SMY Shakti dive boat review
The SMY Shakti is a British owned 106 feet long traditional Phinisi, which can accommodate up to 12 guests onboard.
The vessel offers one the lowest prices of liveaboard tours to Raja Ampat. The SMY Shakti is the only liveaboard vessel based out of Sorong. Aside from offering very affordable trips, what makes this liveaboard stand out is the fact that it operates throughout the entire year.Shakti serves both Indonesian and International cuisine as a buffet style, with 2 main dishes with salads and rice. All coffee, tea, chocolate, water, fruits and biscuits are also free of charge for guests to enjoy.
Because of SMY Shakti’s popularity with liveaboard enthusiasts, it is highly recommended that interested groups should plan and book in advance to ensure availablity on one of their trips.
You can check the availability and prices for this boat here.
SMY Shakti yacht on board facilities and services:
- Motorised dive dinghy
- 35m² kit up area – Rinse tanks and camera table – 18 charging points
- Saloon with laptop, CD Burner, DVD player, music system
- Marine library (English, French and Japanese) with comfy cushions
- 50 m² sundeck with mattresses
SMY Shakti Boat Budget Range / Price: Starts at US$ 3,792 for a 10 night tour.
Click here to Check Availability and Prices for this Boat
Customer Review
“What I liked about SMY Shakti is that it offered affordable trips without compromising quality liveaboard service. I liked to stay on the sundeck which has an ample space enough for everyone to move around while sipping cocktails, reading a book or merely socializing with fellow divers. Sometimes, diving could be really tiring, so the onboard saloon was the perfect place to relax and to unwind. My cabin was clean and inviting which helped me in getting a good night sleep. I didn’t get seasick too.
I want to thank her crew, who are very copious. He gave us a very comprehensive run down of the best dive sites in Raja Ampat. I asked various questions regarding the currents, weather and sea conditions and some possible rare creatures that we might encounter under water. Their dive director is a person with an amiable personality, chatty, and an interesting person with lots of things to share. I don’t have any complaint regarding the boat’s crew service. All of them did their job well. From guidance in our diving activities to assistance in setting up our equipment, they attended to our needs with a smile on their face. The housekeeping team also kept the place clean and tidy. The chefs cooked fresh and delightful Indonesian and international dishes. Guests look forward to the varied menu everyday. For those who are in a special diet, you don’t need to be anxious about your meal. Special diets are catered as well. I also appreciate the management of SMY Shakti when it comes to the organization of diving schedules and their utmost care and passion for protecting the area of Raja Ampat from possible environmental effects of massive tourism.
If you’re looking for adventure and terrific diving escapade at an affordable budget, I would highly recommend SMY Shakti!”
-Jason, 2015, USA
“What an adventure!
The diving quality offered by Raja Ampat is the first highlight, as it should be. It’s amazingly colourful, vibrant, full of life and of surprises. You cannot possibly know better. Second highlight is the staff aboard the Shakti… Really! Their attentions for their guests are genuine, they are constantly going out of their ways to help and make sure you get the most out of your experience. They are smart, fun and interesting to talk to. Everything is kept in order and their organization is always efficient and insuring that everything runs safely and smoothly. Good job!”
–Sabrina, 2015
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.
Raja Ampat
Richest Reef in the World, Amazing Biodiversity, Wonderful Coral, perfect place for underwater photography.
- If you have been diving on board this liveaboard dive boat in Raja Ampat, please share your review and let us know what you thought. Please post your comments in the review section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next diving trip
.
Other Liveaboard Reviews in Raja Ampat
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
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
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
MV Black Manta Diving
MV Black Manta: archived boat profile This page describes the former White Manta Fleet vessel, not a confirmed current booking offer. Black Manta was sold and left that fleet. We have not confirmed its current name, operator or future departures. Our o
KLM Sea Safari VI
The luxurious Sea Safari VI is a liveaboard offering scuba diving cruises in Indonesia. Indeed, the 35 meters vessel was built in 2000 and has been taking divers to the best of Indonesia, including Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Lembeh strait, Wakatobi, the F
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
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
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
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
Mutiara Laut
The 46 meters Mutiara Laut is a five stars liveaboard cruising the waters of Indonesia. Built in 2009/2010, the wooden hulled vessel has launched from the Kalimantan province and now sails mostly to Komodo and Raja Ampat. . Boat Cabins & Layout The
I and my wife boarded MY Shakti last year for our summer diving getaway. We decided to spend it on a liveaboard. We were both excited on boarding MY Shakti and looked forward to the diving activities and the beautiful underwater sceneries that we wanted to try in the waters of Raja Ampat. We didn’t have high expectations regarding the boat’s amenities and services since it’s not really the expensive one. However, me and my wife were both surprised! We never thought that MY Shakti could give us more than what we expected! The diving team, who has extensive knowledge regarding the region, took us to unknown and unspoiled remote dive sites. We saw colorful and attractive coral reefs and stupendous limestone caves and tunnels. During our cruise, we also had a great time looking at the multitude of fish, especially the mantas!
Our beds were comfortable and the cabin had ample storage space for our personal things.
I applaud the crew for rendering their time and service to give us a pleasant and enjoyable diving experience. It started with a fresh towel being handed to us when we get back from our first morning dive. A hot towel and a hot drink were given to us also after we came back from a night dive. They were proactive and helpful in bringing everyone’s gear back onto the boat from the dinghies after a dive. Thanks to Captain David for driving us through an incredible journey. Our guide, Ethan, was very superb in giving us a thorough lecture and presentation regarding marine life and the dive sites we would be visiting. He was very quick in spotting underwater creature and he would make sure that everyone had seen it before it was gone.
On the other hand, the food on Shakti was mostly tasty with lots of ginger and local spices, usually curry-like. They served vegetables and some seafood. Desserts consist of fresh fruits. All is well onboard MY Shakti! We can’t wait to go back on this fantastic liveaboard! Cheers!
Not the fanciest but probably the best value for money. Basic accommodations are all shared between the guest. You have your own room but that’s it, bathrooms and showers are shared. The food is great and they have all the drinks you might want. Dave and his crew are unique and awesome people to share this trip with. Very knowledgable, they will inform you on everything you need to know to have the best and safest dives. They take good care of all the guests and have always the best, most positive attitude. Amazing trip, highly recommending!
Hi, we are a group of 4 divers planning a trip to raja ampat around Jan 2017.. We are looking for a basic boat with cheap budget for 7-8 days diving.
thanks..