Scubaspa Zen Liveaboard Overview

woman carrying a scuba tank near a rocky cave entranceDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Kiani Versluys
woman carrying a scuba tank near a rocky cave entrance
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Kiani is a PADI instructor with a passion for traveling. From taking her first breath under water in the Gulf of Thailand, to working in the...
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...
Scubaspa Zen liveaboard boat anchored near hills at dusk with sails rigged and Indonesian flag flying
Embark on unforgettable journeys covering Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea and more on this 173-foot (53 m) luxury phinisi.
Aerial view of the Scubaspa Zen phinisi sailing past a green coastal hillside
Scubaspa Zen accommodates up to 20 guests in nine luxurious cabins.
Scubaspa Zen crew waving from the boat's gangway and deck
Scubaspa Zen staff is available to fulfill all your dive-related needs.
Dive tender boat with divers aboard cruising alongside Scubaspa Zen
The dedicated dive boat offers ample space, well-equipped dive stations, an onboard toilet, and shower facilities.
Diver swimming beside a swirling school of jack fish
Marine diversity in Indonesia is unmatched.
Manta rays gliding through blue water off Indonesia
Strong currents bring in pelagics like manta rays.
Blacktip reef shark swimming through shallow water near a tree-lined shore
Nestled within the Coral Triangle, Indonesia beckons divers year-round with its unrivaled biodiversity.
diver photographing a group of manta rays underwater
Depending on the time of year, you may see whale sharks on scuba or snorkel.
Blue dining chairs set with candles and napkins for an evening meal aboard Scubaspa Zen
Guests can delight in two buffet-style meals for breakfast and lunch, as well as à la carte dinners in the alfresco restaurant on the main deck
Scubaspa Zen chefs serving a spread of grilled skewers and buffet dishes
Three highly trained chefs cater to every palate and dietary preference.
Pink anemonefish sheltering in a large anemone on a reef
Marine diversity in Indonesia is unmatched, and reefs like this one draw divers back to Scubaspa Zen's itineraries year after year.
Cabin aboard Scubaspa Zen with a map-motif ceiling, bed and lounge seating
Relax in the lounge between dives.
Marble bathroom with glass shower and Scubaspa branded towels aboard Scubaspa Zen
The unique Asian-inspired spa is thoughtfully positioned at the stern of the vessel, secluded in the quietest part of the boat.
spotted grouper resting among coral on a night dive
Relax under the Indonesian stars after your dive day is over.

From strong current drift dives in Komodo to encounters with schooling hammerheads in the Banda Sea, to discovering the absolute epicenter of marine diversity in Raja Ampat, the diving in Indonesia is without parallel. Scubaspa Zen meticulously selects the best trip itineraries based on monsoons and tidal calendars. New to the Scubaspa fleet in 2020, Scubaspa Zen is the sister vessel to the luxury Maldives vessels, Ying and Yang.

Embark on unforgettable journeys covering Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea and more on this 173-foot (53 m) luxury phinisi. Scubaspa Zen offers active wellness cruises across Indonesia and welcomes up to 20 guests in nine en suite cabins.

Let’s dive into our review of Scubaspa Zen. 

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.

Recommended in: Liveaboards in Maldives

Things we like:

  • High staff-to-guest ratio (26:20)
  • Welcomes both divers and non-divers
  • Asian-inspired spa

Things we don't like:

  • Only 1 GB of free WiFi per person
  • Juices, specialty coffees, and teas only included during breakfast
  • Nitrox available but not included

Diving on Scubaspa Zen

wetsuits and dive gear hanging on the dive deck rack of Scubaspa Zen
diver exploring a reef bursting with soft coral and crinoids
diver photographing a group of manta rays underwater
whale shark swimming beneath a liveaboard with guests on deck
wetsuits and dive gear stowed under a covered deck aboard Scubaspa Zen

Nestled within the Coral Triangle, Indonesia beckons divers year-round with its unrivaled biodiversity. Here you’ll find over 76% of the world’s coral species and an incredible variety of reef fish found nowhere else on Earth. Pygmy seahorses will vie for your attention, along with playful dolphins, majestic mantas, a kaleidoscope of hard corals, and steep walls with strong currents.

Scubaspa Zen visits each of these three destinations on seasonal itineraries. With scheduled trips in Komodo from April to October and Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea between October and April, Scubaspa Zen makes sure you’re at the right place at the right time.

Diving is done from a separate 69-foot (21 m) dedicated dive vessel, which maximizes diving convenience and space on the main ship. Diving with a computer is mandatory, but ScubaPro rental equipment and nitrox for qualified divers are available at a surcharge.

Seven or 10-night voyages offer the choice of three packages: a scuba holiday, a scuba & spa holiday, or a spa/active wellness holiday, including a variety of dives, spa treatments, or snorkeling excursions, depending on which package you choose. The trips are not just about diving or relaxing, but also include visits to hidden islands, local villages, and untouched sandbars.

Be aware that night and deep dives are available only to divers with advanced diver certification. Divers need a minimum of 50 logged dives for the Komodo and Forgotten Islands expedition and 30 logged dives for Raja Ampat.

A private dive guide can be arranged, at an extra cost, for guests with fewer logged dives. You can also upgrade your certification level during your stay onboard.

Highlights:

  • A huge variety of marine life including whale and wobbegong sharks
  • A separate, spacious dive vessel
  • Up to 26 dives per trip
  • Itineraries include all the best of Indonesia

Onboard Scubaspa Zen

spotted grouper resting among coral on a night dive
shaded lounge deck with striped daybeds aboard Scubaspa Zen
twin treatment beds in the onboard spa of Scubaspa Zen
bartender preparing drinks at the open air bar aboard Scubaspa Zen
Sunset lounge deck with striped cushioned seating aboard Scubaspa Zen

Scubaspa Zen accommodates up to 20 guests in nine luxurious cabins. The Manta Suite measures a spectacular 645 square feet (60 square meters) and offers a magnificent living room and a private overwater lounge with panoramic ocean views. All staterooms have en suite bathrooms with showers, mini safes, air conditioning, and convertible beds.

The unique Asian-inspired spa is thoughtfully positioned at the stern of the vessel, secluded in the quietest part of the boat. Two expert spa therapists offer no less than 19 treatments, including a specially designed diver’s massage. All products are made with organic ingredients, botanical extracts, and essential oils, made exclusively in Bali for Scubaspa. 

The Scubaspa Zen’s deck areas offer something for everyone. Dine at the spacious alfresco restaurant, have cocktails at the adjacent bar, or soak up the sun on the sundeck. Guests can participate in morning yoga classes, watch a movie in the open air cinema, or set up their underwater photography gear in the dedicated photo station. 

In between dives, divers can relax on the sundeck platform or just take a nap on the dive vessel’s sofa bed. The dedicated dive boat offers ample space, well-equipped dive stations, an onboard toilet, and shower facilities.

Highlights:

  • Two spa therapists
  • 19 spa treatments
  • Open-air cinema
  • Morning yoga classes

Dining onboard Scubaspa Zen

Formal dining setup with wine glasses and folded napkins on Scubaspa Zen
Blue dining chairs set with candles and napkins for an evening meal aboard Scubaspa Zen
Chef adding a lemon wedge to a large seafood paella on the beach
Curved wooden bar with stools lit in blue aboard Scubaspa Zen

Guests can delight in two buffet-style meals for breakfast and lunch, as well as à la carte dinners in the alfresco restaurant on the main deck. The three highly trained chefs cater to every palate and dietary preference.

Next to the restaurant you will find the ZEN bar, where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the bow while sipping on a glass of top-tier wine, champagne or one of the many handcrafted cocktails. To end a perfect day, join the daily happy hour while watching the sun set over the water.

One of the highlights aboard Scubaspa Zen are the live cooking evenings, where the skilled chefs showcase the flavors of Asian, Mediterranean, and Continental cuisine. And one evening, there’s a desert island barbecue featuring the catch of the day.

Highlights:

  • Three chefs
  • Two bartenders
  • Beach barbecue on a deserted island
  • Mix of buffet and à la carte meals

Things we like:

  • High staff-to-guest ratio (26:20)
  • Welcomes both divers and non-divers
  • Asian-inspired spa

Things we don't like:

  • Only 1 GB of free WiFi per person
  • Juices, specialty coffees, and teas only included during breakfast
  • Nitrox available but not included
Key facts
Year built: 2010
Max divers: 18
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: Yes ($)
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Luxury
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments