A Classic Yacht
Manta Mae
31 M | 5 Cabins | 12 Guests
Manta Mae is a traditional Phinisi yacht, built in Bira on the south coast of Sulawesi and launched in 2014. She came out of a friendship between her owner and the boat builder Haji Baso, and she carries the character of a traditional sailing vessel rather than a modern yacht. Two masts, a long bowsprit, and a seven sail rig give her the look of the old Bugis traders. In five cabins the yacht takes groups and families across Komodo, Raja Ampat, and the Banda Sea.
“A traditional, characterful Phinisi with a warm crew and good food.”
Laura, Barefoot Yachts Indonesia
Character & Layout
On Board Manta Mae
The main deck has a shaded lounge and an open dining area where meals are served under the sky, and there is room to stretch out in the shade of the sails through the middle of the day. Above, the upper deck is given over to sunbathing and a row of bean bags, which tend to fill up between dives.
Inside sits an air-conditioned saloon with a bar, a seating area, and space to cool off a bit. The yacht is compact, and that is part of the appeal. With a small group or family aboard, there is always a corner of the deck to yourself.
Accommodation
Cabins on Manta Mae
Manta Mae has five cabins, arranged for a group or multigenerational family. One cabin with bunk beds sits above deck. Two of the three deluxe cabins below deck feature a queen with an additional single, which makes them easy to arrange for friends or family travelling together. The 23sqm master suite has a comfortable super-king bed, perfect for two people. All cabins are en suite, air-conditioned, and kept simple, maintaining the character of a traditional Phinisi.
Diving & Water
Diving on Manta Mae
Diving is the reason to sail Manta Mae. She was built for it, and her itineraries are shaped around the water rather than the other way around. In Komodo that means mola mola and manta encounters, drift dives, and the current swept pinnacles of the central park. In Raja Ampat it means quieter reefs and some of the richest marine life in the Coral Triangle.
The dive guides are experienced and genuinely good company on the boat as well as in the water. Nitrox is available. For those who would rather stay at the surface, the snorkelling is excellent, and there are kayaks and paddleboards for the sheltered bays.
Impressions
Manta Mae Gallery
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Manta Mae Yacht Specifications
Technical Specifications
Length: 30 m (98 ft)
Beam: 6.6m (22ft)
Rig: Two masted Phinisi, seven sails
Build: Bira, South Sulawesi, by Haji Baso, launched 2014
Hull/Superstructure: Ironwood, Teak
Cabins
DITA
Master Cabin below deck with King Size bed, portholes
SOPHIA and BRIGITTE
2 x deluxe cabins below deck, feature queen-size beds with an additional single bed above, portholes
CHARLIZE
1 x deluxe cabin below deck comes with two single beds, portholes
MARYLIN
1 x deluxe cabin above deck with bunk beds
All cabins feature en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning
Service
Dietary requirements accommodated with notice
Experienced Indonesian crew led by captain and cruise director
Dive guides on board
Chef preparing Asian and Western dishes
8 crew member
Dive & Leisure Equipment
Scuba diving gear
Snorkelling gear
Nitrox available
SUP
Kayak
Expert Insights on Manta Mae
Barefoot’s take
Manta Mae is a diver’s boat, and we would not pretend otherwise. She is a traditional Phinisi with a good cabin layout , a warm and capable crew, and a kitchen that guests rave about. What she offers is time in the water in good company, without the formality of a larger yacht.
Clare
Senior Voyage Planner
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