Nusa Tara is the smallest vessel in the Indonesian based Grand Komodo Fleet. She is ideal for small groups, as she takes only 6 divers. The boat was constructed from local timber in traditional Indonesian style. It is 20 metres (67 ft) long and 4.60 metres (15 ft) wide.
Nusa Tara offers regular 7 night excursions from Labuan Bajo to Komodo National Park.
Accommodation & Facilities
The Nusa Tara is a small comfortable liveaboard for only up to 6 divers. Each of the three cabins has two single beds and a private bathroom with shower and toilet. All cabins are airconditioned. Two cabins have bunk beds and one cabin has side by side twin beds.
Delicious meals are served in the salon which has no aircon but is equipped with a fan. The Nusa Tara has all modern technical equipment and the power supply is 220 volts. The power outlet is European with two round pronged plug. The ship has a partially covered sun deck and a separate small dive deck. The Indonesian crew gets top marks from all guests. The odd communication problem is easily made up for by their friendly and helpful manner. All Komodo trips include a land excursion to visit the Komodo dragons.
Coffee, tea and drinking water are included in the cruise cost. Guests can purchase beer and soft drinks onboard: Beer IDR 30.000, Soft drink IDR 20.000. Wine, liquor and other alcoholic beverages are not available. Divers are not allowed to bring their own alcohol onboard. Incidentals can be paid in cash only (IDR or USD).
Dive Service
There is always a local dive guide on board who is familiar with the waters of the area. The dive operation is good quality and very customer focused. Every day up to 4 dives are offered. Daily dive schedule: 7.00am morning dive, 11.00am 2nd dive, 3.00pm 3rd dive, 7.00pm night dive. Generally the dives start from the main vessel and divers get picked up with the dive tender.
Divers should bring your own dive gear incl. dive computer, reef hook and dive light. Dive gear rental on board is limited and must be pre-arranged. In order to join a Grand Komodo Fleet cruise divers must have at least 50 logged dives.
Dive areas
Komodo & Sunda Islands The dive sites around Komodo belong to the best in Indonesia. Strong currents provide ample nourishment. The dive sites offer an incredible diversity and a variety of reef structures. Amazing hard coral gardens, sheer walls densely populated by soft coral and especially the slightly cooler waters around Rinca offer an underwater world that change with every visit.
The dive sites of Komodo and Alor are very demanding. Guests should be very confident and experienced divers.
Grand Komodo Tours
The Indonesian company is specialized in dive cruises. They offer a variety of cruises all over Indonesia on their five dive vessels. Every year they add new dive sites and cruises. Many of these cruises still display expedition character as they head for areas which are hardly ever explored. Anyone looking for adventure is in the right place. The boats Nusa Tara, Putri Papua, Raja Ampat Explorer, Tarata & Temu Kira are used as required.
We think...
Grand Komodo Tours has been offering these cruises very successfully for some years. We know of no other dive vessels who offer such outstanding diving for so little money. Customer satisfaction is very high and many divers are royal repeat visitors. The slightly lower comfort level of the boats compared to newer vessels is compensated by the lovely atmosphere.