East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
person-trip
Blue Lotus is a 34-meter traditional phinisi with five teak-lined cabins across three decks accommodating up to 12 guests with a 1:4 guide-to-guest ratio. Operating exclusively in Komodo National Park, itineraries of 4 to 8 days cover iconic sites like Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, and Manta Point.
Best time with the whole team of Azul dive guides and Blue Lotus crew on our first LOB. We were spoiled by the crew who makes every effort to give us the best experience from start to finish. Food is delicious and service is impeccable. (They even prepared yoga mats for us when we asked if there was one on the boat). Ricki, our cruise director, along with Gan, Andrew and Fandy, the dive guides are amazing. They bring out the best of Komodo for us to experience. Ricki managed to make a couple of adjustments to suit our requests. Would definitely recommend! Can’t wait to come back
May 15, 2026A Five-Star Dive Experience: Lotus Liveaboard is Simply the Best! I recently returned from a trip aboard the Lotus Liveaboard, and I can genuinely say it was one of the best dive trips I have ever taken. Everything about the journey, from the underwater action to the unparalleled hospitality, exceeded expectations. Phenomenal Diving Conditions The diving was, without question, spectacular. The dive sites were pristine, boasting vibrant coral reefs and astonishing biodiversity. We encountered everything we hoped for: schooling fish, graceful manta rays, numerous sharks, and an endless array of macro life. The dive planning was seamless, and the experienced dive guides ensured our safety while putting us on the best sites at the perfect times. If you are looking for world-class, breathtaking diving, the Lotus Liveaboards delivers. The real magic of the trip, however, comes down to Ricky and the entire crew. Their professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail were evident in every single interaction. Ricky runs a truly exceptional operation, and it shows in the dedication of his team. From the moment we stepped aboard, we were made to feel welcome, safe, and completely spoiled. The crew anticipated our needs, the food was delicious and plentiful, and the service was always delivered with a genuine smile. They handled all the gear setup and logistics flawlessly, allowing us to focus entirely on diving and relaxing. They turned a great dive trip into an absolutely perfect holiday. Thank you, Ricky and crew, for the trip of a lifetime!
October 31, 2025It was amazing! Amazing ship, crew and other guests. We did 5D/4N. Day 1 2 dives (1 night dive), day 2 Padar island trek + 3 dives, day 3 Rinca trek for Komodo dragons + 3 dives, day 4 4 dives, day 5 2 dives. Everything was perfect, didn’t have to carry any equipment, only had to check nitrox. Scuba equipment was great, rooms were great, had AC, power, and didn’t have any problems with that. Food was delicious, and the common areas were big and comfy. Beautiful coral, colors, walls, overhangs, turtles, fish, and of course Mantas. Very packed days, definitely recommend.
December 1, 2025Blue Lotus Liveaboard 7D/6N trip in Oct 2025 YES YES YES! Pre-trip Organization: Organized by the dive shop Azul Komodo, the Blue Lotus is a newly (2025) launched liveaboard program. Organization of airport pickup on arrival and answering any questions ahead of time via WhatsApp is top notch and fast, making it easy after a long trip getting to LBJ. Drop off after getting back to LBJ was arranged by the team as well. It was just seamless. Make sure to bring cash for generous tips to the crew (they well deserve it!) and the marine park fee. Boat: She’s newly launched and has a great layout for diving - large equipment area, rinsing tanks, large shaded relaxing area, plenty of space to dry stuff between / after diving, and great cabins (highly recommend the master cabin for spectacular views and private balcony). The blue lotus is in pristine condition, clean, and comfortable (she s a new and heavy boat, very steady). Electrics, lights, outlets, cabeling, machinery all were in very good condition (safety first). The bathrooms are nice (nice soap and shampoo!), hot water is available at any time, AC’s are efficient and quiet which made for comfortable restful sleep every night. Crew & service: Great. Food is lovely, table service for every meal, different selectable menus and cute desserts each night, plenty of food and snacks. Cabins are cleaned and made multiple times on the trip. Captain, mechanics, dingy drivers, chefs and help are all extremely friendly and kind which creates an overall very lovely and relaxing vibe. We felt very well looked after. Diving: The diving was amazing. The cruise director and DM’s were awesome and selected sites according to conditions, pre-booked sites where possible to avoid it being too busy underwater, gave top notch accurate briefings. We felt very comfortable - especially since currents can be strong in some sites. Dive groups were small (2-3 per dm). The DMs are very very knowledgeable about the sites, conditions, and the amazing marine life (how to find it - and be lucky for it to fly by!). Again, we felt well looked after, got everything we could ask for and with a smile. Great atmosphere pre during and post dives with creative and yummy refreshments after the dives. We brought our own equipment and it was very well looked after. Diligent nitrox checks, good logs, careful handling, organized boxes, again everything we could ask for. Rental gear also appeared to be in really good condition and quite new. The team onshore, on the boat, and underwater is just doing it right. We couldn’t find a reason for complaint even if we were looking for one. Would’ve loved to stay another couple of days and dive the sites again.. it was a luxurious and seamless escape from reality into the amazing underwater world of Komodo and wonderful relaxing time on deck. Big thank you to Juvens, Ricky, Andrew, and the whole crew!
November 1, 2025We just spent a wonderful 7D/6N onboard the Blue Lotus, private family charter. Crew (7) and scuba guides (4) led by Stephan, were v professional, discreet, serviceable, knowledgeable, adaptable, and made us feel safe and comfortable. The boat is clean and fully equipped. Food was ample and tasty.
January 4, 2026