Experience the pristine waters of the Derawan Islands with our private crewed liveaboard, operated by Komodo Luxury. Enjoy tailored itineraries, expert guides, and exceptional service for a truly exclusive adventure.
Derawan Liveaboard: An Exclusive Diving Experience
Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Derawan Islands. Our private crewed liveaboard offers an exceptional diving experience, exploring key sites such as Kakaban Jellyfish Lake and Sangalaki Manta Point. Operated by Komodo Luxury, this journey is tailored to provide an intimate exploration of East Kalimantan’s marine wonders.
How It Works & What Is Included
Our Derawan Liveaboard charters are designed for exclusivity and comfort. Each whole-yacht private booking comes with a full crew, including a captain, chef, stewards, and certified dive guides. All meals, snacks, and soft beverages are provided, ensuring a seamless experience. Additionally, roundtrip transfers from Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) or your hotel to the vessel are included, alongside full safety gear and diving equipment, such as Nitrox where available. Conservation permits and dive travel insurance are also part of the package.
Itineraries
| Duration | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 4-night / 4-day | Derawan–Maratua–Kakaban | Kakaban Jellyfish Lake, Maratua Atoll |
| 7-night / 7-day | Full Signature Sites | Includes all key diving spots |
What’s Included
- Crew: Captain, chef, stewards, and dive guides
- Meals: All meals, snacks, coffee, tea, and soft drinks
- Transfers: From Kalimarau Airport or hotel to the vessel
- Equipment: Safety gear and diving equipment
- Permits: Park fees and conservation permits
Why Derawan?
Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Derawan offers unique marine experiences. Kakaban Jellyfish Lake provides year-round access to stingless jellyfish, while Maratua Atoll is known for its coral walls and pelagic sightings. Manta enthusiasts will find April to September the best time for visibility at Sangalaki Manta Point. Frequent turtle encounters are guaranteed at Derawan’s calm lagoons.
Starting point & Sea Transfer
Fly to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau, East Kalimantan, and enjoy a private boat transfer to Derawan. This direct approach eliminates the need for transfers from Berau or Waisai, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure.
Vessel Details
Our fleet includes a 25–35 meter liveaboard with 5–7 cabins, accommodating 10–14 guests. For those seeking a more intimate setting, a smaller dive resort boat offers day-use cabins for up to 14 guests. Both options provide comfort and luxury at sea.
Indicative Pricing
Whole-yacht private charters range from $4,000 to $14,000 USD per night, with high-end vessels exceeding $20,000+. Per-person costs average around $1,000 USD per day for a group of 10 sharing a $10,000/night charter. Individual bookings range from 6.6M to 11M IDR per night per person.
Who It’s For
- Dive enthusiasts seeking exclusive access to world-renowned marine sites
- Families or groups desiring a private, tailored adventure
- Luxury travelers looking for a premium liveaboard experience
Plan Your Charter
Gastronomic Experiences Onboard Derawan Liveaboard
Indulging in culinary delights is an integral part of the Derawan Liveaboard experience. Our onboard chef crafts a diverse menu that reflects both local Indonesian flavours and international cuisines, catering to all dietary preferences and restrictions. From freshly caught seafood to tropical fruits, the ingredients are locally sourced to ensure authenticity and freshness.
Meals are served in a communal dining area where guests can share stories of their day’s adventures. The chef also offers interactive cooking demonstrations, providing insights into traditional Indonesian cooking techniques and ingredients. This culinary journey is designed to complement the striking natural beauty of the Derawan archipelago.
- Breakfast: Indonesian and Western options including nasi goreng, fresh fruit platters, and pastries.
- Lunch: Light meals such as salads, grilled fish, and satay skewers.
- Dinner: A three-course meal featuring local specialities like rendang and soto soup.
- Snacks: Available throughout the day, including tropical fruit and traditional Indonesian kue.
Conservation Efforts and Eco-friendly Practices
Derawan Liveaboard is committed to sustainable tourism and actively participates in conservation efforts to preserve the pristine marine environment of the Derawan Islands. We collaborate with local communities to support marine conservation projects and minimise our ecological footprint.
Our vessels are equipped with eco-friendly technologies, including solar panels and waste management systems. The crew is trained in sustainable practices, ensuring minimal impact on the natural surroundings during each voyage. Guests are encouraged to participate in conservation activities such as beach clean-ups and educational seminars on marine biodiversity.
| Conservation Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Marine Life Monitoring | Guests can assist guides in collecting data on local marine species. |
| Coral Reef Restoration | Support the planting of coral fragments to restore damaged reefs. |
| Waste Reduction | Implementing a no-plastic policy onboard and recycling initiatives. |
Cultural Immersion and Local Community Engagement
A journey with Derawan Liveaboard offers more than just natural wonders; it presents an opportunity for cultural immersion. Guests have the chance to visit local villages and engage with the communities that inhabit the Derawan Islands. These interactions provide a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage and traditional ways of life.
Our itineraries often include visits to local markets and craft workshops, where guests can witness traditional weaving and carving techniques. Participating in local customs and festivities allows travellers to appreciate the richness of the indigenous culture while supporting local artisans and businesses. This mutual cultural exchange fosters a greater appreciation and respect for the unique lifestyle of the Derawan Islands’ inhabitants.
- Community Visits: Meet local villagers and learn about their way of life.
- Traditional Markets: Explore and purchase locally made crafts and delicacies.
- Cultural Workshops: Participate in activities such as traditional dance or batik making.
Customised Dive Itineraries
Derawan Liveaboard offers bespoke diving itineraries tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of the region’s marine wonders. With the flexibility to choose from a variety of dive sites, guests can immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of Derawan’s pristine waters. If you keen on exploring lively coral reefs or seeking encounters with striking manta rays, our itineraries are designed to cater to your specific interests.
Our expert dive guides are on hand to provide insights into the best dive sites based on the season and current conditions. This personalised approach guarantees you make the most of your diving experience, from the enchanting jellyfish lake in Kakaban to the turtle-rich waters of Derawan Island.
- Flexible dive schedules
- Personalised destination choices
- Expert local dive guides
Onboard Amenities and Leisure
Comfort meets adventure aboard the Derawan Liveaboard, where guests can enjoy a range of amenities designed for relaxation and leisure. The vessel features spacious cabins with en-suite facilities, providing a serene retreat after a day of exploration. The communal areas are perfect for socialising or unwinding, with a sun deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding seascapes.
For those seeking additional entertainment options, the liveaboard is equipped with a selection of books, games, and multimedia for leisurely evenings. Our experienced crew ensures that every aspect of your journey is catered to, allowing you to relax and enjoy the splendour of Derawan in comfort and style.
- En-suite cabins
- Sun deck with scenic views
- Library and multimedia resources
Exclusive Wildlife Encounters
The Derawan Archipelago is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife encounters, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The liveaboard experience offers exceptional access to some of the world’s most captivating marine life, including the chance to swim with the gentle giants at Kakaban jellyfish lake and observe the playful antics of stingless jellyfish in Kakaban Lake.
Guests also have the opportunity to dive with endangered sea turtles around Derawan Island, or witness the awe-inspiring sight of manta rays gliding through the waters at Sangalaki. These unique encounters are not only thrilling but also contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of the region’s delicate ecosystems.
| Wildlife Encounter | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Manta Rays at Sangalaki | April–September |
| Stingless Jellyfish at Kakaban | Year-round |
| Whale Sharks at Kakaban jellyfish lake | April–September |
| Sea Turtles at Derawan | Year-round |
Customised Itineraries for Your Unique Adventure
Derawan Liveaboard offers the flexibility to tailor your journey to suit your specific interests and desires. Whether it’s diving with manta rays, exploring remote islands, or indulging in cultural experiences, our bespoke itineraries ensure an unforgettable adventure. Our dedicated team collaborates with you to design a schedule that aligns with your passions and pace.
Popular itineraries include a 4-night expedition encompassing the Derawan, Maratua, and Kakaban islands, ideal for those seeking a short yet enriching escape. For a more extensive exploration, our 7-night dive liveaboard provides ample opportunities to deep into the region’s marine wonders.
- 4-Night Itinerary: Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban
- 7-Night Itinerary: Comprehensive dive experience across Derawan archipelago
- Customised Options: Tailor activities and destinations to your group’s interests
Onboard Amenities and Leisure Activities
The vessels of Derawan Liveaboard are equipped with an array of amenities designed to enhance comfort and entertainment during your voyage. Each cabin is thoughtfully appointed, ensuring restful nights between exhilarating days. For relaxation, guests can unwind on the sun deck or in the lounge with a curated selection of books and games.
Beyond diving, the liveaboard offers a variety of leisure activities to enrich your time at sea. From guided snorkelling excursions to kayaking in tranquil lagoons, every experience is crafted to complement the beauty of the Derawan archipelago. Evening presentations by our expert guides offer insights into local marine life and conservation efforts.
| Amenities | Leisure Activities |
|---|---|
| Air-conditioned cabins | Snorkelling excursions |
| Sun deck & lounge | Kayaking |
| En-suite bathrooms | Evening presentations |
Ready to explore the Derawan Islands? Plan your charter on WhatsApp and set out on an unforgettable journey with Komodo Luxury.