Aurora Liveaboard Overview

diver in scuba gear smiling on a small boat at seaDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Melina Biedermann
diver in scuba gear smiling on a small boat at sea
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Melina is a dedicated traveler and seasoned divemaster based in the heart of South East Asia. With a flair for discovering hidden treasures, her love for...
Rebecca Strauss
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
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...
Aurora liveaboard phinisi schooner sailing under black sails
This traditional phinisi trades the usual white canvas for black sails, a striking signature that sets it apart in the fleet.
Aerial view of a reef edge and a traditional phinisi anchored near Raja Ampat
This traditional phinisi trades the usual white canvas for black sails, a striking signature that sets it apart in the fleet.
The Aurora liveaboard anchored near green hills at sunset with its black sails furled
This traditional phinisi trades the usual white canvas for black sails, a striking signature that sets it apart in the fleet.
Divers boarding a skiff near limestone islands, seen from the waterline through a cave opening
Guests explore the limestone islands and hidden caverns that surround the Aurora's dive sites by tender before each dive.
dining table set with plates and cups in the Aurora's salon
Grab a bite in the air-conditioned salon.
The Aurora liveaboard moored against a dry hillside under a clear blue sky
Grab a bite in the air-conditioned salon after a day exploring the surrounding coastline.
reef alive with orange anthias fish under streaming sunlight
The custom-built Aurora is your gateway to exploring the pristine waters and vibrant coral reefs of Raja Ampat, North Sulawesi, and Komodo, with boarding in Sorong.
close-up of a purple rhinopias camouflaged on the reef
Behold: a stunning purple rhinopias
vibrant orange and pink soft corals cover a reef wall
Guests will explore vertical walls teeming with life, healthy coral gardens, coral-encrusted wrecks, drift dives, and intricate caverns.
Rows of scuba tanks and wetsuits hanging on the Aurora's dive deck
The well-equipped dive deck keeps gear organized and ready between the vertical walls and coral gardens divers explore each day.
Wood-paneled dining and lounge area aboard the Aurora with tables set for guests
Guests will explore vertical walls teeming with life, healthy coral gardens, coral-encrusted wrecks, drift dives, and intricate caverns.

Exceptional diving opportunities await in the gems of Indonesia—Raja Ampat, North Sulawesi, and Komodo. Raja Ampat sits at the epicenter of the Coral Triangle, offering truly remarkable biodiversity. With over 1,000 fish species and 500 types of corals and the healthiest reefs on the planet, it’s No. 1 on many divers’ bucket lists for a reason.

The 132-foot (42 m) long Aurora, a phinisi vessel crafted in Sulawesi, effortlessly combines modern-day creature comforts with the appeal of traditional charm, and the onboard crew on board provides exceptional and attentive service.

Keep reading as we dive into our review of the Aurora. 

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Things we like:

  • Flexible itinerary based on weather
  • Outstanding hospitality and service
  • Exploration of secret, less touristy locations
  • Spacious and well-organized dive deck
  • Abundance of marine life, including mantas

Things we don't like:

  • Limited marine life at some dive sites
  • Communication problems with instructors
  • Cash-only payments onboard

Diving on the Aurora liveaboard

reef alive with orange anthias fish under streaming sunlight
close-up of a purple rhinopias camouflaged on the reef
scuba gear lined up on the shaded deck of the Aurora liveaboard
vibrant orange and pink soft corals cover a reef wall

Diving on the Aurora is an incredible experience. This custom-built vessel is your gateway to exploring the pristine waters and vibrant coral reefs of Raja Ampat, North Sulawesi, and Komodo, with boarding in Sorong.

Guests will explore vertical walls teeming with life, healthy coral gardens, coral-encrusted wrecks, drift dives, and intricate caverns. Custom-designed tenders ensure easy access for diving.

For those with a passion for muck diving, Raja Ampat is often hailed as the world’s best location. Here, you can spot some of the most peculiar and uniquely adapted critters, many of which are masters of camouflage.

With professional dive guides, you’ll enjoy 11- or 12-night itineraries, with three to four dives per day. The crew-to-guest ratio is nearly 1:1. They speak multiple languages, including English, French, Indonesian, Mandarin, and Spanish. The crew includes marine biologists, underwater photographers, and video operators who provide expert guidance.

Aurora not only offers nitrox, but also rebreather and sidemount support. Dive gear is available for rent. Guests can also enjoy shore excursions, kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and more.

National Park fees are included, but there are some required extras: gratuities ($15 per day) and port fees ($200-250 per trip).

Highlights:

  • Crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1
  • Knowledgeable and multilingual dive guides
  • Muck diving, walls, coral gardens, wrecks
  • Memorable shore excursions

Onboard the Aurora

twin beds with patterned linens in a cabin aboard the Aurora
sun deck loungers overlooking the coastline from the Aurora
guest relaxing on the bowsprit platform of the Aurora at sunset
cushioned lounge seating by the windows aboard the Aurora

The Aurora, originally built in 2007 and renovated in 2010, offers guests a range of convenient amenities and comfortable accommodations, including easy airport and hotel transfers.

The boat accommodates up to 18 guests in nine double or twin cabins, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and daily housekeeping services. Some cabins even offer the luxury of king-size beds.

Whether you choose a double, twin, or family cabin, you’ll enjoy stunning sea views from your quarters. Additionally, warm-water showers, beach towels, cabin towels, and complimentary toiletries are provided to enhance comfort.

Guests can stay connected, with complimentary onboard WiFi, and make use of the satellite phone available for limited downloads on the onboard computer. For entertainment, the Aurora offers audio and video options and convenient charging stations for devices. If you’re in the mood for reading, there’s a library onboard.

Inside, you’ll find an air-conditioned salon and bar, and out on the sun deck, there’s a stunning view and cushioned loungers for relaxation.

Photographers and videographers will appreciate the camera room, spacious enough to accommodate even the most intricate equipment.

Finally, the well-equipped dive deck features outside showers, a camera station with a separate rinse tank, DIN adaptors, rinse hoses, and rinse tanks for other gear.

Highlights:

  • Airport and hotel transfers
  • Free onboard WiFi and entertainment options
  • Spacious camera room
  • Well-equipped dive deck

Dining on the Aurora

dining table set with plates and cups in the Aurora's salon
plates of grilled whole fish and chicken served on board
Two plates of grilled seafood and vegetables served on a liveaboard dining table

Dining on the Aurora offers a diverse culinary experience to cater to every guest’s taste. Expert chefs prepare both local and international dishes. The dining experience on board includes a buffet-style service, al fresco dining, and a beach BBQ for a unique culinary journey. Snacks are provided throughout the day.

A variety of special menus, including options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten-free preferences are available as well with advance notice.

Beverage options are abundant, with soft drinks, tea and coffee available. Guests can also enjoy complimentary wine or beer with dinner.

Highlights:

  • Exceptional food quality
  • Special menus like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free are available
  • Complimentary wine or beer with dinner

Things we like:

  • Flexible itinerary based on weather
  • Outstanding hospitality and service
  • Exploration of secret, less touristy locations
  • Spacious and well-organized dive deck
  • Abundance of marine life, including mantas

Things we don't like:

  • Limited marine life at some dive sites
  • Communication problems with instructors
  • Cash-only payments onboard
Key facts
Year built: 2007
Max divers: 18
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: Yes (free)
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 8+ Nights
Price range: Luxury
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