Manta X Liveaboard, Indonesia

Diving onboard Manta X

Manta X has been purpose-built around serious diving. The vessel carries four 5.8m tenders powered by 60hp outboards, allowing groups to explore a range of different sites and manage entries and pickups easily. Five dive guides and a dedicated cruise leader are onboard, while three compressors and a nitrox system ensure a steady stream of fresh cylinders throughout busy dive days. What’s more, photographers can use a separate 12-station camera room, keeping delicate equipment away from the bustle of the main dive deck! Advanced Open Water and Enriched Air Nitrox courses are taught onboard.

Itineraries vary with the seasons. Raja Ampat and Misool trips explore nutrient-rich reefs known for manta rays, sharks, turtles and huge concentrations of reef fish, while longer expeditions connect these reefs with Fak Fak and Triton Bay, or continue south and west through the Banda Sea towards Ambon and Alor. Crossing itineraries add volcanic islands, drop-offs, current-swept reefs, macro diving and the possibility of schooling hammerheads, thresher sharks and other pelagics. 

Diving in Indonesia

Indonesia sits between the Indian and Pacific Oceans at the heart of the Coral Triangle, giving divers an extraordinary choice of environments and marine life. Aboard Manta X, guests can explore the intricate reefs and manta cleaning stations of Raja Ampat, as well as the dramatic drifts and big-animal encounters of Komodo. Trips through the Banda Sea combine remote volcanic reefs with seasonal hammerheads, Alor mixes strong currents and pelagics with superb macro life, while Ambon and Lembeh are renowned for unusual critters.

Learn more about the diving in Indonesia on the ZuBlu site here.

ZuBlu’s dive travel experts will help you create the ideal itinerary aboard Manta X, including your preferred cabin type, diving, excursions, 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 and vessel 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 room and send a final quote that includes accommodation, meals, diving, transfers, rental equipment or excursions. This quote will also show any extras 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 operator, and questions about your reservation. They are there to make the entire process as straightforward as possible.

Getting There

With a range of trips on offer, the closest airport will depend on the chosen itinerary. Transfers between the local airport or designated hotel and the vessel are included into the itinerary, but boarding times will differ between routes. On all Manta X cruises, the final dive finishes around midday on the penultimate day, leaving an overnight surface interval before disembarkation and onward flights.

Other Activities

Manta X itineraries are firmly focused on diving, but opportunities to step ashore are included when conditions and schedules allow. Depending on the route, guests may visit remote beaches, villages, viewpoints, mangrove forests or other natural attractions between dive days. These excursions are itinerary and weather dependent, and may occasionally replace a dive. The vessel's spacious lounges, outdoor decks and massage service also provide plenty of scope for quieter surface intervals and lazy evenings at sea.

Good to Know

• WiFi: Satellite WiFi is available aboard Manta X; connectivity and speeds may vary at sea. WiFi is included in Manta X trip prices from 2028.
• Mobile coverage: Expect intermittent or very limited mobile signal after leaving port, particularly on remote itineraries.
• Electricity: Charging facilities are available onboard, including dedicated power points in the camera room and cabins.
• Payments on the liveaboard: Manta X accepts cash in US dollars, euros, Singapore dollars and Indonesian rupiah. Credit-card payments for onboard extras are charged a small fee.
• Currency: Indonesian rupiah is the local currency, although some foreign currencies are accepted onboard for extras.
• Time zone: Varies by itinerary. Raja Ampat and Triton Bay operate on Eastern Indonesia Time, while cruises crossing into other parts of Indonesia may change time zones.
• Nitrox: Nitrox is included from 2028, and available as a paid extra before then.
• Dive equipment: BCD, regulator, mask, fins, wetsuit, computer, torch and large tank are all available to rent.
• Marine park and fuel fees: These vary by itinerary. From 2028, Manta X trip prices include marine park fees and fuel surcharges.
• Laundry: Laundry service is available and is included in Manta X trip prices from 2028.