Antares is 19 meters in size and is a splendid Indonesian hand-built traditional wooden boat (Phinisi) built in South Sulawesi, Indonesia where all the best Master boat building carpenters are found in Indonesia.
The limited number of guests on board ensure every single guest receives the best service and attention.
There are a total of 3 cabins on board the Antares, one cabin is on the lower deck and 2 cabins on the main deck.
All cabins are appointed suites with queen size beds or they can be converted into 2 individual shared single beds and En-suite bathrooms with warm water shower.
They are also equipped with split air-conditioning system with the hotel grade spring mattress and pillows which provide the best comfort and quality sleeping time after full day diving.
Each morning before first dive, customer able to enjoy the sunrise when they are still lying on the bed.
The 5 star Chef serves the best quality meals for you 3 times a day.
It is the Antares vision to lead you on a journey and accompany you to discover amazing Indonesia.
Prices are per person and in US$ based on 2 persons sharing a cabin.
Exact pricing is available on the schedule here as prices vary dependant on the time year, destination and the length of the trip and sometimes special offers are available.
Trip price includes:
On-board accommodation
Full board meals, snacks, fruits, coffee, tea, juice and drinking water
English & French speaking Cruise Director and qualified dive master(s)
Tanks, weights and weight belts.
Ratio for staff on board vs customer is 1:1
Antares arranges local transfer from/to airport or local hotel to the main vessel on embarkation & disembarkation day
Land excursions to Komodo island Dragon tour
Trip price does not include:
Entrance & park fee at US$25 per day
Soft drinks, beer, wine or spirits
Crew & Dive Guide Tips (suggest USD15-20 per person per day)
Gear rental and Nitrox
Snorkeling gear,
International or domestic air transportation, hotels
Fuel charges (if any)
Travel/dive insurances.
Domestic air or hotel room reservations.
Beach visits &/or island hopping
For a single occupancy, there will be +50 single supplement apply.
| Diving Equipment Rentals (USD) |
Per day |
| Full Set (regulator, octopus, BCD, wetsuit, mask, fins, NOT dive computer) |
$ 30 |
| Regulator with octopus |
$ 10 |
| Computer |
$ 12 |
| BCD |
$ 10 |
| Wetsuit (shorty 3mm) |
$ 8 |
| Mask |
$ 5 |
| Fins (+ booties as required) |
$ 5 |
| Nitrox |
$ 18 |
Terms and conditions:
Individual bookings:
Booking deposit:
30% of booking is required within 7 days of booking - non refundable
70 % is due to 90 days prior to departure - non refundable.
Balance due 90 days before your trip departure date - non-refundable.
Individual booking made less than 90 days before the departured ate are payable in full at the time of booking.
Cancellation at any stage involves forfeit of monies already payed.
Group charter:
Booking deposit:
10% - within 7 days of booking - non-refundable
Second deposit:
20% 180 days prior to departure - non-refundable
Balance due
90 days before departure - non-refundable
There are 3 cabins on board.
All cabins are well appointed suites with Queens size bed, or they can be converted into 2 individual shared single beds, En-Suite bathrooms with 24hrs hot and cold shower, independent split air-conditioning, the hotel grade spring mattresses and pillows with blankets, which provide customer the best comfort and quality sleeping time after all day diving.
This luxury Phinisi provides two International Sockets in each Cabin, so divers don’t have to worry about bring a socket convertor for your camera and electronic gadgets.
Sample Komodo – 8 days / 7 nights
Day 1
Arrival at Labuan Bajo, LBJ (Komodo Airport)
While arriving at Labuan Bajo Airport, our friendly staffs with Antares logo uniform are already waiting for your arrival outside the custom area with your group name written on a sign board. From airport to the pier will only takes 10 to 15 mins. Once on board, your voyage to Relaxation begin!! A general briefing by our Cruise Director, Nico Caiveau, will present to you and your diving buddies about Antares and all the safety procedures on the boat. We will set sail at 17:00 for Sabolan Besar and enjoy an unforgettable sunset view of Sangeang Volcano where we will spend the night. Please note that Antares’ boarding time is at 12:00 to 16:00. Guests are requested to be on board by 16:00. For boat charter, boarding and pick up time can be pre-arranged with our office staff 7 days before trip.
Day 2
Sabolan Besar
Our first dive of the day will begin with a check dive at Sabolan Besar(1), a fantastic crystal clear water slope covered with a verity of sea life and corals. You may be greeted by Sea Turtles, Snappers, Groupers and an occasional Eagle Ray flying above you. After breakfast we will have our second dive at Sabolan Kecil North(2). Starting on a slope followed by a seamount of coral, you might see a large group of Garden Eels on the sandy bottom, Surgeon fish, Devil Scorpionfish, Orangutan Crabs and large Sea Fans covered in all types of crustaceans. There are also an exceptional Octopus found in a secret spot on this dive site. We will have the third dive at Sabolan Kecil South(3), great for photography. This dive site is a unique for all types of divers. With a frequent sighting of Cuttlefish, Angel Fish, Leafy Scorpionfish and an abundant amount of invertebrates. And this dive site always has something new to see. You will enjoy the sun setting on our way to Sebayor Besar where we will anchor.
Day 3
Gili Lawadarat
The morning dive will take place at Sebayor Kecil(4), a shallow slope to a sandy bottom with large boulders covered in all types of hard and soft coral. Here you can find Giant Trevally, Long Nose Emperor Fish, schools of Sweetlips and Whitetip reef sharks. We will start heading to Tatawa Besar(5) for the second dive before lunch. Tatawa Besar is a colorful drift dive spot famous for its yellow and orange soft coral and occasional sight of Manta Rays. Here you can see Giant Trevally hunting fusilier fish, and Black Tip reef sharks lurking the reef for another meal. There will be lunch on the way to Gili Lawadarat at North of Komodo island. The third dive will be at Golden Passage(6), a drift dive between two islands, and you will notice its orange sun coral and vast variety of marine life including Large Marble Rays, Giant Sweetlips and an abundant amount of colorful tropical fish. After sunset you will have your first night dive at Coral Garden(7), a beautiful slope full of healthy coral with lots of crustaceans. We will enjoy at the bay of North Komodo island for the night.
Day 4
Teletubbie Bay
Another amazing day stretches in front of you. We will move to North of Gili Lawadarat, here we will dive into a World class dive sites known as Crystal(8) and Castle Rock(9). An incredible biodiversity of life where you can see many sharks including the infamous Gray reef shark, schools of Surgeon Fish, Tuna, Giant Trevally, and if we get lucky, we could dive with unlimited numbers of Dolphins. The third dive of the day is The Cauldron also known as Shotgun(10), this is one of the famous dive site where experience drift diving. Depends the current level, sometime the drift dive can be last for more than 25 mins. At this dive site, some hiding area are protected by big reefs against the strong current where you still have time to stops and enjoy the sight of schools of Big Eye Giant Trevally, Sweetlips, school of Snapper and Manta Ray flying above you. At The Cauldron, we do not suggest you bring big camera, there could be some crazy strong current, it is really hard to protect the camera. “GoPro” could be the ideal recording equipment at The Cauldron. After the third dive, you will have time on the boat to get ready for our sunset viewpoint on Gili Lawadarat with a breathtaking view of the sun setting behind the island of Komodo. We will anchor in Teletubbie Bay for the night.
Day 5
Pink Beach
Wake up to another paradise view, this time we move from South to Central Komodo National Park for our first dive at Manta Point(11). A drift dive along a shallow sandy bottom with coral biomes used as cleaning stations for all the local marine life including the Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Marble Rays, Giant Sweetlips and occasional Black and Wite Tip reef shark. After breakfast we move to Shark Point, South of Tatawa Besar(12) for your second dive. Shark Point is a small slope covered in all types of hard coral including table coral where you can find sleeping White Tips reef sharks and swimming Black Tips above the reef. There is also sighting of Devil Ray swimming near the slope. Your third dive will be at the small island of Batu Bolong South(13), a steep slope where you can find an abundant array of colorful tropical fish including, swimming Moray Eels, school of Fussier fish, Giant Trevally hunting, large Potato Grouper and a Barracuda patrolling the top of the reef. Then we will head to Central Komodo Pink Beach to visit the wild deer on the beach and a sunset viewpoint of Antares and Komodo island.
Day 6
Komodo
In the morning, you will experience a unique encounter on the island of Komodo – with the fearsome Komodo Dragons, the world’s largest lizard (more than 3 meters long). Take a walk around the park guided by experienced rangers who will share with you their profound knowledge of the Komodo dragon and the fauna and the flora of the area. After breakfast you will have the first dive of the day at Pink beach(14), a steep slope covered in feather stars and impressive soft corals. Here you can find Barracuda, schools of Sweetlip and Tuna swimming along the reef. After Pink Beach, you will have lunch on the way to North heading to Siaba Besar, you will have your second dive at Siaba Kecil(15), a very nice drift dive along a reef face filled with small overhangs where you can find schools of Sweetlips, large Angelfish, Giant Trevally, Potato Grouper fallowed by a shallow Plato of hard coral and flat sponges with sleeping Whitetips. Following the sunset we will have a night dive at Turtle Point(16), a great dive for macro photography in the same bay as Siaba Besar. A sandy bottom covered in small blades of sea grass. Here we will search for Seahorse, Frogfish, Pipefish and small reef Octopus. During the dive, we will also spot random coral biomes and hard coral where Lionfish are hunting with the help of our flash lights. We will stay the night at Siaba Besar.
Day 7
Kelor
Getting ready for your last fantastic day on The Antares. You will have your first dive at Police Corner(17), an incredible overhang full of large schools of Fusilier fish, Giant Trevally, and Sweetlips, a topography never to forget. After breakfast, you will enjoy your last dive of this amazing diving trip at Mauan(18). Also known for spotting Manta Rays a beautiful slope with Mantis Shrimp, Sea Snake, Butterfly fish and large Sponges. Finishing the day on our way to Kelor to experience the incredible sight of thousands of Flying Foxes during sunset where we will also stay overnight.
Day 8
Disembarkation at Labuan Bajo, LBJ
In the morning, we will set sail for Labaan Bajo. After breakfast, it will be time to farewell The Antares and her crew. You will then be transferred to Labuan Bajo airport, where our team will assist with your luggage. Guests are required to disembark before 12:00.
Important Notice:
The above schedule could be change in location(s) order or route due to weather and other conditions. The Antares Cruise Director has the rights to change the sailing course or terminate the trip due to weather or emergency situations
The above itinerary is also based on the regular weather, Antares will sail from point to point on daily basic. Weather condition effects the sailing duration. If everything works on schedule, the Cruise Director could provide One(1) to Two(2) extra night dive for guests.
Where is the pick up for the boat?
On your arrival at Labuan Bajo airport, you will be met and greeted by our friendly staff wearing Antares logo uniform. They will be waiting for you outside the custom area with your name written on a sign board. Then he will transfer you to the pier where the Awaiting Antares anchored. The journey from airport to Antares takes 10 to 15 minutes drive.
Please note that Antares boarding time is at 12 noon to 4pm. Guests are expected to be on board the latest at 4pm.
Length: 18.7M
Width: 4.5M
Height: 2M(not include the sail)
Speed: Cruising speed 8 knots
Nitrox – yes
Snorkeling yes
Sun Deck – yes
Ensuite Bathroom – yes
Air conditioner – yes
Beer and soft drinks – yes
Fishing – yes (not inside the National Park)
Fan – yes
International 220V outlets – yes
Wakeboard – yes (usually on the last day of diving –no fly time period)
Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS Free on request
Komodo diving
Diving in Komodo is not a new idea but recently it’s being recognised as a premier destination due to the awesome variety of diving to be had. Crystal clear water and dive sites where you never see another diver provide a little something for everyone whether it’s macro or massive you love. One day you can be crawling along the bottom looking at pygmy seahorses, frogfish and unusual nudibranch and the next you are in the big blue on an open water pinnacle as the mantas fly by, the sharks circle and the dolphins hunt and the next day diving a live volcano!! For sheer variety there is no better place on earth.
Komodo is one of the few places left in the world where sharks are not rare and down south is one of the places where manta rays have their legendary aggregations, meaning they are here in the area in their hundreds!!!
One of the highlights of these trips is the rare opportunity to walk with the lengendary Komodo dragons. These truly awesome beasts can reach 3 metres plus and can reportedly run at 20km an hour chasing their prey. It’s the icing on the cake, Stunning diving and one of the world’s last surviving dinosaur descendants all one amazing package.
Covering the best of both worlds, from up close and personal with aggragating mantas to shy pygmy seahorses and rare nudibranches Komodo diving has it all.
The beauty of Komodo liveaboard diving is in the balance between the large and small animals. One day you will be in the blue swimming with mantas and sharks and the next swimming along a bubbling volcanic reef covered with venting submerged fumeroles blowing bubbles into the water and hiding one of the worlds best kept secret macro dive sites.
In North Komodo the water temperature is normally 27-29°C. Around Southern Komodo and Rinca Islands the water temperature drops can drop a bit to 22-26°C. A 5mm long suit is advised and hood and booties are strongly recommended for the southern area.
These are some of the top sites that most liveaboards visit.
Angel reef, Moyo, Sumbawa diving
We start our Komodo liveaboard with the first dive of the trip and the check out dive. This dive site doesn’t disappoint. A beautiful wall stretching down to 50 metres covered in hard and soft corals very reminiscent of Bunaken in North Sulawesi. Schools of bannerfish and trevally patrol the walls with the occasional reef sharks making an appearance. Ribbon eels hide in crevices and many different nudibranchs crawl over the vast elephant ear sponges that hang from the beautiful soft coral infested wall.
Satonda island bay
A protected bay on Satonda island north of Sumbawa hosts a treasure trove of macro critters, the more we dive here the more we find. The rare Denise pygmy seahorse lives in fans here, frogfish hang out in big barrel sponges and ghost pipefish hide amongst the featherstars that cover the reef slope. In the sandy bottom you can find jawfish with their mouths full of eggs, myriads of anemonefish, mushroom coral pipefish and spearer mantis shrimps.
Sangeang island diving
Sangieng island is a perfectly round volcanic island jutting up from the sea bed. Still active and last blowing in 1996 this well kept secret is one of the world’s finest macro dive areas. With diving available all around the island there is not one specific spot but always new ones to be discovered. Bubbles of volcanic gas seep through the sand creating a surreal atmosphere and a warm black sand bottom hosting rare and unusual nudibranch. Pygmy seahorses, frogfish, Pegasus sea moths and carnivorous shells and all common here, this is my personal favourite dive site as every time we dive here there is a surprise in store of something new that is often not in the books - this site is why you go Komodo liveaboard diving.
Gps point - Gili Banta diving
Gps point is an open sea mount prone to strong currents at certain times of the day. This provides prolific hard and soft coral growth that is home to hundreds of different types of reef fish. Loved by sharks, white tip sharks cruise around the whole dive in amongst the hunting giant trevallies and schooling jacks and surgeon fish, an exciting dive.
Takat Toko, Gili Lawalaut diving
This is one of my favourite sites on the Komodo liveaboard itinerary and is very similar to Gps point this site takes it to the next level. Grey reef shark, white tip sharks, occassional dolphins and a literal fish soup created by jacks, surgeonfish, giant trevallies and bannerfish surround this large sea mount as you hang on to the reef edge and watch the action. Again this site is prone to strong currents but we time our dives to hit around slack tide and a little current brings in the big fish. Great pelagic action, my favourite blue water dive.
Lighthouse reef, Gili Lawalaut diving
An adrenalin pounding drift dive along the wall and around the corner under the lighthouse. Sharks, mantas, dolphins are all frequent visitors on the dive with some of the best coral reef top in the area around the corner out of the current at the end of the dive you can hunt for porcelain crabs, cuttlefish and unusual seahorses whilst waiting for the adrenalin to funnel out of your system and your heart rate to return to normal-this is what Komodo liveaboard diving is all about!.
Crystal rock, Gili Lawalaut diving
A stunning soft coral and sea fan covered pinnacle with crystal water clarity this is a great site for those magazine cover wide angle shots. With at least 5 different types of angelfish, 4 types of trigger and butterflyfish everywhere it is a excellent reef fish dive with frequent visits from eagle and manta rays and the resident sleepy hawksbill turtle.
Pink beach, Komodo diving
Colder water and lower vis here due to the huge amounts of organic matter in the water due to the southern currents but this is more than made up for by the astounding life available to see here due to this phenomenon. Normally done as a night dive it also makes a good day dive with everything from white tip sharks to pygmy seahorses; zebra crabs, Coleman shrimp, many coloured frogfish, xeno crabs, Spanish dancers, and unusual nudibranchs are hidden amongst the dense coral growth.
Cannibal rock, Rinca island diving
Colder water than the north but touted by many as one of the worlds best 10 sites, yes I know there seems to be way more than 10 “top 10 sites” but this one really is one if you like macro. Everything is here even the rarest of the rare, the Rhinopias scorpionfish. It’s nudi heaven with only the special and the rare getting to appear here, more species than I care to mention along with large and different frogfish mixed in with schools of fish and the resident dopy turtle we do 2 dives here and it’s still not enough!! You will love it, I personally adore this dive site.
Torpedo alley, Rinca island diving
Just next to cannibal rock and where the boat moors is a beach that has wild pigs, monkeys and Komodo dragons in the daytime and hosts a myriad of critters in the waters in front if it at night. Named for the large amount of torpedo rays found here, a member of the electric ray family- no touching! They cover the sandy bottom along with loads of nudis obvious on the black sand bottom along with bizarre crabs and octopus.
Manta alley, Komodo diving
In the cooler waters in the south of Komodo there is a bay in which there are a series of pinnacles that seem to be a magnet for aggregating mantas. They are here in their tens, often we come up having seen over 20 different individuals. Often a little shy, their evasive spins and pirouettes makes the watching of them that much more enjoyable.
Takat Makassar, Komodo diving
This is our other manta site. A little bit more of a risk to see them as it is a huge area and we drift along the bottom in about 10 metres but along the way we always run into loads of turtles, napoleon and humphead wrasse, white tip sharks and very very occasionally you will be incredibly lucky and run into the resident dugong that inhabits this area along with scores of mantas as they migrate north.
3 sisters, Padar island diving
A series of underwater pinnacles reaching nearly to the the surface off the coast of Padar island next to Komodo this site constantly springs surprises on you from silvertip sharks and mobular ray schools to marbled rays and rare nudibranchs.
