The gateway to the Coral Triangle’s richest reefs opens affordably aboard the SMY Shakti liveaboard. This British-owned and operated Phinisi sailing motor yacht provides one of the most accessible ways to explore West Papua's phenomenal marine diversity. With Captain Dave, a long-time local resident, at the helm, guests gain the confidence that comes from experienced, intimate guidance in the region he has long called home.
The vessel holds a unique status in the region as the only liveaboard permanently based in the West Papua Province diving area. Operating year-round out of Sorong, the Shakti has earned a solid reputation for running dive trips that are both thoroughly enjoyable and expertly organised. The atmosphere is intentionally personal, hosting a comfortable maximum of only 12 guests in a traditional setting.
Diving from the Shakti liveaboard represents authentic frontier diving, conducted exclusively in small, uncrowded groups. This extremely low diver-to-guest ratio is a major advantage when navigating the area's complex, current-driven ecosystems. While retaining its classic Phinisi design, the Shakti maintains essential comfort and stability, proving that exceptional value need not require operational compromise.
The experience prioritises time underwater above all else. Shakti's daily schedule typically includes 3 to 4 dives, encompassing night dives, allowing guests to achieve full immersion in the world-class Raja Ampat reefs. While onboard, guests are sustained by fresh, buffet-style meals, combining international cuisine with traditional Indonesian dishes, ensuring every diver is suitably fuelled for the intensive itinerary.
Shakti successfully blends traditional character with the practical necessities of a dedicated diving operation. Its focus is squarely on maximising the time spent underwater and providing a clear, value-for-money experience in a highly desirable location. This dedicated approach confirms the Shakti liveaboard is fast becoming recognised as the best value option to explore this paradise location.
Due to the intimate size and excellent operational track record, the Shakti is highly popular for full-boat charter bookings. Prospective individual guests or groups should plan well in advance to secure their space on one of these sought-after diving cruises exploring the amazing Raja Ampat region.
There are 2 double bed cabins on the main deck with seaview windows, and 4 double or twin bed cabins on the lower deck. All cabins have air-conditioning.
All the cabins have:
- Polished teak finishings
- Individually controlled air conditioning and fan
- Seaview windows or skylight hatches
- Reading lights
- Round twin plug 220V mains outlet - 24 hours per day - adaptors are available
- Bedding and towel
- Life jackets
- Cupboard for storing clothes
No. of bathrooms / showers - 3 / 3 - cold water
[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 thrill of Indonesian diving is superbly managed on the Shakti liveaboard, where a routine of 3 to 4 dives a day is expertly supported by high-quality hospitality and generous food service. This 32-meter vessel typically runs 8-10 day cruises, with the experienced crew focusing on maximising encounters in Raja Ampat's vibrant waters.
Your day on the Shakti begins between 6 am and 7 am with a light pre-dive breakfast of coffee, toast, and fruit before your sunrise dive. A full, hearty breakfast follows the first immersion, after which the second dive is scheduled. Lunch, which is a substantial buffet, precedes the third dive in the afternoon. The chef creates meals with a distinctly Indonesian flavour, taking advantage of the exceptional local produce, fish, and seafood, while offering options that are a mix of Western and Asian cuisine. Meals are served buffet-style, either in the salon or open-air, where guests choose from two main dishes accompanied by salad and rice.
Following the third dive, the mid-afternoon includes an available snack and time for relaxing, perhaps through kayaking or visiting a secluded island. Fresh exotic fruits, juices, and snacks are always available, free of charge, alongside coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water. The optional night dive takes place before dinner, allowing for socialising and unwinding, perhaps while stargazing on the top deck or reviewing photos. Dinner concludes the day, featuring Western and local Indonesian dishes that may be tailored to suit individual tastes. Soft drinks and beer are available for purchase. All dietary requirements can be catered for by Shakti if you send your needs in advance.
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I also wanted to say that the Shakti, its skipper and staff, were fantastic. They run a very unique operation based on real in-depth knowledge and care for the area of Raja Ampat, a passion for the sea and its creatures, safe but not restrictive diving, and genuine care for their guests and our experience. Our cruise in their care was beyond anything I would have expected ... and I expected a lot! The area will be under increased pressure from dive trips, tourism and exploitation of natural resources so to be there with a team that has spent such a long time there and can respond immediately to weather/sea conditions, other boats and activities, to find the secluded spots with amazing dive sites, makes us feel very privileged. The food was brilliant, cabins lovely, and the boat well maintained and homely. 10 divers is just the right amount!" -
Hanna Slatten, Sweden, 10 December 2010 ...
"
Dave and Din were always calm, personable, interested, informative, and attentive. The food was excellent, the boat crews were very conscientious and knowledgeable, and the crew behind the scenes kept everything in order. Highly recommend if one is looking for adventure and awesome diving!!!!" -
Linda Lacey, USA, 17 April 2010 ...
"
They kindly organized my domestic flights within indonesia, Dave really knows the best dive sites and can predict currents very accurate, food was great and plentiful, I had my own cabin and not even got seasick." -
Katja Gurtner, Switzerland, 13 June 2006 ...
