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Diving on the Ambai liveaboard
It’s hard to go wrong with liveaboard diving in Indonesia, but spacious, well-designed dive decks can make the difference between a good and an excellent experience.
The Ambai was custom-built for diving by passionate divers, and this passion shows on the dive deck which occupies the rear of the main deck. The dive deck has plenty of space for 16 divers to get ready at the same time.
Access to the dive platform and all three dive tenders is easy, too. Diving from tenders allows guests to drop in the best possible spots for their dives, no matter which destination they choose.
Nitrox is included in the cost of the liveaboard, allowing divers to extend their time underwater or dive more conservatively, especially when packing as many dives as possible in the itinerary. The Ambai’s crew includes a highly experienced cruise director couple as well as four dive guides.
Photographers and videographers will love the dedicated camera room adjacent to the dive deck. This space is perfect to prepare and maintain your equipment after a dive. Plus, its location makes it easy to grab your camera right before you head off for your next dive.
Ambai’s dive briefs are usually done in the restaurant. Thanks to the large flatscreen in this room, it’s also a favorite for presenting and viewing images and videos at the end of the day.
Highlights:
- Custom-built dive deck and boat
- Three tenders to drop divers in the perfect spot for every dive
- Well-equipped camera room in the perfect location close to the dive deck
Onboard the Ambai
This stunning 105-foot (32 m) liveaboard leaves an impression from the moment you see its impressive blue hull on the sparkling sea. Constructed from traditional ironwood and teak, the Ambai doesn’t disappoint onboard either.
A total of eight cabins are ready to accommodate up to 16 divers on the Ambai. All have ensuite bathrooms and AC, and the bathrooms come complete with complimentary toiletries.
Two seaview cabins on the upper deck have double beds and outstanding views. They’re also a bit more spacious than the remaining six cabins on the lower deck. Four of them are equipped with a double and a single upper bed, which makes them ideal for sharing or accommodating couples. The remaining two cabins feature twin bunks.
The Ambai also features great relaxation spaces on the main and upper decks, with the latter likely to be a firm favorite with sun worshippers. The spacious sundeck is great for topping up your tan or taking in the outstanding scenery.
The lounge on the main deck offers the best of indoors and outdoors. It is covered to provide shade but open to the front and the sides to give divers a taste of the outdoors at the same time. Comfortable sofas and cushioned seats make these spaces ideal for spending a few hours and sharing your adventures of the day with your fellow passengers.
The Ambai’s crew also offers a range of land excursions, allowing you to get up close and personal with the legendary Komodo dragons, see the islands of Raja Ampat from the top of a hill, and experience true Indonesian culture.
Highlights:
- Seaview cabins on the main deck combine comfort with great views
- Comfortable lounge space on the main deck
- Great selection of land excursions
Dining on the Ambai
The dining experience on the MV Ambai starts with a welcome cocktail when guests board the boat. Aside from that, the chef and his team treat divers to a variety of dishes throughout their cruise. Of course, Indonesian favorites feature heavily, but there is also a selection of Western dishes, including French and Italian food.
Main meals are served three times a day at the table in the air-conditioned restaurant. If you prefer to dine outdoors, the crew is also happy to serve you in the open-air lounge. For divers feeling hungry between their dives, snacks are available throughout the day.
All meals and snacks are included in the cruise price, as well as hot drinks, soft drinks, and water. Beer and wine are available to purchase onboard.
What’s more, depending on your itinerary you may also be treated to a beach BBQ during one of the spectacular land excursions.
The team is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan food. As always, it’s highly recommended to advise the operator ahead of time, especially when you’re heading to some of the more remote destinations in Indonesia.
Highlights:
- Beach BBQ dinners during land excursions
- Great selection of food, including Indonesian, French, and Italian cuisines
- Indoor and outdoor dining is possible
Things we like:
- Smaller liveaboard for a more personal experience
- Great choice of world-class diving itineraries
- Nitrox included in the cruise price
- Support with trip extensions and onward travel arrangements
Things we don't like:
- Twin cabins are relatively small
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2012 |
| Max Divers | 16 |
| Price Range | Luxury |
| Trip Length | 8+ Nights |
| Internet | No |
| Nitrox | Yes (free) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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