Tarata is part of the fleet of the Indonesian based Grand Komodo Fleet. The boat was built in traditional Indonesian style. It is 24m (79ft) long and 5m (16ft) wide. The vessel cruises regularly from Labuan Bajo for 7 night excursions to Komodo National Park.
Accommodation & Facilities
The ship has 6 cabins for a maximum of 12 guests. All cabins are equipped with individually adjustable air-conditioning and private bathroom with shower and toilet. There are two double bed cabins and four cabins with two single beds. The power supply is 220V. The power outlet is European with two round pronged plug.
Meals are served in the air conditioned salon. Tarata has s partially covered sun deck and a small dive deck. The meals on board are plenty and very delicious. Guests are generally impressed by the attentive crew. Their friendly and helpful manner makes it easy to overlook the occasional communication problem. Trips to Komodo always include a land excursion to see the Komodo dragons in their natural environment.
Coffee, tea and drinking water are included in the cruise cost. Guests can purchase beer and soft drinks onboard: Beer IDR 30.000, Soft drink IDR 20.000. Wine, liquor and other alcoholic beverages are not available. Divers are not allowed to bring their own alcohol onboard. Incidentals can be paid in cash only (IDR or USD).
Dive Service
There is always a local dive guide on board who is familiar with the waters of the area. The dive operation is of top quality, safe and very customer focused. Tarata offers up to 4 dives per full day. Daily dive schedule: 7.00am morning dive, 11.00am 2nd dive, 3.00pm 3rd dive, 7.00pm night dive. Generally the dives start from the main vessel and divers are picked up with the dive tender.
Divers should bring your own dive gear incl. dive computer, reef hook and dive light. Dive gear rental on board is limited and must be pre-arranged. In order to join a Grand Komodo Fleet cruise divers must have at least 50 logged dives.
Dive areas
Komodo & Sunda Islands The dive sites around Komodo belong to the best in Indonesia. Strong currents provide ample nourishment. The dive sites offer an incredible diversity and a variety of reef structures. Amazing hard coral gardens, sheer cliffs densely populated by soft coral and especially the slightly cooler waters around Rinca offer an underwater world that is different with every visit.
The dive sites of Komodo and Alor are very demanding. Guests should be experienced divers.
Grand Komodo Tours
The Indonesian company is specialized in dive cruises. They offer a variety of cruises all over Indonesia on their five dive vessels. Every year they add new dive sites and cruises. Many of these cruises still display expedition character as they head for areas which are hardly ever explored. Anyone looking for adventure is in the right place. The boats Nusa Tara, Putri Papua, Raja Ampat Explorer, Tarata & Temu Kira are used as required.
We think...
Grand Komodo Tours have been offering these cruises very successfully for some years. We know of no other dive vessels who offer such outstanding diving for so little money. Customer satisfaction is very high and many divers are loyal repeat visitors. The slightly lower comfort level of the boats compared with the newer vessels is compensated by the lovely atmosphere.
