Cordelia – Komodo Diving

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Cordelia – Komodo Diving

Destination

Labuan Bajo

Group Size

Up to 12 travelers

Accommodation

5 Cabins

Meet your boat

Cordelia Phinisi is a beautifully and uniquely constructed wooden boat, traditionally crafted by the boat builders of Ara, Sulawesi. It is designed to offer both leisure and diving trips, providing guests with splendid comfort and an unforgettable adventure as they sail through the stunning archipelago of Komodo National Park.

Built in 2018, this 33m/108ft vessel offers five air-conditioned, ensuite bedroom cabins for guests, including a spacious 24m² Diamond Cabin on the main deck. The boat is equipped with a sun deck, indoor dining and karaoke lounges, a spacious diving area, and facilities like kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and full board meals to enhance the guest experience.

See the vibes

About the trip

Day 1

The journey begins with a morning departure from Labuan Bajo, heading toward the central park for a check dive at Sebayur Kecil to ensure all gear is properly weighted. After a fresh lunch on deck, we dive the colorful reefs of Tatawa Besar, drifting past vibrant soft corals and schools of sweetlips. The evening is spent anchored near Kalong Island to witness the spectacular sunset flight of the fruit bats, followed by a quiet dinner under the stars.

Day 2

We wake up in the heart of the park to tackle the legendary Manta Point, where we drift alongside majestic rays at their cleaning stations. The midday dive features the world-class pinnacle of Batu Bolong, an "underwater cathedral" teeming with an incredible density of marine life. In the afternoon, we head to Siaba Besar to search for sea turtles and unique macro critters before enjoying a beach visit or a short sunset trek.

Day 3

The final morning takes us toward the north for a high-adrenaline dive at The Shotgun (Cauldron) or a clear-water exploration of Crystal Rock. After surfacing, we transition to land for a guided trek at a Ranger Station to encounter the famous Komodo Dragons in their rugged natural habitat. The trip concludes with a final scenic cruise back to Labuan Bajo, arriving at the harbor in the late afternoon for disembarkation.

Important Variables for Your Itinerary

Please keep in mind that a Phinisi itinerary is more of a "wish list" than a rigid schedule. To ensure your safety and comfort, the Cruise Director and Captain will modify the plan daily based on the following variables: - Tidal Currents & Moon Phases: Komodo’s currents are world-famous and can be dangerous. Full and new moons create "spring tides" with much stronger water movement, while certain iconic sites (like Batu Bolong) can only be dived during specific "slack water" windows. If the tide isn't right, the crew will swap locations to ensure you aren't fighting a hazardous current. - Weather & Seasonality: Seasonal winds dictate which areas of the park are accessible. From June to August, strong southerly winds can make the south choppy and may restrict access to Manta Alley, pushing boats toward the sheltered North. Conversely, from December to February, the North can get wavy, moving the focus to the South and Central regions. - The "Manta Factor": Flexibility is key for wildlife encounters. If manta rays are spotted in high numbers at a specific site, the crew may choose to stay longer or perform a "double dip" at one location rather than moving to the next. - Diver Experience Level: Our guides constantly assess the collective experience and comfort level of the group. If conditions at an "advanced" drift site are too intense, the Captain will prioritize sheltered sites to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Day 1

After boarding in Labuan Bajo, we sail to the calm waters of Sebayur or Kelor for a relaxed check dive to kick off the expedition. The afternoon includes a dive at Mini Wall or Wainilu, focusing on the park's diverse macro life and strange bottom-dwellers. As night falls, we conduct our first night dive to see hunting moray eels and glowing plankton before settling into a protected anchorage.

Day 2

This day is dedicated to the giants, with two dives at Manta Point and Taka Makassar to maximize your chances of multiple ray encounters. Between dives, you can walk the crescent sandbar of Taka Makassar or relax on the sun deck while the crew prepares a traditional buffet. We end the day at Pink Beach, where the rose-tinted sands provide a stunning backdrop for sunset cocktails.

Day 3

We head to the Lintah Strait to dive the iconic Batu Bolong, timing our entry perfectly for the slack tide to see the reef at its most active. The afternoon features a drift at Tatawa Kecil or Karang Makassar, exploring the hidden caves and massive coral boulders of the central region. We then sail toward the northern boundary of the park, anchoring in a remote bay near Gili Lawa for a quiet evening.

Day 4

The final day starts with the crystal-clear waters of Castle Rock, where grey reef sharks and giant trevally are known to patrol the deep. After a second northern dive at Lighthouse, the Phinisi begins its long, scenic cruise back south toward Labuan Bajo. We make a final stop for a dragon trek at Rinca Island before arriving back at the harbor in the late afternoon.

Important Variables for Your Itinerary

Day 1

Leaving the harbor behind, we head to the central area for a warm-up dive at Sebayur Kecil, followed by a vibrant drift at Tatawa Besar. The evening is spent enjoying the sea breeze and a welcome dinner as the boat finds a calm anchorage for the night.

Day 2

We spend the full day exploring the central icons, including Manta Point for the rays and Batu Bolong for the sheer volume of fish life. A third dive at Siaba Besar allows for a relaxed encounter with resident turtles before we move toward the northern islands.

Day 3

The Phinisi anchors in the north to dive the legendary Castle Rock and Crystal Rock, sites famous for their shark sightings and incredible visibility. The afternoon dive at The Shotgun provides a thrilling "rip" through a narrow channel, followed by a sunset trek to the top of Gili Lawa Darat for a panoramic view.

Day 4

We begin our journey south, stopping for a morning dive at Police Corner or Pengah Kecil to see unique coral formations. The afternoon is reserved for a visit to the Komodo National Park Ranger Station, where you’ll walk through the bush to find the dragons. We end the day with a sunset cruise toward the Southern part of the park.

Day 5

Our last morning features a dive at Sabolon or Kanawa Island, focusing on vibrant shallow reefs and macro life. After a final group lunch on the deck, the Phinisi sails back into Labuan Bajo for disembarkation by the early afternoon.

Important Variables for Your Itinerary

1 - 12 Pax

IDR 255,000,000

What you get

Use anytime

AC Cabins

Kayak

Paddleboard

Sundeck

Dining Area

Indoor Lounge

Sun Loungers

Outdoor Lounge

Television

Karaoke Set

Help from our crew

Pick-up and Drop-off service from and to your Hotel or Airport
An english-speaking local guide joins you onboard to lead the journey and explain each stop
Freshly prepared meals served on the boat during the journey
Unlimited mineral water with complimentary coffee and tea available anytime onboard
Afternoon snacks and a refreshing juice provided to keep you energized
Complete snorkeling equipment provided for use at all designated swim and reef spots
Shared journey photos and videos documented throughout the day for everyone to enjoy

Not included

Flights to and from Labuan Bajo are not included in the package cost
Komodo National Park entrance fees are not included in the overall experience price.
Any accommodation before or after the journey remains your own responsibility
Travel insurance and medical coverage are not provided and need to be arranged independently
Any personal purchases made during the journey are at your own expense
Alcoholic drinks onboard are available for purchase but not included
Private photo or video packages must be arranged separately and are not included
Gratuity/tips for the guide and crew are appreciated but not included in the experience rate

The techie bits

Vessel Specification

Year Build: 2018
Origin: Ara, Sulawesi
Boat Width: 6.2 Meters
Boat Length: 33m
Material: Wooden Boat
Main Engine:
- 8DC11 Mitsubishi Diesel
- 6D16 Mitsubishi Diesel
Water Supply: Capacity 1000 Liters/day
Power Supply: 2x 120 PS
Dinghy: 2x Boat with Yamaha 40 HP

Safety Equipments

Life Jackets
Liferaft
Fire Extinguisher
Garmin GPS
Fish Finder
Radio Communication

Still got questions?

Speedboats focus on covering highlights efficiently within a single day and return to shore by afternoon or sunset. Liveaboard phinisi move at a slower pace, include overnight stays, and offer a more immersive experience on the water and out on land. The choice depends on whether you prefer a one-day exploration or a relaxed, multi-day journey.

Larger liveaboard phinisi are generally more stable than speedboats, which can feel more movement at higher speeds. Most routes stay within sheltered waters, but conditions can vary. If you’re prone to seasickness, we recommend calmer seasons and bringing medication as a precaution.

Most vessels offer shaded areas, open decks, and indoor spaces to rest between activities. Liveaboards include sleeping cabins or shared accommodations for overnight comfort, while day boats focus on seating and shade. Comfort levels vary by vessel, and details are always listed on each page.

Each vessel suits a different travel style. Some are ideal for couples or relaxed travelers, while others work well for families, groups, or divers. If you’re unsure, we can help match you with a vessel based on pace, comfort, and experience type.

Itineraries may be adjusted if sea or weather conditions require it. Safety and comfort always come first. If changes are needed, the captain and crew will let you know the alternative stops or adjust timing to make sure the journey stays enjoyable while avoiding rough conditions.

Activities typically include a mix of island walks, snorkeling, beach time, and scenic cruising. Some journeys may include wildlife spotting or short hikes, depending on the area and conditions. The focus is on variety and balance rather than packing the day too tightly.

Many of our experiences are designed to be approachable for first-time visitors, covering key highlights while keeping the pace manageable. The crew is experienced in guiding guests who are new to Komodo and will help make the experience comfortable and easy to follow.

Most days are moderately active, with time split between exploring, relaxing onboard, and enjoying the scenery. You won’t be rushed from place to place, and there’s usually flexibility to slow things down depending on the group and conditions.

Itineraries serve as a guideline rather than a hard-written script. While the main journey is planned, adjustments may happen based on weather, sea conditions, or group preferences. This flexibility allows the journey to feel natural rather than the common tours.

Safety always comes first. Routes or stop orders may be adjusted based on sea and weather conditions. When this happens, the crew will choose the best alternative to keep the journey safe and enjoyable.

Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sun protection, and comfortable footwear. A dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, and personal medication are also recommended. For liveaboards, basic toiletries and towels are usually provided, but details vary by vessel.

Fly into Labuan Bajo Airport from major Indonesian cities such as Bali or Jakarta. Direct flights are available daily, and most journeys start with a pickup from the airport or your hotel. We’ll share exact meeting details after booking.

Komodo can be visited year-round, with each season offering a different feel. Dry months bring calmer seas and peak travel, while shoulder and rainy seasons offer fewer crowds and greener landscapes. The best time depends on your travel style and priorities.

We understand that plans can shift. Changes, reschedules, or cancellations are handled on a case-by-case basis depending on timing and operator policies. Deposits are generally non-refundable, but in some situations, rescheduling or partial refunds may be possible with operator approval. If anything changes, just contact us as early as possible and we’ll help explore the best available options.

All payments are handled securely through Xendit, our official payment partner. You’ll receive a payment link that supports credit and debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and QR payments. For your security, we never ask for payments via personal bank accounts or unofficial channels.

Final payment is typically due 21 days before departure. For some shared or one-day journeys, full payment may be required upfront. The exact payment schedule will always be clearly stated in your invoice before you commit.

Your departure date is secured with a down payment. This locks the vessel and itinerary for your chosen dates and confirms your spot with the operator. Until the deposit is made, availability is not guaranteed, especially during peak travel periods.

Once you’ve chosen a vessel and journey, just reach out to us via email or WhatsApp with your preferences (dates, number of guests, cabin type if applicable). We’ll check availability with the operator and send you a secure payment link. Once payment is made, your booking is confirmed and we’ll take care of the rest, from coordination to trip details.