MV NusaTara

MV NusaTara is a compact 20.4-metre wooden schooner operated by Grand Komodo, an Indonesian liveaboard company established in 1987. The vessel is designed for private charters and carries a maximum of six guests in three air-conditioned, ensuite cabins.

MV NusaTara at a glance

NusaTara has a published beam of 4.6 metres, a draft of 1.9 metres and a cruising speed of approximately 8–9 knots. Its small capacity makes it a practical choice for families, groups of friends or dive teams that want the boat to themselves rather than joining a large shared departure.

The operator lists one 105 hp main engine, 220 V electricity and one tender powered by a 40 hp engine. As with any small traditional vessel, usable space and storage are more compact than on larger liveaboards.

Three ensuite cabins

The main deck has one Double Cabin for two guests. It has a double bed, private bathroom and air conditioning. The lower deck has two Twin Cabins, each accommodating two guests in separate beds with a private bathroom and air conditioning.

Grand Komodo states that its cabins use individually controlled air-conditioning units. The published NusaTara specification does not clearly state whether cabin showers have hot water, so guests who require hot showers should confirm that point before booking.

Life onboard

The shared lounge is fan-cooled and includes dining seating for six, a TV and CD/DVD entertainment. Outside, a shaded sun deck with an awning provides a place to relax between dives. Food service includes Indonesian and Western dishes, buffet-style meals, snacks and vegetarian options arranged in advance.

The operator does not currently publish onboard Wi-Fi or laundry service for NusaTara. Connectivity and any special dietary requirements should therefore be confirmed in writing before departure.

Dive setup

NusaTara is configured for small-group diving with six gear-up stations, ten scuba tanks, a Bauer compressor, a dive platform shower and one tender. Underwater photographers have access to charging points, a camera work area and a separate rinse station.

The current vessel specification does not list Nitrox or technical-diving support. Divers who need Nitrox, rental equipment, 15-litre tanks or a private guide should ask the operator what can be arranged for the chosen departure.

Safety information

Published safety equipment includes two life rafts, four life buoys, twenty life jackets, emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit. Guests should still request the current safety and navigation inventory, emergency procedures and insurance requirements before paying a deposit.

Komodo itinerary

Current Komodo programs embark and disembark in Labuan Bajo. A published seven-night route combines central, northern and southern areas when conditions allow, with potential dives at Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, the Cauldron, Batu Bolong, Manta Point, Tatawa Kecil, Manta Alley, Tatawa Besar and Siaba Besar.

Land activities can include a Komodo dragon trek and visits to Pink Beach or Padar. Exact sites, dive counts and land stops depend on weather, currents, park rules, guest experience and the captain’s decisions; wildlife encounters are never guaranteed.

What is included

A current program lists accommodation, full-board meals, tanks and weights, dive guides, island visits and arrival-day and departure-day transfers between the boat and Labuan Bajo airport or local hotels. Inclusions can vary by charter, so the final quotation should itemise every service.

National-park fees, travel and dive insurance, flights, alcohol, soft drinks beyond the stated package, gratuities and rental equipment may be charged separately. Request the current fee schedule rather than relying on older online prices.

Who NusaTara suits

NusaTara best suits a private group of up to six certified divers looking for a simple, dive-focused Komodo schooner with ensuite cabins and a compact onboard setup. Some published itineraries are aimed at experienced divers because Komodo can have strong and changing currents.

Booking notes

Before booking, confirm the exact dates, private-charter price, cabin allocation, minimum certification and logged-dive requirements, equipment needs, park fees, insurance, transfer arrangements, cancellation terms and no-fly interval. Ask Grand Komodo to confirm the final inclusions and current vessel configuration in writing.