Shakti Liveaboard

Shakti is a 32-metre traditional Indonesian phinisi of Bugis-Makassar design, launched in 2000 in Tanah Beru, Sulawesi, and permanently based in Raja Ampat since 2002 - one of the region's longest-serving liveaboards. She has also served as a filming base for nature documentary crews, including the BBC's Planet Earth team. Completely renovated in 2016, she carries up to 10-12 guests in 6 spacious cabins, each with individually controlled air conditioning, 24-hour electricity and an en-suite bathroom. The crew of 9 comprises 7 Indonesian crew members, an Indonesian dive guide and a European cruise director/dive guide. Co-owner David Pagliari built and originally ran the boat; co-owner Bob Brunskill, with around two decades running dive trips in Indonesia, leads most trips today. Specifications: length overall 32m (27m on deck), beam 7m, cruising speed 9 knots. Diving facilities: two 9cfm HP compressors plus a 9cfm LP nitrox compressor with nitrox membrane system, 22 aluminium cylinders, a dive deck with individual stations, two tenders (6.5m alloy speedboat, 4.2m inflatable RIB) and five paddleboards/SUPs. Shakti runs no fixed itinerary: trips are tailored to the season, covering Southern Raja Ampat/Misool (Warakaraket, Daram, Pele) around the North Monsoon (October-April) and Northern Raja Ampat (Alyui Bay, Wayag, Batang Pele) around the South Monsoon (April-October), with the Dampier Strait (Kri, Batanta, Mansuar, Penemu) accessible year-round. Occasional July-August trips head to Cenderawasih Bay for whale sharks and WWII wrecks. She operates January-early July and September-January, pausing for maintenance in late July-August. Trips include diving, snorkelling, kayaking/SUP, all food and non-alcoholic drinks, linen and towels, and Waisai airport/ferry transfers. Not included: the mandatory Raja Ampat Marine Park entrance fee (IDR 1,000,000, valid 12 months) and on-demand extras such as nitrox, rental gear or beer. Price on request, based on charter length.