial, i.e. hot, humid, and rainy throughout the year. There are also mountains and volcanoes, often very high, where the temperature naturally decreases with altitude.
Being that Indonesia is located near the Equator, the day lasts 12 hours throughout the year, and the sun sets quickly. However, the sun's rays are very strong, especially in the mountains. The temperature is stable, with lows around 22/25 °C (72/77 °F) and highs around 30/32 °C (86/90 °F) all year round.
Visibility may vary from season to season, but 10 to 30 meters (35 to 100 feet) can be expected at most dive sites. Since we are sailing around Indonesia, we also follow the best seasons in each area. Any trip you decide to join us, you can be sure it is the right season!
Currency
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and it is possible to change money at the airport upon arrival.
The exchange rate is 15,000 IDR to 1 USD.
All transactions onboard will be converted from USD to IDR on the final billing.
Dress code
Please plan to travel light as on all live-aboard dive yachts, space is limited. We recommend that you pack your gear in soft luggage such as a duffel bag for easy storage and to add to your comfort in your cabin.
Clothing should be lightweight, comfortable sportswear; sunscreen and swimsuits are a must. A light sweater or jacket is ideal for evenings.
Dress is always casual and informal. Additional items you may want to bring are sunglasses and walking shoes for your time onshore.
Electricity
Multi sockets that can fit with any electronic plug, voltage 220/230
Apparel
A strict “no shoes” policy applies to all Scubaspa vessels. For lounging on the sun deck, use of proper sun protection and sunglasses is advisable.
Check-in and check-out
Check-in:
Embarkation starts at 14:00 PM. Guests are requested to book their flight tickets accordingly based on our flight suggestion.
Please note the arrival day is solely dedicated to collecting all guests from the airport, thus neither sailing nor activities such as diving, snorkelling or spa treatments are scheduled or organized.
Check-out:
We have standard airport transfers scheduled at 8.45 AM at the latest. The dive boat will transfer all guests to the nearest airport from the disembarkation area.
Environment
Trash must be properly disposed of in containers provided throughout the vessel or in waste bins provided in cabins/suites.
Trash or other foreign objects must never be flushed down a toilet and guests are prohibited from disposing of or throwing any item overboard.
The plastic use is cut to an absolute minimum by providing mineralized purified water produced on board, reusable tumblers and glass drinking straws provided.
Payment
We accept cash in Indonesian Rupiah as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and Union Pay credit cards.
Package
The exchanging of dives to spa treatments within a package is not available. The Scuba Holiday Package is only available for Advance Open Water certified divers. Those who have selected the Scuba Holiday Package may book chargeable spa treatments, depending on availability.
Internet onboard vessel
Scubaspa ZEN Indonesia provides a free package of 1GB of data for each guest. Once your data is used, you may upgrade your internet package fee.
General Rules for Flying a Drone in Indonesia
Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Indonesia.
Drones may not fly above 150 meters (492 feet) without permission.
Drones may not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds).
Drones may not be flown within 15 kilometers (9.32 miles) of any airport.
Drones may not be flown over crowds or highly populated areas.
Drones may not be flown at night.
Drones may not be flown from any moving vehicle.
Drone pilots must maintain a direct line of visual sight while flying.
Penalties for non-compliance with these regulations are stiff, and include jail time and possible fines of up to 66,000 Euros.
Forbidden Areas:
There are certain areas where you can’t operate your drone without permission from the Director-General of Air Transportation (DGTA).
• Prohibited Areas – Areas that are entirely closed for aviation activities of any kind (usually government offices, police stations or military bases)
• Restricted Areas – Areas that may be open for civil aviation but restricted for government use
• Areas close to airports in order to secure flight safety.
• Controlled airspace where control services for air traffic are provided
• Airspace 150 meter above ground level that is not controlled
Komodo National Park
Every use of drones must be reported to the Balai TN Komodo and therefore you must obtain a permit from them before use. We must send an application letter mentioning the location, the name of the guest using the drone, and for how long it will be used. The price for using a drone inside the Park is approximately 1,000,000 IDR per expedition.
The use of drones is forbidden in some areas and it will be depending on the local authority.
Standard Indonesian FAQS
Please note these are generic FAQs about Indonesia in general and not always boat specific.
If you are unsure about something please ask us to get confirmation.
What documents will I need to show on the boat?
Dive certification cards and dive logbook.
What money will I need?
Most boats accepts payment by Visa or Mastercard, Indonesian Rupiah, Euro or US Dollar. Please be advised that foreign notes should be clean, new and crisp. Indonesian banks and money changers will not accept old notes or notes which are damaged in any way. You can also use your credit or debit card at ATM machines in towns prior to boarding the boat to withdraw Rupiah, which is better should you wish to purchase local souvenirs or for tips. It is advisable to inform your bank or credit card company that you will be visiting Indonesia prior to your departure, as it is not uncommon for the bank to put a block on the card if they suspect it has been misappropriated.
Will there be any opportunities to go ashore during the cruise?
There are many different land excursions which are dependent on the schedule and guest preferences. Some land excursions available are beach visits, village visit and other treks dependant on the area, weather and local conditions.
What if I am prone to sea sickness?
If you are prone to sea sickness we strongly urge you to bring some motion sickness medication.
What is the voltage on the boat?
Voltage in Indonesia is 220-240 V.
If you feel you will need an adaptor please bring one.
What time zone is Indonesia located?
Komodo, Flores, Derawan and Sangalaki, Kaimantan and Sulawesi are 8 hours ahead of GMT. Raja Ampat is covered by Eastern Indonesia Standard Time which is 9 hours ahead of GMT.
Is smoking permitted?
Most boats provide a designated area on the boat is available for smoking.
Smoking is not permitted in any other area for any reason.
What about crew gratuities?
Gratuities for the crew are not included in your trip price. If the crew performs to your expectations, we suggest a gratuity of approximately 5-10% of the published package price per person be considered normal aboard a liveaboard dive boat.
All tips are generally split equally among the boat crew. Personal tipping is frowned upon. Payment of gratuities can be by cash or credit card.
Do I need evacuation/dive insurance?
It is mandatory that each guest purchase comprehensive evacuation and dive accident insurance.
The boat will be operating in extremely remote areas. Emergency evacuations from remote locations can cost in excess of USD $100,000.
We recommend Divers Alert Network (DAN): www.DiversAlertNetwork.org (in USA), www.daneurope.org (in Europe).
Are there any limitations or restrictions on the diving?
You should stay within the limits and standards of your qualifying agency.
All dives should be no- decompression dives. Solo diving is not permitted.
What dive equipment do I need?
Tanks, weights and weight belts are provided onboard. Divers will need to bring BCD, regulator, wetsuit,fins, mask, snorkel and dive light.
Rental equipment is available and will need to be ordered in advance.
What can I expect the water temperature to be and what wetsuit do you recommend?
This is always a difficult question to answer because people have different reactions to temperature.
Typically temperatures range from 25-30C or 80-86F so usually a 3mm suit or even a skin is fine.
The southern waters of Komodo can be colder with 20-25C or 70-75F so a 5mm suit with a hood is recommended.
How do we dive from the boat?
All dives will be made from the tenders. Equipment will be transferred to the tenders and guests will board the tender with only their wetsuit on.
Can I drink alcohol and dive?
No. Drinking alcohol and diving can increase your risk of decompression problems.
You can drink alcohol once your have completed your last dive of the day.
Can I pay by Credit card on board?
For most things yes you can but there is a bank charge of 3%, normal in Indonesia. Please check with us beforehand about this.
Climate:
The average air temperature in the regions you will visit ranges from 25 - 35 Celsius or 77-90 Fahrenheit.
Health and innoculations:
Vaccinations for typhoid, paratyphoid, tetanus, Cholera, Polio, and Hepatitis A are recommended but not mandatory.
Malaria is endemic in many parts of Indonesia, please check with your local Tropical Disease Centre for anti-malaria/diver friendly medication.
You will also need to have been vaccinated from Covid.
Money:
The Indonesian currency is Rupiah. Rates fluctuate enormously, please check with our cruise directors for your cruise exchange rates.
Population and people:
Regarded as the fifth most populous nation in the world, there are approximately 200,000,000 in Indonesia. The majority, around 60% reside on the island of Java.
Religion:
An amazing diversity of religions exists. Predominantly a Muslim nation, islands like Timor, North Sulawesi and Flores are Christian.
Hinduism is found mainly in Bali.
Scattered throughout the region are a variety of other beliefs.
Language:
Bahasa Indonesia, almost identical to Malay is the one national language.
Several local dialects exist in each region as well. English is widely spoken in the more popular tourist destinations such as Bali.
Diving Indonesia
Out of 14,000+ islands in the archipelago, there are a plethora of exclusive dive locations in Indonesia, boasting up to 80% of the worlds species of undersea life. With Indocruises we take you to pristine spots not that known in your average dive travel guide and which are still being explored.
Dive conditions in Indonesia
Diving all year around is possible.
Watertemperature 24°(75°F) to 30°C(86°F) (In the south of Komodo it can drop down to 21-23°C (70-75°F)
Visibility is mostly very good (up to 30m)
Safety Procedures and Emergency Evacuation Information:
There are 6 recompression chambers in Indonesia to treat decompression sickness
Bali: Sanglah General Hospital (in Indonesian language) USUP Sanglah Denpasar JI. Diponegoro, Denpasar 80114 Bali, Indonesia Phone 62-361-227911 through -15 ext. 232 (hyperbaric medical department) Fax 62-361-22426 Run by Dr. Antonius Natasamudra and Dr. Etty Herawati
Manado (Sulawesi): At the Malalayang Hospital (chamber for 3 to 4 persons) Phone: 0811430913 and ask for Dr Jimmy Waleleng (Phone home 860953).
Makassar (Sulawesi): Rumah Sakit Umum Wahidin Sudirohusodo. Contact person: Pak Daniel Address: Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 11, Tamalanrea Kampus UNHAS Indonesia TEL:++ 62 - 0411 (584677) , 584675. Said to be for 3 to 4 persons.
Jakarta (Java): Rumah Sakit Angkatan Laut (Navy Hospital) in Jl. Bendungan Hilir No.17, Central Jakarta (see text in italian with some addresses - list of help)
Kalimantan: The Borneo Divers have the only professional recompression chamber located on Sipadan island (Borneo - Malaysia)
Surabaya (Java): Rumah Sakit Angkatan Laut (RSAL) (Military Marine hospital) Jl. Gadung no. 1, SurabayPhone 031-45750 and 41731 (another number given was 031-838153 and fax 031- 837511) Run by Dr Suharsono
Available SAR (search and rescue) contact information:
- SAR Bali : ph 0361 - 751111 Radio : 13545.0
- SAR Lombok : Ph 0370 - 633253 Radio : 13545.0
- SAR Makassar : Ph 0411 - 554111 Radio : 13545.0
- SAR Manado : Ph 0431 - 825986
- SAR Kupang : Ph 0380 - 831111
- SAR Ambon : Ph 0911 - 351111
- SAR Sorong : Ph 0951 - 323816
**Available SAR (search and rescue) contact information:
Medivac facilities from Travira Air www.travira-air.com