Sumbawa Liveaboard: Indonesia’s Hidden Gem for Diving and Adventure

Author by Erlinda on 11 March 2025

Have you considered going on a Sumbawa liveaboard trip? Sumbawa is one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets for liveaboard adventures. It offers pristine dive sites, volcanic landscapes, and a rich cultural experience.

Unlike Raja Ampat and Komodo Island, Sumbawa remains unspoiled and has not been significantly impacted by tourism, making it perfect for divers seeking a raw and authentic experience.

Sumbawa is home to incredible underwater biodiversity; featuring colorful coral gardens, deep walls, and thrilling drift dives with shark and manta rays. One of the most unique and must-see attractions is Sangeang Volcano where divers can witness bubbling black sand and underwater geothermal vents.

Beyond diving, Sumbawa offers a glimpse into Indonesia’s traditional heritage.  Visitors can explore Sumbawan villages when they make making Sasak weaving. 

The island also holds historical significance as the site of Mount Tambora’s eruption, one of the largest volcanic events in recorded history. With its remote charm, diverse marine life, and deep cultural roots, Sumbawa is an ideal destination for divers, explorers, and adventure seekers. 

Why Choose a Sumbawa Liveaboard?

Sumbawa is not just a diving destination. It is a place where the ocean meets tradition, where every island has a story. A liveaboard is the best way to explore both.

The region is home to some of the most untouched reefs in Indonesia, but its treasures go beyond the water. From remote villages to ancient rituals, Sumbawa offers a rare glimpse into a culture that has thrived for centuries.

A journey here is about more than just diving. It is about discovering a way of life shaped by the sea.

A liveaboard allows you to dive into places that few have seen. The waters of Moyo Island, Sangeang Volcano, and Satonda are rich in marine life.

Some areas are filled with colorful coral gardens, while others reveal dramatic black sand slopes where hot volcanic vents bubble from beneath the earth. Strong currents attract hammerhead sharks and giant trevallies, making Sumbawa a top destination for thrill-seeking divers.

But between the dives, there is time to see another side of the island. You can step onto remote shores where villagers still fish with handwoven nets and carve wooden boats using techniques passed down through generations.

Best Dive Site in Sumbawa

Sumbawa is a diver's paradise. It offers untouched reefs, dramatic underwater landscapes, and exciting pelagic encounters. With geothermal vents and deep drop-offs, each dive site presents a unique experience.

Whether you're interested in vibrant coral gardens, shark encounters, or surreal volcanic bubbles, Sumbawa has it all. Here are some of the best dive sites to explore on a liveaboard.

Moyo Island – Pristine Reefs and Shark Encounters

Moyo Island is known for its crystal-clear waters and healthy coral reefs. The island is part of a marine reserve, which means minimal human impact and thriving marine life. Divers can expect to see white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and schooling fusiliers. Angel Reef, one of the most famous dive spots here, features massive Gorgonian fans and an explosion of colorful soft corals. The currents here are mild, making it a great spot for all levels of divers.

Satonda Island – A Sunken Volcano with Mystical Waters

Satonda is no ordinary dive site. It was formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, and today, it features a unique saltwater crater lake and eerie underwater formations. The island’s surrounding reefs are full of macro life, ghost pipefish, and even mandarin fish.

Night dives here are a must, as the area comes alive with bioluminescent plankton and hunting octopuses. Some locals believe that the lake has mystical powers, and many leave offerings near the shore.

Sangeang Volcano – Diving Through Bubbling Black Sand

This is one of the most unique dive sites in Indonesia. Sangeang is an active volcano, and its geothermal activity extends below the water’s surface. Here, you’ll dive through volcanic bubbles rising from the seabed, creating an otherworldly effect.

The black sand slopes are home to rare critters like ribbon eels, nudibranchs, and hairy frogfish. The most famous site, Bubble Reef, features stunning coral bommies surrounded by streams of gas vents, making it a photographer’s dream.

West Sumbawa – Pelagic Encounters and Thrilling Drift Dives

For divers who love big fish and strong currents, West Sumbawa is the place to be. This region is known for its deep walls and strong upwellings that bring in hammerhead sharks, giant trevallies, and eagle rays.

The coral reefs here remain untouched, with colorful hard, and soft corals covering every inch of the underwater landscape. The dive sites here are best suited for experienced divers due to the strong currents, but the rewards are worth it.

Sumbawa’s dive sites offer a mix of adventure, beauty, and mystery. From shark-filled reefs to volcanic underwater worlds, every dive is different.

The best way to experience them all? A liveaboard. With easy access to the most remote and pristine sites, it’s the ultimate way to explore Sumbawa’s hidden underwater paradise.

Beyond Diving: Exploring Sumbawa’s Culture and Landscapes

Sumbawa is more than just a diving destination. It is a land of ancient traditions, skilled artisans, and breathtaking landscapes.

In remote villages, locals still weave intricate ikat fabrics and carve wooden boats by hand. Some communities hold thrilling water buffalo races, a tradition passed down for generations.

Beyond the villages, Mount Tambora stands as a reminder of the 1815 eruption that shaped the world’s climate.

The island is also home to hidden waterfalls, quiet beaches, and dramatic cliffs waiting to be explored. Whether you’re diving or stepping onto land, Sumbawa offers a journey into both nature and culture.

How to Book a Sumbawa Liveaboard

The first step to booking your Sumbawa liveaboard is choosing the right boat. Tartaruga Adventures offers a selection of well-equipped liveaboards, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury vessels.

Each boat comes with comfortable cabins, professional dive guides, and top-tier safety equipment. Whether you prefer a private charter for an exclusive experience or a shared trip with fellow adventurers, Tartaruga Adventures has the perfect boat for you.

Once you’ve picked your boat, the next step is selecting your itinerary. Sumbawa is vast, and Tartaruga Adventures curates trips that cover Moyo Island, Satonda, Sangeang Volcano, and West Sumbawa’s pelagic hotspots.

You can choose between shorter 4-5 day itineraries or extended trips that go beyond Sumbawa’s waters to Komodo. Every trip is designed for maximum dive time, smooth sailing, and unforgettable experiences both above and below the surface.

After selecting your itinerary, it’s time to secure your booking. Liveaboard trips fill up quickly, especially during peak diving season between April and November. Booking in advance ensures you get your preferred boat and itinerary without last-minute stress.

You can easily check availability, customize your trip, and make reservations directly through Tartaruga Adventures' website. Their team is ready to assist with travel planning, equipment rental, and any special requests.