Top

What to Pack for a Komodo Liveaboard: Pre-Trip Guide + Checklist

🌊 Introduction: Pack Smart, Dive Better

Komodo National Park is a world-class diving destination with unique seasonal conditions, remote locations, and a mix of warm tropical waters and cooler southern upwellings. Packing right ensures you’re ready for everything — from adrenaline-fueled drift dives to relaxed sunsets on deck.

This guide breaks down exactly what to bring for your Komodo liveaboard trip, including dive gear, eco-conscious essentials, and useful extras you might not think of.

📥 Download our Komodo Liveaboard Packing Checklist (PDF)

🥽 Dive Gear Essentials

Most liveaboards provide standard tanks and weights, but bringing familiar, well-fitting gear makes a big difference underwater.

Must-Haves:

  • ✅ Mask, snorkel, and fins

  • ✅ BCD & regulator (or check rental availability in advance)

  • ✅ Dive computer — required for all divers

  • ✅ SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) — currents can be strong in Komodo

  • ✅ Reef hook for drift dives (used responsibly)

  • ✅ Dive torch or small light for night dives and swim-throughs

  • ✅ 3–5 mm wetsuit (north Komodo is warm; south can drop to 24 °C)

  • ✅ Spare mouthpiece, mask strap, and O-rings

Pro Tip: Bring a mesh bag to keep your gear together on deck and make tank setups faster.

🌿 Eco & Safety Essentials

Komodo’s marine ecosystem is protected — packing sustainably helps preserve it for future generations.

  • ♻️ Reusable water bottle (boats have refill stations)

  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen — non-toxic to corals

  • 🧢 Hat and sunglasses — the sun can be intense on deck

  • 🚿 Biodegradable toiletries — minimize greywater impact

  • 🧼 Personal quick-dry towel

  • 🩹 Basic first aid kit and any personal medication

  • 📝 Dive insurance certificate

Optional but smart: Lightweight dry bag for protecting electronics during transfers between shore and boat.

🧍 Clothing & Personal Items

Liveaboards are relaxed — think comfort, not formality.

  • 👕 Light, breathable clothes for warm days

  • 🧥 Light jacket or hoodie for breezy nights

  • 👙 Swimwear (2–3 sets is ideal)

  • 👖 Lightweight trousers for Labuan Bajo evenings

  • 🧢 Hat or bandana for sun and wind protection

Tip: Komodo’s south can feel cool in the evenings — pack one warm layer.

💼 Travel Documents & Logistics

Don’t overlook the admin:

  • 🛂 Passport with minimum 6 months validity

  • ✈️ Flight details & insurance info (print & digital copies)

  • 💵 Cash in Indonesian Rupiah for park fees, tips, and small purchases

  • 📜 Certification card & logbook — required for check-in

  • 📶 Download offline maps of Labuan Bajo before arrival

👉 Read more: Komodo National Park Travel & Logistics Guide

🔌 Useful Extras & Creature Comforts

Small items can make a big difference:

  • 📸 Underwater camera or GoPro with spare batteries

  • 🔌 Power bank and multi-outlet adapter

  • 🪫 Extra SD cards or cloud backup ready

  • 🛏 Earplugs for light sleepers

  • 🎧 Headphones or a small speaker for downtime

  • 📚 A good book, journal, or downloaded shows

📅 Timing Your Packing for Komodo

Your packing list might shift slightly depending on the season:

  • Dry Season (Apr–Nov): Cooler southern waters → pack extra thermal layers for dives.

  • Wet Season (Dec–Mar): Warmer water and occasional showers → quick-dry clothes are key.

👉 Best Time to Dive Komodo: Seasonal Guide

🌐 Related Articles

📅 Book Your Komodo Adventure Early

Komodo’s peak season (June–October) fills fast, especially for small-group boats like Kira Kira and Akomo Isseki. Booking early for 2026–2027 ensures your preferred cabin and dates.

👉 View Upcoming Komodo Departures