MantaraDive
Sulawesi Drift — Komodo — Indonesia

KOMODO — INDONESIA · LIVEABOARD

Sulawesi Drift

Sulawesi Drift is a 35-meter phinisi specialised in macro and drift diving in Komodo National Park. With 8 cabins hosting a cap of 16 guests…

Length
35 m
Max guests
16
Year built
2019
Cabins
8

The boat

A closer look

Photographs from recent charters — cabins, dive deck, and the spaces between dives.

Why this boat

Marco Chen

Komodo Specialist

Marco has been on board. Ask about conditions, crew, or which cabin to pick — a reply comes within the hour.

Sulawesi Drift is a 35-meter phinisi specialised in macro and drift diving in Komodo National Park. With 8 cabins hosting a cap of 16 guests, the boat has a committed macro-photography following: the cruise directors all hold Macro certifications and lead two dedicated critter-only dives per day in the southern Komodo sites (Cannibal Rock, Nusa Kode).

Between macro sessions, the boat runs hard-drift dives on Castle Rock and Batu Bolong in the north. Sulawesi Drift's signature experience is an optional 3-night add-on voyage from Labuan Bajo to the Lembeh Strait, bringing divers to another world-class Indonesian muck-diving destination on the same charter.

The on-board photo pro, a published underwater photographer, runs evening workshops and one-on-one critiques.

Best for

  • Macro-focused dive program
  • Two critter dives per day
  • Optional Lembeh add-on

Sailings

Upcoming trips

Departures for the next twelve months. Ask us for charter pricing or private dates.

7 nightsFilling fast

May 13 – May 20, 2026

  • Komodo macro + drift

From

$2,800/ person

10 nightsAvailable

Jun 10 – Jun 20, 2026

  • Komodo + Lembeh add-on

From

$2,800/ person

7 nightsAvailable

Jul 14 – Jul 21, 2026

  • Komodo macro workshop

From

$2,800/ person

10 nightsAvailable

Aug 21 – Aug 31, 2026

  • Komodo + Lembeh add-on

From

$2,800/ person

Accommodations

Cabins & rates

Rates shown are per person, twin-share, for the standard itinerary. Private cabin and single-occupancy pricing available on request.

Standard Twin

Sleeps 2 · 3 cabins on board

Lower-deck twin cabin with two single beds (convertible to a queen), porthole window, en-suite bathroom with rainfall shower, and individually controlled air conditioning.

From

$2,800/ person

Superior Ocean View

Sleeps 2 · 3 cabins on board

Main-deck cabin with queen bed, large picture window facing the sea, reading nook, en-suite marble bathroom, and a private safe.

From

$3,500/ person

Upper-Deck Suite

Sleeps 2 · 2 cabins on board

Top-deck suite with king bed, panoramic wraparound windows, private lounge area, oversized rain shower, mini-bar, and private balcony access on most departures.

From

$4,340/ person

Our specialists can help you choose.

Single supplements, triple-share, and private charter quotes — just ask.

On the water

Typical itineraries

A few of the routes this boat runs. Specific sites depend on the departure window and current conditions.

  1. Route 01

    7-night sailing

    May 13 – May 20, 2026

    • Komodo macro + drift
  2. Route 02

    10-night sailing

    Jun 10 – Jun 20, 2026

    • Komodo + Lembeh add-on
  3. Route 03

    7-night sailing

    Jul 14 – Jul 21, 2026

    • Komodo macro workshop

Routes adapt to weather and sea conditions. Final dive sites are decided on the morning of each dive by the cruise director.

Before you book

Frequently asked

Is the boat safe, and what are your certifications?

The Sulawesi Drift is operated by Sulawesi Expeditions and is fully certified under PADI, SSI standards. We carry satellite communication, a defibrillator, emergency oxygen on every tender, and a dedicated chase boat. All cruise directors are Divemaster or Instructor-level and hold current EFR and DAN oxygen provider certifications.

When is the best season to visit?

For Komodo National Park, the prime diving months are April to November. We schedule itineraries to match peak marine-life activity during that window. Travel outside peak season is still rewarding but expect more variable conditions.

How difficult is the diving?

Diving is rated advanced. Several sites involve strong currents, down-currents, negative entries, and depths to 40 m. Surge and thermoclines are common, and strong air consumption at depth is required.

What's included, and what's not?

Included: all meals and soft drinks, shared cabin accommodation, up to 4 guided dives per day (3 on travel days), weights, tanks, airport transfers on charter days, and marine park fees where applicable. Not included: flights to the departure port, alcoholic beverages, crew gratuity (standard 10% of the trip cost), dive insurance, and any Nitrox surcharge where relevant.

Tell me about the cabins.

Eight cabins across two decks, two suites with king beds, all en-suite. All cabins have individually controlled air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with hot-water showers, 110/220V outlets, and crisp hotel-grade linens changed mid-trip. Ocean-view cabins feature a picture window; lower-deck cabins feature a porthole.

What about food and dietary requirements?

Indonesian-forward menus with vegetarian options on every plate. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and most food allergies with advance notice — please tell us at booking so we can provision correctly. Breakfast is buffet-style, lunch and dinner are served family-style, and there is always a hot drink and fresh fruit bowl between dives.

Is dive gear provided?

Tanks, weights, and dive computer are all included. Guests may bring their own regulator, BCD, and fins, or rent a complete set from us on board.

Do you offer Nitrox?

Nitrox (up to 32%) is complimentary for all certified Nitrox divers — no extra fee, no limit on the number of fills.

What experience level do I need?

Our recommended minimum is Advanced Open Water with 50+ logged dives. Less-experienced divers can often join, but may sit out one or two of the more advanced sites at the cruise director's discretion — this is a safety call, not a service downgrade.

Who typically joins these trips?

Serious photographers and macro enthusiasts — many guests bring 2+ camera systems. Our average group is 14–18 divers from 5–8 nationalities. Solo travelers are common and can opt for a shared cabin at no single supplement on most departures. The minimum age on board is 18.

Next step

Ready to make it yours?

Tell us your dates and we’ll put together the full quote — cabins, flights, transfers, and any extras.

  • Free cancellation up to 60 days
  • Best price matched
  • Dedicated specialist support

From

$2,800/ person