I recently returned from an unforgettable week onboard the Jakaré, where we embarked on a captivating cruise through South/Central and North Komodo. I am still in awe of the incredible experience I had!

The boat itself is small yet luxurious, creating a cozy and homely atmosphere from the moment you step onboard. The crew's warm smiles and exceptional service further enhance this feeling. There are three double bed cabins, each with an additional single bed, as well as two twin cabins available.

Mealtime on the Jakaré is a delightful affair, as everyone gathers together for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is no separation or isolation onboard; instead, Audrey, the cruise director, joins you for each delicious meal. We were truly spoiled by the talented chef and indulged in homemade ice creams, which may have contributed to a few extra kilograms!

One of the highlights of our experience was being the first and often the only ones at the dive sites. The absence of crowds made each dive even more enchanting and enjoyable. The Jakaré caters to both divers and non-divers, offering activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and wakeboarding. We also had the opportunity to venture ashore and witness the magnificent Komodo dragons. On our last evening, we were treated to a breathtaking beach dinner, creating a memorable finale to our journey.

I cannot recommend the Jakaré liveaboard enough, especially for families or those seeking a small yet well-equipped vessel. It truly exceeded my expectations, and I am already eagerly anticipating my return!

Since my previous visit to Flores and Komodo Island, many remarkable changes have taken place. Over the course of ten years, the small town of Labuan Bajo has undergone significant development, now boasting an international hospital, numerous dive centers, a wide array of hotels and restaurants, and an impressive airport.

The diving in Komodo remains as awe-inspiring as I remembered. Expect to encounter stunning coral formations, frequent sightings of sharks, majestic manta rays, and captivating schools of fish. It's important to note that Komodo is primarily geared towards experienced divers, as the currents can be incredibly strong, particularly in North Komodo at sites such as Cauldron, Crystal Rock, and Castle Rock. Divers should exercise caution and feel comfortable navigating challenging conditions.

In terms of diving options, I wholeheartedly recommend choosing a liveaboard experience over day trips. Having personally tried both, I found that liveaboards offer several advantages. First and foremost, liveaboards allow you to be the first divers on the sites, ensuring an uninterrupted and immersive experience. Additionally, liveaboards offer flexibility in adapting to changing conditions, such as selecting alternate dive sites if currents prove too strong. On the other hand, day trips often result in crowded dive sites, as multiple groups arrive simultaneously.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Komodo as an affordable alternative to Raja Ampat. It offers a wealth of underwater wonders and provides a remarkable diving experience. To fully appreciate the destination, I recommend allocating at least five days on land as well. This will allow you to explore the captivating landmarks and natural beauty that Flores Island has to offer.

I recently had the pleasure of spending 12 days aboard the Mari liveaboard in Raja Ampat, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped on board, I was impressed by the exceptional service and the professionalism of the crew.

The cabins on the Mari are spacious and well-designed, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of diving. The living areas are equally spacious, offering plenty of room for relaxation and socializing. Even with a full complement of guests, it never felt crowded.

The diving in Raja Ampat is world-renowned, and the Mari certainly lives up to that reputation. We visited some of the best dive sites in the region, with our dives at Kri Island and Chicken Reef standing out as particularly spectacular. Ungke, our dive guide, made excellent choices, ensuring we experienced the vibrant marine life and stunning coral gardens that Raja Ampat is famous for.

The crew of the Mari is what truly sets this liveaboard apart. Ungke and his team are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to ensure every guest has a memorable experience. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist with a smile. The level of service provided rivals that of higher-end boats I've been on, and I cannot commend them enough for their efforts.

The food on board was excellent, with a variety of delicious dishes served at each meal. The quality of the food was consistently high, and dining was always a pleasant experience.

Overall, my time on the Mari liveaboard was incredibly rewarding. The excellent service, fantastic diving, and the professionalism of the crew made it a trip to remember. I would happily recommend the Mari to anyone looking to explore the wonders of Raja Ampat. Thank you to the entire team for providing such a wonderful experience.

My experience aboard the Scubaspa Yang was truly exceptional and stands out as one of the most remarkable trips I've ever undertaken. The vessel itself was essentially a floating resort, offering a wide range of amenities that ensured a memorable and luxurious week on board. These amenities included a well-equipped gym, a spa, beautifully appointed cabins, and spacious common areas suitable for both solitary relaxation and group gatherings.

The crew aboard the Scubaspa Yang were not only highly skilled but also incredibly accommodating. I was particularly impressed with my dive guide, whose dedication to ensuring our comfort and delivering the dive experience we desired was exceptional. It was evident that he cared deeply not only for our well-being but also for the marine environment, which served as his workplace.

Culinary offerings on the boat were diverse and delectable, with some dishes even being prepared right before our eyes, such as the delightful crème brûlée for dessert. The beachside BBQ event was undoubtedly one of the trip's highlights, providing a memorable dining experience.

If I had to mention a single aspect I found less enjoyable, it would be the transition from the main vessel to the diving dinghy. However, with the assistance of the crew and a few good-natured laughs, I quickly adapted and overcame this minor challenge.

For those seeking encounters with larger marine life, the Scubaspa Yang offers a genuine treat. Each dive presented opportunities to witness sharks, various species of rays, and abundant schools of fish. Regrettably, the condition of the corals on the Best of Maldives Itinerary appeared to be less pristine. Nevertheless, this did not significantly diminish the overall quality of the diving experience.

If you find yourself torn between the Scubaspa Yin and the Scubaspa Yang, rest assured that they are nearly identical vessels, differing only in terms of one gym accessory. The teams alternate between the two boats on a weekly basis, ensuring that you can expect a consistent and exceptional experience regardless of your choice.

Selecting this vessel for your Maldives adventure is a decision you can make with unwavering confidence, as it promises to deliver the finest and most unforgettable experience in the region.