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Diving on the Amira liveaboard
We might have said it before in our Indonesia liveaboard reviews, but just in case you’re still having doubts—it’s almost impossible to go wrong when choosing Indonesia as a dive destination. Why? Because these islands in the east of the country are home to the Coral Triangle, an area of unmatched marine biodiversity.
Whether you’re looking for whale sharks, manta rays, hundreds of species of healthy soft and hard coral, or small creatures you’ve never seen before, you can find them here, and the experienced dive guides of the Amira will do their best to spot them for you. With its wide choice of itineraries, this liveaboard covers one of the widest ranges of islands.
The Amira offers up to four dives per day, and all dives are done from three dedicated dinghies that take divers from the liveaboard to the drop point. Groups are kept small, with no more than four or five divers per guide.
Before you splash in, the crew conducts an in-depth dive briefing to make sure that all divers are familiar with the water conditions and what to look for. On the dive deck itself, you’ll find plenty of shade and space, perfect for gearing up. Each diver has their own dedicated space for the duration of the trip, and your equipment remains mounted on your tank between dives.
You’ll also find dedicated rinse tanks for cameras and plenty of space to assemble, break down, and maintain your underwater photography gear. No matter how extensive your camera setup is, the camera room has ample space for everyone.
Amira’s priority is diver safety. That’s why this liveaboard was the first in Indonesia to offer the ENOS emergency and location system, which makes it easy to find divers who may have surfaced further away from their dinghy. Especially if you’re choosing a location known for stronger currents, this system can be invaluable.
Highlights:
- Spacious, shaded dive deck with dedicated spaces for divers and cameras
- ENOS emergency and location system
- Three dinghies to transport divers to drop points
Onboard the Amira
Built in the traditional phinisi style, this liveaboard cuts an impressive figure on the water, and its story is no less impressive. Designed by divers for divers, Amira started as the brainchild of a diving instructor who wanted to offer diving guests something more.
Once investment had been secured, construction started in Bira, South Sulawesi. This area has a proud boat-building tradition where skills and knowledge are passed on from one generation to the next. Consequently, Amira was constructed by boat builders from one single village, pouring all their skill into this liveaboard. No matter where you look on the boat, this expertise shows.
The main deck is at the heart of the operation, with a generous, covered lounge space perfect for relaxing between dives. On the same level, divers will also find the boat’s restaurant with seating for 18 guests and a comfortable TV and lounge space.
Cabins are located on the upper and the lower deck, and each has an ensuite bathroom and A/C. The upper deck is home to three of Amira’s cabins, each with large windows allowing you to take in the views. Just outside these cabins is a quiet outdoor relaxing space that’s perfect for enjoying a book or reviewing your pictures.
The remaining six cabins are located on the lower deck. Five of these cabins accommodate two divers, and there is one dedicated cabin for single travelers. Three portholes in each cabin ensure you get plenty of natural light, too. Traditional wood features heavily in each cabin, creating a very special ambiance.
Highlights:
- Beautifully built, impressive Phinisi-style liveaboard
- Large relaxation area on the main deck with plenty of shade
- Upper-deck cabins have their own, private relaxation space
Dining on the Amira
Picture this: you’re anchored in a beautiful bay, just close enough to a remote island to hear the birds in the jungle. As the sun sets, tasty dishes are served to you right on the deck of the stunning wooden boat you’re traveling on. You’re enjoying Western favorites or discovering Indonesian delicacies while soaking in everything your surroundings have to offer. Could alfresco dining get any better? The Amira team serves its guests in the dining area on deck whenever the weather allows.
Dinner is delivered to your table to help celebrate a successful day of diving. No matter how delicious the main course is, remember to save a bit of space for the chef’s homemade desserts. Lunch is served buffet-style, with local curries being a favorite. Amira‘s culinary team is happy to cater to vegetarians and can generally accommodate other dietary requirements with advance notice.
Aside from diving, how would you like to start your day? Fresh juice and a freshly cooked breakfast sound good to us. With a cup of Indonesian coffee or tea, Amira’s breakfast is an excellent start to a day of diving.
Throughout the day, divers have access to freshly prepared snacks, water, coffee, and tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Highlights:
- Alfresco dining on the stunning deck
- Tasty lunchtime curries
- Fresh juice to start the day
Things we like:
- The spectacular combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology in the design of this Phinisi-style boat
- Access to exclusive dive sites and rarely dived areas
- Wide choice of itineraries and destinations
Things we don't like:
- Cabins are relatively small compared to other luxury liveaboard boats in Indonesia
- Soft drinks aside from breakfast juice and water are charged separately
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2010 |
| Max Divers | 19 |
| 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 |
Take a moment to look at this.
