Pindito Liveaboard Overview

portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair in a light blue sweaterDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Sarah Turnbull
portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair in a light blue sweater
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Sarah is a writer, PADI instructor and underwater photographer based in Mauritius. Diving across 5 continents, she has a love of all things ocean-related and an...
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...
Pindito liveaboard, a two-masted phinisi schooner, anchored off a tropical island
At 125 feet (38 meters), Pindito is the perfect size for comfortable exploration.
The Pindito phinisi sailing under full sail with tender boats trailing behind
This intimate phinisi houses eight cabins for a maximum of 16 guests.
Sofa lounge seating on the Pindito's sundeck at sunset
The large sundeck was added in 2006, extended in the renovation of 2017, and is undoubtedly Pindito’s crowning glory.
Aerial view of the Pindito anchored beside a forested Indonesian bay
Carving through the turquoise waters, Pindito is a haven for divers seeking an intimate and luxurious adventure.
Wood paneled cabin aboard the Pindito with a made-up bed and porthole
There are eight comfortable, individually air-conditioned cabins, upgraded in 2017.
Ensuite bathroom sink in a Pindito liveaboard cabin
All cabins have full ensuite bathrooms and comprise six double cabins and two twins.
Wooden dining tables and chairs in the Pindito's indoor salon
The Pindito's décor is traditional, warm, and inviting with teak fixtures and furniture, traditional handicrafts and local textiles.
Colorful soft corals and reef fish on an Indonesian dive site
Indonesia, a kaleidoscope of over 17,000 islands, is an underwater wonderland.
Group of manta rays swimming beneath a school of baitfish
Liveaboard yachts whisk guests from vibrant coral reefs teeming with life to thrilling drift dives alongside majestic manta rays.
Blue-ringed octopus resting on green algae
Tiny but deadly—you'll want to give the gorgeous blue-ringed octopus a wide berth.
Diver hovering beneath a manta ray in open water
Mantas swoop in for close encounters across Indonesia.
Pair of clownfish sheltering in a golden anemone
Clownfish always make for a vibrant photo op.
Komodo dragon resting among rocks and grass with its tongue extended
Don't miss a chance to see the iconic Komodo dragon.

Indonesia, a kaleidoscope of over 17,000 islands, is an underwater wonderland. Liveaboard yachts whisk guests from vibrant coral reefs teeming with life to thrilling drift dives alongside majestic manta rays.

Pristine walls carpeted with corals, muck diving havens teeming with bizarre critters, and adrenaline-pumping currents coursing through canyons can all be found here. Raja Ampat beckons with its biodiverse reefs and iconic pinnacles, while Komodo National Park offers encounters with huge Komodo dragons and mesmerizing underwater landscapes.

Carving through the turquoise waters, Pindito is a haven for divers seeking an intimate and luxurious adventure. This traditional phinisi, meticulously crafted in 1992 from ironwood and boasting a rich 30-year history, exudes a charm that’s equal parts classic and adventurous.

At 125 feet (38 meters), Pindito is the perfect size for comfortable exploration, housing eight cabins for a maximum of 16 guests. A 20-strong crew, renowned for their warmth and expertise, ensure every detail is taken care of, leaving guests free to soak up the magic of Indonesia’s spectacular underwater world.

Let’s dive into our review of Pindito.

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:

  • Small, intimate groups with a maximum of 16 guests
  • Free nitrox (32%)
  • Spectacular biodiversity
  • Excellent crew—knowledgeable and friendly
  • Access to remote dive locations

Things we don't like:

  • Obligatory surcharges of US$400+ per person, depending on itinerary

Diving on Pindito liveaboard

Manta rays gliding over a coral reef with more circling above in Indonesia
Pygmy seahorse camouflaged among red sea fan coral
Dense school of glassfish swarming around red soft corals on an Indonesian reef
Boxer crab holding small white anemones in its claws
School of sweetlips fish sheltering under a table coral formation
School of batfish swimming beneath the hull of a boat in Indonesian waters

The diving from Pindito offers incredible experiences, from gentle shallow reefs to adrenaline-pumping drifts through canyons of vibrant coral. Raja Ampat’s pinnacles soar from the depths, while Lembeh, famous for muck diving, hosts critters including flamboyant cuttlefish and hairy frogfish.

Komodo National Park offers some of the most exhilarating drift dives in the world. From macro marvels to unforgettable pelagic encounters with giant manta rays, majestic whale sharks, and schools of barracuda, Indonesia’s magic lies in its sheer variety and accessibility. The huge range of pelagic life includes whale sharks, hammerheads, sperm whales, dolphins, manta and mobula rays, and over 1,000 species of fish and 250 species of coral.

With itineraries ranging from 7 nights to 15 nights, most trips on Pindito are 11 nights. With multiple itineraries, Pindito offers a huge variety for divers. Boasting three highly experienced and knowledgeable dive guides, the maximum ratio of divers to guides is 6:1. With up to four dives a day, including night dives, being onboard Pindito is all about comfort and convenience.

Dives are done from zodiacs that whisk divers directly to the sites. The crew takes on all the heavy lifting, learning divers’ preferred gear configuration and setting it up for all dives for the duration of the trip.

Diving on Pindito is suitable for all levels of diver, with guests offered the option to be fully

guided or to dive in buddy pairs more independently. Open Water certification is the minimum requirement, but most guests tend to be experienced divers seeking exciting itineraries, diverse marine life, and underwater exploration.

Rental equipment is available on board and should be booked in advance.

Highlights:

  • Spectacular diversity of dive sites from muck diving to walls, drifts and reefs
  • Frequent encounters with large pelagics
  • Over 1000 species of fish and 250 corals
  • Excellent macro and wide-angle photography

Onboard Pindito

Wood paneled twin cabin aboard the Pindito liveaboard with an ensuite sink
Indoor lounge and dining tables aboard the Pindito liveaboard at dusk
Sofa lounge seating on the Pindito's sundeck at sunset
Wooden dive deck and staircase aboard the Pindito liveaboard at sunset

There are eight comfortable, individually air-conditioned cabins, upgraded in 2017. All have full ensuite bathrooms and comprise six double cabins and two twins. The double cabins also feature an upper bunk.

The salon and dining area is the heart of Pindito. The décor is traditional, warm, and inviting with teak fixtures and furniture, traditional handicrafts and local textiles. Onboard entertainment includes a TV, DVD/CD player and small library.

The crew can often be found on deck playing instruments and entertaining guests with local music in the evenings. Wakeboards, paddleboards and water skis are also available when guests want a change of pace.

The large sundeck was added in 2006, extended in the renovation of 2017, and is undoubtedly Pindito’s crowning glory. Guests can soak up the tropical sun on comfortable loungers and, for those seeking shade, oversized umbrellas offer respite from the heat.

Pre-dive briefings take place either in the salon or on the sundeck. Pindito caters to everyone’s preferences with a partially covered aft deck providing a cool and breezy haven of relaxation. Comfortable furniture arranged around sturdy wooden tables is perfect for enjoying an alfresco meal under the stars.

Pindito’s dive deck seamlessly blends function with comfort. Personal gear bins keep kit organized, while spacious rinse tanks and freshwater showers wash away the day’s salt and sand.

The dive deck offers easy access to the waiting zodiacs, where all equipment is waiting for divers, ready to be checked before the dive. The dedicated and spacious camera room has ample workstations for guests to assemble, adjust and store their equipment.

Highlights:

  • Relaxed and intimate atmosphere
  • Large sundeck with lots of places to relax
  • Dedicated camera room for set up, storage and editing

Dining onboard Pindito

Plates of grilled meat and salad served on the Pindito's dining table
Dining tables set with plates and glasses aboard the Pindito liveaboard

Breakfast onboard Pindito takes a two-pronged approach. A light continental breakfast awaits before the first dive, followed by a sumptuous and filling feast after guests surface. Lunch and dinner is buffet-style, featuring a delicious blend of local and Western cuisines with family-style meals being the norm. Fragrant curries and fresh seafood are available alongside familiar pasta dishes and grilled meats.

To keep energy levels topped up, mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are also available, featuring fresh fruits, cookies, and freshly-baked Indonesian snacks.

Guests are requested to notify the reservations agent of any dietary requirements in advance and the onboard chef will do his best to accommodate requests. Soft drinks, tea and coffee are available free of charge, as are beer and spirits, excluding wine.

Highlights:

  • Excellent quality food and drinks
  • Dietary requirements catered for
  • Alcoholic drinks included

Things we like:

  • Small, intimate groups with a maximum of 16 guests
  • Free nitrox (32%)
  • Spectacular biodiversity
  • Excellent crew—knowledgeable and friendly
  • Access to remote dive locations

Things we don't like:

  • Obligatory surcharges of US$400+ per person, depending on itinerary
Key facts
Year built: 1992
Max divers: 16
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes (free)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 8+ Nights
Price range: Luxury
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