EcoXplorer Liveaboard, Indonesia
Renovated phinisi liveaboard with profits supporting conservation and community programmes
per person
Overview
EcoXplorer is a 28m expedition liveaboard operating across the remote waters of eastern Indonesia, from Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay, to Triton Bay, Halmahera and the Banda Sea. Rebuilt in the style of a traditional Indonesian phinisi, the vessel accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in ensuite cabins and combines dedicated diving facilities with cultural visits, wildlife encounters and island exploration. Highlights of the itineraries can include spectacular reefs, manta rays, whale sharks, wrecks, schooling fish and unusual macro life, depending on the itinerary. And with all profits supporting EcoNusa’s conservation and community programmes, EcoXplorer is particularly well suited to divers seeking small-group expeditions with a more meaningful local connection.
Highlights
- Accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in eastern Indonesia
- Itineraries in Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay, Triton Bay, Halmahera and Banda Sea
- Cultural visits, snorkelling, fishing and island exploration between dives
- All profits support EcoNusa’s conservation and community initiatives
- Number of cabins:5
- Internet:YES
- Nitrox:NO
- Ensuite bathrooms:YES
- Guest / Guide:4:1
- Group booking discounts
Choose your trip
- 1 guest
- 2 guests
- 3 guests
- 4 guests
- 5 guests
- 6 guests
- 7 guests
- 8 guests
- 9 guests
- 10+ guests
- 29Sep 202610D / 9N
Forgotten Frontiers: The Watubela Liveaboard Expedition (SOQ - AMQ)
24 divesfrom US$2,916Available
Cabins
Deluxe cabin, lower deck
Bunk beds2 peopleShareable
Standard cabin, lower deck
Bunk beds2 peopleShareable
Master cabin, main deck
Queen size bed2 peopleShareable
Boat facilities
- Above deck cabins
- Sun deck
- Transfers
- WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Indoor saloon
- Outdoor dining
- Vegetarian options
- Full safety equipment
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Park fees and permits
Dive facilities
- Camera facilities
- Dive deck
- Dive tenders
- Freshwater showers
- Equipment rental
- Snorkeling equipment
- Items marked with an may not be included in the trip price.
Vessel information
Location
EcoXplorer operates across Papua and Maluku in eastern Indonesia, moving between different islands according to its expedition schedule and the seasons. Its itineraries include northern and central Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay, Manokwari, Mapia, Triton Bay and Kaimana, as well as the Banda Sea, Halmahera and the volcanic islands of Teon, Nila and Serua.
Many itineraries begin and end in the same port, while longer crossings connect ports such as Sorong, Kaimana, Manokwari, Biak, Ambon, Tulehu and Saumlaki. EcoXplorer also offers extended ‘Wallacea expeditions’ that trace the Wallace Line between Kaimana and Sorong, and visiting Triton Bay, the Aru and Kai islands, Seram and southern Raja Ampat. The ZuBlu travel team will share all details of the embarkation and disembarkation ports when you make your reservation.
Liveaboard facilities
EcoXplorer began life as the marine patrol vessel Inbekwan, which worked with international conservation organisations in Raja Ampat. After being donated to the EcoNusa Foundation in 2020, the vessel underwent an extensive rebuild in Bira, South Sulawesi, using traditional phinisi techniques. It returned to Sorong and began operating as EcoXplorer in May 2022.
Today, the vessel combines the character of a traditional Indonesian sailing boat with the practical layout of a small expedition liveaboard. Shared spaces include an indoor lounge and dining area, outdoor gathering areas and a sun deck, while the water-sports platform supports diving, snorkelling and other activities. EcoXplorer is operated with a clear social and environmental purpose, with profits reinvested into programmes supporting conservation, Indigenous communities, education and healthcare in Papua and Maluku.
Cabins
The air-conditioned guest cabins are found on the main and lower decks. Metroxylon, the Family Master Cabin, is located at the stern of the main deck and offers the most space and privacy, with panoramic windows, sea views, a queen-size bed, an additional bunk bed, an ensuite bathroom and a private balcony.
The four Deluxe Cabins are located on the lower deck and feature private bathrooms and traditional portholes. Myristica and Avicennia each combine a double bed with a single bunk, while Wallacei and Astrapia have twin single bunks. These configurations make the vessel suitable for couples, friends, families and small private groups.
Dining
Full-board meals are included during EcoXplorer itineraries, with a light breakfast served before the first dive, followed by a larger breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are served in the vessel’s indoor dining area, while the menu and style varies depending on the itinerary.
Several departures place additional emphasis on the cuisine and culture of eastern Indonesia, including culinary expeditions through Raja Ampat and the historic Spice Islands of Maluku. Dietary requirements should be provided when booking so the crew can confirm what can be accommodated in these remote operating areas. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.
Diving & itineraries
Diving onboard EcoXplorer
EcoXplorer is fitted with a dedicated diving platform and offers up to three dives per day on itineraries focused on diving, accompanied by a dive guide or expedition leader. Tanks, air fills and weights are included in the rate, and the liveaboard has diving and snorkelling equipment available for rent. Daily schedules are shaped by the route, tides, currents, weather and any planned cultural or nature excursions. Snorkelers can join the trips, although not all sites are suitable for snorkeling.
The vessel’s wide cruising range supports very different diving experiences throughout the year. Itineraries in Raja Ampat explore the famous, biodiverse reefs in the north, the Dampier Strait and Misool, while Cenderawasih Bay trips focus on whale sharks, remote reefs and WWII wrecks near Manokwari. Triton Bay and Kaimana offer colourful soft corals, schooling fish, wobbegongs, whale sharks and macro subjects, and voyages into the Banda Sea combine isolated reefs, volcanic islands and possible pelagic encounters. Halmahera expeditions visit less-dived reefs around North Maluku.
Diving in Indonesia
Indonesia lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle and offers an exceptional variety of diving - best explored onboard a liveaboard. Raja Ampat is renowned for stunning reefs, manta rays, wobbegongs, schooling fish and colourful coral habitats. Further east, Cenderawasih Bay combines whale shark encounters with historic wrecks, while Triton Bay is known for soft corals, dramatic underwater scenery, fish life and unusual macro subjects.
Across Maluku, Halmahera offers uncrowded reefs, currents, schooling fish and a mixture of wide-angle and macro diving. The Banda Sea and Forgotten Islands are best explored by liveaboard, with remote volcanic islands, deep walls, coral-covered pinnacles and seasonal opportunities for encounters with larger pelagic species. EcoXplorer’s varied schedule allows guests to choose a trip focused on a particular area, or a longer expedition exploring several of eastern Indonesia’s distinctive regions.
Learn more about diving in Indonesia on the ZuBlu site here.
Bookings
ZuBlu’s dive travel experts will help you book the ideal trip onboard EcoXplorer Liveaboard, including your preferred cabin type, itinerary, diving, equipment rental, transfers and any special requests. Share your travel dates, group size, diving experience and budget, and we’ll recommend the best options for your trip.
We’ll also help with practical travel planning, including flight routes, arrival timings, embarkation details and transfers, making sure your itinerary works as smoothly as possible from start to finish.
Once you’ve finalised your plans, your travel expert will put a complimentary hold on your preferred cabin and send a final quote that includes accommodation, meals, diving, transfers, rental equipment, port fees or other extras. This quote will also show any costs paid in advance or onboard - there are no hidden fees - as well as a payment schedule and cancellation terms and conditions.
Your booking is confirmed once the required deposit, or full payment when necessary, has been received.
After confirmation, your dedicated guest concierge will take over and assist with flight routes, transfers, any personal information required by the liveaboard, and questions about your reservation. They are there to make the entire process as straightforward as possible.
Ready to start planning your trip? Talk to a travel expert now.
Looking for more information about liveaboards in Indonesia? Read more in our guide here.
Planning
Getting there
Raja Ampat departures usually use Sorong’s Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ), reached by domestic flight from cities such as Jakarta, Bali, Manado or Ambon. Kaimana itineraries use Utarom Airport (KNG), while Cenderawasih Bay routes begin and finish in Manokwari or Biak, serviced by Rendani Airport (MKW) and Frans Kaisiepo Airport (BIK), respectively.
Maluku departures commonly use Pattimura International Airport in Ambon (AMQ), with some trips sailing from Tulehu. Routes beginning or ending in Saumlaki use Mathilda Batlayeri Airport (SXK), while Halmahera expeditions meet Sultan Babullah Airport in Ternate (TTE).
Transfers between the local airport or hotel and the vessel are included in the cost. Guests should plan to arrive in the embarkation city at least one day before departure, particularlyif following a sequence of domestic flights, with the potential for delays. Overnight stays may also be advisable after disembarkation.
Other activities
EcoXplorer’s expeditions include more than just diving. Depending on the route, guests may snorkel, kayak through limestone lagoons, visit remote islands and meet local communities. Several itineraries include birdwatching, village performances, local markets, historic forts, Spice Islands heritage, prehistoric rock art and walks through forest or coastal landscapes.
Dedicated diving itineraries normally include the most number of dives, while cultural, culinary and Wallacea expeditions devote more time to community visits, wildlife and regional history.
Good to know
- WiFi - Starlink internet is included although the connection may vary in remote areas.
- Mobile coverage - Intermittent or unavailable during many remote crossings.
- Payments onboard - The resort accepts cash on board including IDR, USD and EURO.
- Currency - Indonesian rupiah is the local currency; but the rates rates and extras are quoted in US dollars.
- Time zone - Routes cross UTC+8 and UTC+9, depending on the operating region.
- Guest capacity - Maximum 12 guests.
- Marine park fees - These will vary depending on the itinerary. The ZuBlu travel team will include details of these when making your booking.
- Insurance - Comprehensive travel and diving insurance is strongly recommended for remote expeditions.
FAQs
Where does EcoXplorer sail?
How many guests can EcoXplorer accommodate?
How many dives are offered each day?
Is EcoXplorer suitable for beginner divers?
Is nitrox available onboard?
Does EcoXplorer have WiFi?
Are airport transfers included?
What is the best time to travel onboard EcoXplorer?
How does travelling onboard EcoXplorer support conservation?
Environment
EcoXplorer is more than an expedition vessel, with all profits reinvested into EcoNusa programmes supporting conservation, education, healthcare and Indigenous-led development across Papua and Maluku. The organisation works from “ridge to reef”, helping protect forests, coasts, seas and biodiversity while strengthening local capacity to manage natural resources sustainably. EcoXplorer also serves as a platform for research, public service and environmental education, raising awareness of climate change, destructive marine activities and forest loss in one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.
Community involvement is equally central to the vessel’s purpose. EcoNusa supports Indigenous-owned homestays and dive centres, promotes them without taking commission and helps locally run tourism businesses reach a wider market, ensuring more of the financial benefit remains within the communities guests visit. Its wider work includes supporting sustainable livelihoods and cooperatives, mapping customary territories, improving recognition of Indigenous rights and funding locally led development initiatives. As a result, an EcoXplorer journey offers guests the opportunity to explore eastern Indonesia while contributing to programmes designed to protect its landscapes, strengthen local economies and support the people who have long cared for them.
