Diving on the Blue Manta
From diving the pristine coral reefs in Raja Ampat, to cruising the ripping currents in Komodo, to taking your time on muck dives in Sulawesi, you’re in for a treat in Indonesia, home to 20% of the world’s coral reefs.
Blue Manta itineraries offer access to dive sites in Raja Ampat, Ambon, the Banda Sea, Komodo and the Forgotten Islands. Guests can look forward to not only world-class, vibrant corals, but also pinnacles, sheer walls, manta rays, and maybe even the rare dugong.
Take your pick from several different itineraries, depending on the season. Voyages range from seven nights with 22 dives to 11 nights with up to 38 dives. No matter the itinerary, you’ll visit some of the most remote and pristine places in Indonesia. Note that some destinations require a minimum number of logged dives or experience due to strong currents. Full rental equipment and nitrox are available at an additional charge.
All dives take place from three diving tenders, which accompany the main vessel and coordinate for diver pick-ups and drop-offs. This easy access means divers will always descend at the optimum drop point for each dive.
Highlights:
- Up to 38 dives per trip
- Wide range of marine life, including sharks, mantas, and micro-critters
- Lots of different dive itineraries
Onboard the Blue Manta
The Blue Manta has 14 beautifully furnished cabins, each measuring a spacious 215 square feet (20 m2). Each features an en-suite bathroom and individually controlled air-conditioning. Choose between twin single occupancy or double rooms, depending on your needs.
Six upper-deck cabins have windows; four cabins on the main deck also feature windows, and four below-deck cabins have portholes. Each cabin features ample storage space for luggage, daily fresh towels, tables, and power outlets with two- and three-pin sockets.
Spend dive intervals resting in the comfortable, air-conditioned main lounge, with a large-screen TV and DVD player. Via satellite and 24-hour Wi-Fi, you can always stay connected to friends and family back home. For those in search of extra pampering, massages are available at an extra cost courtesy of the liveaboard’s two resident masseuses.
Outside, the sundeck offers lounge chairs for sunbathing and a covered area for shade, perfect for relaxing in between dives on daybeds. Blue Manta also features an alfresco dining area, ideal for enjoying a meal with a view.
The dive deck is equipped with personal rinse tanks for each diver and a large work table for underwater cameras. There is also a dedicated indoor camera room with plenty of space, compressed air to dry gear, and charging stations to set up your camera equipment. There are five hot showers at the back of the boat, and while you’re warming up, the crew will rinse your equipment and ready it for the next dive.
Highlights:
- Five hot showers at the back of the boat
- On-board massage available
- Excellent underwater photography facilities
- Personal rinse tanks for each diver
Dining on the Blue Manta
The food aboard the Blue Manta will be one of the highlights of the trip, with three amazing chefs freshly preparing five meals a day. Your day begins with freshly baked breads and all meals include a blend of Western, Indonesian, and Thai-style cuisines.
Meals are served both buffet-style and a la carte, and chefs can cater to vegetarian and vegan guests with advance notice. The crew of the Blue Manta understands the need to stay fueled for your dives and provides snacks between meals to make sure no one goes hungry. Water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and snacks are included and alcohol can be purchased at the bar.
Highlights:
- Three onboard chefs
- Five meals a day to keep divers energized
- Fresh baked bread in the morning
