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Knowing what to expect on a typical dive day helps you prepare and make the most of your time in the water. Here is the standard schedule most Labuan Bajo dive centres follow.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30–07:00 | Arrive at dive centre | Gear check, sign waivers, light breakfast (tea, coffee, fruit) |
| 07:15–08:00 | Depart Labuan Bajo harbour | Boat transit 1.5–2.5 hours depending on sites and boat speed |
| 09:00–09:30 | Dive briefing and Dive 1 | 45–60 minutes underwater; guide reviews currents, signals, dive plan |
| 10:30–11:00 | Surface interval | Snacks, tea, coffee on the boat; transit to second site if needed |
| 11:00–11:30 | Dive 2 | 45–60 minutes at a different site or re-entry at same site |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch | Hot lunch served on board (Indonesian cuisine — rice, fish, chicken, vegetables) |
| 13:30–14:00 | Dive 3 | 45–60 minutes; alternatively, swap for Rinca dragon trek or snorkelling |
| 15:00–15:30 | Depart for Labuan Bajo | Return transit 1.5–2.5 hours |
| 16:30–17:30 | Arrive back at harbour | Rinse gear, log dives, debrief with your guide |
On a liveaboard, the day starts earlier and fits in more dives because you wake up already at the dive site:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 06:00–06:30 | Wake-up call, light breakfast |
| 07:00 | Dive 1 (early morning — often the best conditions) |
| 08:30 | Full breakfast |
| 10:00–10:30 | Dive 2 |
| 12:00 | Lunch, rest, transit to next site |
| 14:00–14:30 | Dive 3 |
| 16:00 | Afternoon tea and snacks |
| 17:30–18:00 | Dive 4 (sunset or night dive, conditions permitting) |
| 19:30 | Dinner |
Most dives in Komodo last 45 to 60 minutes, depending on depth, current, and your air consumption. Guides typically signal to end the dive when any member reaches 50 bar of air remaining. Strong currents can increase air consumption, so newer divers may have slightly shorter dive times. Each dive is followed by a 3-minute safety stop at 5 metres.
Tip: Eat a good dinner the night before and get to bed early. Dive days start at dawn and the combination of sun, sea, and multiple dives can be physically tiring. Stay well hydrated throughout the day.