By: Torben Lonne
Cruising the best diving safaris of the Indonesian archipelago, the Tidak Apapa opens the wonderful world of marine biodiversity to its guests. With plenty of diving opportunities, the guests are transported into an underwater realm where thousands of fishes, corals, mollusks, and other sea creatures thrive. This gives the pristine waters the bright touches of vibrant colors. The vessel rounds the famous routes of Raja Ampat, Banda Islands, and Komodo National Park. With the fact that the cruise director himself is a marine biologist and underwater photographer as well, cruising in this liveaboard is taken to greater heights.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Many people stated that the crew were welcoming and made everyone feel like family with their vibrant personality. -
Some people said when the sails were open the boat glided along the waves and some of the liveaboards that was engine driven was just in awe of us.
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The food on the boat was very nice, better than most restaurants.
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Many divers said that there were a lot of diving spots and the marine life was abundantly displayed through the eyes of the ocean.
Things we don't like:
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A couple of people noted that the cabins were small.
Diving on the Tidak ApaPa in Indonesia
Boat Features
Since its debut cruise in 2001, the Tidak Apapa has satisfied thousands of guests not only with the world-class services provided by its amazing crew but also by being taken to great diving sites. It cruises with a speed of 6 knots reaching up to 8 knots, its top speed. Its name which translates to “No Worries” is a complete reflection of the cruises it provides.
The vessel which measures 20 meters or about 66 feet braves the Indonesian waters to mesmerize the guests with amazing views of the sea – above and under. From the sun deck, the wide sea can be watched while allowing the sun to touch your skin. The place is also ideal to adore the breaking dawn or perhaps the perplexing twilight. It is among one of the vessel’s social areas, where guests can interact and know each other.
The al-fresco lounge has bean bags to provide comfort in between dives. The covered dining area is ideal for trying both Indonesian and Western foods.
The Cabins
There are 4 cabins, which comfortably accommodates a maximum of 8 guests. Each of the cabins has double canopy beds. All cabins are located on the liveaboard’s lower deck.
For cabin ventilation, wall fans are provided. Toiletries and other personal use things, which are essential for hygiene are also provided.
Food & Beverage
Western and local flavors fill the menu of the cruise ship. The fusion of flavors from Indonesia and the Western countries give guests a taste of both worlds. Full meals are served buffet style. These meals can be enjoyed in the al-fresco dining area with a panoramic view of the sea.
There are snacks served all day to give the body ample amount of energy in between dives and other activities. Servings of hot and cold drinks complement the equally-delicious snacks.
For those who want beer and wine, an assortment of collections is also available. These alcoholic beverages are ideal to accompany friendly conversations and exchanges of diving experiences.
For dietary restrictions, advanced notices should be made upon booking. These special needs are assured to be well-taken cared of and prepared by the vessel’s onboard chef and service crew.
Itineraries
Tidak Apapa sets itself apart from other small liveaboards because it expertly traverses the waters of Raja Ampat, Banda Sea, South Sulawesi, and the Komodo National Park. These routes bring divers to a magnificent underwater playground for a chance to mingle with about 37% of the world’s existing species of fishes.
The dive sites are also home to about 600 species of corals playing host to thousands of other marine creatures, such as about 3000 species of various mollusks and echinoderms like shrimps, crabs, starfish, and sea cucumbers.
The vessel also takes guests to wonderful underwater locations for encounters with about 2500 species of stinging creatures like cnidarians, and even coelenterates – all of which are guaranteed to be in their best forms within their natural ecosystem.
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