The Shakti is a 34-metre traditional Phinisi schooner, beautifully crafted from “ulin” ironwood. It features six air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms, each with a double and single bunk. Passenger numbers are limited to 12, with a maximum of two per cabin (three in exceptional cases). Operating in Raja Ampat since 2003, Shakti was the first live-aboard permanently based in Papua. She is fully equipped for snorkelling and SCUBA diving, and also carries stand-up paddleboards.

Onboard services

Meals & Drinks

Buffet-style meals are served in the galley, with two skilled cooks preparing fresh, flavourful dishes from seafood and produce sourced at the destinations visited. Special diets—such as vegetarian or gluten-free—are happily catered for. A self-serve espresso machine is available at all times, and each morning begins with a large thermos of kopi tubruk (Indonesian-style coffee). Soft drinks and mixers are complimentary. Alcoholic beverages—Bintang beer (500 ml cans) and spirit shots (vodka, tequila, whisky, gin)—are available at USD 5 each. Guests record their consumption on a tally sheet, with payment in IDR, EUR, USD, or AUD made to the ship’s manager at the end of the trip.

Diving & Snorkeling

The Shakti’s snorkeling guide is also a certified SCUBA divemaster. Alongside Dr. Gearheart and at least one additional guide, there are always a minimum of three experienced snorkelers/divers in the water for every session.

Before each outing, we provide a detailed briefing covering expected marine life, coral features, and conditions such as potential currents. The ship’s two tenders are deployed for every dive or snorkel. If you feel tired, cold, or simply want a break, just raise your hand and a tender will promptly pick you up and return you to the ship.

Laundry

Guests are responsible for their own laundry during the voyage. Detergent and buckets are provided for hand-washing clothes on board.

Drinking Water

The Shakti is fitted with a desalination plant to produce fresh water for showers and rinsing gear. For drinking, we carry an ample supply of fresh spring water from the mainland in 20-liter containers.