MV Samambaia

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(62 votes, 3.19/5)
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Simply the best of everything

Learn more about the MV Samambaia boat in our review

MV Samambaia dive boat review

MV Samambaia is a beautiful looking vessel from the fleet of Samambaia Komodo Liveaboards. Travelling the waters of Indonesia to the very best diving locations, she is designed with comfort and safety in mind.

 

Indonesia itself is located in the clear blue waters where the South China Sea, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean converge in the ‘coral triangle’. The scuba diving on offer in the area is nothing short of outstanding. Indonesia itself is the world’s largest archipelago of approximately 18,000 islands. It is also a magnet for exceptional marine biodiversity. Indonesian waters are known to be home to more than 3000 fish species and 600 species of coral. It is a diver’s paradise.

 

Visibility in the waters here can be up to 50m depending on site and season and, including the fish species – is home to over 3500 marines species. Here you may find macro life such as pygmy seahorses and ghost pipefish. Or, at the other end of the scale, at some site you may find sunfish (mola mola). Other species spotted in the waters here include moray eels, cuttlefish, octopus, turtles, trevally, groupers, frogfish and, on occasion, sharks.

 

The spectacular MV Samambaia had her maiden voyage in just 2015. She is a traditionally styled two-masted Phinisi schooner. 40m in length and 9m in beam, she is comparable in size to other traditionally styled vessels in the region and capable of cruising at 10 knots. Don’t be fooled by Samambaia’s traditional appearance, she has all the latest safety and emergency equipment onboard; liferafts, satellite phone, radar, GPS being just some of the key items.

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

 

Cabins and Boat Layout

 

Samambaia is able to accommodate 14 guests. This relatively small number compared to some parts of the globe means there is always an personal and exclusive feel to the cruise.

 

mv samambaia deck plan liveaboard review

 

Onboard the yacht there are three cabin options.

 

  • Double Cabin – Approx 13m2 in area. Beautifully trimmed with a double bed, ensuite bathroom facilities and air-conditioning.
  • Twin Cabin – Approx 13m2 in area. Features two single beds, ensuite bathroom facilities and air-conditioning.
  • Master Cabin – Approx 15m2 in area. Located on an upper deck this amazing cabin features stunning 180 degree panoramic views with privacy glass, super king-sized bed, individual air-conditioning and ensuite bathroom facilities.

 

All of the bathrooms have a rain shower head coupled with a hand-held shower head and washbasin carved out of fossil wood. The décor is traditional and yet modern. Tasteful and refined.

 

mv samambaia twin cabin liveaboard review
Twin Cabin

 

On the main deck is an air-conditioned dining area/lounge combination. On the starboard side you’ll find comfortable cloth-covered couches to relax in as you journey to the next destination or have a drink after your meal. On the port side is a dining area with is more than large enough to cater to all guests.

 

Meals are a delicious combination of local ingredients prepared to a combination of Asian and international flavours. The ingredients are always crispy fresh and you’ll never be hungry on this vessel.

 

mv samambaia indoor salon liveaboard review
Indoor Dining

 

Also on the main deck you’ll find – tucked in the centre of the dive deck – a table where you can dine in the open-air and take in the gorgeous ocean views.

 

mv samambaia sun deck liveaboard review
Sun Deck

 

For sun-lovers there are ample opportunities to bronze in the sun. At the bow of the main deck is a sun deck/relaxing area. And, again, on the upper deck, you’ll find a spacious area with loungers where you can relax in the sun.

 

 

Diving onboard Samambaia

 

The crew on Samambaia always pride themselves on safety and service.

 

The dive deck is exceptionally well laid-out and each diver will have their own area for equipment storage.

 

mv samambaia tender liveaboard review
Diving tender.

 

Nitrox is available for those qualified and the dive guides are passionate about sharing with you the wonders of these waters – from macro critters to large pelagic life.

 

If you’re a photographer or videographer you’ll find rinse tanks and charge points. For safety there are dive tenders allowing pick-up and drops where required.

 

 

Itineraries

 

There are various itineraries on offer. The vessel is non-diver friendly too so, should your partner or companion be a non-diver there is snorkeling and land tour options encorporated into voyages where possible.

 

Depending on the season the vessel takes different itineraries; whether Komodo and Bali or East Flores and Alor. Contact us for further details.

 

Expect to pay around EUR4,168 for a typical 12day/11 night trip. This equates to EUR347/day. Please note that this does not include some extras such as port/marine park fees, alcoholic drinks and equipment rental. Please contact us for further

Where does this liveaboard dive boat go?

Check out the fabulous places where this dive boat travels to.
Note: some destinations may not be listed below, please enquire for more details.

Komodo Islanddestination of the month

Komodo Island

Diving in Komodo Islands is all about action! It is BIG fishes land! With wonderful coral, it is just incredible diving all year round.

Komodo Island Diving Review

Wakatobi

Wakatobi

Wakatobi has some of the finest coral in the world, amazing biodiversity and one of the best places in the world for macro photography! On the right day, the visibility can be outstanding!

Wakatobi Diving Review

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat

Richest Reef in the World, Amazing Biodiversity, Wonderful Coral, perfect place for underwater photography.

Raja Ampat Diving Review

Gili Islands, Lombok

Gili Islands, Lombok

Diving in Gili islands is great for swimming with Turtles! It can also be a great spot to take your next diving course as the dives here are relatively cheap.

Gili Islands, Lombok Diving Review

Lembeh Strait

Lembeh Strait

Best Muck Diving in the World! One of the Best spot in the World for Macro Underwater Photography. Amazing Biodiversity!

Lembeh Strait Diving Review

Bunaken, Manado

Bunaken, Manado

Diving in Bunaken is just fantastic for wall Diving, Coral gardens, endless visibility, incredible biodiversity. Also staying on an isolated island is something really special to experience!

Bunaken, Manado Diving Review

Tulamben

Tulamben

One of the best Wreck Dives in the World!!! And the most easy for sure, 30m from the Shore and starts at 4m deep! Fantastic Marine life and great Coral!

Tulamben Diving Review

Pemuteran, Lovina

Pemuteran, Lovina

Pemuteran combines shore-access restoration reefs, short boat dives and rewarding macro excursions. Lovina is a separate north-coast base; Puri Jati and Secret Bay offer a different, sand-and-critter diving day.

Pemuteran, Lovina Diving Review

Padang Bai

Padang Bai

Padang Bai rewards close looking: sandy slopes, reef fish and tiny macro subjects near Blue Lagoon and Jepun, with more demanding offshore dives available when conditions suit.

Padang Bai Diving Review

Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan

Manta cleaning stations, seasonal sunfish and lively coral drifts make Penida and Lembongan memorable. The best dive is the one matched to the current, swell and experience of the group.

Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan Diving Review

Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island

Menjangan’s reef shelves and coral-covered walls reward unhurried diving and snorkelling from mainland bases in northwest Bali. Clear water and sea fans are part of the appeal, with profiles and site choices matched to conditions and experience.

Menjangan Island Diving Review

Candidasa

Candidasa

Candidasa’s offshore islets offer dramatic walls, schooling fish and reef-shark encounters, with seasonal sunfish possibilities. Strong, changeable currents make Tepekong, Mimpang and Biaha outings for suitably experienced divers and careful local planning.

Candidasa Diving Review

Bali

Bali

Bali brings together the coral-covered Liberty wreck, east-coast macro life and the manta encounters and seasonal sunfish of Nusa Penida. Shore dives and drift dives suit different experience levels; currents, colder upwellings and the chosen base shape the trip.

Bali Diving Review

Indonesia

Indonesia

From Bali's volcanic shores to Raja Ampat's coral gardens, discover Indonesia's wrecks, walls, manta encounters and remarkable macro life. The most rewarding region depends on the season, your experience and the diving you love.

Indonesia Diving Review

Amed

Amed

Amed combines volcanic-sand macro dives, shallow reef gardens, artificial reefs and deeper walls. Shore entries and short jukung trips make a rewarding east-Bali base, with sites chosen for experience and conditions rather than a promise of current-free diving.

Amed Diving Review

Other Liveaboard Reviews in Bali & Indonesia & Komodo Island & Raja Ampat

SY Adelaar

SY Adelaar

Designed with luxury and comfort in mind, the 39 meters Adelaar is a liveaboard sailing in Indonesia. Finished in 2011, this classic-looking schooner is cruising exclusively the Komodo area. Perfect for smaller groups, the dive boat is equipped with al

SY Adelaar Liveaboard Review

Arenui

Arenui

The Arenui Liveaboard is a traditionnal wooden Phinisi, navigating year round in Indonesia. Since the vessel follows the seasons of Raja Ampat and Komodo, it offers the best diving conditions possible. You can check the availability and prices for this

Arenui Liveaboard Review

Alila Purnama

Alila Purnama

The Alila Purnama liveaboard is simply the best of the bests, in Indonesia but also everywhere else. Indeed, this 46 meters traditional wooden Phinisi is a 6 stars floating hotel. Yes you read correctly, 5 stars would not make it justice. Forget about

Alila Purnama Liveaboard Review

Manta Mae

Manta Mae

The 30 meters Manta Mae is a liveaboard built in 2014 which sails in Indonesia. Indeed, with destinations such as Komodo and Raja Ampat, this dive boat is sure to impress with it’s traditional phinisi style and lavish accommodations! . BOAT CABINS

Manta Mae Liveaboard Review

Tiaré Cruise

Tiaré Cruise

The Tiaré Cruise is a luxury liveaboard operating in Indonesia. The construction of the boat finished in 2016, lauching the boat soon after to explore areas like Komodo, Raja Ampat, but also Flores, Alor, the Forgotten Islands and the Banda Sea. The Ti

Tiaré Cruise Liveaboard Review

Mantra

Mantra

The Mantra is a traditionally styled Indonesian Phinisi liveaboard offering diving cruises in Komodo National Park, Alor and Raja Ampat. The Mantra is proudly boasting to be one of the most eco-friendly dive boat around. Indeed, it was built to have a

Mantra Liveaboard Review

MS Ombak Putih

MS Ombak Putih

The 42 meters Ombak Putih sails the waters of Indonesia as a traditional phinisi liveaboard vessel. Built in 1995 and thoroughly renovated in 2015, the Ombak Putih is not like the usual liveaboard. Indeed, it offers cultural immersion cruises, with sno

MS Ombak Putih Liveaboard Review

MV Pelagian

MV Pelagian

The sleek looking MV Pelagian is owned and operated by Wakatobi. The company claim to offer and pioneering concept in luxury eco-tourism. They offer high-end luxurious service combined with reef conservation programmes and a pro-conservation philosophy

MV Pelagian Liveaboard Review

Samata

Samata

The luxurious Samata offers scuba diving liveaboard cruises in Indonesia. Indeed, the luxurious vessel specializes in custom made itinerary for charter groups. You can choose your own paradise to discover, including Raja Ampat, Komodo and the Banda Isl

Samata Liveaboard Review

MS Wellenreng

MS Wellenreng

The 22 meters MS Wellenreng is a charter liveaboard sailing around the thousands of islands in Indonesia. The beautiful traditional Indonesian phinisi sails to world renowned destinations such as Komodo, Raja Ampat and Alor. . Boat Cabins & Layout

MS Wellenreng Liveaboard Review

Dive spots reviews in Bali & Indonesia & Komodo Island & Raja Ampat

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This is one of the best dive sites in Komodo national park. It is the best place to dive with manta rays. From September...
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This is one of the best dive spot of Komodo Islands national park! Not to be missed! This seabanks is full of fish with ...
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The Blue Corner dive site in Nusa Penida is THE place to drift dive in Bali! The current can be very strong and for this...
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Gili Selang is a new dive site and the area is still under exploration. The North of Gili Selang is full of surprises bu...
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Batu bolong is a world class dive site! At the surface, we can just see a small rock with hole in it, but underwater it ...
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This dive site is maybe the most extreme of the Komodo National Park! It is a submerged pinnacle located southeast of La...
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Raymond's point is a vertical wall with usually strong current, making it an ideal place for drift dives in Bunaken. The...
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Castle Rock is an amazing dive site in the Komodo Islands! It is a huge pinnacle underwater with a top at 4 m deep. As t...
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The USS Liberty Wreck is the most famous dive site in Bali. It is also one of the best sunken ship wrecks in the world! ...
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Mike's point dive site in Bunaken is a very beautiful wall with a shape of an amphitheatre. The wall is covered with mas...
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Reader reviews and comments

  1. HI my name is Walter. I’m from the USA .i would love to go diving off the boat so how much just for few days like 3 days. I want to go to Bali. Can you email me are text my phone on whatsapp 015805400044 thanks

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