Raja Ampat Explorer
The MV Raja Ampat Explorer is the largest vessel in the Grand Komodo Fleet. The schooner was built in traditional Indonesian design and is 33.5m long (110ft) and 7.5m wide (25ft). The vessel offers excursions in Raja Ampat, Triton Bay and the Moluccas.
Accommodation
The liveaboard comfortably accommodates 14 guests in 7 cabins. All cabins are equipped with individually controlled air conditioning and a private bathroom. On the upper deck, there is a double bed cabin and a twin bed cabin. The lower deck contains 5 cabins: 1 double bed cabin and 4 cabins with twin beds each.
Facilities
A partly shaded dive deck and sun deck is perfect for relaxation. Guests are well looked after by the hospitable Indonesian crew. Language barriers are not a problem due to the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Delicious food is served in an air-conditioned lounge, where guests can also use a TV and special camera tables. The Raja Ampat Explorer has excellent technical equipment and a dinghy. Power supply is 220 volts. The power outlet is European with two round pronged plug.
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
The Indonesian dive guides on board are well-trained and know the waters well. The dive operation is good and can be tailored to suit customer needs. Up to 4 dives are offered per full dive day. Daily dive schedule: 7.00am morning dive, 11.00am 2nd dive, 3.00pm 3rd dive, 7.00pm night dive. In general, dives commence from the main vessel and divers are picked up by dinghy at the end of dives.
The boat uses a membrane system to produce Nitrox. Nitrox is available to Nitrox certified divers free of charge. However, due to limited power supply on board, they can only provide Nitrox for max. 9 divers.
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
Raja Ampat Explorerer visits different regions in Indonesia during the best times of the year for each area. This should provide the optimal dive experience. In most of Indonesia water temperatures are between 27C (81F) and 30C (86F) all year round. In the south of Komodo, it is cooler. A 5 mm (1/5 inch) semi-dry is recommended for this region.
Raja Ampat The waters surrounding Raja Ampat 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 reef in Sorong, Waigeo and Misool is spectacular. Current diving is excellent here. Highlights include manta rays and a fascinating macro paradise.
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...
The Raja Ampat Explorer is a comfortable ship with great service. A good choice for a dive excursion in Indonesia.
