DIVE ADVICE TRAVEL - INDONESIA

The Boat

For many divers, the Pindito has been a favorite since she first set sail back in 1992. She was sheer adventure . . . and although she didn’t offer all of the creature comforts sought by those looking for that exquisite combination of luxury and adventure, she was a great dive boat.

Recent renovations to this beautiful vessel have upgraded her amenities – with en-suite facilities in every cabin – putting her in a comfort class for all.

A 124-foot wood-hull schooner built in the traditional Indonesian fashion, the Pindito was the first major dive boat to make the waters of Raja Ampat her home. Her owner/captain, Edi Frommenweiler says that he followed his instincts in exploring the Raja Ampat area . . and those instincts were impeccable.

Captain Edi helped to lead the way to opening up the best dive sites in the waters of West Papua / Raja Ampat . . . . . plus the Moluccas and Nusa Tenggara . . . . . and is almost certainly the most experienced captain you can sail with in those areas.

17 Indonesian crewmembers and 3 multi-lingual European Dive Guides will join forces on the Pindito to make your experience, on board and in these fascinations waters, an unforgettable voyage.

Accommodation & Amenities

The Pindito’s lovely teak creates a warm and inviting feeling, and the roomy 10' x 10' cabins offer both twin and double accommodation – 6 double and 2 twin – taking a maximum of 16 divers. A comfortable sitting area is equipped with all the expected audio-visual support.

During your non-diving hours, you can relax and enjoy a professional massage in the "floating spa" with 3 different massage styles to choose from - “Bali Traditional”, “Aroma Therapy” or "Reflex Zone Therapy". Highly recommended!

Meals

A Continental breakfast is served before your first morning dive, with a full breakfast available on your return on board. Lunch and dinner meals are largely influenced by Indonesian or Chinese cuisine and the crew prides itself on its desserts and sweets. Between meals, after diving, you’ll enjoy snacks, including cake and cookies, with tea, coffee, juice soda always available.

After your last dive of the day, you can unwind with a complimentary beer, or a cocktail or a glass of wine (supplementary charge). If you have special requests, we can notify the boat in advance.

Diving

Pindito has three Zodiac Pros, Model 500 RL, powered by Mercury outboard engines and is equipped to provide rental BCD’s, regulators, dive lights, and dive computers for four divers. If you need complete diving gear just let us know when you make your reservation.

Nitrox divers will find Nitrox (32% oxygen) fills, plus a Nitrox analyzer provided for your use. Of course, you’re required to keep up with the Nitrox Log Board and analyze and document all of your Nitrox fills before the dives.

If you’re not a Nitrox diver yet, you can opt for a P.A.D.I. Nitrox Specialty Course on board, which will allow you to use Nitrox during the cruise, and you will be provided with a certification card at the end of your journey.

Photography

Photographers and videographers will love the convenience and functionality of the Pindito's camera room. It was specially built for modern photographers and you will find lots of storage space, professional-grade work areas, and both 220v and 110v AC charging stations.

In the salon there’s a large flat panel television and computer center where you can plug into and watch video and stills created during your dives. And be sure to take advantage of the extensive knowledge base of the ship’s onboard photo and video professionals by asking questions should you have them.

Itineraries

Pindito has two spectacular itineraries in Raja Ampat during the month from November through April. In May and October, the very popular relocation cruises through the spice islands have been tagged "biodiversity". June through September, Pindito is based in Bali and offers itineraries around Komodo, Flores and Alor.

Komodo Itinerary

The cruise leaves Bali heads toward Satonda taking you then to dive the alluring Rinca and Komodo Islands before cruising through the area which includes the islands of Padar, Tatawa, Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Makaser.

On the cruise back to Bali, you’ll dive Sangeang Island, the stunning volcanic island which offers some of the spectacular diving. After spending an entire day diving its incredible waters, it’s time to steam on to Moyo, with a return to Bali the following morning.

Your journey wouldn’t be complete without visits to some of the islands, with the 4.5 km guided walk through parts of Komodo being probably the number one highlight.

You’ll have the opportunity to see the Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat, approaching them to within a mind-boggling distance, your Park Ranger Guide always ready to avert danger should one of the Dragons feel particularly frisky that day!

Biodiversity Cruise 1

This trip covers 1100 nautical miles starting from Flores, (Nusa Tengara) crossing the Banda Sea to Irian Jaya (West Papua). You will pas through a wide range of geological landscapes, cruising past volcanic islands and limestone pinnacles developed from ancient coral reefs. The fantastic Raja Ampat Marine Park off the west coast of Papua is your ultimate destination and will provide unrivalled diving highlights. As you cruise along the natural migratory paths and playgrounds of marine mammals such as whales and dolphins, this cruise is guaranteed to provide amazing diversity and beauty both above and below the water.

Biodiversity Cruise 2

On the north tip of Sulawesi are the famous diving areas of the Lembeh Strait, Bangka and Gangga Islands, and the Bunaken National Park. Before we leave this region we will visit the Minahasa Lagoon resort and some of the best dive sites in this region. After this you cruise along the north coast of Sulawesi for a few days before turning south down the west coast towards Bali. This trip promises all of the diversity in the Indonesian seas.

Raja Ampat

This itinerary takes you from Sorong north and east to Fabiajet and Wayl Batan. Then, the Pindito cruises south to dive the waters of Misool, a region with thousands of islands dotted with caves & caverns everywhere. The scenery above the waterline is nothing short of breathtaking and is no less so underwater. Misool is one of the places on earth where you´ll find the most various species of fish, hard and soft corals, sponges, worms, nudibranches, shrimps and crabs and all kind of non-vertebrates, like cuttle fish and octopus. You will as well come across wobbegong shark and epaulet sharks, which you will only find in this region. Giant clams as well as fantastic tiny shells. You’ll visit incredible dive sites all along the way, with a stop at glorious Kri on your way back to Sorong.

Banda Sea / Raja Ampat

This trip begins in Ambon, capital of the Moluccas. From there you will visit the best dive sites of Saparua and Nusa Laut before reaching the historically important Spice Island, Banda Neira, a strategic Dutch colony in the 16th and 17th centuries. Fascinating land excursions to the old Dutch fort or climbing the volcanoes adds to your dive adventure. Along the east coast of Ceram, you’ll continue your cruise towards Raja Ampat. The fantastic labyrinth of islands around Misool is incredible and, probably correctly, claims to be the epicenter of global marine biodiversity. You’ll spend 7 spectacular days in the Raja Ampat Marine Park before moving on to your final destination, Sorong, West Papua.