Komodo, Raja Ampat, Sunda, Forgotten Islands & Banda Sea
The Senja Liveaboard is a 31m traditional Phinisi designed to cater to couples and small families, offering guests an intimate experience as they explore the Indonesian seas.
The Master Cabin, located on the main deck, offers a private living room, air-conditioning, and an ensuite bathroom.
Additional Cabin
The Additional Cabin on the lower deck features convertible twin beds, air-conditioning, and a private ensuite.
Features & facilities
Boat features & facilities
Comfortable sundeck with 360views
Yoga mats
Sound system
Fine food
Espresso machine
Snorkeling equipment
Dive gear and compressor
2 tender boats
2 sea kayaks
First aid kit
Dive features & facilities
Hot water shower
The Senja Liveaboard is a 31m traditional Phinisi designed to cater to couples and small families, offering guests an intimate experience as they explore the Indonesian seas. Built in 2020, the liveaboard features a unique open layout and can comfortably accommodate up to 4 guests.
Dive Overview
Scuba diving in Indonesia is simply a must for any avid diver. Hosting over25% of the worlds fish species, as well as over 72% of the worldwide coral species, Indonesia is often cited as the world's epicenter of biodiversity with the greatest marine life variety ever recorded on earth, alongside the Philippinesand a small number of other Coral Triangle destinations.
Diving in Raja Ampat is characterized by its mindblowing diversity, featuring a plethora ofmedium to large size fish, good macro, and great hard and soft coral reefs, along with some muck and mangrove sites. The water temperatures hover at around 89F (31C) year-round--so warm that a wetsuit is hardly needed. The archipelago's topside scenery is also stunning.
The Senja Liveaboard is designed to cater to couples or a small family. Up to 4 guests can be comfortably accommdated on the Master Cabin and the Additional Cabin. The Master Cabin is located on the Main Deck and features its own private living room. The Additonal Cabin is located on the Lower Deck and are outfitted with twin beds which can be converted into a king size bed. All cabins come complete with air-conditioning and an ensuite bathroom.
Dive Information
9D & 8N To Komodo
Komodo Liveaboards is an adventure filled with memorable diving and snorkeling sites with a plethora of undersea flora and fauna, walking trails for fantastic viewpoints as well as the opportunity to witness the grace of Manta Rays. Glide with sharks and observe the largest lizards on the planet in their savannah like landscape. Some dive sites like Castle Rock, Golden Passage, Batu Bolong are considered some of the best in the world.
DAY 1 Sebayor island
Get picked up in style at your hotel or airport, preferably in the morning. Komodo liveaboards will cruise west and enjoy the beach, snorkeling, or diving on Bidadari or Sebayur Kecil Island. These islands offer a calm environment but boast a lively coral reef for divers and snorkelers. Enjoy a first gorgeous sunset with a drink on board or at sea on kayaks or paddleboards. Night dive is optional.
DAY 2 Komodo Strait
Komodo Island lies in the middle of the straits between Sumbawa and the Flores Islands. The sea is funneled between the two islands, creating rich currents and coral reefs that we explore, such as Tatawa Besar, Batu Bolong and Golden Passage. At the end of a superb days Komodo liveaboards, surrounded by the colorful fish, we anchor safely in Gili Lawa Island Bay, famous for its views of the glowing sunset.
DAY 3 Manta point & Padar Island
Cruising south, we will stop at Taka Makassar aka Manta Point. In this lovely coral garden you will swim or dive with mantas, sharks, turtles and many more. The nearby sand atoll with turquoise waters is the perfect spot for lunch and relaxation. From there we will leave for Padar Island with its dramatic landscape of sharp peaks and pink sand beaches. Those who dont mind taking a few steps can take a short walk to see tremendous views.
DAY 4 Horseshoe Bay
A day in South Rinca aka Horse Shoe Bay allows you to see an extraordinarily high concentration of wild life including monkeys, deer, wild pigs, sea eagles and of course Komodo dragons on the beach. Some world- class dive sites are in these colder waters, such as the famous Cannibal Rock.
DAY 5 Gili Lawa Island
This group of two islands has three world-famous dive sites and shark hotspots to enjoy: Castle Rock, Crystal Rock and the Cauldron. For less adventurous snorkelers or divers, it also has beautiful hard coral reefs surrounded by white sand where manta rays are not a rare sight. Paddle boarding or kayaking in these turquoise water bays is a must before a well-deserved drink at sunset.
DAY 6 Sanggeang
The Sanggeang active volcano means you can swim in its underwater hot springs and bubbling reef. Sanggean is famous for its extremely colorful soft corals and the contrasts they create with the black volcanic sand. You can visit the only village on the island, of honey-makers, boat builders and shepherds who are settled on the shoreline. This is a magnificent island to visit from sunrise to sunset.
12D & 11N To Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat Liveaboard is a fantastic voyage through a natural and well- preserved paradise of 1,500 small islands hosting the highest marine biodiversity on the planet. The mushroom-like islands create a unique seascape to admire from your kayak, private sundeck on the boat or from different viewpoints if you dont mind climbing a few hundreds steps. The coral reef in Raja Ampat is as lush as its tropical forest. Some dive sites such as Melissas Garden, Boo Windows or Air Borek Jetty are considered amongst the best in the world.
DAY 1 Waisai Mioskon
Be picked up in style at your hotel or Sorong Airport and driven to the fast boat that will bring you to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat where the Raja Ampat liveaboard starts. Settle in to your traditional Phinisi liveaboard that you will be calling home for the next few days. Cruise west and enjoy a swim, a check dive and relax, whilst contemplating the white sandy beaches of Mioskon Island and its famous seamount, Blue Magic. Enjoy an evening drink as you watch the sunset ballet of fruit bats flying away to feed.
DAY 2 North Batanta
North Batanta offers shining waters and dozens of islets and sand banks where it is easy to find manta rays or even witness history in the form of a well-barnacled World War II Japanese aircraft. On land, take a short walk to a beautiful and refreshing waterfall. Finish your Raja Ampat Liveaboard day relaxing and dreaming on the sun deck as you continue sailing south to Misool Island.
DAY 3 Daram islands
The Daram Islands are the easternmost island group in the Misool area. Thanks to a strict no-fishing policy, you will be able to see some of the most impressive sea fan forests and soft corals known to the world. With easy snorkeling and diving, sites such as Andiamo or Candy Store are truly psychedelic underwater wonderlands where barracudas gliding above the pygmy seahorses are a common sight.
DAY 4 South East Misool
Swim around the famous dive sites of Boo Window and Magic Mountain, with some of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in the world, a true story of successful conservation, thanks to the talented and friendly local park rangers who are happy to meet you on the white sandy beaches of Yillet Island. South East Misool is one of these extremely rare places where dreams and reality merge, with scenery as lush and dramatic above the water as below.
DAY 5 Wayil area
Feel the love around you after climbing to get a birds eye view of the famous heart-shaped blue lagoon encircled by the vibrant coral reefs. Or take a speed boat tour or your kayak to get lost in the maze of rocks and channels of Wayil Islands. Here lie some of the most iconic and lush dive sites of Raja Ampat Liveaboard: Wedding Cake, Four Kings or Neptunes Fantasea. End your day with your flashlight on to explore the dark side of the reef: night dive!
11D & 10N To Sunda & Forgotten Islands
Cruising the volcanic islands of south-east Indonesia gives a unique sense of exploration with pristine coral reefs, remote villages and enormous shoals of fish. Being amongst the first leisure boats to have reached this area, we have made a point of building a relationship built on trust and mutual respect with the inhabitants of these incredibly beautiful villages. Each day, we enjoy the shores of another active volcano, with its unique environment and cultural customs.
This route contains some stretches of open seas where we are very weather dependent. The best conditions are usually found in September, October and November, and in April & May.
DAY 1 Maumere Bay
Be picked up in style at your hotel or Maumere airport, the capital of Flores Island where the Sunda island cruise starts. Settle in to your traditional Phinisi liveaboard that you will be calling home for the next few days. Set sail, and have your first bathe in the sea in the afternoon, an easy check dive or go snorkeling on the shores of a nearby island, followed by an evening drink at sunset whilst cruising to the remote Eastern seas.
DAY 2 Lembata
Wake up facing the magnificent Lewotolo active volcano with tiny traditional villages set upon its shores. The perfectly flat waters of this bay are home to world-class dive sites such as the wall of Bacatan Legend and the black sandy slopes of Lamarian. You get to see everything, from big schools of fish on the wall to tiny rare creatures perfectly camouflaged in the volcanic sand.
DAY 3 Alor
Meet the friendly children of Alor who spend their lives on their tiny banana boats and in the water. Be amazed by the colors of the sarongs and scarves handcrafted by the local weavers, brought to you by the locals in their boats. And of course enjoy the waters of these straits that are world famous for the diversity of their marine life. Plenty of beautiful dive sites to pick depending on currents. If tides allow it, spend the afternoon at Sika Peninsula with the local friendly dugong.
DAY 4 Wetar
Swim, dive or snorkel in the rich waters of Reong Island just off the coast of Wetar. This small island is surrounded by lush coral reefs and tiny white sandy beaches. This is the door to the deep Banda Sea, bringing a high concentration of large fish. On its wall, you can also admire forests of black corals patrolled by reef sharks, tunas and Eagle rays.
DAY 5 Gunung Api
If the weather allows it, discover the isolated active volcano of Gunung Api rising from the abyss to just 300 meters above water. The underwater hot sands favor the presence of an unusually high population of graceful and non-aggressive sea snakes that you will be able to observe easily while snorkeling or diving. Above water, you will be welcomed by hundreds of boobies, frigates and other sea birds that swoop and swirl in the sky.
11D & 10N To Forgotten Island & Banda Sea Ring Of Fire
Cruising the Forgotten Islands and the Banda Sea Liveaboard is a true adventure. Every day brings you new vibrant experiences that you will treasure long after your holiday is finished. The Banda Sea is largely devoid of landmasses with only a ring of volcanoes and atolls emerging from its depths.
Each island is isolated and is home to a unique marine environment where only a few species thrive in large numbers, from sea birds to schooling fish. This Banda Sea liveaboard route contains some stretches of open seas where we are very weather dependent. The best conditions are usually found in September, October & November, and April & May.
DAY 1 Saumlaki
Get picked up in style at your hotel or Saumlaki airport, the capital of Tanimbar Island where the Banda Sea liveaboard starts. After lifting anchor, you can take your first dip in the sea in the afternoon with an easy check dive or go snorkeling off the shores of a nearby atoll that surrounds massive table corals, followed by an evening drink while cruising to the north.
DAY 2 Dawera
Reach the Forgotten Islands and plunge into their unique environment beautiful beaches and lush, diverse coral reefs that host a myriad of marine life. Then finish your day in the dreamlike village of Welora, where you can witness the local culture and dances whilst tasting the local food and strong coconut liquor! Dont miss visiting this picture-postcard village, it is a living dream!
DAY 3 Dai
Meet the local people of Dai island who live in their tiny villages lodged between the deep waters and high cliffs. And then, plunge into the fish-rich fringing reefs where big schools including the strange hammerhead sharks gather. Everything is extreme on this island: from the landscapes to the iridescent waters, from the abundance of biodiversity to the strong cultural traditions of the local people, Dai will remain one of your favorite memories for a long time
DAY 4 Desperandum
Nil Desperandum Reef is a tiny speck of coral in the middle of the Banda Sea Liveaboard with incredible hard coral formations and resident hammerhead sharks rising from the depths to the delight of divers lucky enough to see them. Spend a full day here to explore the massive coral and sponge formations and look in awe at the shoals of big fish such as tuna and Spanish mackerel that swim past
DAY 5 Serua
Serua Island is situated right at the heart of the Ring of Fire. It is an active volcano with only one tiny village on it, with which we have very strong connections. This village, probably the most isolated one in the whole of Indonesia, grows a few spices such as cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg and the villagers live a very simple life, in the middle of this deep vast sea. Explore Banda Sea Liveaboard both the village and its amazing house reefs where you are sure to encounter the big fish that swim in that part of the ocean.
More information
Practical information
Time Zone
GMT+8 & GMT+9
Language
English, French and Indonesian
Local Currency
IDR (Indonesian Rupiah)
Electricity
220V
Boat specifications
Length (LOA): 31m
Beam: 6,10m
Draft:2,20m
Engines: Doosan 6 cylinder
Cruising Speed: 9 knots
Safety: Life Vests, Life Rafts, Fire alarms, GPS Satellite & mobile phones, First Aid Kit, Oxygen Kit
Diesel Generators: Yanmar 15 KVA / 25 KVA
Battery System: 12v 24v 220v
Water Maker: 3000L / day
Compressors: Coltri 315L
Crew: 10 crew, including 1 cruise director
Tenders: RHIB 5.50m with stand up console and aft bench
DAY 7 Banta & Batu Monco
Komodo Liveaboards will cruise to Banta Island just outside the National Park to explore very remote, well-hidden bays with white and pink sandy beaches surrounded by dry, steep slopes and peaks. You will rarely see another soul there, and only big shoals of fish patrol this island. Depending on the weather conditions, we can cruise to Batu Monco and its heavenly calm, turquoise water where the snorkeling is easy and you can dive on pristine coral reefs surrounded by white sandy slopes.
DAY 8 Rinca island
In the morning we leave for the ranger station on Rinca Island from where a park ranger will talk to you about the legendary Komodo dragons. We can then refresh ourselves and swim or dive at Wainilu or Pengah Kecil. For a special moment at sunset, we will cruise to Kalong Island from where thousands of giant fruit bats fly above you in the light of the setting sun.
DAY 9 Labuan Bajo
We will cruise back to Labuan Bajo for our last delicious breakfast and check- out before noon. After sharing photos and farewells, our Komodo liveaboards crew will arrange your transfer to your hotel or airport, and on your return trip back home, your head will be filled with unforgettable memories of the cruise to Komodo liveaboards of a lifetime.
DAY 6 Balbulol & Farondi
Misool North Eastern line of islands is a natural labyrinth made of cone- shaped rocks, sheer cliffs and hidden pools. At the right time of year, some of the inner lagoons play host to thousands of stingless jellyfish, offering fantastic photo opportunities for undersea photo lovers. Explore the above and underwater caves of the area where nudibranchs, rare mollusks and crustaceans crawl on the rich soft coral cover.
DAY 7 Piaynemo
At this Western tip of Central Raja Ampat, 3 internationally renowned dive sites are on the menu: Galaxy, Keruo Channel and Melissas Garden, where you can observe the most impressive shallow coral gardens on the planet. In between dives, you can also enjoy surface activities like kayaking, or walk up to the top of the hill above the Star Lagoon and look down on its hundreds of limestone rocks. Some hidden rock-pools are just waiting for you to float in them sheer heaven!
DAY 8 Kawe & Aljuy Bay
South Kawe is one of Raja Ampats greatest treasures. Here, you will probably see manta rays grooming in one of their many cleaning stations or feeding on the surface of the channel between the two Eagle Rocks. There is also the opportunity to visit Alyui Bay where you can learn everything about pearl farming, from seeding to harvest. The Aljuy Bay waters are also perfect for seeing rare sea creatures and wonderfully rich night dives.
DAY 9 Wayag
On the way to the Wayag Islands, Raja Ampat Liveaboard cross the Equator to the Northern hemisphere to reach the last paradise on earth, a large bay with hundreds of mushroom-like islets, white sandy beaches, black tip reef sharks and manta rays cruising in the turquoise-blue water. Spend a day gliding through this piece of heaven or climb the rocky Mount Pindito for a unforgettable view. Dive or swim around pelagic fish and the Figure 8 Rock and enjoy special moments on the perfect beach.
DAY 10 Yangeffo
Continue your Raja Ampat Liveaboard adventure with a day at Yanggefo and take the kayak out to the Mangroves for a change of scenery. The contrast of the lush green mangrove forest and the clear waters is breathtaking. This area is home to as many birds as fish. Colorful coral grows within the roots of the trees making snorkeling and diving in Citrus and Mangrove Ridge a unique experience.
DAY 11 Dampier Strait
Visit Airborek or Sawandarek Jetty and experience some world-class diving, probably watched by some of the local children! Then Raja Ampat Liveaboard cruise on to more fish- rich waters like Sardine Reef or Cape Kri and enjoy a fantastic night dive at Batu Lima where you are likely to spot the elusive walking shark!
DAY 12 Waisai
Raja Ampat Liveaboard will cruise back to Waisai for our last, scrumptious breakfast and check- out before noon. After sharing photos and farewells, our crew will arrange your transfer to your hotel or airport and your return trip back home, your head filled with unforgettable memories of the trip of a lifetime.
DAY 6 Nyata
Reach the uninhabited island of Nyata with its pristine white sandy beach and fantastic coral reefs, schooling jacks, sharks, tunas. A true remote paradise we have only recently discovered. An incredible range of landscapes on just a small island, with colorful coral walls, sandy slopes, perfect beaches for sunset drinks but still so much left to explore
DAY 7 Lailawan
Enter the realm of the Forgotten islands at Lailawan and Sermata with endless reefs and their mesmerizing shades of blue. Here, every species of fish swims in large groups, from the bumphead parrot fish to barracudas, jacks and the colorful butterfly fish. These are some of the richest reefs in Indonesia and certainly some of the least well known exploring them is a must!
DAY 8 Dai
Meet the local people of Dai island who live in their tiny villages lodged between the deep waters and high cliffs. And then, plunge into the fish-rich fringing reefs where big schools including the strange hammerhead sharks gather. Everything is extreme on this island: from the landscapes to the iridescent waters, from the abundance of biodiversity to the strong cultural traditions of the local people, Dai will remain one of your favorite memories for a long time
DAY 9-10 Dawera Daweloor
Welora village on Dawera is one of the jewels of the Forgotten Islands for its sheer beauty, friendly locals, tasty coconut liquor and one of the richest coral reefs on the planet. So far, any corner on the island we have explored has been well worth a return visit. After a full day of enjoyment, we then anchor close by in a protected bay, to return for another half day in paradise. Dont miss visiting this picture-postcard village, it is a living dream!
DAY 11 Saumlaki
We will cruise back to Saumlaki for our last delicious breakfast and check-out before noon. After sharing photos and farewells, our crew will arrange your transfer to your hotel or airport and on the way back, will bring you to Tumbur village, famous for its wood-carved sculptures. The final leg of your Sunda island journey homewards will be filled with fantastic memories of the most thrilling cruise of a lifetime.
DAY 6 Manuk
Manuk emerges from a depth of 7000m to just 200m above the sea, and it contains the very essence of the Banda Sea liveaboard. This very active volcano is home to dozens of sea bird colonies patrolling the sky above the bubbling waters. Sea snakes swim gracefully around massive sponges; dolphins, hammerhead sharks and huge tunas are not a rare sight and each lava flow is a thrilling dive site to explore.
DAY 7 Hatta
This is the easternmost island of the famous Spice Islands. Whilst relatively flat above water with beautiful beaches, the underwater landscape features endless vertical walls. The diversity of marine life is astonishing, from green turtles to eagle rays, from reef sharks to rare scorpion fishes it is a delight for divers and snorkelers who can drift along easily on the currents.
DAY 8-9 Banda Islands
Enter the natural harbor of Banda Islands and feel the same spine-tingling awe as the first explorers who discovered the Spice Islands where nutmeg has been cultivated for centuries. Visit the 17th century Dutch fortress and the spice plantations. Lush forest above and exuberant marine life below water will satisfy nature lovers: so many great dive sites like Batukapal and Soangi Island await you for these 2 days visiting this magical place.
DAY 10 Saparua
Wake up facing the tiny Pombo Boi, a tiny rock with palm trees and a superb coral reef full of strange, tiny creatures, a paradise for underwater photographers and snorkelers. Then head to Molana Island and its pristine white sandy beaches with easy dives to finish off a beautiful trip!
DAY 11 Ambon
We will cruise to Ambon, the capital of the Maluku region, for our last oh-so- tasty breakfast and check-out before noon. After sharing photos and farewells, our crew will arrange your transfer to your hotel or airport. We know that you will take back with you unforgettable memories of the Banda Sea liveaboard of a lifetime.
