Amira
MSV Amira offers dive cruises to the Komodo region with its unique underworld, incredible Alor & Wetar, the fabulous Banda Sea, the Forgotten Islands of Tanimbar, Triton Bay and to remote, extraordinary Raja Ampat, the global centre of marine biodiversity. The vessel has an overall length of 52m (170ft) and was built in Sulawesi in traditional Phinisi style. She is sailing the Indonesian Archipelago since December 2010.
Accommodation & Facilities
Amira features accommodation for max. 19 guests in 5 double cabins on the lower deck (14 m²), 1 single cabin on the lower deck (10 m²) and 4 double cabins on the upper deck (13 m²). All cabins have their own private shower and toilet facilities. All double cabins can be set up as either twin or double bed cabins.
The 4 upper deck cabins (21, 23, 24, 25) are air-conditioned and have several windows. The wheelhouse and the captain's quarters are also situated on the upper deck. A large sundeck with 120 m² offers and ideal place to sunbathe and relax.
On the main deck, a comfortable, covered lounge invites you to relax between dives. The restaurant offers seating for 20 guests, as well as a comfortable TV and lounge area. There is also a coffee corner with espresso/capucchino machine. The large front deck is equipped with deckchairs and a shade canopy for hot days.
The lower deck houses cabins 11 (single), 14, 15, 16, 17 and 19, a camera room and the dive deck with dive platform which is covered for the convenience of the guests (and easy entry to dinghies) - and a highlight on the vessel.
Dive service
A regular dive day on the Amira consists of usually four dives (3 during day time, 1 at night). Exceptions may occur (e.g. first and last day of a trip, crossings, and unfavorable weather conditions). An extensive dive briefing takes place on the nature of each dive site before heading out to sea with the three dinghies. Every dinghy is equipped with a radio transmission system, emergency oxygen tanks and each diver wears an ENOS (electronic emergency & location system) homing device. A carefully chosen and well trained dive guide is assigned to every group (4-5 divers). Nitrox (32%) and 15L tanks are available at additional cost. Two Poseidon Discovery MKVI are available for hire.
Every diver is assigned a personal space on the liberally designed and fully covered dive deck. The equipment remains mounted on the tank during the whole trip and will be filled on site. There are rinse tanks available, spaces to place cameras etc., and there is drinking water on deck. The camera room is spacious and easily accessible. The dive deck also features 2 showers and toilets.
Dive regions
Amira includes some of the best dive spots in Indonesia in her schedule. The breathtaking marine life in Indonesia's ocean makes this dive region a superior adventure for any experienced diver.
Some of Amira's visited dive destinations throughout the year are:
* Alor - Every spring and autumn during the adventure dive tour, dive sites on Alor and Flores, the snake island of Gunung Apu, Lucipara and Ambon will be visited. An extraordinary experience with many sea snakes and great muck diving.
* Banda Adventure - Muck diving in Ambon and dives in the Banda islands which are steeped in history, as well as the corals and macro creatures at Misool are the attractions of this area. These cruises are on offer twice a year in May and October.
* Ceram Sea - Underwater highlights of Misool and explorative diving in the north of Seram and west atolls of Halmahera
* East Halmahera
* Forgotten Islands
* Jewels of Indonesia
* Komodo - Komodo is surely Indonesia's most famous National Park. Besides a visit to the famous Komodo dragons during a land excursion, there are also numerous magnificent dive sites to be found in this area.
* Long adventure - A longer cruise with the highlights of diving in Raja Ampat (Kri as well as Misool), Triton Bay and the Banda-Sea (Koon and Ambon).
* Raja Ampat - West-Papua is without a doubt Indonesia's best dive area and one of the best dive destinations worldwide.
* Triton Bay
Trips have been carefully chosen, planned and designed taking into account the experienced crew’s recommendation, seasonal and weather patterns, and a desire to offer guests great diversity. Please email us for the itinerary you consider for your excursion.
You should know...
All onboard purchases (bar bill, Nitrox, etc.) have to be paid either in cash Indonesian Rupiah or with credit card (MC or Visa only). Only crew tipping can be paid in USD, Euro or CHF cash. For all other purchases, the crew can no longer accept any foreign cash currency as it is prohibited by a new Indonesian law.
Staying Connected
Many of the trips are in remote locations and mobile phone coverage or internet service are unavailable.
We think...
The service on board is excellent and the crew is friendly and goes out of their way to assist. The variety of excursions offered in all parts of Indonesia stands out. Amira is a great choice for those who want to explore various, very remote dive areas in this part of the world.
