KM white manta

White Manta MARATUA, SANGALAKI, & KAKABAN Liveaboard Trip Schedule (all cruises start and finish in Tanjung Batu Pier, East Kalimantan)

Departs 17.00pm, 1st day from Tg. Batu Pier, East Kalimantan
If everyone arrives ahead of schedule, then KM White Manta can depart earlier. Free transfers are included on the day of departure from Berau Airport to the luxury high budget East Kalimantan liveaboard White Manta, which is docked 2.5 hours away overland at Tanjung Batu Pier.

Returns 05.00am, last day Tanjung Batu Pier, East Kalimantan
After breakfast and saying goodbye to the crew and new dive buddies, free transfers are included from this top Derawan Islands liveaboard to Berau Airport (transfer time 2.5 hours) to catch your pre-booked flight back to Balikpapan OR your chosen Hotel if continuing your Sulawesi diving holiday.

Last dive ends at 12 Noon on the second-last day
This is to ensure a minimum pre-flight surface interval of 18 hours (No Fly Time) before flying after diving the next day. Guests will have the chance on the final two dives of this deluxe Berau diving liveaboard to maybe see Whale sharks if they are very lucky around the local fishing “bagans”.

Day 1 = (0-2 dives) 17.00pm departure latest (but hopefully earlier). Domestic flight from Balikpapan (BPN) to Berau (BEJ), where a member of staff from KM White Manta will be there to meet and greet you. Overland transfer to Tg. Batu Pier (duration 2.5 hours) to the awaiting quality East Kalimantan diving liveaboard White Manta. Set sail for the Derawan archipelago, warm welcome aboard, briefing and dinner. *It may be possible to do a check dive and even a Derawan night dive too – IF (?) all guests arrive early (Cruise Director’s decision is final).

Day 2 = (3-4 dives) Sangalaki: World class Derawan Islands diving at Sangalaki Island! Manta run, Manta parade and Manta avenue are some of the best Derawan Manta Ray dive sites, where with a little luck – you will do some magical Sangalaki manta ray diving over colorful reefs! Guests will also have the chance to visit the beach here, which is a renowned turtle-hatching site. Upon the shore - Kalimantan divers will hopefully see baby turtles hatching and making their dash to the sea! Simply amazing!

Days 3-4 = (8 dives) Maratua: Five star Indonesia diving around Maratua Island! Awesome wall dives offering fast current Derawan drift diving full of action - with epic schools of Chevron barracuda & Trevally! It is also possible to do Maratua shark dives and maybe see Thresher sharks here - or if you are extremely lucky see Hammerhead sharks Maratua Islands occasional visitor!

Day 5 = (3-4 dives) Kakaban: Some of the best diving Derawan archipelago has to offer can be found at Kakaban Island. Featuring fantastic Indonesia wall diving with schooling Trevally & Barracuda – Derawan divers also have the chance (fingers crossed!) to do some Kakaban shark diving with Blacktip & Grey reef sharks! A stunning Kakaban cave dive is also possible here for those with the right training & experience, and there will also be time to visit the spectacular fresh water Jellyfish Lake!

Day 6 = (1-2 dives) This Indonesia scuba diving safari will hopefully end with some East Kalimantan Whale shark dives! Although not guaranteed - Whale sharks are regularly seen around the local floating fishing platforms and are one of the best places to swim with Whale sharks Indonesia has to offer! There will then be plenty of time to wash your dive gear, chill out and relax - as White Manta sails back to Tg. Batu Port, which takes about 5 hours. Guests will spend their last evening onboard this premium Derawan diving liveaboard in the harbour.

Day 7 = (0 dives) Breakfast and farewells - with guests free to check out anytime between 05.00am and 12 Noon. Overland transfers (2.5 hours) are included to either Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) or a local Berau Hotel from this high class East Kalimantan scuba diving liveaboard.

Diving days = 5 days (18 dives)

White Manta RAJA AMPAT Liveaboard Trip Schedule (all cruises start and finish in Sorong, West Papua)

Departs 15.00pm, 1st day from Sorong, West Papua
However, if all guests arrive early and White Manta is ready for departure then possibly earlier. Complimentary land transfers from Guest Hotels/Sorong Airport to Sorong Port (duration approximately 30 minutes) to the awaiting first class Indonesia liveaboard K.M White Manta are provided on the day of departure.

Returns 05.00am, last day Sorong, West Papua
After breakfast onboard and saying farewell to new friends, complimentary transfers are provided from this premier Sorong liveaboard to the Airport (SOQ) to catch your pre-booked flight to Jakarta/Makassar/Manado OR your chosen Hotel if staying longer in Sorong.

Last dive ends at 12 Noon on the second-to-last day
This allows the minimum pre-flight surface interval of 18 hours before flying after diving the next day. Guests will have plenty of time for rest and relaxation while sailing back to Sorong on this luxury Raja Ampat liveaboard.

Day 1 = (0-1 dives) 15.00pm - Domestic flight from Jakarta, Makassar or Manado to Sorong. A White Manta crew member will be there to greet & assist you on your arrival at Sorong Airport and transfer you to the top class Sorong diving liveaboard KM White Manta. Check in onboard, very warm welcome, briefing & dinner. Set sail for Raja Ampat.

Day 2 = (4 dives) Misool - fantastic Four Kings liveaboard diving in the vicinity of Wayil - as well as a boat tour around its impossibly beautiful lagoon!

Day 3 = (3 dives) Boo Island, Boo Corner & Fiabacet. Misool has perhaps some of the best scuba diving Indonesia has to offer, with beautiful corals, stunning sea fans and marine life ranging from small Ghost pipefish to large reef sharks. Cruise overnight to central & northern Raja Ampat.

Day 4 = (4 dives) World class Raja Ampat diving in the Penemu area - great for West Papua macro diving with the chance to see Pygmy seahorses. Includes a dive(s) at the famous “Melissa’s Garden” for hopefully some Raja Ampat shark dives with Wobbegong sharks. Enjoy a hike up to a lookout to be rewarded with stunning views!

Day 5 = (4 dives) Manta Ridge aka Manta Sandy is probably the number one West Papua Manta Ray dive site and the best place to see Manta Rays Raja Ampat has to offer! The Dampier Strait features unrivalled varieties of fish – making this one of the top Indonesia dives around!

Day 6 = (4 dives) Five star West Papua scuba diving at Mansuar Corner, Cape Kri and Sardine Run, which offer breathtaking Four Kings drift diving! Amazing Raja Ampat night diving.

Day 7 = (2 dives) Misokon Island to finish with some more high quality West Papua liveaboard diving at Blue Magic & Yellow Fever, before this popular Sorong scuba diving liveaboard sails for Port. Loads of time to wash & dry dive equipment, have lunch and generally chill out.

Day 8 = (0 dives) 05.00am – 12 Noon. Check out after breakfast and after saying goodbyes to the crew and other guests, transfers are provided from this very comfortable Raja Ampat scuba diving liveaboard to either the Airport so you can catch your pre-booked flight to Manado, Makassar, Jakarta, Denpasar OR to your Hotel if you are continuing your Raja Ampat diving holiday in Sorong.

Diving days = 6 days (22 dives)

2024 Cabin Prices (until 1st of Nov 24)

Deluxe Ensuite Upper and Main Deck Cabins = US$3,500 per person

Standard Ensuite Lower Deck Cabins = US$3,200 per person

White Manta RAJA AMPAT Liveaboard Trip Schedule (all cruises start and finish in Sorong, West Papua)

Departs 15.00pm, 1st day from Sorong, West Papua
However, if all guests arrive early and White Manta is ready for departure then possibly earlier. Complimentary land transfers from Guest Hotels/Sorong Airport to Sorong Port (duration approximately 30 minutes) to the awaiting first class Indonesia liveaboard K.M White Manta are provided on the day of departure.

Returns 05.00am, last day Sorong, West Papua
After breakfast onboard and saying farewell to new friends, complimentary transfers are provided from this premier Sorong liveaboard to the Airport (SOQ) to catch your pre-booked flight to Jakarta/Makassar/Manado OR your chosen Hotel if staying longer in Sorong.

Last dive ends at 12 Noon on the second-to-last day

This allows the minimum pre-flight surface interval of 18 hours before flying after diving the next day. Guests will have plenty of time for rest and relaxation while sailing back to Sorong on this luxury Raja Ampat liveaboard.

Day 1 = (0-1 dive) 15.00pm - Domestic flight from either Jakarta, Makassar (Ujungpandang) or Manado to Sorong Airport. Upon arrival, a member of the crew from White Manta will be waiting to transfer you to this high end West Papua diving liveaboard. Check in onboard KM White Manta, very warm welcome, briefing & one dive may be possible at Lampu Merah before setting sail to Raja Ampat. Dinner is served.

Day 2 = (4 dives) Enjoy some wicked diving Raja Ampat at Penemu Island, Barracuda, Galaxy, Bridge and Four Kings night diving at Kima.

Day 3 = (4 dives) More amazing West Papua diving at Kruo Island, Melissa's Garden East, Melissa's Garden North, Kruo Channel and Cape Kruo.

Day 4 = (3 dives) Five star Raja Ampat liveaboard diving at Yanggefo Island, Deep Rock, Citrus Ridge, Mayhem Ridge and Cape Gam. Offering a stunning array of pristine corals, and if you are lucky maybe see pygmy seahorses or a Wobbegong Shark!

Day 5 = (4 dives) World class West Papua scuba diving at Dampier Strait, Cross over & Aerborek – with a chance for Raja Ampat Manta Ray diving at Manta Sandy! Dusk/Night dive at Friwinbonda.

Day 6 = (4 dives) Drift dive Raja Ampat at the fantastic Kri Island, Cape Kri & Mansuar Island – with a West Papua sunset dive at Mansuar.

Day 7 = (4 dives) More top class Indonesia scuba diving at Dampier Strait, Sardine Reef, Chicken Reef, Sleeping Barracuda – where with a bit of luck you can dive with Turtles, Sharks and Bumphead parrotfish! Raja Ampat sunset diving at Mioskon Island; East Mioskon.

Day 8 = (2 dives) Blue Magic, Mioskon, Turtle Island, before finishing with a dive at Going to Beach before sailing back to Sorong Port. Lots of time for washing/drying dive gear, rest, relaxation and lunch. Guests spend their last evening onboard this quality 4 Kings liveaboard.

Day 9 = (0 dives) 05.00am – 12 Noon - After breakfast and saying ciao to new dive buddies & the White Manta crew on one of the best Raja Ampat diving liveaboards around – transfers are available without cost to Sorong Hotels if continuing your West Papua diving vacation or the Airport to catch your flight to Manado, Makassar (Ujungpandang), Jakarta or Denpasar.

Diving days = 7 days (26 dives)

White Manta AMBON-BANDA ISLAND-RING OF FIRE Liveaboard Trip Schedule (all cruises start and finish in Laha Bay, Ambon)

Departs 14.00pm, 1st day from Laha Bay, Ambon
Possibly earlier if all trip preparations are complete and all guests arrive before. On the day of departure, without charge land transfers are available from Pattimura Airport (AMQ) to Laha Bay (only 10 minutes away) to where the premium Ambon liveaboard K.M White Manta is awaiting your arrival.

Returns 06.00am, last day Laha Bay, Ambon
Following breakfast and saying ciao to the White Manta crew & fellow guests, without charge land transfers are available to Pattimura Airport (AMQ) to catch your pre-booked flight to Makassar/Bali/Jakarta OR your chosen local Ambon Hotel if staying longer in Ambon – from this luxury medium budget Laha Bay liveaboard.

Last dive ends at 12 Noon on the next-to-last day

This is in order to comply with flying after diving recommendations, which stipulate a minimum pre-flight surface interval of 18 hours (If guests have booked a very early flight the following day, then they may have to sit out the last dive(s) to allow for their No Fly Time). The world class Ring of Fire/Banda Sea liveaboard White Manta will then sail back to Ambon.

Day 1 = (0-2 dives) 14.00pm departure (earlier if everyone is aboard). A representative from White Manta will be there to meet you at Pattimura Airport and transfer you to the premier Ambon diving liveaboard KM White Manta. Check-in, welcome aboard, briefings and depending on arrival time – hopefully some quality Banda Sea diving with check dive(s) in Ambon Bay for some top Ambon muck diving or Nusa Laut. Dinner before sailing overnight to the Banda Islands.

Days 2-3 = (6 dives) Five star Banda Islands liveaboard diving around Pulau Ai, Batu Kapal, Karang Hatta and Pulau Keraka! Featuring stunning pristine coral reefs, with very good visibility and an unimaginable number & variety of fish - including chances for some Banda Sea shark diving – with Pulau Ai being one the best places to see Hammerhead sharks Banda Islands can offer (September to November is the best time to visit). There will also be time to make a short visit to the Belgica Fort on the ‘Spice Island’ Banda Neira.

Day 4 = (3 dives) Manuk Island (Snake Island) – enter the realm of the Sea snake at this untouched volcanic island remotely situated in the middle of the Banda Sea. This famous Indonesia Sea snake dive is where Banda Islands divers can see Banded sea kraits & Chinese sea snakes in spectacular numbers! Other highlights include vibrant, unspoiled reefs veiled in epic schools of Barracudas, Jacks & Rainbow runners.

Days 5-7 = (9-12 dives) Ring of Fire, South Banda & The Forgotten Islands (Dai & Dawera). Away from the crowds, Ambon liveaboard divers will experience truly world class Ring of Fire diving! Offering sensational drop-offs, walls & seamounts - expect to be captivated by beautiful reefs where huge sea fans, magnificent sponges & wonderful hard corals are home to an amazing array of marine life from small critters to Indonesia’s large pelagics! Fingers crossed for some Banda Sea Manta Ray diving and if you are very lucky also some Ring of Fire Hammerhead shark dives. Simply awesome!

Day 8 = (2 dives) Two top Banda Islands dives at Hukurila Cave & Molana before sailing back to Laha Bay, Ambon. Guests will then spend their last afternoon & evening at their leisure onboard this medium/high budget Banda Sea/Ring of Fire liveaboard.

Day 9 = (0 dives) Check out anytime between 06.00am – Midday. After breakfast and saying so long to other guests and the crew on K.M White Manta, land transfers are included from this high class Laha Bay diving liveaboard to your local Ambon Hotel or the Airport to catch your onward flight.

Diving days = 8 days (22 dives)

2024 Cabin Prices

Deluxe Ensuite Upper and Main Deck Cabins = US$4,300 per person

Standard Ensuite Lower Deck Cabins = US$4,000 per person

*Please note that from September 2023 most Ambon liveaboard cruises will be 8D/7N rather than the current 9D/8N.

COVID-19 Indonesia Travel Information

From the 10th of June 2023 onwards – visitors are no longer required to provide any proof of vaccination for international arrivals and domestic travel within Indonesia.

Additionally, the Indonesian Government has also extended Visa On Arrival (VOA) to 86 Nationalities who are eligible to enter Indonesia without a visa for up to 30 days, as well as the Visa Exemption Arrangement (VEA) to more ASEAN members. For a complete list of countries and special entities for VOA and VEP please double check with your local Embassy of Indonesia.

Citizens from Countries/Territories NOT on these lists must apply for and be granted an eVISA (B211A) online BEFORE flying to Indonesia.

Please Note: Pre travel to Indonesia post COVID-19 – ALL visitors MUST:

1. Have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, that it is in good order, has enough available pages and that you are allowed to enter Indonesia. Please check with your local Indonesia Embassy if you are not sure.

2. Have proof (paper based AND digital) of a return ticket OR a one-way ticket to continue your journey to another country for (VOA & eVISA holders).

The above conditions are subject to change / amendment to change at short notice. All visitors are personally responsible for ensuring that they follow the latest Indonesian rules & regulations regarding entry and Indonesia Visa requirements.

If you are unsure of your entry and Indonesia Visa requirements – then please double check with your local Embassy of Indonesia.

Please note:

*Fuel Surcharges. Due to rising fuel costs - effective from September 2022 onwards, White Manta and Blue Manta will reluctantly implement the following fuel surcharges:

Cruises including the Banda Sea / Crossing trips = US$200 PER person.

Cruises to Komodo, Raja Ampat, Sangalaki = US$150 PER person.

Scuba Diving Insurance is compulsory for ALL White Manta scuba diving liveaboard cruises. We would also strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance. If you have neither comprehensive travel insurance or diving insurance then you MUST look at obtaining your own comprehensive scuba dive, accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance prior to joining a Indonesia scuba diving liveaboard trip.

Dive Computers are compulsory for your safety on ALL KM White Manta diving tours. If you do not have a dive computer then one can be rented onboard for US$12 per day.

Single Occupancy rate is currently just 20% in addition to the original trip price.

PADI dive courses are available onboard on all trips, and guests can partake in the PADI Advanced Open Water, PADI Rescue Diver, PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Diver Courses or any of the other PADI Specialty Courses during their Indonesian liveaboard safari.

For Sangalaki, Kakaban & Maratua diving liveaboard trips, it is highly recommended that guests spend one night in a Hotel near Balikpapan Airport Hotel, Kalimantan BEFORE the trip - to avoid missing their connecting domestic flight from Balikpapan (BPN) to Berau (BEJ) the next day in case of unforeseeable flight delays.

For Raja Ampat liveaboard diving tours, we strongly recommend that guests spend one night in a local hotel in Jakarta/Makassar/Bali before their flight next day – again in case of unforeseeable flight/luggage delays.

For Banda Sea/Ring of Fire scuba diving liveaboard diving cruises, we highly advise guests to spend one night in a local hotel in Jakarta/Makassar/Bali before taking a flight the next day – again in case of unforeseeable flight/luggage delays.