For many of us, planning a liveaboard trip is a dream journey. Diving in Indonesia’s iconic waters, enjoying sunrise from the deck of a traditional wooden vessel, and waking up to endless blue horizons.
The good news is that booking a trip with La Galigo Liveaboard is designed to be as straightforward as possible. The process is clear, structured, and designed to ensure you feel confident from the first enquiry through to departure day.
Here is the complete step-by-step guide.
Turning Your Plan Into a Confirmed Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide
If Raja Ampat or Komodo has been on your list for some time, now is the moment to confirm, not just imagine.
The booking process with La Galigo Liveaboard is simple, transparent, and free from pressure, allowing you to move from intention to confirmed journey with confidence.
Let us begin.
Step 1: Choose Your Destination
The first step is selecting your destination.
La Galigo Liveaboard operates in several of Indonesia’s finest dive regions, each with its own unique character.
Your destination choice will influence:
- Trip duration
- Current strength and diving conditions
- Marine life highlights
- Best season to visit
For example, some regions are renowned for active manta ray cleaning stations, while others are celebrated for macro life and exceptional biodiversity.
If you already know your preferred destination, you can select the itinerary accordingly. If you are still deciding, the La Galigo team is available to provide recommendations based on your diving experience, seasonal preference, and travel expectations.
Step 2: Select Your Departure Date
Once you have chosen your destination, the next step is selecting your departure date.
Availability is typically presented transparently, allowing you to see:
- Available dates
- High season periods
- Departures that are nearly full
For popular destinations, particularly during peak season, early booking is strongly recommended. Many La Galigo guests secure their cabins several months in advance to ensure availability.
Choosing your date also ensures you have sufficient time to arrange both international and domestic flights to the embarkation point.
Step 3: Pick Your Preferred Cabin
After confirming your date, it is time to select your cabin.
Cabins on La Galigo Liveaboard are designed to provide comfort throughout multiple days at sea. Each category offers distinct configurations and characteristics.
Cabin differences include:
- Bed configuration
- Deck location: lower, main, or upper deck
- Room size
- Level of privacy
Couples may prefer a double-bed cabin, while friends or dive buddies may choose twin sharing.
For solo travellers, sharing options are often available, subject to availability. This provides flexibility without the need to book an entire cabin privately.
Step 4: Confirm the Number of Guests
The next step is confirming the number of guests, or PAX.
At this stage, you will determine:
- The number of guests per cabin
- Whether the booking is individual or group-based
- Sharing preferences for solo travellers
This information ensures accurate cabin arrangements and bed configurations.
For small groups or full charters, further discussion can be arranged directly with the La Galigo team.
Clear guest information helps streamline the process and minimise last-minute adjustments.
Step 5: Fill in Your Personal Details
Once your selections are complete, you will be asked to provide personal details.
The required information typically includes:
- Full name as shown on passport
- Nationality
- Active email address
- WhatsApp or contact number
- Special requests, such as dietary restrictions or medical considerations
Providing accurate details is essential for:
- Sailing manifests
- Local permits
- Pre-departure communication
Step 6: Submit Your Booking Request
The final step is submitting your reservation request.
At this stage:
- Your selected cabin will be temporarily held
- The team will verify availability
- Trip details will be reconfirmed
It is important to understand that this stage is a confirmation process, not an automatic payment without communication. This is where La Galigo’s personal approach becomes evident.
What Happens After You Book?
Once your booking request has been received, the La Galigo Liveaboard sales team will contact you directly.
They will:
- Confirm cabin availability
- Clarify itinerary details
- Provide payment information
- Explain the deposit system
- Inform you of the final payment timeline
A deposit is required to secure your booking. The exact amount and payment deadline will be clearly and professionally explained.
Need Assistance? We Are Just a Message Away
International travel often raises questions. For this reason, La Galigo ensures communication remains simple and responsive.
WhatsApp Availability
For many international guests, WhatsApp is the most practical communication channel. You may ask quick questions, request clarification, or discuss specific details.
Responses are prompt and provided directly by the official team.
Email Support
For more detailed discussions, formal documentation, or extended communication, email remains fully available.
This is particularly helpful for guests who prefer written confirmation of booking details and payment information.
Refer to the FAQs
If you would like to review information before contacting the team, the official website’s FAQ page provides clear explanations regarding:
- Trip inclusions and exclusions
- Diving certification requirements
- Payment policies
- Departure logistics
Everything is designed to ensure you feel fully informed and confident before departure.
Why Should I Book Direct with La Galigo Liveaboard?
Booking direct is not simply about reserving a cabin. It is about receiving additional benefits that are not always available through third parties.
Here are the key advantages.
- Free Scuba Insurance, Including Medical Evacuation
When you book directly with La Galigo Liveaboard, you receive complimentary dive insurance (DAN) for the duration of your trip.
This includes medical evacuation coverage.
For diving in remote regions of Indonesia, this represents significant added value. You do not need to arrange a separate short-term policy, as everything is already in place for you.
An additional layer of security for complete peace of mind.
- Best Price Guarantee and Exclusive Offers
Published prices are official rates. You will not find lower prices elsewhere for the same departure with La Galigo Liveaboard.
As a direct guest, you may also receive:
- Discounts for future trips
- Special offers for repeat guests
- Assistance with selected hotel rates
Booking direct ensures you receive full value without third-party mark-ups.
- Guaranteed Departures
All scheduled trips are guaranteed to depart.
This means that even if you are the only confirmed guest on a particular departure, the trip will still proceed.
For international guests who have already purchased flights and arranged extended schedules, this guarantee provides substantial reassurance during travel planning.
- Free Travel Booking Assistance
Arranging domestic flights within Indonesia can sometimes be confusing.
When booking direct, the team will assist you with:
- Domestic flight recommendations
- Hotel suggestions before or after the trip
- Arrival time guidance to avoid tight connections
This helps you arrive calmly, without the risk of missing embarkation.
- Direct and Personal Communication
Booking direct means communicating directly with the team that operates the vessel, not through an aggregator.
This provides:
- More accurate information
- Faster responses
- Greater flexibility for adjustments
- A more personal communication experience
From your first enquiry until boarding day, you know exactly who you are speaking with.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get to Raja Ampat?
You will need to fly to Sorong, West Papua. Common routes include international flights to Jakarta, Bali, Singapore, or Manado, followed by a domestic flight to Sorong. Check our How to Get to Raja Ampat Guide for more details.
2. How do I get to Komodo?
You need to fly to Labuan Bajo, about an hour by domestic flight from Bali, which is the main port for Komodo trips. Check our How to Get to Komodo Guide for more details.
3. What are your departure and arrival times?
Embarkation is usually before 10:00, with departure at the latest around 11:00. Return arrival is typically early morning, around 05:00 to 06:00, depending on destination and conditions.
4. Do you provide airport or hotel transfers?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off services are arranged according to your arrival schedule, including airport transfers on departure day.
5. What if I miss the departure time?
If delays cause you to miss your departure, the team can assist in arranging a private speedboat transfer to catch up, at additional cost.
6. What languages are spoken onboard?
English and Indonesian are primarily spoken by cruise directors and dive guides.
7. Can you recommend hotels?
Yes. The team can recommend and assist with hotel bookings, often with preferential rates for direct guests.
8. Is it safe to travel to Indonesia?
Yes. Tourism infrastructure and safety measures continue to be supported and developed by the government.
9. What are the entry requirements for Indonesia?
Passports must be valid for at least six months. Visa requirements depend on nationality, and travellers must complete the digital arrival card.
10. What cabin types are available?
There are three cabin categories: Deluxe, located on the lower deck; Master, located on the upper deck; and Suite, the largest category, with a private terrace and lounge area.
11. Do cabins have air conditioning and bathrooms?
Yes. All cabins include air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, hot, fresh water showers, and towels.
12. Is there internet onboard?
Yes. Starlink internet is available, although connectivity may vary in remote locations.
13. Is there a safe for valuables?
Yes. A safety deposit box is available for passports and small valuables.
14. Are traditional wooden boats safe?
Yes. Phinisi-style vessels in Indonesia follow strict maritime safety standards.
15. Can children join the trip?
Yes, with a minimum age of 12 on scheduled departures.
16. Do guests experience seasickness?
Some guests may. Medication is recommended, and remedies are also available onboard.
17. What if I have a medical condition?
Certain conditions require a doctor’s clearance and proof of dive insurance with evacuation coverage.
18. What first aid equipment is onboard?
The vessel carries extensive first aid supplies, emergency oxygen, and an AED.
19. Are mosquitoes a concern?
Mosquitoes are rare offshore, although minor sand insects may appear during land visits.
20. Can I rent dive or snorkelling equipment?
Yes. Full dive equipment is available for rent, and snorkelling equipment is provided complimentary.
21. What is the daily dive schedule like?
Up to four dives per day are scheduled, alongside meals and rest periods.
22. What wetsuit should I bring?
Typically, a 3-5 mm wetsuit for Komodo, and lighter suits or rash guards for Raja Ampat.
23. Do you offer Nitrox?
Yes. Enriched Air Nitrox is available at an additional cost.
24. What is the dive guide ratio?
Groups are organised with multiple guides to maintain safe diver-to-guide ratios.
25. What are the minimum dive requirements?
A minimum number of logged dives is required, depending on certification level.
26. What if I do not meet the requirements?
Options such as onboard training or private guides may be arranged.
27. Why is reef-safe sunscreen required?
To protect coral ecosystems from harmful chemicals.
28. What food is served onboard?
Meals combine Indo-Asian fusion and Western cuisine, served buffet-style.
29. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be arranged with advance notice.
30. Can I bring alcohol onboard?
Yes. Duty-free spirits are allowed, and beer and wine are available onboard.
31. What are park and clearance fees?
These fees cover permits, park access, anchorage, and local contributions, and are billed separately.
32. Do non-divers require insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is required.
33. Can park fees be paid onboard?
Yes. Multiple currencies are accepted.
34. Will I need cash onboard?
Cash is recommended for crew tips, local purchases, and small personal expenses.
35. How much should I tip the crew?
Tipping is optional. Many guests base their gratuities on 5 to 10 per cent of the trip cost.
