Liveaboards in November: The Indonesia Routes That Shine for Freediving & Scuba

• Raja Ampat is in its prime Oct–Apr: calmer seas, mantas, huge biodiversity. 

• Banda Sea crossings peak Sept–Nov for schooling hammerheads; many boats reposition across these routes now. 

• Komodo is transitional: North/Central stays reliable; South opens up more consistently Oct–Apr. 

• Alor is still good, but currents are typically strongest in Oct–Nov—plan dives around tides. 

Why November works

Indonesia is huge, so there’s always a good corner in season.

November is when many liveaboards pivot from Komodo toward Raja Ampat, with Banda Sea “crossings” in between—exactly when hammerhead sightings spike.

That routing logic is why November can deliver standout trips without peak-crowd pressure.

Raja Ampat in November — Why it’s prime

Season window: Most operators call October–April the sweet spot: calmer seas, excellent viz, and mega-biodiversity (plus manta action). Water temps typically sit in the high-20s°C (≈28–30°C).

Routes that shine:

• Dampier Strait (Central): Manta cleaning stations, fish tornadoes.

• Misool loops (weather permitting): Soft corals and wide-angle heaven.

Freedive angle: It’s doable—choose leeward bays and time sessions on slack water. A few operators run freedive-friendly charters or full-on apnea cruises; if you’re joining a scuba boat, clear policies before you book.

Quick note on experience: Some sites (e.g., Blue Magic) can get sporty currents—many boats prefer AOW or equivalent comfort.

Banda Sea crossings — Peak hammerhead season

Why November? Sept–Nov is the classic window; cool, nutrient-rich water pulls scalloped hammerheads into recreational depths, with best odds often cited for Sept–Oct and decent luck into November. Expect blue water, open-ocean drifts, and remote volcano seamounts.

Itineraries: Ambon ↔ Raja Ampat via the Forgotten Islands is the signature run. Boats schedule these as part of the Komodo → Raja seasonal migration.

Training & safety: Typical encounters are 25–40 m; operators often recommend AOW (and Deep) plus comfort in current. Freedivers should limit open-ocean drops to genuinely calm sites with robust safety support.

Komodo in November — Transitional but tempting

North & Central remain solid through late dry season; South Komodo turns on Oct–Apr as winds ease. Blending north/central classics (Castle/Batu Bolong/Shotgun) with a south window (Manta Alley/Horseshoe Bay) can be stellar in November.

Water temps: The south runs cooler (≈23–24°C) and can flip viz with upwellings—pack an extra millimeter if you chill easily.

Alor & Flores in November — Wild currents, big payoffs

Seasonality: Generally best Apr–Nov; currents are often strongest in Oct–Nov. You’re rewarded with pristine reefs, macro-to-pelagics, and dramatic walls—if you plan around tide tables. Freedivers should stick to protected bays and true slack windows.

Conditions snapshot (quick reference)

Sample 7–10 day itineraries (scuba + free-friendly notes)

Raja Ampat Central + Misool (9–10d)

Day 1–2: Dampier (Manta Ridge, Cape Kri) — add a freedive bay session at slack.

Day 3–4: Penemu & Fam — reefs + topside viewpoint.

Day 5–7: Misool (weather window) — soft-coral gardens; pick a sheltered lagoon for apnea.

Day 8–9: Back to Dampier; night dive/snorkel.

Banda Sea Crossing (8–10d)

Day 1–2: Ambon muck → Nusa Laut walls.

Day 3–6: Seamounts/volcanoes (Manuk, Suanggi, Hatta) — AOW/Deep recommended; limit freediving to mellow reefs.

Day 7–9: Koon/SE Misool; finish in Sorong.

Komodo N/C + South window (7–8d)

Day 1–2: Central (Siabas/Batu Bolong) — protected snorkel/freedive options.

Day 3–4: North (Crystal/Castle/Shotgun) — classic drifts.

Day 5–6: South (Manta Alley/Horseshoe) — cooler water; manta show if conditions align.

Alor Ring (7–8d)

Day 1–2: Pantar Strait walls; tide-timed.

Day 3–4: Kalabahi critters; sheltered freedive slots.

Day 5–7: South Pantar sites; blue-water pelagics on neaps.

What to pack (free + scuba)

• Scuba: DSMB + spool, audible/surface signaling, reef hook (if operator allows), 3–5 mm suit (5 mm for South Komodo/Alor), backup torch.

• Freedive: Lanyard for line work, SMB/float for surface marking, mask snorkel fins, warm layer for thermoclines, agree boat rules before boarding (some LOBs limit independent apnea).

• Both: Tide/current briefings, buddy protocols, and conservative plans on springs.

Booking smart in November

• Short seasons sell out: Banda crossings are Sept–Nov and often book far in advance; lock those first.

• Pick boats by routing & policy: Confirm whether snorkeling/freediving is allowed alongside scuba days and how it’s supervised; a few providers run freediving-only expeditions if that’s your priority.

Responsible liveaboard travel

Choose operators that use moorings where possible, brief “no-touch” diving, and minimize waste on remote islands. (Bonus: November’s calmer windows in Raja Ampat reduce fuel-spend per mile compared to stormier months.)

FAQs

Is November good for beginners?

Yes—Central Raja Ampat and North/Central Komodo can be beginner-friendly with the right boat and site selection. South Komodo, Banda seamounts, and spring-tide Alor are better for experienced divers.

Where are hammerheads in November?

Your best bet is the Banda Sea during the Sept–Nov window, with many operators noting the strongest schooling in Sept–Oct and variable luck into November.

Can I freedive on a scuba liveaboard?
Sometimes—policies vary. Some boats welcome snorkel/freedive sessions in protected bays; others run freedive-dedicated charters. Always confirm before booking.