Frequently
Asked questions
All of our adventures start from and return to Labuan Bajo harbor on the island of Flores. Labuan Bajo/Komodo airport is just 10 minutes drive from the main town and our office.
There are several airlines operating multiple flights a day to Labuan Bajo from Bali, Lombok and Jakarta. Good sources of information on schedules and to book flights are: traveloka.com or airasia.com.
Booking in advance for any tour or diving is generally essential these days to be assured of availability with good operators. Also some flexibility on dates is advisable to get the best/most options, so setting your trip with us up before booking flights and local accommodation is the best way to go. Local flights are not always cheaper in advance and there are many options for airlines, as well as plenty of accommodation options on land for before and after the trip.
Departure for both Wunderpus and Mimic boats is scheduled for 8am on the first day of the trip. This means that you’ll need a night in Labuan Bajo before the trip so that we can get an early start and maximise your time onboard.
We ask all guests to check in at our office on the main street next to Eco Tree Hotel the day before departure. At this time you will try on diving/snorkeling equipment, make any final payments for national park fees etc, and arrange your pick up/meeting point for departure of the trip.
We return to harbour on the last day around 4pm. Please remember to allow suitable time to decompress after diving before your flight (a minimum of 18-24 hours is recommended). If you are snorkeling and book a flight out from Labuan Bajo on the day of return, please ensure to let us know.
For accommodation in Labuan Bajo there are many choices. Some that previous guests have enjoyed are:
- Golo Hilltop: The hotel is a little outside the main town, but is clean, comfortable and has great views.
- Villa Seirama Alam: This is a small 5 room villa, also with great views and a quiet location. Ideal for groups and families.
- Wae Molas Hotel: This hotel is on the edge of the main town, has a spa and a restaurant with a pool.
- Puri Sari Resort: Located outside of town, you would need to use their shuttle for transport to town, shops and restaurants. But it has a small beach, pool and its own restaurant.
- Seaesta Hotel / Hostel: This accommodation is located very close to the town, shops and harbour, so it’s very convenient. It has a pool on the rooftop terrace and a restaurant.
Once onboard we provide most of the things you need as we explore Komodo. We provide you with towels, a hairdryer, shampoo and soap. We do recommend you bring the following:
- Reef safe sunscreen (we have some at our office for sale) and/or alternative sun protection like sunglasses, a rash guard and a hat.
- Mosquito repellent. When trekking on the islands we can expect mosquitos, but on the boat at sea they normally don’t find us.
- Running shoes or solid sandals to be more comfortable on the short treks that we make during the trip.
- Any medication you need on a regular basis. We do have a first aid kit for emergencies, as well as motion sickness tablets.
- Cash (Indonesian Rupiah) to buy souvenirs, drinks onboard, and for staff gratuities.
- Rain/Wind jacket for chilly evenings and early mornings.
Trust us! We love Komodo and we want to show you Komodo at it’s best! We will use our local knowledge and 10 years of experience here to plan the best possible itinerary for your trip.
We plan every trip according to local conditions and each trip is unique. We take in account tidal movements, weather, waves, visibility, and seasonal conditions. Most importantly, we try to avoid a majority of other tour operators and now crowded “instafamous” sites to lose the crowds!
We will always find the time to trek with the Komodo dragons on either Rinca or Komodo Island, as well as visit a secluded beach or two as we travel. Often we also either make treks for sunrise or sunset views over the islands, or make a sunset sail if these trekking locations are inaccessible or crowded.
There are still unexplored beaches and places to watch the sunset or sunrise in peace and tranquility. We are also constantly exploring the islands to find new dive and snorkel sites.
Absolutely! The best diving sites are also often the best snorkel sites. Most reefs in Komodo are very shallow, healthy and colourful. Snorkel guests regularly return to the boat with exciting news about seeing rare species like Dugong, Manta, Turtles, Whaleshark and many other marine species the divers miss.
All snorkel excursions are briefed beforehand, just like the dives are, and are guided by an experienced snorkel guide who knows the area and marine life well and is Rescue and EFR trained.
Night time is spent in secluded bays on a mooring or at anchor, and we choose these locations carefully to ensure a good nights’ sleep for our guests. This also allows you time to relax, take in the stunning starry skies, and wake up refreshed for another day of adventure.
As Komodo National Park is made up of many islands, very rough seas are rare. On some passages there can be some swell, but guests suffering from seasickness is rare. Staying above deck in the fresh air with some soothing ginger tea usually takes care of any slightly queasy stomachs.
Komodo is a year-round destination for tourism, each season is different with regards to weather, sea conditions and the areas that are safe and accessible to explore within the national park.
As a general guide though:
November – March:
This is the quietest time in Komodo and honestly our favourite time to explore. There are less people and boats, meaning quieter dive/snorkel sites and beaches. But we also generally explore the more remote and less traveled areas of Komodo. Manta encounters are common, as well as special guest appearances from Whalesharks and even Blue Whales and other whale species during transits from location to location. It is “rainy season” so do not expect sunshine every day but once away from the mainland and out in the national park, we rarely see more than a heavy shower or two in the afternoon or evening.
During this time, the north of the Komodo and it’s famous dive-sites (Castle, Crystal, Cauldron) are rarely accessible, and the central area will have lower visibility (around 10-15m) and sometimes colder water temperatures (23-26C). However, if you are looking to encounter Mantas and explore the southern areas of the park this is the best time of the year. The southern dive sites have stunning coral reefs and are crawling with small critters. We usually have very nice visibility and warm temperatures (28-30) on those dive sites.
April – May / September – October:
This is the time our seasonal changes occur as a rule and all regions can be open for exploration (current weather conditions permitting). It’s a great time to see Mantas and Sharks! The visibility varies between 15-30m and the water temperature can be anything between 21-30°C. It’s a great time to dive and snorkel Komodo and explore famous dive sites without being surrounded by people and bubbles.
June – August:
This is the busiest time in Komodo and our “high season”. The water is generally warm and the visibility can be crystal clear. It is a great time to visit Komodo to explore the northern dive sites and make possible longer excursions to the west side of Komodo, where we will for sure lose the crowds! As it is a very busy time of the year it is not always easy to avoid other tour operators and divers and Manta sightings are not guaranteed. But of course we will always do our best to plan our trips off schedule from other divers and snorkelers and visit quieter locations and secret spots.
As a general guide though:
November – March:
This is the quietest time in Komodo and honestly our favourite time to explore. There are less people and boats, meaning quieter dive/snorkel sites and beaches. But we also generally explore the more remote and less traveled areas of Komodo. Manta encounters are common, as well as special guest appearances from Whalesharks and even Blue Whales and other whale species during transits from location to location. It is “rainy season” so do not expect sunshine every day but once away from the mainland and out in the national park, we rarely see more than a heavy shower or two in the afternoon or evening.
During this time, the north of the Komodo and it’s famous dive-sites (Castle, Crystal, Cauldron) are rarely accessible, and the central area will have lower visibility (around 10-15m) and sometimes colder water temperatures (23-26C). However, if you are looking to encounter Mantas and explore the southern areas of the park this is the best time of the year. The southern dive sites have stunning coral reefs and are crawling with small critters. We usually have very nice visibility and warm temperatures (28-30) on those dive sites.
April – May / September – October:
This is the time our seasonal changes occur as a rule and all regions can be open for exploration (current weather conditions permitting). It’s a great time to see Mantas and Sharks! The visibility varies between 15-30m and the water temperature can be anything between 21-30°C. It’s a great time to dive and snorkel Komodo and explore famous dive sites without being surrounded by people and bubbles.
June – August:
This is the busiest time in Komodo and our “high season”. The water is generally warm and the visibility can be crystal clear. It is a great time to visit Komodo to explore the northern dive sites and make possible longer excursions to the west side of Komodo, where we will for sure lose the crowds! As it is a very busy time of the year it is not always easy to avoid other tour operators and divers and Manta sightings are not guaranteed. But of course we will always do our best to plan our trips off schedule from other divers and snorkelers and visit quieter locations and secret spots.
Most areas of the park have by now phone and 4G coverage. If you need internet or to be reachable on your phone, we recommend that you buy a local sim card from Telkomsel with an internet package. Be sure to buy credit which is usable all over Indonesia, not “local pulsa” which is only usable in the region you bought it. Be aware that there are still “black holes” in the very south and in the very north of the Park where there is no cellphone reception.
Do not worry! On the drive into the park we will give a thorough general dive briefing on how we dive safely in Komodo. We happily remind all our divers about safety rules, underwater signs and general procedures. The first dive of the trip is always a check dive in a sheltered bay outside of the famous Komodo currents. This allows you to slowly dive back into the feeling of breathing underwater and become accustomed to our routine.
If it has been several years since you been diving we highly recommend you to do a quick refresher course at your local dive shop or on your travels before arriving in Komodo. This way you can thoroughly enjoy all your dives and feel comfortable underwater during your trip with us. Should you wish to do your refresher with us on the first day of your trip, please let us know before your arrival.
If it has been several years since you been diving we highly recommend you to do a quick refresher course at your local dive shop or on your travels before arriving in Komodo. This way you can thoroughly enjoy all your dives and feel comfortable underwater during your trip with us. Should you wish to do your refresher with us on the first day of your trip, please let us know before your arrival.
Yes. Due to our remote location, we strongly advise you to get a suitable dive or travel insurance. Quick evacuations on a speedboat or by helicopter are pricy and proof of insurance or an advance payment will be requested by the local medical services. We offer DAN (Diver Alert Network) Short Term Insurance from 3 days to one month. This insurance is valid anywhere in Indonesia. We can book your insurance in advance or on the day of arrival. Get in touch with us for more information on this.
The first hyperbaric oxygen chamber in Komodo was officially opened at the end of 2019. The chamber is located in the only Hospital in town – Siloam. Medical treatment and health facilities are still far below international standard and undoubtedly it is better never to be in need of a deco chamber or emergency medical treatment.
Several medical conditions can prevent you from scuba diving safely. For the following conditions we urge you to get a medical clearance from your doctor: asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart conditions. If you had recent surgery or take prescription medications you should also discuss possible side effects with your GM. Find more information here.
Depending on the year and the area where we are diving, the water temperature varies between 21-30°C (most dives are 26-27°C and above). We provide you with a 3mm long wetsuit. If you tend to get cold, we can give you a 3mm shorty to put under/over your long wetsuit upon request.
Indonesia has over 17,500 islands and just as many different dialects, tribes, ethnics, religions and cultures. The majority of the people of Flores are Catholic, with a growing number of Muslim, especially in the harbour town of Labuan Bajo. The mosque’s call to prayer can be heard 5 times a day all over town.
Remember the following few customs and you should have no problem getting along with the locals:
Remember the following few customs and you should have no problem getting along with the locals:
- Smile. Be polite and friendly. This will get you further than any complaints or frustration.
- Do not point with your feet or touch anyone’s head. Both are considered rude and can be taken offensively.
- Leave your shoes at the door of a home or business. If you’re not sure if you need to remove your shoes, look for a row of flip flops at the door as a clue.
- Use your right hand. The left hand is generally used for, well ahem, bathroom times and is considered unclean.
- Bikinis and shorts are perfectly acceptable on the boat. As soon as you step on land though, please cover up by wearing a shirt, pants or a sarong. Note that being topless or wearing a very small revealing bikini or G-string is frowned upon.
The Indonesian Government allows for a visa free entry for citizens from 169 countries for 30 days. Your Passport needs to be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Indonesia and you must have proof (ticket) of onward or return travel. You will be denied entry otherwise.
Should you wish to stay longer than 30 days, we advise you to buy a VOA (Visa on arrival) for 35 USD, which is extendable at a local immigration office up to another 30 days.
For more information on immigration, please visit: imigrasi.go.id
Luckily on the boat inside the Komodo National Park we rarely encounter any mosquitos. However there is Malaria in certain regions of Indonesia, so the usual precautions are always advised.
Use mosquito repellent during mosquito hour (dusk/dawn) and wear long loose clothing to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Be aware that malaria medication can have unpleasant side effects, especially in combination with diving.
Use mosquito repellent during mosquito hour (dusk/dawn) and wear long loose clothing to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Be aware that malaria medication can have unpleasant side effects, especially in combination with diving.
PAYMENT TERMS:
– 40% Non Refundable Deposit Payable on Booking
– Balance Due Latest 2 Weeks Before Trip Departure
– Payment Can Be Made By Bank Transfer, Online Transfer Service Such As Wise or Revolut Or Paypal
CANCELLATION TERMS
– Cancellation By You Anytime Before The Balance Is Paid / 14 Days Before Trip Departure And Your Deposit Is Forfeit
– Cancellation By You Within 14 Days Of Trip Departure And The Full Trip Cost Is Forfeit
– Cancellation By Us Due To Circumstances Other Than Force Majeure ( weather, disaster, border/harbour closure, mechanical failure etc ) At Anytime Will Mean a Full Refund
– Cancellation By Us Due To Force Majeure And We Will Offer A Reschedule, Anytime Within 12 Months Of Cancellation Date On A Trip Of The Same Duration / Value Or Greater or trip balance of 60%.
The National Park fee system is quite complicated and has many different elements/factors, there is also a local tourism retribution to pay, The total depends on whether you are diving or snorkeling, which locations you will visit on the trip, whether any days are a sunday/public holiday etc. As a guide total for the above fees is usually between $18 US and $25 US, per person, per day. These fees are payable locally and our team will provide you with a receipt detailing these fees on payment at check in.