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BLUE MANTA

(3 customer reviews)
45m / 149ft MAX 20 NITROX  PADI WIFI

PRICE PER DAY FROM USD 56

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE      SPECIAL OFFERS APPLY

At a glance:
  • Cruises Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda, Flores
  • All cabins with private bathrooms
  • 24 hour satellite Wi-Fi internet, complimentary laundry service
  • Designated dry camera room, cameras for rent
  • Large, steel-hulled boat
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When traversing the great distances and sometimes challenging conditions of the Indonesian archipelago, the 45-metre, steel-hulled Blue Manta motor vessel provides the ultimate in stable, purpose-built comfort for scuba divers. Launched in 2015 to meet the precise needs of modern scuba enthusiasts, the Blue Manta is exceptionally spacious, offering stability and ease while navigating regions such as Komodo, Raja Ampat, and other premiere Indonesian destinations. This large yacht accommodates a maximum of 20 guests, ensuring ample personal space both above and below deck.

A distinctive feature of the Blue Manta liveaboard is its consideration for solo travellers. Recognising the growing number of single divers, the vessel has configured many of its cabins for single occupancy, eliminating the typically steep supplement costs often associated with liveaboard trips. All cabins are en-suite and common areas maintain a high standard of comfort and are furnished with quality fittings.

The Blue Manta's interior design focuses on brightness and openness. The main and upper decks feature large picture windows, flooding the interior spaces with natural light and providing continuous views of the spectacular Indonesian scenery. Guests can enjoy meals in either the indoor dining saloon or the sheltered outdoor dining area, offering flexibility based on weather and personal preference.

The amenities provided elevate the experience far beyond standard dive boats. Guests benefit from a complimentary laundry service, eliminating the need to pack excessive gear. Furthermore, the 24-hour satellite Wi-Fi internet access allows divers to remain connected, sharing their Indonesian diving experiences while at sea. Announcements are facilitated via in-cabin speakers, ensuring Blue Manta liveaboard guests never miss an important briefing or update.

The diving deck of Blue Manta is designed for optimal function and diver convenience. It features both hot water showers and individual rinse tanks, allowing divers to quickly warm up and care for their sensitive equipment after a dive. A vast outdoor work table is provided, yet the main draw for many enthusiasts is the designated, dry camera room, an essential facility catering specifically to the detailed preparation and maintenance requirements of underwater photographers.

Ultimately, the Blue Manta liveaboard provides an assurance of quality, space, and dedicated service. Its superior stability and modern construction allow it to access Indonesia's furthest flung dive sites in comfort, making the Blue Manta an ideal, knowledgeably managed base for an unforgettable exploration of the archipelago's richest underwater environments.

There are 14 guest cabins, averaging 20 sqm each, on board this liveaboard featuring a double bed, 2 twin beds or a double and a twin. Blue Manta's cabins have single divers in mind and many of the double cabins are expected to be for single occupancy. All cabins have ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning. The upper deck has 4 doubles and 2 twins, the main deck has 2 twins and 2 twin/doubles and the lower deck has 4 twin cabins.

All the cabins have:

  • Air conditioning
  • Windows on main and upper deck only
  • Bathroom with shower, hand basin, toilet, towels and toiletries
  • Reading lights
  • Shelves and wardrobe
  • Speakers for announcements
  • Space for luggage
  • Mains outlet 220 Volts, 24 hours per day - 3 square prong, British style sockets
  • Adaptors available
  • Life jackets
  • Bedding
No. of bathrooms / showers - 14 / 14 - hot water

Alor (8 Days / 7 Nights - 20 Dives)

Trip highlights: great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track

Dive sites and activities: Alor, Pantar Strait: Kepa, Pura, Ternate, Buaya, Treweg, Beanbagan and Lembata

Day 1
Step onboard at Kalabahi Bay and into the care of the Blue Manta crew, signalling the start of your deep-dive into the Alor Archipelago. Once settled and familiarised with the vessel, the afternoon is reserved for your orientation and first check dive. Depending on your arrival time, the diving could extend to a tranquil night dive, or you may simply relax before the evening meal.

Core Days
Alor is a destination for the confident diver, offering challenging but richly rewarding conditions and exceptional biodiversity. The cruise focuses on the Pantar Strait, a powerful marine thoroughfare where colossal tidal forces create a spectacular hunting ground. The Blue Manta dive team uses their deep local knowledge to position you perfectly on sites like Kepa, Pura, and Ternate. Here, the strong currents nourish the reefs, attracting vast schools of fusiliers, surgeons, and sizeable bumphead parrotfish. Whitetip reef sharks and the occasional grey reef shark are often seen patrolling the reef slopes.
While the Pantar Strait provides the pelagic action, Alor’s shores are equally famed for their world-class macro life. Time is dedicated to exploring the protected bays and black sand slopes, searching the substrate for the area’s celebrated critters. With the guidance of the dive masters, you stand a good chance of locating elusive species such as the ornate ghost pipefish, several varieties of rhinophia, frogfish, and the highly sought-after wonderpus octopus, all set against a backdrop of magnificent soft coral.
The expedition also ventures to remote islands and reefs including Buaya, Treweg, and Beanbagan, providing valuable environmental contrast. These dive sites often feature deep walls, cooler upwellings, and pristine coral coverage that is a true hallmark of Alor's remote location. Furthermore, your week includes the exploration of Lembata’s vibrant reefs. This comprehensive survey of the area is expertly executed by the Blue Manta liveaboard. The last morning includes 2 concluding dives before the Blue Manta begins its final sail back to port.

Day 8
Following a final light breakfast, you will disembark at Alor airport.

Banda Sea & Alor

Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving

Dive sites and activities: from Ambon Bay, Saparua, Nusa Laut, Banda Islands: Pulau Ai, Run, Banda Neira; Ring of Fire (Serua, Manuk, Damar), Pulau Wetar, Alor, Pulau Komba, Hukurila Cave, Molana. Visit one Spice island.

Day 1
Commence your exploration of Indonesia's 'Ring of Fire' and the wild reefs of Alor as you land in Ambon. Upon arrival, the Blue Manta crew will meet you and provide a comfortable transfer to the harbour. After settling into your accommodation and receiving a full orientation, the afternoon allows for an initial check dive, often within the sheltered Ambon Bay, before dinner is served and the Blue Manta lifts anchor for its overnight passage across the Banda Sea.

Core Days
This dive cruise starts in the macro-rich environment of Ambon, where dedicated time is spent exploring the renowned muck sites of Ambon Bay. Here, patient divers are rewarded with unusual subjects, including the endemic Ambon scorpionfish, and a variety of rare frogfish. Moving beyond the harbour, the coastline presents thriving coastal reefs near Molana, Saparua, and Nusa Laut, where walls and clear visibility define the diving, including the exploration of the unique Hukurila Cave.
The voyage continues eastward toward the historic Banda Islands, the legendary centre of the spice trade. The deep waters surrounding Pulau Ai, Run, and Karang Hatta are characterised by spectacular coral-covered drop-offs, attracting large schools of reef fish and offering excellent visibility. A key historical element of this sector is an excursion ashore to visit one of the famed Spice islands, connecting the marine exploration with the region’s significant past.
Following the ancient volcanic arc known as the Ring of Fire, the Blue Manta targets isolated seamounts and islands that act as magnets for pelagic action. At Serua, Manuk, Damar, and Pulau Komba, the focus shifts to exhilarating blue-water encounters. These remote dive sites are among the few places in Indonesia where you can actively seek out schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks. The deep walls around Pulau Wetar further increase the potential for sightings of dogtooth tuna and other large migratory species.
The final stages of the cruise bring the vessel to Alor, a region famed for its dramatic currents and unique ecology. Diving here provides a contrast, moving from thrilling drift dives to searching the volcanic black sand slopes. The varied topography of Alor provides rich environments for both large schools of fusiliers and specialist macro subjects like frogfish and rhinophias, guaranteeing a comprehensive and diverse end to this Blue Manta liveaboard experience.
Following 2 concluding morning dives, the Blue Manta crew prepares the vessel for arrival at the disembarkation port in Alor.

Final Day
After a light final breakfast, you will leave the vessel and head ashore.

Banda Sea & Ambon

Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving

Dive sites and activities: Ambon Bay, Saparua, Nusa Laut, Banda Islands: Pulau Ai, Run, Gunung Api, Banda Neira, visit one Spice island, Serua, Manuk, Damar, Hukurila Cave, Molana

Day 1
This voyage to the Banda Islands and Ambon starts upon landing at Ambon harbour, where you board the magnificent Blue Manta liveaboard. Following introductions and a safety briefing, you will settle into your accommodation. The afternoon allows for an initial check dive, usually in Ambon Bay, before the vessel lifts anchor for its overnight passage across the Banda Sea.

Core Days
The dive expedition begins by immersing you in the famous critter-rich waters of Ambon Bay. This area is a true macro sanctuary, rewarding diligent divers with sightings of specialised life, including the endemic Ambon scorpionfish and a host of rare nudibranchs and small crustaceans. As the cruise progresses, the dive sites transition to vibrant coral systems around Molana, Saparua, and Nusa Laut, where you can explore spectacular walls and the unique, light-filled chambers of Hukurila Cave.
The Blue Manta liveaboard exploration continues towards the historic Banda Islands, the heart of Indonesia's Spice route. Around Pulau Ai, Run, and the main island of Banda Neira, deep-water topography dictates the diving. Reefs here are pristine, vertical structures where upwellings attract significant biomass, including dogtooth tuna and shy mobula rays. An essential non-diving highlight is a visit to one Spice island, connecting the marine environment with the area’s fascinating colonial history.
The second half of the trip focuses on the remote volcanic chain known as the Ring of Fire, with key dives around Serua, Manuk, and Damar. These isolated seamounts are magnets for pelagics, providing one of the best opportunities in Indonesia to encounter schooling hammerhead sharks. Additionally, the volcanic slopes of Gunung Api are famed for their proliferation of sea snakes. Every day spent diving from the Blue Manta offers a shift in marine ecology, cementing this as a genuine expedition. The Blue Manta liveaboard provides the ideal home for this wide-ranging diving exploration.

Final Day
After enjoying a final light breakfast on board, your Banda Sea diving safari ends with disembarkation in Ambon.

Komodo National Park

Trip highlights: shark action, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs/manatees, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities

Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, very popular, wall diving

Dive sites and activities: from Komodo: Bidadari. Pulau Sebayor, Manta Alley, Cannibal Rock, Torpedo Alley, Padar Island: 3 Sisters, Pillarsteen, Pink Beach; Golden Passage, Big Nose, Coral Garden, Sangeang, Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Gili Lawa Laut, Tatawa Besar & Kecil, Siaba Kecil, Wainilu, Batu Balong, Makassar Reef, Siaba Bay, Mawan or Pengah, plus Komodo dragon trekking

Day 1
The anticipation builds the moment you arrive in Labuan Bajo, the vibrant hub marking the beginning of your exceptional dive safari aboard the Blue Manta liveaboard. Once settled into your comfortable cabin, a detailed briefing and vessel orientation will take place. The first submerged hours of your safari typically begin with an essential check dive in the afternoon, providing an immediate opportunity to test your gear, often followed by an initial night dive before a well-earned dinner.

Core Days
Komodo National Park presents an exhilarating tapestry of marine environments, expertly navigated by the Blue Manta team. The northern sector offers pinnacle diving at its finest; exposed seamounts like Castle Rock and Crystal Rock are nutrient funnels, attracting significant schools of pelagics. Here, you may witness spectacular activity, with patrolling grey reef sharks, giant trevally, and dense schools of redtooth triggers in the stronger currents. The area also encompasses the dynamic Golden Passage, the vibrant reefs of Batu Balong, and the colourful topography of Gili Lawa Laut.
Heading south, the focus of Blue Manta shifts to more diverse animal encounters. The world-famous Manta Alley is a dedicated spot for engaging with oceanic manta rays, which frequently gather at cleaning stations in the cooler southern upwellings. Closer to the islands, sites such as Cannibal Rock present a spectacular benthic display, while the sandy slopes of Torpedo Alley and Wainilu are noted macro hotspots, rewarding keen-eyed divers with sightings of ghost pipefish and frogfish.
The central and western reefs provide contrast with more relaxed drift dives across pristine hard and soft coral ecosystems. Sites like Tatawa, Siaba Kecil, and the expansive Makassar Reef are excellent spots for observing green turtles and large schools of reef fish. Coral Garden offers calm conditions, and Big Nose presents further opportunity for exhilarating drift dives. The expedition vessel, the Blue Manta, ensures broad access, including to the quieter bays like Siaba and anchorages near Mawan or Pengah.
Beyond the water, the cruise includes essential surface excursions. You will make a memorable landing for a guided Komodo dragon trek on Komodo Island. Additionally, you will be captivated by the striking landscape around Padar Island, known for its panoramic viewpoints, and a walk on the distinctive Pink Beach.

Final Day
After a light final breakfast on board, your memorable diving safari on the Blue Manta comes to a close with disembarkation in the morning at Labuan Bajo.

Komodo National Park, Flores & Alor

Trip highlights: shark action, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs/manatees, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving

Dive sites and activities: Alor: Pantar Strait, Kepa, Pura, Ternate, Buaya; Maumere: Pulau Babi or Pulau Besar, Komodo; Bidadari, Pulau Sebayor, Manta Alley, Cannibal Rock, Nusa Kode: Torpedo Alley, Padar: 3 Sisters, Pillarsteen, Pink Beach; Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Gili Lawa Laut, Tatawa Besar & Kecil, Siaba Kecil, Wainilu, Batu Balong, Makassar Reef, plus Komodo dragon trek

Day 1
Your dive safari begins as you arrive in Maumere, Flores. Once you step aboard the magnificent Blue Manta liveaboard, you can relax and settle into your cabin. After a comprehensive boat briefing, the afternoon typically includes a check dive, with the possibility of a night dive before dinner, marking the commencement of your diving adventure.

Core Days
This expansive diving safari connects the contrasting dive environments of the Komodo National Park, Flores, and the remote reefs of Alor. The initial days focus on the nutrient-rich, current-swept pinnacles and submerged reefs that define Komodo as a world-class destination. Sites like Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, and Batu Balong are renowned for spectacular walls and the potential for serious pelagic action, including sightings of grey reef sharks, schooling snappers, and giant trevally. The dynamic waters around Gili Lawa Laut and Tatawa Besar & Kecil also offer a spectacle of colourful reef fish, setting the stage for your time with the Blue Manta.
The dive areas in the south, including Nusa Kode, offer a different focus. While the benthic playground of Torpedo Alley is known for unique macro life, Manta Alley in the deep south of the park is famous for the great reef manta rays that visit cleaning stations, offering excellent opportunities for observation. Dive sites such as Cannibal Rock, Pillarsteen, and the 3 Sisters near Padar further diversify the diving. On land, a trek is included to see the legendary Komodo dragons, offering a memorable interlude from the water.
As the Blue Manta transitions eastward to Flores and Alor, the environment diversifies once more. Maumere Bay locations like Pulau Babi or Pulau Besar present a diverse array of macro life and colourful, healthy soft corals. Meanwhile, the volcanic landscape of Alor gives way to the deep trenches and thrilling currents of the Pantar Strait. Diving around Kepa, Pura, Ternate, and Buaya, expect a wide range of conditions, from cooler currents sweeping the reefs to warmer, protected bays ideal for critter hunting. The Blue Manta team is expert at navigating these varied diving conditions.
Alor is a macro photographer's haven, with the potential for sightings of frogfish, ghost pipefish, rhinophias, wonderpus octopus, and pygmy seahorses. However, the area is also noted for larger inhabitants, with schools of fusiliers, whitetip reef sharks, oversized bumphead parrotfish, and barracuda frequently observed. This combination of stunning macro life and schooling fish in pristine habitats provides an outstanding home for this scuba adventure on the Blue Manta.

Final Day
Your experience aboard the Blue Manta concludes after a final light breakfast. The crew will have already prepared your dive gear for packing as the liveaboard reaches the disembarkation point in Alor. You will be transferred to Kalabahi Airport for your onward travel.

Raja Ampat & Triton Bay (11 Days / 10 Nights - 30 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving

Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat - Lampu Merah, Misool: Boo Corner, The Window, Magic Mountain, Fiabacet, Daram, Candy Store, Andy’s Ultimate; Pulau Pisang, Fakfak, Triton Bay: Little Komodo, Macro Wall, 3 Rocks, Larry’s Heaven, Faukate Manta, Walker’s Reef, Namatota Island bagans. Visit Kiti-Kiti waterfall.

Day 1
The long-anticipated exploration of Raja Ampat and Triton Bay officially starts the moment you step onto the deck of the Blue Manta at Sorong port. You will receive a full orientation to the vessel and crew before nightfall. A check dive may be offered during the afternoon, depending on guest arrival times, allowing you to fine-tune your weighting before the main diving commences.

Core Days
This ambitious Blue Manta liveaboard safari unites the peerless biodiversity of Raja Ampat with the isolated, soft coral-rich waters of Triton Bay. Our intimate knowledge of both regions ensures a high quality diving experience. The Blue Manta is your dedicated base for exploring this extensive and remote area.
The voyage starts in Raja Ampat’s Misool, a region justly celebrated for its pristine coral bommies. We explore submerged pinnacles and reefs such as Boo Corner and The Window, which boast spectacular coverage. Sites like Magic Mountain, Fiabacet, and Daram are known for attracting immense schools of fish and cruising pelagics. We also target the vibrant soft corals and unique bottom dwellers at Candy Store and Andy’s Ultimate, seeking out endemic wobbegong sharks, alongside a possible night dive at Lampu Merah.
The sailing between the principal areas takes us past the dramatic, rarely-dived coastline of Fakfak, including dive sites near Pulau Pisang. This passage provides a shift in habitat, transitioning from the dense fish life of Raja Ampat to the distinct benthic environment found further south.
Triton Bay is a world-class frontier, distinguished by its unique soft coral gardens, immense black coral formations, and rocky topography. We look for potential whale shark encounters around the Namatota Island bagans, and keep an eye out for squadrons of bumphead parrotfish at Walker’s Reef and Faukate Manta. The macro life is excellent, with dive sites like Macro Wall, Little Komodo, and 3 Rocks offering detailed inspection for critters such as ornate ghost pipefish and frogfish. Guests can also enjoy a visit to the Kiti-Kiti waterfall. The professional crew of the Blue Manta are seasoned in navigating these challenging distant waters.
After a final pair of morning dives, the Blue Manta commences its return cruise to Kaimana port.

Day 11
Enjoy a farewell breakfast on board before disembarkation.

Raja Ampat National Park South & Central

Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, wall diving

Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat: Lampu Merah, Daram island, Misool; Wayil, Fiabacet, Boo, Balubulol, Farondi; Penemu, Melissa’s Garden, Yanggelo, Airborek, Manta Ridge, Dampier Strait, Big Fish, Cape Kri, Sardine Run, Mioskon island, Blue Magic, Yellow Fever

Day 1
The dive safari begins on the magnificent Blue Manta at Sorong port. You will receive a thorough orientation and safety brief. An optional check dive may be conducted in the afternoon, depending on guest schedules, allowing you to test your gear before the full diving programme commences.

Core Days
This Blue Manta liveaboard cruise immerses divers in the heart of Raja Ampat’s south and central national park regions, targeting the most productive dive sites in the world’s most marine-rich region. Our experience is rooted in presenting the varied underwater topography and diverse ecosystems that thrive here.
The initial days concentrate on the spectacular southern Misool area. Here, dive sites such as Wayil and Fiabacet showcase stunning bommies and sloping reefs draped in colourful soft corals. You will explore Daram island and the deep-south structure of Farondi. Look for the iconic wobbegong sharks and unique macro subjects, as well as cruising reef sharks at sites like Boo and Balubulol.
Moving north, the central region is dominated by the Dampier Strait, known for its nutrient flow and exciting drift dives. Sites such as Manta Ridge and Blue Magic are primary locations for observing reef manta rays visiting cleaning stations. Nearby, the reefs of Cape Kri and Big Fish offer astounding density of schooling fish-life, including fusiliers, snappers. The vibrant hard coral garden structures of Melissa’s Garden and Airborek are equally compelling, alongside the fish aggregation at Mioskon island and Yellow Fever. Experienced divers know the Blue Manta is built to maximise time at these remote sites. The dedicated dive deck and camera amenities on the Blue Manta are set up to support technical and photo-conscious divers. The expertise of the Blue Manta dive guides is key to maximising your underwater time in this vast area.
The last morning features 2 final dives before the vessel begins its final leg back to Sorong.

Final Day
While the crew cleans and prepares your equipment for packing, enjoy a light breakfast before disembarking for your flights from Sorong airport.

Raja Ampat, Banda Sea & Ambon

Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving

Dive sites and activities: Ambon Bay, Banda Islands: Pulau Ai, Run, Banda Neira, visit one of the Spice Islands, Ring of Fire (Serua, Manuk, Damar), West Seram, Pulau Koon, Raja Ampat - Misool, Wayil, Fiabacet, Boo

Day 1
Land at Ambon Airport where the Blue Manta crew greets you and takes you to the harbour where you can finally see this amazing liveaboard. Your first hours on board will be spent on getting to know the boat, the crew and the other guests that will share this fantastic diving safari with you. A possible check dive might take place in the afternoon, depending on guest arrival times. If not, have a massage or simply relax until dinner is served. Your diving days are about to start.

Core Days
The smell of freshly baked bread is one of the 2 good reasons for wakening up early. The other one is the 1st dive of the day that follows the light breakfast. You will soon get used of the daily routine that includes 3 main meals and 3 more dives, with a bigger breakfast of bacon, toasts and eggs cooked as you like, or fresh fruits and cereals if you look for a lighter option, before the 2nd morning dive. A buffet of Western and Asian choices at lunch time will also be the right moment for sharing feedback from the diving with your fellow dive buddies, while at dinner the cruise director will discuss with his guests the schedule for the next day. A 3rd dive in the afternoon and a 4th dive (night dive) will fill your days with enough emotions and memories to bring back home after the trip.
This exploratory trip never fails to deliver great diving on pristine and colourful corals that attract hundreds of different species of fish, from tiny critters to big pelagics. Even dolphins and whales can be spotted from the boat in the Banda Sea. Schools of fish will welcome you in their habitats, especially reef fish such as damsels, anthias, soldierfish and angelfish. You will also travel to some less known dive sites while touring around the Banda Islands and the Moluccas, with high chances to see endemic species like the Ambon scorpionfish, or be surrounded by dogtooth tuna, and spot shy mobula rays swimming out in the blue. There is also a good chance of diving with schools of hammerheads here.
Raja Ampat is the most biodiverse marine region in the world! The southern part of Misool belongs to the largest yet least developed islands of Raja Ampat. You will have plenty of opportunity to see weird small creatures such as wonderpus and seahorses as well as majestic mantas, wobbegongs and reef sharks. There is so much to witness underwater that every dive will bring you new experiences.
Expert and amateur photographers will enjoy the dedicated areas on board, where you can safely set up, rinse and dry your equipment. This cruise will be a blast! Please note that only 2 morning dives will take place on the last full day of the safari. Blue Manta then cruises to port while its crew washes your dive gear so that it will be dry and ready to be packed before you reach land.

Final Day
Farewells and a light breakfast before heading to Sorong airport.
Please note that the trip sometimes runs in reverse or has differing ports - check above for details.

Raja Ampat, Forgotten Islands & Alor (12 Days / 11 Nights - 30 Dives)

Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving

Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat - Misool, Wayil, Fiabacet, Boo; Koon, West Seram, Forgotten Islands: Ring of Fire (Serua, Manuk, Damar), Wetar, Alor.
Cruises that use the port of Maumere may also visit Flores: Maumere, Pulau Babi and Pulau Besar.

Day 1
This ultimate Indonesian dive adventure begins with the magnificent Blue Manta at Sorong port. Once settled in, you will receive a full safety brief and vessel orientation. A check dive may be offered during the afternoon, depending on guest schedules, allowing you to fine-tune your weighting for the forthcoming expedition.

Core Days
This expansive Blue Manta liveaboard cruise connects the world-class dive areas of Raja Ampat, the Forgotten Islands, and Alor. We begin in Raja Ampat’s Misool, where dive sites like Wayil, Fiabacet, and Boo present classic Indonesian diving: spectacular, coral-covered bommies and sheer deep walls rich in soft corals. This southern sector is known for encounters with the endemic wobbegong shark and a stunning density of schooling reef fish.
Blue Manta transitions into the eastern Banda Sea, a vast expanse known for its deep, clear waters. We visit the isolated West Seram region and the renowned pinnacle of Koon, which acts as a magnet for significant fish populations, offering the potential for exhilarating blue water action. The Blue Manta is ideally equipped for this long distance exploration, pressing south into the true Forgotten Islands chain.
Diving the Ring of Fire includes volcanic islands such as Serua, Manuk, and Damar. These remote seamounts attract large pelagic schools, providing the opportunity for experienced divers to witness dogtooth tuna, vast schools of barracuda, and potentially schooling hammerheads. The diving around Wetar also features immense wall diving and excellent visibility.
The final destination is the Alor archipelago. Diving in the Pantar Strait presents a diverse underwater experience, with cooler currents and rich macro photography opportunities, including frogfish and ghost pipefish. Trips concluding in Maumere will include the healthy reefs around Flores, with possible stops at Pulau Babi and Pulau Besar, providing a memorable finale to the comprehensive traverse led by the experienced Blue Manta crew.

Day 12
Following a light breakfast, disembarkation takes place at Maumere port.


[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].

The exploration of Indonesia's marine environment with the Blue Manta liveaboard is supported by a reliable daily routine, where diving is perfectly interspersed with generous, revitalising meals. The dining experience focuses on an extensive, buffet-style blend of Asian and international cuisine.

Your day commences with a light pre-breakfast before the first dive, providing necessary energy for the early immersion. Once back on board, a full buffet breakfast is served. Lunch, typically available around 12 noon, offers a substantial selection of both Western and Asian main dishes. You might find a comforting pasta dish on offer, alongside regional specialities such as nasi goreng or grilled fish, representing the variety available.

Afternoon snacks are a much-anticipated feature following the third dive, intended to keep energy levels high; these often include freshly baked breads. Dinner, the final main meal, is served as a sociable buffet, featuring the ship’s international-Asian repertoire. Guests may choose to dine in the air-conditioned indoor area on the main deck, or enjoy the evening air on the open upper deck.

Throughout your time on the Blue Manta, complimentary coffee, tea, drinking water, fruit, toast, and biscuits are freely available. For those wishing to unwind after the last dive, wine and beers are available for purchase. The catering begins with dinner on the first night of the cruise. Please provide us with advanced notice for all special dietary requirements.
Customer rating - Excellent
"Everything was great! We loved our dive guide (Rolly) and Cedric, the cruise director, is very nice and organised. We will be back.
Everything was great, well organised and communications are easy with the Dive the World.
" - , Portugal, 14 January 2025 ...

Customer rating - Excellent
"The boat was very comfortable and stable, the staff were extremely friendly and the cruise director Cedric was an excellent leader, providing information timely and he managed to accommodate people's requests. All the Blue Manta staff were always willing to help and the fact that there is only 1 guide per 4 divers is great for security.
DIve The World were quick, efficient and easy to use. Sheldon in particular was very friendly to respond.
" - , Mexico, 11 December 2022 ...

Customer rating - Excellent
"Excellent. Hi level of service and boat facilities. " - , Cyprus, 31 March 2020 ...

DEPARTURE SCHEDULE & PRICES

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MORE TRIP DETAILS

Dive experience: Blue Manta recommends: Raja Ampat and Komodo (intermediate to advanced). All other routes: standard open water.

Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, hot drinks, soft drinks, land tours on Komodo safaris, transfers to the boat from the airport and hotels, dives (as detailed in the trips above), 5 experienced English-speaking dive guides, tanks, weights and weightbelts, sales tax.

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment (USD 50 per day), dive computer (USD 15 per day), marine park and harbour fees (Raja Ampat - from USD 250, Komodo - from USD 200, Banda Sea - from USD 250), all per person per trip, payable in advance), travel and dive insurance. Fuel surcharge: All cruises will be liable for the following charges (paid in advance) - Banda Sea: from USD 200, Komodo/Raja Ampat/Sangalaki: from USD 150. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash - IDR, USD, EUR or SGD, or bank card).

Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks, 15 litre tank rental (USD 15 per day - book in advance), nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (USD 20 per day), torch (USD 15 per day), massage services and laundry service. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.

How to get there: Raja Ampat: The Blue Manta liveaboard normally departs in the afternoon from Sorong or in West Papua. You can fly directly to Sorong from Jakarta, Ambon, Ujung Pandang (Makassar) and Manado. From Bali there are convenient connections via Ujung Pandang (Makassar) and Manado. We will help you arrange these domestic flights. There is a transfer service from the local airport to and from the boat. For charters using other departure ports we will assist you with information on how to get there.
Komodo: Blue Manta diving tours depart from Labuan Bajo or sometimes Maumere in Flores. Both flights and hotel bookings can be arranged by the operator. There is a minibus transfer service from the airport to and from the boat. For tours using other departure ports we will assist you with information on how to get there.
Ambon/Banda: Fly direct to Ambon from Jakarta (or from Sorong or Surabaya). Forgotten Islands: Fly direct to the port of Saumlaki (from Ambon connecting to Jakarta and Makassar). Alor & Flores: Fly direct to the port of Alor (direct from Bali), the port of Maumere (direct from Bali, or via Makassar from Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur.
Port departures are planned for 3 pm (or earlier if all the guests arrive beforehand), except Ambon (at 2 pm). For more details, including airlines, see our travel information section.
The last dive of the trip will be at around 12 noon on the second last day of the tour, then the Blue Manta returns to port during the late afternoon. Disembarkation is from 5 am til 12 noon. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving.

Non-diver rate: 10% off the published price.

Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travellers may choose to share a cabin (no guarantee of same gender sharing) or pay a supplement of 20% of the published diver's price for their own cabin. 6 single occupancy cabins are available per cruise (2 per deck).

Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 6 guests and 1 additional person can join the cruise in a lower deck cabin free of charge (total 7 or more guests).

Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 18 guests (based on price of Upper/main deck double/twin bed cabin) and 2 additional persons can join the cruise free of charge (total 20 guests). Pay for 23 guests (based on price of Upper/main deck double/twin bed cabin) and 3 additional persons can join free of charge (total 23 guests).

 

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