Sokaraja Liveaboard

Luca and his soon-to-be-wife Beauty run a wonderful operation on their beautiful traditional Phinisi, the Sokaraja. We were a nicely balanced team of 7 divers. Some were more experienced than others, but all were more than competent. The boat owners, Luca and Beauty run a very tight ship. Everything was very well organised and resourced. The boat is comfortable for both sleeping and relaxing, and there is quiet space for those that want it. Be aware, however, that cabins are not air-conditioned at night after the generator is switched off, so you can expect it to be hot with only fans to keep you cool. Briefings are held in the main cabin and are detailed and comprehensive, supported by newly hand-drawn sketches of each dive site. All the dive equipment is brand new and of the Mares brand. Luca planned our whole trip and chosen dive sites very carefully to ensure we always dived at high slack water, the optimum. The diving was serious, but very enjoyable. Lots of strong currents and surges that went up, down and sideways. The crew of 5 looked after us very well and the food was plain but plentiful. The dive guides were first class and the crew were exceptionally efficient and friendly. Thank you to all. We sailed down the west coast of Flores and dived around the South of Rinca Island, before mooring up there overnight, then diving again in the morning before sailing off to South Komodo Island to dive Manta Alley. Well named - I've never seen so many large mantas in one place. Overnight at Padar Island, then diving there before heading off to North Komodo. Overnight there then diving at Batu Balong the following day. A long but relaxing afternoon sail back to LBJ rounded off our trip, arriving on time at 5 pm during the first half hour of rain of the whole 4-day trip! Important note: Komodo is a serious area to dive in. These are potentially dangerous conditions for the inexperienced. If planning a liveaboard experience, you will not do better than Sokaraja. However, you should have a MINIMUM of no less than 30 dives under your belt and be Advanced Diver qualified (ie qualified to dive to 30 m). Thanks everone for an excellent trip and experience.

Unbelievably good 4 days 3 nights on the Sokaraja. Many thanks to the entire crew.All have made the greatest effort to make all divers happy. Our guide Luca personally :) is incredibly experienced and I could learn a lot in the time, thank you very much Luca :) I will definitely come back. To the boat itself, everything is great. Beds, common area and the food is super inviting. The diving equipment is in a top condition highly recommended! I hope I get the chance to come back to Sokaraja

Me and my other 10 friends booked this boat for 2D1N trip around Komodo National Park for diving and snorkeling. We are so lucky that we saw lots of marine animal (turtles, mantas, black tip shark, and so many other fishes). Boat crews are kind and super helpful during the whole trip. They really took care of us, especially the cruise director Luca and Beauty. They make us feel like king and queen (they said this during the first briefing and they prove it!) We will definitely come back for more trip with them next time. Thank you Sokaraja!

Thanks to LUCA & BEAUTY to host us group of 11. Everything went so well. Surely a weekend to remember. They help our trip to become a memorable one. The crew were so attentive. Kudos to ERICK who guide us to find some turtles & manta rays! Been twice snorkeling in manta point but no luck, but this time he guide us perfectly! Food was so good, shower rooms were clean, rooms are spacious and comfortable, even the sharing bedroom was clean!.

This liveaboard was a wonderful experience. Crew is Nice, dives are awesome and Luca's positive vibes are contagious. Just go for it!