Pindito
MV Pindito offers luxury cruises to Komodo National park and West Papua (Raja Ampat), as well as relocation cruises via the Moluccas, the "spice islands" twice a year. Edi Frommenwiler, Pindito's Swiss skipper/owner is one of the dive pioneers in the Eastern Indonesian region. Edi has been cruising in Indonesian waters for more than 20 years and discovered many of the now famous dive sites in Raja Ampat, the Moluccas and Nusa Tengara.
Pindito's unmatched expertise, attention to detail and dedication to the Indonesian culture and way of live guarantees an unforgettable liveaboard experience. The crew is referred to as "The Pindito family" and yes they are like a family the warmth and friendlyness on board are special. Languages spoken on board are Bahasa, English and German. Although many passengers hail from German-speaking Europe, Pindito is popular amongst divers from all over the world.
Accommodation & Facilities
Pindito has the lines of a classic wooden schooner, built in traditional Indonesian Phinisi style. Pindito offers comfortable accommodation for up to 16 guests in 6 double cabins and 2 twin cabins. All cabins feature ensuite shower and toilet. The vanity is located separately in the cabin. All cabins have individually controlled air conditioning and five 220v AC electrical outlets.
Each of the twin bedded cabins features a single lower bed and upper single bunk. These cabins offer slighly more floor space than double cabins. Twin cabins are ideal for single guests — there is no surcharge for booking half a twin cabin, which will be shared with another guest.
Each double bed cabin has a double bed with a single upper bunk. This bunk can be removed according to guests’ preference. Some people prefer to keep the upper bunk to store personal items. However, you will be surprised, there is plenty of very practical storage space in each cabin! Fresh cabin and deck towels are provided regularly.
Diving service
Pindito schedules all diving in small groups and operates 3 zodiacs. 3-4 guided dives are offered per full dive day. You can also choose to dive in a buddy team only. The dive guides are excellent critter spotters, so taking part in guided dives is highly recommended. The crew carries all gear from the main boat into the dinghies, so all that guests need to do is to show up for the dive briefing!
There are 2 Bauer compressors onboard for forty 10-liter tanks with INT & DIN connections, as well as a Nitrox filling station. Nitrox is available for free for Nitrox certified divers. Pindito places great value on safety, therefore they introduced the Nautilus Lifeline (emergency and rescue system for divers) on their vessel. All divers are required to use a Nautilus Lifeline GPS when diving.
Rental equipment is limited on board Pindito. Pindito is equipped to provide rental BCDs, regulators, dive lights, and dive computers for four divers as well as two dive computers and two 15L tanks. Guests need to bring their own mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuits. As there is only limited rental equipment available, we recommed to make a reservation well in advance!
Four new MK VI Discovery rebreathers are also available, which can be rented by rebreather certified divers (rebreather courses with pre-registration are also possible).
Photographers and videographers will love the convenience and functionality of the Pindito's camera room, located aft of the Lounge on the Main Deck. They built the Camera Room with the needs of modern digital underwater photographers and videographers in mind. Here you will find plenty of storage space, professional-grade work areas, and both 220v and 110v AC charging stations at your disposal. Photo- and videographers may use onboard computer equipment to digitally process their footage, but they need to carry their own blank CD/ DVDs.
Dive areas
Komodo & Sunda islands The dive sites around Komodo are among the best in Indonesia. The strong currents create nutrient-rich waters, making the area very interesting for experienced divers. An incredible diversity and variety of reef structures can be found. Hard coral gardens, cliffs overgrown with soft corals, and particularly the slightly cooler water around Rinca guarantee an underwater world where every dive is different.
West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya) The waters surrounding West Papua offer enchanting coral gardens, cliffs and an extraordinarily diverse world of fish. Macro lovers will find this region a true paradise. Pygmy seahorses, frogfish, blue ribbon eels and an incredible variety of nudibranchs are just a few creatures of this special little world. The dive sites also provide encounters with big fish and the island of Manokwari has numerous shipwrecks worth exploring. The reefs in Sorong, Waigeo and Misool are spectacular. Current diving is excellent here. Highlights include manta rays and a fascinating macro paradise.
We think...
Pindito is one of the very best liveaboards in Indonesia and an excellent choice for divers looking for great service and the most knowledgeable dive guides. The Pindito has the longest serving crew who accumulates altogether 100 years of experience in Indonesian waters!
