Jaya Liveaboard Overview

Explore an underwater paradise in Raja Ampat, with its vast expanse boasting 1,000 fish species, 260 coral species, and 70 sponge species. Diving in Komodo offers thrilling encounters with both ripping currents and captivating marine biodiversity.

In Alor, serene waters reveal rare and vibrant marine habitats, contrasting with Ambon’s allure, found in its uncharted corners. Finally, the Banda Sea mesmerizes with captivating scenes of hammerhead sharks schooling gracefully.

Built in 1999, the Jaya is the expedition vessel of Scuba Republic, which owns a fleet of budget-friendly liveaboards in Indonesia, including the Bajak, Busy Girl, and Epica. Jaya moves seasonally between Komodo and Raja Ampat, and does long-range expeditions with its faithful captain, who has been running the boat since the beginning.

The 75-foot (23 m) vessel can accommodate up to 14 guests in seven comfortable cabins. Over the years it has undertaken no less than 30 expeditions, covering over 40,000 nautical miles—that’s almost twice around the globe.

Keep reading as we dive into our review of Jaya.

Where to book

The Jaya phinisi liveaboard anchored near a forested tropical shoreline

PADI TravelSecure online booking Liveaboard.comNo booking fees Divebooker.comFree DAN insurance

Diving on Jaya liveaboard

Diver watching a large manta ray glide overhead in blue water

Harlequin shrimp perched on coral rubble underwater

Dive deck of the Jaya liveaboard loaded with tanks, gear crates and equipment

Leaf scorpionfish resting on green coral on a Jaya dive site

Large pufferfish swimming over a reef with divers in the background haze

Indonesia’s diving gems like Raja Ampat, Komodo, Ambon, Alor, and the Banda Sea showcase stunning drift and wall dives adorned with vibrant coral gardens. Raja Ampat and Komodo offer rich marine biodiversity with thrilling encounters, including majestic mantas.

Ambon entices with unique critters amidst stunning coral formations, while Alor’s volcanic landscapes boast untouched reefs and pelagic sightings. The Banda Sea dazzles divers with vibrant corals and abundant marine life, featuring spectacular wall dives and majestic pelagics in the blue.

You’ll have access to it all on the Jaya liveaboard, which offers dive trips to Raja Ampat from November to May and Komodo from late June to late September. Trips to Raja Ampat, acclaimed for its unparalleled marine biodiversity, feature approximately 19 to 22 dives across seven to nine days.

For those enticed by Komodo’s allure, the 5-night trip with 14 dives aboard the Jaya navigates the central and northern regions of the national park.

Expedition trips to Ambon, Banda, and Alor offer a unique and adventurous dive experience. With an emphasis on embracing the unexpected, these expeditions differ from the regular trips.

Longer in duration and covering diverse regions, these journeys explore uncharted territories and dive sites rarely visited before. Dive explorations are a significant part of these expeditions.

Geared toward seasoned divers with a penchant for exploration, these trips cater to adventurous spirits willing to adapt to changes in remote areas. However, it’s crucial to note that these remote locations may lack immediate medical facilities.

Good health, experience underwater, and flexibility are all necessary for a truly enriching and successful trip. The dive expeditions are not on a fixed yearly schedule, but are announced once the ship’s operators have decided on a new adventure.

The Jaya maximizes diving experiences by using tenders, ensuring convenient access to premier dive sites. Tenders are also used for land excursions.

Familiarity with navigating currents can be advantageous during the trips, but for less-seasoned divers, there are onboard instructors available. Dive leaders will also put groups together based on experience levels to ensure a comfortable and safe diving experience.

Dive computers and dive insurance are mandatory for all guests. Rental gear, including computers, is available for an extra charge.

Highlights:

4:1 diver-to-guide ratio
Up to 30 dives per trip
Marine life including mola mola, turtles, sharks and mantas

Onboard Jaya

Blue bean bags laid out on the Jaya's bow deck under a sailboat rig

Wooden bunk cabin aboard the Jaya with towels folded on the lower berth

Indoor dining tables and benches set with life jackets hanging above on the Jaya

Teal bean bags and cushions arranged on the Jaya's sundeck at sunset with an island backdrop

Jaya’s standout feature lies in its meticulous design, inspired by the traditional construction methods of the Bugis people from South Sulawesi. Below deck, it features seven cabins capable of accommodating up to 14 guests.

Cabins include four twin cabins with shared bathrooms and three double rooms, some of which feature ensuite facilities, as well as shampoo and soap. All cabins feature air conditioning and power sockets.

The upper deck offers shaded spaces, perfect for relaxing between dives and soaking in the mesmerizing views. This area serves as an ideal spot for various activities, from casual dining to engaging in games or logbook sessions with the team. The sundeck is furnished with beanbags, providing a comfortable spot for guests to bask in the sun or stargaze at night.

The dive deck features tank spaces around the edge, gear bins for storing fins and masks, hanging areas for wetsuits, and freshwater containers for torches and cameras.

Highlights:

Traditional phinisi experience
AC in rooms
Separate rinse tank for torches and cameras

Dining onboard Jaya

U-shaped wooden bench seating around tables on the Jaya's stern deck

Covered dining and lounge deck of the Jaya with tables, benches and a drinks fridge

The dining experience on the Jaya liveaboard features buffet-style meals with a blend of local delicacies and familiar Western dishes. The boat is happy to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, if individual needs are communicated during the booking process.

Each day, guests are treated to three hearty meals accompanied by refreshing fruits and light snacks. Drinking water, tea, and coffee are complimentary throughout the day. Bintang beer and soft drinks are available for purchase, although guests can also bring their own alcoholic beverages aboard.