Indo Master Liveaboard overview

By
Yvonne Press
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Yvonne is a TDI instructor trainer and rebreather instructor with more than two decades of diving experience. After learning to dive on the Great Barrier Reef,...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

Imagine drifting by current-swept reefs, surrounded by stunning, healthy coral and schooling reef fish. Drop a little deeper to spot reef sharks, watch trevallies hunt, or drift in awe while watching manta rays. Indonesia’s reefs have it all, and if you love to see unparalleled diversity of marine life, there is nothing quite like the Coral Triangle.

Built in 2022 and launched in 2024, the Indo Master makes all that accessible. Picture traveling in style and comfort on a liveaboard that combines the traditional, beautiful phinisi boat-building style with modern comforts. Nine spacious cabins, fast zodiacs, and plenty of space for divers, gear, and relaxation all make this recent addition to the Master Liveaboards fleet an excellent boat. There is plenty of space for photography and videography equipment, too.

Plus, land excursions give you a chance to spot Komodo dragons and experience the local culture. Aside from Komodo National Park, the liveaboard travels to the Banda Sea, Triton Bay, Raja Ampat, Halmahera, Lembeh, the Spice Islands, and the area of Alor.

Let’s dive into our review of the Indo Master.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

Things we like:

  • New and comfortable liveaboard for up to 18 divers
  • Luxuriously equipped, spacious cabins, including one family suite
  • Choice of 7- and 10-night itineraries in Indonesian hotspots
  • Free Wi-Fi

Things we don't like:

  • Check the cost of additional onboard services to avoid surprises at the end of the trip

Diving on the Indo Master liveaboard

Indonesia is renowned for some of the world’s best diving, and traveling by liveaboard is ideal to cover larger areas or reach dive sites that are simply too far for day boats. These trips are perfect for encountering larger pelagic species, including sharks and manta rays as well as some of the smallest, hard-to-find creatures.

At the same time, some of the sites the liveaboard visits can be prone to strong currents and are not suitable for inexperienced divers. The operator recommends an advanced diving certification (PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent) and a minimum of 50 dives to visit the likes of Komodo National Park.

A diving day on the 154-foot (47 m) Indo Master begins on the spacious dive deck. Designed by divers for divers, there is plenty of room for getting ready as well as a dedicated personal storage space for each diver’s smaller, personal items. Photographers and videographers will love the spaces dedicated to preparing and charging camera equipment. There are also separate rinse tanks to keep equipment safe.

Dives start from two fast zodiacs, which deliver divers to the best possible drop point. The dive team consists of a cruise manager as well as three dive guides. Divers benefit from small groups of between four and six divers maximum. It’s a fantastic way to experience the wonders of Indonesia for the first time or head to one of the less well-known areas. 

Highlights:

  • Wide choice of itineraries, including Indonesian favorites and up-and-coming destinations
  • Great chance of diving with sharks and manta rays
  • Small groups with experienced guides

Onboard the Indo Master

Step onboard the Indo Master liveaboard and find yourself surrounded by traditional Indonesian ironwood and teak. Indonesian boat builders have used these materials for centuries to build vessels tough enough to withstand strong currents and deliver passengers safely and comfortably.

Wood not only gives the ship’s hull stability, but it also features prominently in all nine cabins. The Indo Master has four cabins on the upper deck and four on the lower deck, which is also home to the liveaboard’s unique family suite. All cabins benefit from natural light and have AC and ensuite bathrooms.

The family suite is the largest of the nine cabins and has two double beds. The space can hold up to four divers and their equipment, and there’s plenty of natural light through portholes. The remaining four lower-deck cabins include two fixed double and two fixed twin cabins. All are beautifully decorated with traditional wood and offer ample space.

If you prefer a little more luxury and would love to enjoy spectacular views throughout your voyage, consider choosing one of the upper-deck cabins. The Indo Master offers two premium twin suites that offer outstanding ocean views and Juliet balconies. Both are perfect for sharing.

Also located on the upper deck are two superior double suites. The suites almost match the size of the family suite, giving divers plenty of storage room and private balconies from which to enjoy the stunning Indonesian scenery.

Aside from the cabins, guests can enjoy a large sundeck ideal for watching sunsets and sunrises, and there is plenty of comfortable seating in the air-conditioned salon. Photographers who want to share their pictures will love the large TV. Plus, the Indo Master offers in-room massages and a convenient laundry service for an extra charge.

Highlights:

  • Upper deck cabins with spectacular views
  • Family-friendly with a spacious lower-deck family suite
  • In-room massage service at an additional cost

 Dining on the Indo Master

No liveaboard experience would be complete without an enjoyable food experience. The crew of the Indo Master starts each diver’s day with a light breakfast, followed by a full breakfast after the first dive.

Later on, passengers have lunch and dinner to look forward to. Should anyone still feel hungry, there are snacks available throughout the day. Meals are a combination of international dishes and locally inspired Indonesian favorites.

Diving in tropical climates means that staying well-hydrated is a priority, and the Indo Master offers unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee, fruit juices, and soft drinks. Previous guests have commented on loving the free-flow sparkling water. If you prefer to toast the day’s dives with something stronger, local beer, wine, and spirits are available at an additional cost.

The Indo Master’s kitchen team is happy to cater to specific dietary requirements but advises divers to give advance notice due to the remote destinations the liveaboard travels to.

Highlights:

  • Four main meals to keep divers well-fed throughout the day
  • Unlimited fruit juices and soft drinks as well as water, coffee, and tea

Things we like:

  • New and comfortable liveaboard for up to 18 divers
  • Luxuriously equipped, spacious cabins, including one family suite
  • Choice of 7- and 10-night itineraries in Indonesian hotspots
  • Free Wi-Fi

Things we don't like:

  • Check the cost of additional onboard services to avoid surprises at the end of the trip
Key Facts
Year Built 2022
Max Divers 18
Price Range Luxury
Trip Length 8+ Nights
Internet Yes (free)
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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