If you are a keen traveller, chance are you have already heard about Indonesian’s Komodo National Park and its amazing sailing trip. Not only it’s the last natural resort of the last and only dragon on earth, the KNP is also home to one of world’s best dive site. Located in the heart of coral triangle, government-protected, and in the meeting point of two currents, Komodo’s water is overflowing with abundant marine life. Rich coral varieties, hundreds of pelagic, Manta, and thousands more species of fishes and critters. That’s why, amongst other travelling options in Flores, Komodo diving liveaboard become the most favourite one. People loves having the opportunity to explore the stunning, Jurassic-esque islands all around the Komodo as well as venturing to the wonderful underwater world.
If you have always lusted over a dive safari in Komodo but aren’t really sure if you could afford one, here’s some tricks to get a lower fare diving liveaboard for your upcoming holiday.
Go Off Season
One of the oldest trick, but still works. Just like the any travel transportation, many Komodo liveaboard here in Flores would raise their fares where the demand is high. Means that during the low season, the price would go down. February to April and September to December. These months are usually considered as wet season—though the rain in Komodo usually short-lived and light. Don’t get really worried about the rain—the heaviest one usually fall on January and early February—and the rest of the months should be fine. During these slow travel periods, you could really land yourself a good deal; cheaper rates, VIP-like services, and empty destinations.
Book One Komodo Diving Liveaboard in Group
Due to its conservation status, you won’t see big cruisers sail on Komodo’s water. Only medium-sized wooden liveaboard, yachts, and speedboat could cross the Flores Sea. As most Komodo diving liveaboard averagely carry 14 passengers on 6-7 cabins approx., you can gather up your friends and rent the whole liveaboard to get cheaper offer or group discounts. The costs would, obviously, be spilt between the group members.
Take A Chance on Older Ship
A lot of Komodo diving liveaboard boasts themselves for being new (or newly refurbished) and sell their boat for higher price. The older ships, however, could do just as good (or almost), but are much cheaper. But we do recommend you to check the reviews; look if the engine works normally, whether the boat provide decent and complete diving equipments, and if the services are good.
Bring Your Own Diving Gears
One simplest way to save money during a dive trip to Komodo is…bringing your own diving gears! Yes, it could be heavy and bulky for travelling, but it’s definitely worthy to not spending more on dive gears that’s not guaranteed to fit you properly.