So you are joining a liveaboard trip to Komodo or Raja Ampat? Awesome!
And you are ready to pack? Great!
But there’s a certain art to packing for a liveaboard.
It’s not a backpacking trip, and it’s definitely not a weekend at the Four Seasons.
It’s something in between a deep-sea expedition and a floating dive dojo. You’re chasing manta rays and pygmy seahorses, not pina coladas.
So let’s talk about what you actually need—and what you don’t.
Table of Content
- Liveaboard Diving Packing Checklist
- Gear Rentals: Travel Light, Dive Deep
- Final Tip: Pack Light, Travel Free
- Ready to ditch the landlocked life?
Liveaboard Diving Packing Checklist
The Dive Essentials (aka: don’t leave port without these)
Let’s start with the obvious: your dive gear. If you’ve got it, bring it. If not? No stress. We offer high-quality diving gear rentals onboard La Galigo Liveaboard, so you can save space, weight, and baggage fees.
But if you’re the type who trusts only your well-worn, regulator-scratched-by-the-Coral-Triangle gear, here’s what to pack:
- Mask & snorkel – Make sure it fits your face like a second skin.
- Fins – Open heel with booties if you’re used to them. Full foot if you’re minimalist.
- Wetsuit – 3mm is perfect for Raja Ampat and Komodo, but some run cold—pack a hooded vest if you’re that person.
- BCD & Regulator – If you trust yours like a good drinking buddy, bring it. Otherwise, ours are damn reliable.
- Dive computer – Non-negotiable. Your life depends on it.
- Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) – Required for safety. You’ll use it more than you think.
- Torch (Flashlight) – For night dives and peering into the underwater cathedral of Boo Windows.
Clothing: Less is More (and No One Cares What You’re Wearing)
Leave the heels, loafers, and tight jeans at home. No one’s judging your style when you’re climbing back on deck soaked and salty.
- 3–4 quick-dry shirts
- 2–3 pairs of shorts
- 1 lightweight hoodie or fleece (it gets breezy at night)
- 1 sarong (seriously—versatile, light, and stylish. Plus you get to blend with local culture in Indonesia)
- Swimwear – at least 2–3 sets
- Rash guard or dive skin – extra sun and stinger protection
- Flip flops or reef-safe sandals – barefoot is the usual vibe onboard
- Light rain jacket – just in case the tropics throw a tantrum
The Other Must-Haves
Some of these items might not scream “adventure,” but trust me—they make a world of difference when you’re 12 hours from the nearest corner store.
- Reef-safe sunscreen – You’re here to admire coral, not kill it.
- Dry bag – For shore excursions or splash zones.
- Sea sickness meds – Even the saltiest dogs get queasy sometimes.
- Ear drops – Equalizing is a game of patience. Protect your ears.
- Book or e-reader – Internet is available onboard La Galigo. But if you prefer to be disconnected, unplug and read something salty.
- Logbook – Because you’ll want to remember every dive (and hey, if you’re into it, you get to show it off too, no judgement).
- Dive certification and insurance – Make sure you have your certification cards and valid diving insurance with you.
- Personal medication – La Galigo’s first aid kit is extensive, but some passengers require specific medications.
Leave These Behind (Seriously)
- Hard shell suitcases – Try stuffing one of those in a cabin. Soft duffels win.
- Hair dryers or flat irons – You’re diving 3–4 times a day. Let it go. Plus, we have it onboard.
Gear Rentals: Travel Light, Dive Deep
Look, we get it—not everyone wants to lug 25kg of scuba gear through Jakarta airport. That’s why La Galigo Liveaboard offers full diving gear rentals onboard.
Our equipment is well-maintained, regularly serviced, and suited to the diving conditions in Indonesia.
So if you’re a first-timer or just trying to keep your pack light, we’ve got you covered. Just let us know in advance and we’ll have it waiting for you, fitted and ready to go.
Final Tip: Pack Light, Travel Free
There’s a strange joy in having everything you need in one soft bag. Living at sea strips away the noise—no emails, no errands, no “I should’ve worn different shoes.” Just you, the ocean, and a schedule that revolves around dive briefings and sunset snacks.
So pack smart. Pack light. And if you forget something? Don’t worry. We’ve probably got it on board.
Ready to ditch the landlocked life?
Join us aboard La Galigo Liveaboard and dive into the remote heart of Raja Ampat, Komodo and beyond. Fewer crowds, more critters, and a crew that knows how to pour the perfect post-dive coffee.
