By: Torben Lonne
A luxury phinisi that offers guests a wonderful experience, the Tanaka liveaboard takes you to Indonesia’s best diving sites. The boat was built in 2014 and carries passengers on a cruise from the extraordinary biodiversity in the Raja Ampat, with focus on diving areas such as Cape Kri, Airboerk, Penemu, and Gam. The boat goes to other beautiful destinations in Indonesia such as Komodo Islands, Wakatobi, Flores, Maluku, Seram, Alor, and Banda Sea.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Some divers reported that the diving was of a high standard and it exposed them to many sea life. -
Some people were happy with the land exploration as they got to see komodo dragons and experience a sunrise hike on one of the islands.
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The food was excellently prepared by the master chef who knew how to entertain the taste buds.
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Many people expressed that their room was spacious and luxurious with their own deck.
Things we don't like:
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A couple of people noted that the trip to see the komodo dragons was in a park and they expected it to be in the wild. -
Some divers noted that the tides were problematic at times.
Diving on the Tanaka in Indonesia
The 35 meter/115feet long liveaboard offers families, couples, and groups who want the first-class option for diving, snorkeling and land excursions on some of Indonesia’s best islands, an unforgettable experience. With five cabins that cater for up to 15 guests, Tanaka is a combination of modern technology and traditions. The boat goes on a cruise from November to February yearly.
Boat Features
To guarantee the satisfaction of potential guests, it took four years to build the Tanaka. With great attention to details, every part of the liveaboard was carefully designed. From the living areas to the exquisite cabins and other areas, guests have a fantastic view of the sea.
With 5 cabins, rooms in the Tanaka vary from double, triple or a Master 4-bed suite with private balcony. All cabins are fully air-conditioned, have en-suite bathrooms, bathrobes, towels and storage spaces. The boat also has social areas, which comprise a sun deck as well as outdoor and indoor dining.
The large master suite has a private balcony, a double bed, and a bunk, making it ideal for families or couples and groups who want a bit more space. The remaining cabins include a triple cabin with three beds, another two triple cabins with double and single beds, and a double cabin with a double bed.
Divers and non-divers can relax on the foredeck, where they soak up the sun rays while reclining on beanbags and benches. This area also has a long wooden table that can be shaded by a bimini or left open to the skies. Head inside, and there is an air-conditioned saloon with a library and a small bar where the staff can whip up fresh juices and cocktails. Follow through to the aft deck, and you will find another covered dining area backed by a platform of raised daybeds.
The meals on the Tanaka are prepared by an onboard chef and are a mixture of the local and western cuisine. The crew onboard ensures that guests enjoy a 5-star experience and are available to help create an unforgettable adventure in Indonesia’s best diving sites.
To ensure a safe and fun-filled diving experience, the Tanaka is equipped with a dive platform, along with two tenders for eight persons each. The boat comes with a Bauer compressor and nitrox is available on request.
As regards safety, the boat is equipped with the required safety features such as extensive first aid kits, emergency oxygen, fire extinguishers as well as a life raft.
Best time to go
While divers and non-divers can go on a cruise aboard the Tanaka all year round, the best time to visit the island is between April and August. However, diving can be still great in November as well.
Itinerary
The itinerary on the Tanaka Phinisi is subject to change due to sea and weather conditions, government regulations, availability of safe anchorage and other factors. Guests are usually picked from their hotels on the departure day and transferred to the boat, where they are briefed. The boat focuses on diving near the Komodo Island but divers have the opportunity to live near all the other islands. Several diving sites such as Crystal Rock, Batu Bolong, and Castle Rock can be visited. These dive sites are famous for coral reefs and walls, colorful sea critters, and schools of fish. Lots of divers go to Komodo for macro diving. Nudibranchs, tiny octopuses and pygmy seahorses can be found here. Magical sceneries of Gili Lawa Darar will impress you.
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