Indonesia Aboard Pindito

When it comes to the best diving in Raja Ampat, the Banda Sea, Alor and Komodo, experience counts. The Pindito has been plying these waters for 24 years, and guests onboard this classic Indonesian phinisi sailboat will reap the benefits of guides who know each dive site like the back of their hand. Come along for the ride — Indonesia aboard Pindito is a truly unforgettable experience.

Custom-built by owner Edi Frommenwiler and 60 local Balinese ship-workers in 1991 and 1992, the Pindito first set sail in March, 1992. With thousands of dives under his (and his guides’) belts since then, guests can rest assured that they won’t miss a single pygmy seahorse on tours that visit regions of Indonesia from Raja Ampat to the Molucca (Maluku) Islands, to the waters around Bali.

In 2006, the Pindito underwent a complete refit, and received a new engine in 2015. An additional deck was built to accommodate a camera room, which won’t disappoint even the most demanding underwater photographers and videographers, with large camera tables and plenty of outlets. The bridge was relocated to the top deck, and the newly built sundeck has been a hit with guests, especially at sunrise and when the stars come out at night. One of the most popular ways to enjoy the sundeck, in fact, is with an open-air, classical Balinese or aromatherapy massage.

Not just the dive facilities received a facelift in 2006; all the Pindito’s cabins and the restaurant area received a complete refit as well. Each of the spacious, teak-paneled 10-foot-by-10-foot cabins, all named for Indonesian islands, feature a twin bed plus an upper bunk or a spacious double bed. All cabins also feature en-suite bathrooms, individually controlled air-conditioning (important post-dive), and plentiful outlets for all your charging needs.

Now let’s talk about the diving: All of the Pindito’s dives are conducted via Zodiac, each of which carries a maximum of six divers, so you’ll get plenty of personal attention from your guide. (The Pindito itself has a maximum capacity of 16 divers). Guests needn’t worry about hauling their own gear in and out of the Zodiac; Pindito staff takes care of it for you. Each guest also gets a storage locker on the dive deck. The boat usually schedules four dives per day, with more available on request if you’re anchored or moored safely over a calm reef.

Most Pindito cruises are 12 days/11 nights, and when it comes time to book, the process couldn’t be easier. Pindito has booking agents worldwide, speaking a number of languages. Guests are just an email away from answers to all their questions. You’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to diving in Indonesia — join the Pindito in 2016 and you’ll know you made the right one.