Living aboard Dewi Nusantara is as close to a five-star experience as is possible in the faraway corners of the Indonesian archipelago.
With an overall length of 57 meters, the three-masted topsail schooner moves with grace and stability that only larger sailing vessels can offer. There are eight spacious air-conditioned staterooms, that can be adapted to either twin or double use, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The master and commanders’ cabin aft is the size of a large hotel suite.
With her state-of-the-art diving equipment, Dewi Nusantara has become the ultimate liveaboard diving platform in Indonesia. Her discreet and attentive Indonesian crew of fifteen is complemented by three dive-masters who all have a long experience in the area.
Staterooms: The lower deck is the main cabin area with four staterooms on the port side and four on the starboard. These air-conditioned staterooms are all individually designed and are adaptable for either twin or double use. Each has its own en-suite bathroom, reading lights, desk and chair, 220V power points and hanging storage for clothing. Each stateroom has a floor space of 20 square meters while the bathroom is 5 by 1,50m. There is ample additional storage for all personal belongings.
Master Cabin: The Master and Commanders’ Suite in the aft quarters of the main deck takes you back to the era of Captain Cook and is a marvel of design and comfort. It occupies the full width of the vessel and from the stern, it has a 180-degree view of the ocean behind the ship.
Breakfast (cooked to order), buffet lunch, and an elegant meal at dinner with tableside service are served daily in addition to fresh mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. Meals prepared by their onboard chef consist of an international mix with a local flair. Beverages (non-alcoholic and local beer) are complimentary while onboard.
Dewi Nusantara offers up to four dives per day, including a night dive. On the last dive day, there will be 2 dives (weather and sea conditions permitting).
With more species of coral and marine life than anywhere else on earth, the seas of the Indonesian archipelago lead the world when it comes to marine life biodiversity and their itineraries visit two of the country’s most spectacular areas.
Raja Ampat is a year-round diving destination and there is no real rainy season like that found in other areas of Indonesia. A light wetsuit is necessary, though some people choose more thermal protection (a 3mm suit) to ensure continued core warmth throughout their visit.
Redefining the concept of liveaboards. Small groups of 10-12 guests receiving personalized service on built-for-the-purpose, traditional wooden schooners with a dive guide to guest ratio of 3 to 1 and the most varied travel itineraries in the diving industry in the world’s best diving location. They started what will become the industry standard!
Their vessels have been specifically designed for cruising and diving in the tropical waters of Indonesia, with passenger well-being always their top priority. Equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment, the Dive Damai fleet sets a new standard for safety as well as comfort, service and passenger amenities. Of course, even the best ship is only as good as her crew, and this is another area where Dive Damai shines. Every trip is managed by highly qualified and experienced western cruise directors, complimented by their ever-helpful Indonesian crew, all of whom are dedicated to making your diving holiday the trip of a lifetime.
Take a Tour click here
The MSY Damai was built in Tanjung Bira, South Sulawesi, by Pak Hadji Baso, the most prestigious builder in the area. The collaboration of traditional skills and experience with the years of experience in the Indonesian liveaboard diving industry has created a remarkable vessel.
The MSY Damai has been designed to offer a personal service that only a vessel of this size and that is dedicated to small groups can provide. With an overall length of over 40 meters (130 feet) and a beam of over 8 meters (26 feet), the vessel has four staterooms measuring over 30 m (300 sq. ft) each with a queen-sized bed for single occupants and king-sized for couples, separate heads and en-suite bathrooms. Specifically designed for divers the vessel offers a large dive station with individual rinse tanks and a camera room with separated camera work stations with integrated 110v and 220v charging station for each customer.
The vessel is the first in Indonesia to offer a divemaster/guide to customer ratio of 4 to 1 ensuring the best service underwater as well as onboard. The vessel has been designed with three large deck areas for relaxing either in the sun or shade. You can enjoy the all-inclusive service onboard where even spa therapy is included in the price of a cruise.
Ambon – Sorong (11 night trip)
The vessel is the first in Indonesia to offer a divemaster/guide to customer ratio of 4 to 1 ensuring the best service underwater as well as onboard. The vessel has been designed with three large deck areas for relaxing either in the sun or shade. You can enjoy the all-inclusive service onboard where even spa therapy is included in the price of a cruise.
The vessel is the first in Indonesia to offer a divemaster/guide to customer ratio of 4 to 1 ensuring the best service underwater as well as onboard. The vessel has been designed with three large deck areas for relaxing either in the sun or shade. You can enjoy the all-inclusive service onboard where even spa therapy is included in the price of a cruise.
Below are some available liveaboard trips in Indonesia with the fantastic boat, Dive Damai I.
Redefining the concept of liveaboards. Small groups of 10-12 guests receiving personalized service on built-for-the-purpose, traditional wooden schooners with a dive guide to guest ratio of 3 to 1 and the most varied travel itineraries in the diving industry in the world’s best diving location. They started what will become the industry standard!
Their vessels have been specifically designed for cruising and diving in the tropical waters of Indonesia, with passenger well-being always their top priority. Equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment, the Dive Damai fleet sets a new standard for safety as well as comfort, service and passenger amenities. Of course, even the best ship is only as good as her crew, and this is another area where Dive Damai shines. Every trip is managed by highly qualified and experienced western cruise directors, complimented by their ever-helpful Indonesian crew, all of whom are dedicated to making your diving holiday the trip of a lifetime.
Take a Tour click here
Dive Damai’s newest vessel: MSY Damai II, was constructed in Tanjung Bira, South Sulawesi, by Pak Hadji Baso. Pak Hadji Baso is one of the most respected master boat builders in the traditional Indonesian boat building community of Bira and was the builder of Dive Damai’s first vessel, MSY Damai I.
MSY Damai II has a deck length of 40 meters and a beam of 9 meters at its widest point. It is being built to an uncompromising standard and fitted out with all the latest diving, navigation and safety equipment to ensure that the level of service appreciated on their first vessel is maintained and, where possible, improved upon.
Boasting three generators, water makers, plenty of fuel and fresh water storage and a centralized marine air-conditioner, the vessel will feature two double-bed stern staterooms and four below deck cabins.
The below deck accommodation has been designed to accommodate single occupants in a level of luxury not seen on another vessel in Indonesia. each cabin boasts a private shower and separate head with a queen-size bed and a separate day bed, the cabins measure approximately 17.5 m (225 sq.ft) each and will be finished with the highest quality furnishings. They are intended for single occupancy at no extra charge for this service to the customer.
The new vessel is slightly larger than the first ensuring three large outside deck areas with an outside dining facility, our famous massage and spa treatment area and plenty of extra lounging and sunbathing space. The stern staterooms are over 400 sq.ft each and boast their own private deck with loungers, a super-king size bed, day beds, two desks and separate shower and head. The crew to passenger ratio will be the same as our first vessel and we hope the new systems will ensure an even more enjoyable cruise for both returning and new guests.
The dive systems have been made even more accommodating on the new vessel. The dive station is larger and is served by large rinse tanks. The camera room has been enlarged also. the 3 diver to 1 guide ratio that our customers enjoy so much on the MSY Damai I has, of course, been maintained and we have added 3 custom designed high speed tender boats.
Diving a la Carte is a new concept created by Dive Damai and directed to give the ultimate personal service. When logistics are permitting, Dive Damai allows you to dive where and when you wish. They do not set dive time limits, or tell you that you cannot re-dive a dive site.
MV FeBrina, together with skipper/owner Alan Raabe, has been working in Papua New Guinea waters since 1991 when the vessel arrived at Walindi Resort. The quality diving experience MV FeBrina offers can be quantified by the high number of repeat clientele she enjoys.
FeBrina cruises from her home port, Walindi Plantation Resort, visiting areas further afield such as Witu Islands, Fathers Reefs, South Coast New Britain and Rabaul. FeBrina’s signature itinerary is Kimbe Bay, Witu Islands and Father Reefs which is offered in April, May and June, September, October and November.
During July and August, FeBrina operates mid year itineraries, diving Kimbe Bay, Fathers Reefs and Lolobau Island. Selected mid year itineraries travel from Walindi to Rabaul and return. January, February and March see FeBrina exploring the Southern Coast of New Britain, based out of Rabaul. On selected itineraries during the year, the boat also visits the New Hanover area up towards Kavieng.
FeBrina is a very comfortable and stable vessel, offering seven, roomy, air conditioned cabins, all with ensuite facilities, in a combination of double, twin and single configurations for a maximum of 12 divers. The cabins have been custom built to include plenty of storage area and make maximum use of space available. Bathroom facilities all have regular flush toilets. The well laid out dive deck and water level duck board make your diving a breeze. With permanent moorings on most dive sites, your gear all set up and ready for you and an attentive dive crew on hand to assist with camera gear, diving couldn’t be easier.
A continental breakfast (cereal/toast/fruit/coffee/juice) is available from 5:30 AM. A hot breakfast is served after the first dive. Just take a seat and a stewardess will take your breakfast order. Lunch is served buffet style at approximately 1:00 PM after the third dive. Dinner is served as a sit down meal at 8:00 PM after the night dive, or at 7:00 PM if there is no night dive. Morning tea is also served during the morning and pre-dinner snacks are served late afternoon/early evening.
Papua New Guinea is located in the coral triangle, the center of marine biodiversity which has the highest diversity of tropical fish and coral in the world. The waters of New Britain are home to prolific and diverse marine creatures and corals. Pristine and colorful corals are home to a variety of fish, crustacean and invertebrate life. many of the reefs have resident schools of barracuda, tuna and jacks. A range of shark species are regularly sighted, including hammerheads and silvertips, particularly on the offshore reefs.
Visibility in all areas range from 80-150 feet, depending on the season. Water temperatures range between 85 and 90 F. Weather is tropical with little seasonal variation.
Diving will start on the morning after departure. In general, the dive day will start at 6:30 AM. Usual dive times are 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM (three dives before lunch), then an afternoon dive at 3:30 PM and if the boat is not steaming, a night dive before dinner at 6:30 PM.
Itineraries currently offered are:
– North Coast New Britain Itineraries
– South Coast New Britain Itineraries
With over 25 years experience, the MV Pindito is the pioneer of liveaboard diving in Indonesia. Lovingly built to the highest standard, by owner Edi Frommenwiler, and meticulously maintained, Pindito continues to set the standard with her thoughtfully laid out floor plan and smooth sailing. In continuous operation since 1992, the MV Pindito’s crew is unmatched for its diving knowledge and experience in Indonesia. The MV Pindito launched operations in the Banda Sea and quickly expanded her routes to include Raja Ampat, Komodo, Ambon, Alor and many places in between.
Relax in the luxury of their teakwood-paneled cabins. Each 10′ x 10′ cabin is named after a mystical Indonesian island and, depending on your reservation, is appointed either with a twin bed plus an upper bunk or with a spacious double bed…your choice. All cabins feature newly renovated (June 2017) ensuite with hot and cold running water (vanity and shower as well as toilet), individually controlled air conditioning and five 220v AC electrical outlets (German 2-pole plugs), available 24 hours a day. Our crew is devoted to your comfort and will attend to your cabin daily, keeping it clean and tidy and providing fresh towels as necessary. Additional towels are available for you on deck as needed. Pindito offers six double cabins and two twin cabins, creating very comfortable accommodations for up to 16 guests.
Double bed cabins
All double cabins feature individually controlled air conditioning, as well as newly renovated (June 2017) ensuite, appointed with a shower, washbasin and toilet. They will happily add an upper bunk to accommodate a family with one child or two people who just want an extra surface on which to place their gear.
Twin bed cabins
The twin bedded cabins “Ambon” and “Aru” are named after the islands in the Maluku region. Our cabins with one twin bed and a bunk offer more floor space than double cabins. Twin cabins are ideal for single guests — there is no surcharge for booking half a twin cabin. Twin cabins also have newly renovated (June 2017) ensuite, appointed with a shower, washbasin, and toilet.
The Lounge is the place where everybody meets for meals, shares photos and videos between dives, and socializes. A satellite phone and Email access are 24h available (an extra fee is charged on board). Also, you can enjoy a variety of music and new video releases here, and feel free to plug in your laptop, camcorder or DSLR to view your images on our big screen TV. The Pindito also offers an extensive library to learn about the reefs and fishes you’ve seen on dives in our Marine Life Library, or curl up with a book between dives. Novels are available on a “take one/leave one” basis.
Meet and prepare for your upcoming dive on the Pindito‘s Dive Deck. Take a freshwater shower after the dive, trick-out your dive gear, get help from dive staff, and just hang out before and after dives on the sun deck. A Persenning offers shade during hot days. Sunbeds are available for all guests.
The dive deck offers enough space for all divers. Each guest receives his own box where he can store his dive gear. On the front of the ship are some hangers where you can hang up your wet gear. For cleaning your gear there are 2 big rinse water tanks available. For photo- and videographers there is a camera-only rinse tank.
There is no better place to take a rest and enjoy the view than from our sun deck. Recently renovated and expanded in June 2017, this is a huge space with sun loungers where you can get some sun, or hide from it, and watch the world go by. This area is especially perfect for watching the beautiful sunrises and sunsets over Indonesia. Another highlight not to be missed is relaxing under the stars with an unimpeded view of the night sky.
If you want to have a special view during the cruise guests have the opportunity to sit on the bow of the ship. Many memorable sunset pictures were made from this outlook.
Once you’ve enjoyed a pre-dive continental breakfast you can meet our dive guides on the dive deck. Here you will be given a detailed briefing and shown a graphical representation of the dive site. While you are preparing for your dive, the crew will transfer your gear to the 3 Zodiacs. We load a maximum compliment of 6 divers on each Zodiac (small group diving protects the reef!). There is no need for you to haul your own heavy gear; just climb into the Zodiac and your gear will be waiting for you there. Further, once you explain the particulars of your camera system to your guides – they will make sure that it is delivered to your Zodiac with care and consideration.
After a comfortable, short ride, we’ll be ready to dive. If you have back issues, the crew is happy to help you on and off with your tank while you are in the water. For your safety and peace of mind, our well-trained Zodiac drivers will accompany you from a safe and prudent distance during your entire dive. While underwater you can join the guide for a special tour or just do your own thing. The primary focus of our Pindito diving instructors and dive guides is to look after your safety and comfort, they’ll keep always an eye out for your safety.
After the dive, refreshments will be waiting for you aboard Pindito. Kick back and chat about your diving experiences and sip a cool beverage while screening a video and sharing photos of your dive.
Typically, we schedule four dives a day depending on cruising and weather conditions:
Pindito’s crew is all about safety and service, and with seventeen crewmembers aboard to serve you, you can look forward to diving with the greatest of ease.
Diving from a liveaboard is the greatest way to enjoy the amazing underwater world from the Indonesian archipelago to the waters of Caribbean. What are you waiting for – Start Diving Your Dreams!