If diving the waters off Indonesia has been on your bucket list, the folks at Explorer Ventures recently added two ships to the company’s fleet of liveaboards.
The M/V Blue Manta Explorer and the M/V Raja Manta Explorer are now being offered by Explorer Ventures to tour the Indonesian archipelago via a new partnership with White Manta Diving.
The M/V Blue Manta Explorer (pictured above) will be able to do trips through Ambon, Banda, the Forgotten Islands, Komodo and Raja Ampat. The 20-crewmember ship can accommodate 18 to 22 guests, depending on the charter, and measures 45 meters (148 feet) long. It sports 14 ensuite cabins situated over three decks. If you’re a single diver and prefer your privacy, you’ll pay a 10 percent single supplement.
There are both open-air and indoor air-conditioned dining areas to enjoy meals prepared by the ship’s three chefs. On the main deck, the salon features a plasma TV, DVD and media server. The dive deck has individual rinse tanks and a good-sized camera room.
The 37-meter (121-foot) Raja Manta Explorer underwent a major makeover in 2016, and is offering trips through Ambon, Banda, Sangalaki and Raja Ampat. Sporting a crew of 18, the Raja Manta Explorer features eight ensuite cabins and three shared-facility cabins, accommodating up to 22 guests. The dive deck has designated rinse tanks for cameras, worktables and charging stations.
The outdoor dining area is where you’ll get the three meals prepared daily by the vessel’s Thai chef, who blends Western and Asian cuisine. The indoor salon sports a digital media center, sound system and widescreen plasma TV.
The addition of the two new ships expands the Explorer Ventures liveaboard fleet to eight vessels operating in six destinations including the Northeastern Caribbean (Saba/St. Kitts), the Turks & Caicos Islands, the Galapagos Islands, the Maldives and the Indonesia Archipelago.
For more info, including pricing, dates and all that other fun stuff, check out the Explorer Ventures website at explorerventures.com.
