MV Pindito Liveaboard Review

The traditionally styled MV Pindito is a classy and stylish way to tour the wonderful Indonesian waters. The Pindito dive operation has been in operation in the waters of Raja Ampat and Komodo Islands for over 20 years and, with a wealth of local diving experience in the area, are sure to make your holiday a safe, well-organised, fun and memorable trip.

The name Raja Ampat translates as “Four Kings”. The area is famous for tremendous scuba diving. The world’s largest archipelago – Indonesia consists of some 18,000 islands distributed in her waters. It’s also famous for exceptional marine biodiversity. It’s often quoted that over 3000 fish species and 600 species of coral may be found in the local eco-system.

The visibility in the waters here can be up to 50m depending on site, season and the prevailing conditions. Raja Ampat (“Four Kings”) in the waters of Indonesia is famous for legendary scuba diving. Indonesia itself is the world’s largest archipelago – some 18,000 islands are distributed in their waters. It’s also an area famous for exceptional marine biodiversity and aquatic life. It’s said that over 3000 fish species and 600 species of coral make these waters their habitat.

The visibility in the waters here can be up to 50m depending on site, season and the prevailing conditions. However, due to strong currents at some sites, the diving may be challenging. If you love marine life, here you may spot moray eels, cuttlefish, octopus, turtles, trevally, groupers, frogfish and, on occasion, sharks. Or, if macro life is your passion, here you may find pygmy seahorse and ghost pipefish.

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The MV Pindito is a traditionally styled vessel and is the brain-child of owner Edi Frommenwiler. Built in the early 1990s with the help of 60 local workers, the Pindito has been subject to a constant evolution while maintaining her classic style much like peer MV Pelagian.

She is 38m in length and 9m in beam. She has a 330hp power to help her glide from site to site. In spite of her classic lines, don’t be deceived; she has all the modern safety and emergency equipment needed to cope with unforeseen issues including radar, depth sounder,GPS radio, VHF/DSC/SSB, E.P.I.R.B. distress system, emergency rafts, life vests, oxygen and first aid kits.

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

Cabins and Boat Layout

Pindito is able to accommodate 16 guests over her 8 cabins.

Each cabin is teakwood-paneled in a traditional style and is approximately 10ft x 10ft in size. Every cabin is named after a mystical Indonesian island; either twin or double depending on your choice at reservation.

Twin Cabin

Double Cabin

Each cabin has ensuite bathroom facility and hot and cold running water. In addition there is individually controlled air-conditioning to allow you to set optimum temperature for a comfortable night’s sleep. There are 220v two-pin European style power sockets for charging appliances.

Dining Area

You’ll not go hungry on Pindito. The chef onboard will prepare international cuisine for your to sample; a combination of European dishes and more traditionally Asian-flavoured specialities. After your last dive of the day why not treat yourself to an alcoholic drink and watch the amazing sunsets.

The salon is air-conditioned and it’s the place where people meet at meals times and when relaxing in-between dives. There’s a flat-screen TV/DVD facility should you wish to watch a movie. Or dip into the library and read a book. There’s also a dedicated camera room/computer station where you can plug in your memory cards and burns DVDs.

Sun Deck

Up on the top deck is a spacious sun-deck where you can choose to sit in a deck chair in the shade or, alternatively, soak up the Asian sun.

Diving onboard Pindito

The dive deck of the Pindito is spacious and there is plenty of space for setting up your scuba unit. Large rinse tanks are available for cameras and torches and each guest has his own dedicated box for storing other items of equipment.

Dive Deck

Prior to each dive you’ll receive a thorough briefing and then board one of three available zodiacs. The maximum per zodiac is 6 divers. Your equipment and camera will be loaded for you.

Divers offers divers Nautilus Lifelines for additional safety. And, Nitrox is available for those qualified – or wishing to take the qualification.

For those wanting the ultimate ‘bubble-free’ experience and to get closer to the wildlife, Pindito is rebreather friendly.

Itineraries

There are a choice of itineraries ranging in duration and location. Dive site selection is obviously subject to season and the prevailing conditions.

Expect to pay around EUR4,390 for a 12 day trip Raja Ampat voyage. This equates to EUR283/day. Please note that this does not include some extras such as port/marine park fees, equipment rental and crew tips. Please contact us for further details.