Yoshi offers short and affordable trips that feature diving around all three of Komodo’s regions as well as multiple trekking excursions.
This is a small boat, with less facilities than others, but she offers great value for money and very enthusiastic staff.
Great for: Short Trips, Small Groups, Affordable, Trekking.
Trip Lengths: 3 – 5 days
Max Group Size: 8
Operates: All Yea
There’s a variety of itineraries available, offering guests the chance to scuba dive round some; or all three of Komodo National Parks’ southern, central and northern regions, as well as trek several times – all in just 3 – 5 days.
Due to the shortness of these itineraries, do bare in mind that you won’t get to dive more than 3 – 5 times in any one region. However, it’s still really cool that all three regions are featured in as little as 3 days!
Yoshi is a great way to realise the incredible diversity of dive sites that Komodo has to offer for anyone short on cash and time.
All trips include a visit to the ranger station in Rinca, to come face to face with the Komodo Dragons there. Furthermore, some trips also offer the chance to trek around Padar island for a truly iconic viewpoint.
There’s also beach visits, snorkelling and even a welcome cocktails social event on the first day!
Yoshi is a traditional wooden phinisi vessel and a great bet if you’re seeking to have a more personal experience. She takes a maximum of just 8 guests in 4 cabins. Carpe Diem is the only other komodo liveaboard that takes such a small group.
Despite the low price of this liveaboard, the master suite cabin is actually quite luxurious with it’s own private balcony and work desk. All of the cabins have ensuite bathrooms, ac and ocean views.
On the sundeck, there’s loungers and hammocks from which to soak in those rays and there is also a covered outdoor lounge and al-fresco dining area, from which to enjoy a drink from the bar.
One can also escape inside to the cosy indoor saloon which features audio & video entertainment and a detailed map of the dive sites around Komodo National Park.
The major downsides of Yoshi are the shortness of trips and lack of other guests, which can result in a less social atmosphere – although for some, these two traits will be exactly what they’re looking for! It all comes down to the kind of dive safari you’re seeking.
This boat is not as well equipped or big as the other mid-range options, but it’s still cosy and the cabins actually feel like they’re more expensive than they are. Yoshi is a great option for those tight for time and cash, but wanting to discover Komodo National Park from as many angles as possible.
“This was the best dive guiding that I have ever experienced in all my time diving. We were a group of very mixed diving ability and the way this was handled was excellent.
The crew were all so friendly and there was a great atmosphere on the boat. It just shows you do not have to spend a lot of money to have a great experience. I also enjoyed all the other activities that were offered apart from the diving. The beach visits and sunset trips were excellent”.