Blue Manta
The newly built Blue Manta is possibly the largest purpose-built dive vessel in Indonesia. Measuring 45m (148ft) by 9m (29ft), this steel hull vessel will only take 18 guests. She started operating in Indonesian waters in October 2015 offering 7 and 8 night dive cruises in Raja Ampat, Komodo and Alor and longer relocation trips including the Banda Sea, Ring of Fire, Triton Bay and the Forgotten Islands.
Accommodation & Facilities
Blue Manta accommodates up to 18 divers in 14 beautifully furnished double/twin ensuite cabins, each average 20sqm in size. 6 cabins are located on the upper deck with either double bed (4 cabins) or twin share beds (2 cabins) with window. On the main deck, there are 4 more cabins with window, which can be set up as either twin share or double with a double bed and a single bed. Below deck are 4 more twin share cabins with 2 single beds per cabin and port hole. All twin bed cabins have side by side beds. All cabins have private ensuite facilities with toilet, hot water shower and hand basin as well as air-conditioning, wardrobe, mirror, towels and bedding.
The vessel is air-conditioned throughout. There is an open outdoor alfresco dining area on the upper deck as well as an indoor dining area and spacious salon on the main deck. The main deck also houses the dive deck which offers ample room for everyone to gear up and an indoor dry camera room. Individual rinse tanks are available as well as a wide outdoor work table. The Blue Manta is equipped with camera-friendly facilities, designed for the most avid underwater photographers.
The onboard services include two masseuses (complimentary 30 minute massage per trip), housekeeping and laundry, as well as personal sea-safe tracking devices, radar, GPS, VHF radio, EPIRB. Beverages such as coffee, tea, drinking water and soft drinks are offered free of charge. Beers and wine are for sale. Meals on board are a blend of Indonesian, Thai and Western cuisine served buffet-style. With no less than 5 meals a day, you will be filled and satisfied with an extensive range of treats for your taste buds.
Electricity is 220V. All cabins have 3 pin and 2 pin sockets. The communal areas have mostly 3 pin but adaptors are available for 2 pin appliances. The camera room on the dive deck has direct access to two 3 pin power sockets.
Dive Service
There is a Nitrox membrane system, high-quality and well-maintained rental dive equipment, 12L and 15L aluminium tanks with international fittings (DIN adapters available), weights and a total of 3 compressors on board. There is also a 20,000L fresh water tank and two water makers which make 20 ton of fresh water per day. Three 6.5m dive tenders are used as chase boats. The 22 strong crew includes 2 western dive instructors and 4 local dive masters. The crew to diver ratio is generally 1:4.
Selected dive courses are available onboard: Nitrox, Advanced OW, PADI Wreck diver or digital photography.
On Blue Manta each diver is provided with a SeaSafe personal radio beacon system. This small transmitter is a "self-contained" and "stand-alone" tracking and location system, clipped to your BCD. If those currents washed you too far from the Blue Manta, a simple push of a button on the unit alerts the crew, so they can come and get you.
Dive regions
Komodo Discover some of Indonesia’s most bio-diverse and healthy reef systems; submerged pinnacles and stunning fringing coral reefs, Big Fish, adrenaline pumping currents, sharks, mantas & dolphins in crystal clear waters provide a sensory over load for first time visitors. Amazing Macro discoveries such as pygmy seahorses, frogfish and nudibranch galore provide secret delights for photography enthusiasts. Komodo really does have something for everyone, Including stunning scenery above and below the waves and a walk on the wild side with the worlds largest lizard, the infamous Komodo Dragon.
Raja Ampat or ‘Four Kings’ is a true divers paradise, a wonderland lost in time, incredible natural beauty dominates above and below the blue waters; steep jungle covered limestone islands, stunning white sand beaches, hidden lagoons, and dense mangrove forests combine to create over 9.8 million acres of National Park. Underwater more than 1000 types of reef fish, 540 types of corals, sharks, Rays, turtles, dolphins and even whales call the park their home. This is the holy grail of dive destinations, truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Ambon, Banda Sea & Forgotten Islands In-between our Komodo and Raja Ampat seasons, KM Blue Manta embarks upon once in a lifetime voyages across the Banda Sea, visiting the famed ‘Spice Islands’ to discover diving Nirvana in the ‘Ring of Fire’. This is diving as it was meant to be enjoyed, true exploration, away from the crowds, discovering dive sites that very few divers will get a chance to explore; discover unique and spectacular scenery both above and below the waves where volcanic activity has created a remote island paradise, only accessible to divers via live aboard. With our unmatched experience in this area, we can show you just what an incredible destination this is and take you to our ‘Hammer head hot spots’ where at certain times of the year schools of more than 200 Hammerheads have been witnessed. Besides the schools of Hammerhead sharks, you will find pristine coral reefs, unique local seaman in Alor, the great show of volcano eruption in Komba, tons of sea snakes in Manuk and a visit to the spice island in Banda Neira.
Itineraries
• Raja Ampat (Nov-Apr) 7 & 8 night trips around the very best of Raja Ampat & Misool
• Komodo (May-Sep) 8 night trips alternating start/finish between Bali & Labuan Bajo
• Crossing trips (Apr/Sep-Oct) to Maumere, Alor, Banda, Ring of Fire, Ambon, Forgotten Island, Triton Bay and more; all stunning beautiful both above & below the water
You should know...
Please bring enough cash to pay for any trip extras. Currencies accepted for payments are USD, Euro, Singapore Dollars and Indonesian Rupiah. Note: Bank notes must be in good order, not worn or torn and unmarked. Visa and Mastercard payments are also accepted and incur a 4.5% processing fee.
We think...
The boat is built for sea-worthiness. It is an ultimate dive vessel for long haul cruises and blue water crossing trips. She is dependable for comfort, convenience and a stress-free dive holiday.