MV Blue Manta Liveaboard Review

MV Blue Manta is the largest, most sumptuous vessel of the famous White Manta fleet. White Manta Fleet operate through Asia in most of the most desirable scuba destinations.

The Forgotten Islands, Komodo and Raja Ampat are legendary in the scuba diving community as offering some of the best diving on the planet. The Forgotten Islands, also sometimes known as Maluku Tenggara, are an isolated group of islands running from Timor to West Papua. Then there is Komodo, home to the famous Komodo Dragon, and Raja Ampat – which translates as ‘Four Kings’. This archipelago of approximately 1,500 islands in the West Papua province of Indonesia offers breathtaking natural beauty and unspoiled coral reefs. These three destinations offer arguable the best, more diverse aquatic life on the planet. Experts say some 1,200 fish species, 600 coral species and close to 700 mollusc species make their home there. You might expect to see octopus, moray eels of all varieties, cuttlefish, turtles, jackfish, dolphin…sharks, rays. The marine life also includes invertebrates such as sea fans, sponges, soft corals, feather stars and an abundance of colourful, exquisite nudibranchs. Raja Ampat is a diver’s dream. If you’re a photographer one of the toughest decisions will be where to point your camera. The diving can be demanding; sometimes there are strong currents. It’s recommended divers have the necessary training, skills, experience and confidence before visiting.

Launched into service as a bespoke diving vessel in 2014, Blue Manta is an impressive sight cutting through the waves. At 45m in length and 9m in beam her obvious competitor in size terms – although a very different style – is Euphoria. Blue Manta has two huge 826hp motors which allow this monstrous boat to cruise at 10 knots under the guidance of her professional Captain and crew. She has the complete range of safety and emergency equipment to cover every eventuality. 3 dinghies, radar, GPS, radio, life vests, first aid, fire alarms and a crew trained in first aid to deal with immediate medical issues are just some of the features. Constructed of thick steel, she has a stability and strength exceeding some of her wooden-hulled competitors.

You can check the availability and prices for this Boat here.

Cabins and Boat Layout

The Blue Manta is generally home to a maximum of 18-22 guests across her cabins.

The cabins are all of approximately 20m² in area. There is the choice of twin single occupancy or double depending on your circumstance. There are 6 cabins on the upper deck with a window, 4 cabins on the main deck with a window and 4 below deck cabins with a porthole. Each cabin is tastefully decorated, spacious and offers ensuite bathroom facilities. Air-conditioning is standard, allowing you to benefit from a relaxed night’s sleep away from the tropical heat.

Twin Cabin

Outside the sleeping quarters Blue Manta is spacious and inviting for divers and non-divers alike. If you’re an underwater photographer, this is one of the ultimate vessels to find yourself on; Blue Manta has individual rinse tanks, a wide outdoor work table, an indoor dry camera room and blow-dry stations. You’ll have plenty of space to prepare your equipment or review your results both pre and post dive.

Relax indoors

The dining is a delicious combination of local and western styles including freshly baked breads. There are up to 5 meals each day and you’re guaranteed to never be left wanting food. There are both indoor and outdoor dining and relaxing areas and a large sundeck.

Indoors you may choose to relax in the salon area on soft sofas in air-conditioning luxury and make us of the TV/DVD entertainment system. Or have a massage. Or, take advantage of the wi-fi onboard to stay connected and boast to your friends and colleagues about your wonderful holiday!

Diving onboard Blue Manta

Dive groups are small with 4 divers to one guide generally the maximum, ensuring a more personal service. 3 dive tenders or ‘chase boats’ accompany the main vessel and coordinate for diver pick-ups and drops. All diving is conducted from the diving tenders. This allows you the optimum drop point for each dive.

Luxury dive deck

There is a EANX Nitrox system onboard. Nitrox is highly recommended for repetitive diving. If you’re bringing your own regulators from Europe, DIN adaptors are available on request.

Itineraries

There are a choice of different itineraries; Forgotten Islands, Banda Sea, Misool, Raja Ampat or Komodo – depending on season. Choose your voyage carefully. Voyages range from 8-12 days.

Expect to pay around EUR2,873 for a 9 day trip. This equates to EUR319/day, making her marginally more expensive than some in the region. However, the facilities are superb. Please note that this does not include some extras such as port/marine park fees, equipment rental, alcoholic drinks and crew tips. Please contact us for further details.