I recently had the pleasure of diving aboard the Sea Serpent Glorious Miss Nouran in the Red Sea, and overall, it was a memorable experience. Boarding the boat was a bit delayed as we waited for clearance from the Egyptian Port authorities, but once we got underway, we were able to enjoy our first dive in the Marsa Alam area.

The first day's dives were at Abu Dabab, which were good check dives with highlights being an octopus, a few rays, and a couple of schools of fish. The water temperature was 25°C, which felt a lot colder than expected, especially with the wind after diving.

The boat itself is smaller compared to some of the larger Indonesian Phinisi boats, with three levels. There are 24 guests on board, staying in either the 8 lower deck cabins or the 4 upper deck cabins. Meals are served buffet-style and include a good mix of carbs (pasta, rice, and potatoes), meats, and salads, with sweets available afterward. Soft drinks and coffee are complimentary, while alcoholic beverages are available for an extra charge.

The team on board was fantastic. I was particularly impressed with the safety drill, something I hadn’t encountered on a boat before, and the overall level of service was great. Our dive guides were attentive, with a maximum ratio of 1 guide to 8 divers. We had a mix of three and four dives per day, including night dives, and the dive schedule was consistent, starting early in the morning with briefings and dives, followed by sailing and additional dives, lunch, and more sailing. The diving was mostly concentrated around St. Johns, where we were able to encounter some exciting marine life, including Longimanus sharks, dolphins (including a mother and calf), and electric rays.

On our final day, we had the opportunity to dive at Elphinstone, followed by a dive with giant turtles, which was a great way to end the trip. One notable moment during the trip was when a guest accidentally dropped their camera while boarding the dinghy. The cruise director went above and beyond, turning the boat around to recover the camera, which was a truly commendable gesture.

Overall, the trip was a wonderful experience! It’s with a heavy heart and overly heavy luggage that I leave this beautiful country. I’m now heading to Hurghada airport to fly back to Indonesia, but I’ll surely carry fond memories of my time aboard the Sea Serpent Glorious Miss Nouran.

I recently had the pleasure of spending 12 days aboard the Mari liveaboard in Raja Ampat, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped on board, I was impressed by the exceptional service and the professionalism of the crew.

The cabins on the Mari are spacious and well-designed, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of diving. The living areas are equally spacious, offering plenty of room for relaxation and socializing. Even with a full complement of guests, it never felt crowded.

The diving in Raja Ampat is world-renowned, and the Mari certainly lives up to that reputation. We visited some of the best dive sites in the region, with our dives at Kri Island and Chicken Reef standing out as particularly spectacular. Ungke, our dive guide, made excellent choices, ensuring we experienced the vibrant marine life and stunning coral gardens that Raja Ampat is famous for.

The crew of the Mari is what truly sets this liveaboard apart. Ungke and his team are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to ensure every guest has a memorable experience. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist with a smile. The level of service provided rivals that of higher-end boats I've been on, and I cannot commend them enough for their efforts.

The food on board was excellent, with a variety of delicious dishes served at each meal. The quality of the food was consistently high, and dining was always a pleasant experience.

Overall, my time on the Mari liveaboard was incredibly rewarding. The excellent service, fantastic diving, and the professionalism of the crew made it a trip to remember. I would happily recommend the Mari to anyone looking to explore the wonders of Raja Ampat. Thank you to the entire team for providing such a wonderful experience.

My experience aboard the Scubaspa Yang was truly exceptional and stands out as one of the most remarkable trips I've ever undertaken. The vessel itself was essentially a floating resort, offering a wide range of amenities that ensured a memorable and luxurious week on board. These amenities included a well-equipped gym, a spa, beautifully appointed cabins, and spacious common areas suitable for both solitary relaxation and group gatherings.

The crew aboard the Scubaspa Yang were not only highly skilled but also incredibly accommodating. I was particularly impressed with my dive guide, whose dedication to ensuring our comfort and delivering the dive experience we desired was exceptional. It was evident that he cared deeply not only for our well-being but also for the marine environment, which served as his workplace.

Culinary offerings on the boat were diverse and delectable, with some dishes even being prepared right before our eyes, such as the delightful crème brûlée for dessert. The beachside BBQ event was undoubtedly one of the trip's highlights, providing a memorable dining experience.

If I had to mention a single aspect I found less enjoyable, it would be the transition from the main vessel to the diving dinghy. However, with the assistance of the crew and a few good-natured laughs, I quickly adapted and overcame this minor challenge.

For those seeking encounters with larger marine life, the Scubaspa Yang offers a genuine treat. Each dive presented opportunities to witness sharks, various species of rays, and abundant schools of fish. Regrettably, the condition of the corals on the Best of Maldives Itinerary appeared to be less pristine. Nevertheless, this did not significantly diminish the overall quality of the diving experience.

If you find yourself torn between the Scubaspa Yin and the Scubaspa Yang, rest assured that they are nearly identical vessels, differing only in terms of one gym accessory. The teams alternate between the two boats on a weekly basis, ensuring that you can expect a consistent and exceptional experience regardless of your choice.

Selecting this vessel for your Maldives adventure is a decision you can make with unwavering confidence, as it promises to deliver the finest and most unforgettable experience in the region.

I recently returned from an unforgettable week onboard the Jakaré, where we embarked on a captivating cruise through South/Central and North Komodo. I am still in awe of the incredible experience I had!

The boat itself is small yet luxurious, creating a cozy and homely atmosphere from the moment you step onboard. The crew's warm smiles and exceptional service further enhance this feeling. There are three double bed cabins, each with an additional single bed, as well as two twin cabins available.

Mealtime on the Jakaré is a delightful affair, as everyone gathers together for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is no separation or isolation onboard; instead, Audrey, the cruise director, joins you for each delicious meal. We were truly spoiled by the talented chef and indulged in homemade ice creams, which may have contributed to a few extra kilograms!

One of the highlights of our experience was being the first and often the only ones at the dive sites. The absence of crowds made each dive even more enchanting and enjoyable. The Jakaré caters to both divers and non-divers, offering activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and wakeboarding. We also had the opportunity to venture ashore and witness the magnificent Komodo dragons. On our last evening, we were treated to a breathtaking beach dinner, creating a memorable finale to our journey.

I cannot recommend the Jakaré liveaboard enough, especially for families or those seeking a small yet well-equipped vessel. It truly exceeded my expectations, and I am already eagerly anticipating my return!