Wondering how much it costs to add diving to a Labuan Bajo yacht itinerary? As of 2026, expect to budget roughly USD 45–75 per certified fun dive per person when diving is bolted onto a private charter, plus a PADI dive guide fee and optional gear rental. On a full-boat phinisi or speedboat leaving the Labuan Bajo harbor, the dive component is usually priced separately from the vessel and catering, so your final number depends on how many dives you want, which sites you visit, and whether you bring your own equipment. Below we break the costs down honestly so you can plan before you book.
How much does it cost to add diving to a Labuan Bajo yacht itinerary?
The cleanest way to think about it is in three layers: the boat, the dives, and the support. Your yacht charter covers the vessel, crew, fuel from the Labuan Bajo departure hub, and meals. Diving is then added on top as a per-dive rate that typically includes tanks, weights, and a guide. When operators quote a diving add-on to a private charter, the per-dive figure is generally a little higher than a walk-in group dive because the vessel is dedicated to your party and follows your schedule rather than a fixed dive-center rotation.
As indicative 2026 pricing for a private-charter context, plan around:
| Item | Indicative price (per person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified fun dive | USD 45–75 per dive | Tanks, weights, guide included |
| Full-day 3-dive package | USD 130–210 | Better value than single dives |
| Private PADI dive guide (dedicated) | USD 80–150 per day | For 1:2 or 1:1 guiding ratios |
| Full gear rental set | USD 25–45 per day | BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, computer |
| Nitrox fill (where offered) | USD 8–15 per tank | Requires Nitrox certification |
These figures are indicative only. Actual pricing varies by operator, season, group size, and whether you charter a speedboat for day trips or an overnight phinisi. Always confirm the exact quote in writing before you commit. Peak season (roughly April to November) tends to sit at the higher end, while shoulder periods can be more flexible.
Dive add-on pricing by site: Manta Point, Castle Rock, Batu Bolong
Komodo’s dive sites are not priced individually like tickets, but the site you choose affects fuel, travel time from the harbor, and the level of guiding you need — all of which feed into the total. Here is how the three signature sites shape your budget.
Manta Point (Karang Makassar)
Manta Point is a shallow drift over a sandy channel where reef mantas glide in to feed and clean. Because it is relatively shallow and gentle, it suits most certified divers and even keen snorkellers, which keeps the guiding cost efficient. It sits within easy reach on a standard day charter, so it rarely adds a fuel surcharge. If mantas are your priority, this is one of the most cost-effective dives to add to your itinerary.
Castle Rock (Batu Tiga)
Castle Rock is a submerged seamount in the north with strong, sometimes unpredictable currents, sharks, and swirling schools of trevally. It demands experienced divers and, ideally, a lower guide-to-diver ratio for safety — which can nudge the guiding fee upward. It also lies farther from Labuan Bajo, so reaching it usually means an overnight charter or a long day, adding vessel and fuel time to the equation rather than the dive price itself.
Batu Bolong
Batu Bolong is a compact pinnacle draped in dense coral and reef fish, famous for spectacular walls but also for currents that can rip either side of the rock. It is close to the harbor, making it a popular add-on for a day charter from Labuan Bajo. Because conditions change with the tide, dives here are timed carefully, and a knowledgeable local guide is worth every rupiah — factor the guide fee in rather than skipping it.
Gear rental vs bring-your-own: which saves money?
Whether to rent or pack your own kit is one of the biggest levers on your dive add-on cost. Renting a full set typically runs USD 25–45 per person per day. Over a three-day overnight charter, that is USD 75–135 per diver — enough that frequent divers who already own gear will save meaningfully by bringing their own.
- Bring your own if: you dive regularly, own a well-serviced regulator and computer, and are travelling on a baggage allowance that absorbs the weight. You get familiar, correctly fitted equipment and skip daily rental fees.
- Rent if: you dive occasionally, want to travel light, or are certified but out of practice. Renting also removes the hassle of servicing and airline dive-gear fees, which can offset the rental cost entirely.
- Mix and match: many divers bring only their mask, computer, and wetsuit — the personal-fit items — and rent bulky BCDs and tanks locally. This is often the smartest balance of comfort and cost.
Tanks and weights are almost always included in the per-dive price, so you never need to bring those. Confirm with your operator whether a dive computer is included in the rental set or charged separately, as it is sometimes an extra line item.
What do PADI guide fees actually cover?
A certified PADI dive guide is not an optional luxury in Komodo — the currents at sites like Castle Rock and Batu Bolong make local knowledge a genuine safety factor. Guide fees on a private charter typically cover the guide’s briefing, in-water leading, site and tide selection, and surface support. On busier group dives the ratio might be one guide to four or more divers; on a private yacht you can request a tighter 1:2 or even 1:1 ratio for a calmer, more personalised experience, which is where the higher end of the guide fee comes from.
If you are not yet certified, most operators can arrange a Discovery or intro dive with an instructor, priced differently from certified fun dives. If you want to work toward certification during your trip, ask about course pricing separately — it is a distinct package, not a simple add-on.
How to keep the total predictable
The surest way to control the cost of adding diving to a Labuan Bajo yacht itinerary is to decide your dive count and sites before you finalise the charter, then get one combined quote. A few practical tips:
- Bundle dives into packages. A three-dive day almost always costs less per dive than three singles.
- Match the vessel to the sites. Northern sites like Castle Rock favour an overnight phinisi; nearby sites like Batu Bolong and Manta Point work well on a fast day charter.
- Confirm what is included. Ask whether tanks, weights, guide, and the marine park entrance are inside the quoted price or added later.
- Book in season. The April-to-November window offers the most reliable conditions and clearer visibility for the money you spend.
Labuan Bajo’s growing marina and waterfront make it the natural launch point for combining comfortable yachting with world-class diving in one trip. For a full breakdown of dive-focused vessels, ratios, and packaged itineraries, see our diving yacht charter from Labuan Bajo page, where the boat and the dives are quoted together so there are no surprises.
Plan your dive-added charter
Every itinerary is different, so the honest answer to how much diving adds to your yacht charter is: it depends on your dives, sites, gear, and group. The best step is a tailored quote. Our team is part of Juara Holding Group — operating from Bali across Indonesia since 2015 — and can build a combined boat-plus-dive itinerary from the Labuan Bajo harbor to fit your budget and experience level.
Message us on WhatsApp at +62 811 3823 875 or email bd@juaraholding.com for an indicative dive add-on quote and availability. Tell us your dates, group size, certification level, and dream sites, and we will map out the clearest possible cost before you commit.