Blue Pearl | Alor, Komodo, Sumbawa

Alor

Best time for diving
April to November, as this is when both visibility and weather are at their best, while September is the best time to spot Mola Mola. The currents usually are strongest in October and November, making conditions more challenging. From late December until early March, Alor is usually considered as off-season due to the rainy season.

About temperatures
Air : winter months are between 26°C - 29°C, summer months are between 27°C - 32°C.
Sea : between 25°C - 27°C from March to April & October to November, between 27°C - 30°C from May to September. Thermoclines are common year round, the water can drop at times to 22°C or lower.

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 5 mm full wetsuit. If you get cold easily, we recommend also bring gloves and a hood, or even a 7 mm full wetsuit.

Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels of diver from beginners to experienced. However, in the open blue, the current can be strong at times, so divers should to be comfortable with their skills. While the muck dive sites only have little current. You can find out more information about diving in Alor here : Alor

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Alor liveaboard trips are usually from Maumere to Maumere, guests need to fly to Maumere airport (MOF).
However, some liveaboards often combine Alor with other destinations like Komodo, Banda Sea, Raja Ampat. Then you might only need to arrive or depart from Maumere.

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.

Komodo

Best time for diving
May to October, the weather in Komodo is at its best between April and November. During the wet season (December to March) the weather can get a bit windy, with heavy quick rains, sometimes can cause rough surface conditions. However, liveaboards run trips here year-round.

The visibility in the North is excellent at 30 meters or even more, while it ranges between 10-15 meters in the South.
Some dive sites can have significant currents, whirlpools and see downdrafts. Sea conditions might change very quickly. Other dive sites are more quiet and rich in macro, especially in the South.

About temperatures
Air : range between 23°C - 32°C year-round.
Sea : in the North Komodo it can be around 26°C -29°C, while it gets colder towards the south where it can drop down to 22° C.

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 mm full wetsuit throughout the year for Komodo area.

Diver requirement
Intermediate to Advanced level, A good level in diving and some experience in drift diving are recommended to participate to Komodo cruise.
You can find out more information about diving in Komodo here : Komodo

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most of the embarkation / disembarkation will be in Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
Unless the trip is from Bali - Komodo, then the embarkation can be in Bali (DPS).

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.

Sumbawa

Best time for diving
May to October is the prime window for optimal conditions. Expect calm seas, sunny weather, and the best underwater visibility (often 20–35m). Whale Shark sightings in Saleh Bay occur year-round, the highest activity is generally between April and October when plankton blooms are most concentrated. July – October are best for spotting manta rays, sharks, and occasionally Mola Mola.

About temperatures
Air : year round temperatures average 29°C - 32°C, May is usually the hottest month with an average temperature of 30°C, the coldest is January average at 26°C.
Sea : vary from location to location, generally 26°C - 29°C (except during mola mola season - it can drop to 19°C - 21°C), while the north coast are balmy 27°C - 30°C year round.

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 mm full wetsuit.

Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels of diver from beginners to experienced. However, in the open blue, the current can be strong at times, so divers should to be comfortable with their skills. You can find out more information here : Sumbawa

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Liveaboards visit Sumbawa area usually will combine with Komodo National park. The embarkation and disembarkation can be in Bima(BMU), Sumbawa Besar(SWQ), Labuan Bajo (LBJ), Bali (DPS).

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. However, the use of drones is only allowed at certain areas around Komodo National Park and requires a permit which must be obtained in advance of the commencement of your visit.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.

Banda Sea

Best time for diving
October to November & March to April, the seas are generally calmer during these months and in October to November there is higher chance to see hammerhead sharks. From May to August the surface conditions can get quite rough.

The visibility is generally good to excellent in Banda Sea areas, except in Ambon bay and in other bays for critter dives. Currents are low to moderate on most of the sites, however, strong currents may occur at times.

About temperatures
Air : range between 25°C - 31°C year-round.
Sea : range between 26°C - 29°C year-round.

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 mm full wetsuit throughout the year.

Diver requirement
Most dive sites are suitable for all levels with a few exceptions that are suitable only for advanced divers. You can find out more information about diving in Banda Sea here : Banda Sea

Embarkation / Disembarkation
The embarkation / disembarkation can be in Ambon (AMQ), Kaimana (KNG), Maumere (MOF), Sorong (SOQ), Waisai (RJM), Saumalaki (SXK) etc. As some of the Banda Sea trip will combine with other destinations like Raja Ampat, Halmahera, Triton Bay. So please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.

Raja Ampat

Best time for diving
Mid October to April, the wind then picks up in May until the end of August, causing rougher seas and this means Misool area in the south will be shut from June to September. From July until September the diving in the north still can be enjoyable. The visibility can vary from 10 - 30 meters, current can be from mild to strong at times.

About temperatures
Air : fairly constant between 25°C - 31°C year-round.
Sea : it is warm all year round, about 27°C - 31°C

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 mm full wetsuit throughout the year.

Diver requirement
Intermediate to Advanced level. You can find out more information about diving in Raja Ampat here : Raja Ampat

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most of the embarkation / disembarkation will be in Sorong (SOQ).
Few liveaboards also departs from Waisai (RJM).
The easiest to fly through to & from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG), Bali (DPS), or Manado (MDC).

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.