Dune Bali

Based in Sanur, Indonesia, DUNE Liveaboard has spent over two decades organising specialised diving expeditions to some of the most remote marine environments on the planet. While they maintain a presence in Bali for local safaris, their core expertise lies in long-range liveaboard voyages through the Indonesian archipelago, the Maldives, and the Red Sea.

Their operations cover a vast range of ecosystems, from the high-biodiversity reefs of Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea to the deep walls and historic wrecks of Egypt. Whether you are looking for the nutrient-rich waters of the Banda Sea or the pelagic encounters of the Maldives, the focus remains on providing access to sites that are unreachable via standard day trips.

With 26 years of experience in the industry, the team at DUNE Liveaboard brings a deep level of logistical expertise to every voyage. The crew and guides are multilingual, ensuring that communication remains clear during briefings and throughout the trip.

They focus heavily on personalised service, offering 24/7 customer support to manage the complexities of international diving travel. This includes arranging dedicated transfers with drivers specifically equipped to handle divers and their heavy kit between regions.

DUNE Liveaboard provides training for all levels of experience. For those just starting their journey, they offer the Open Water Diver course. For those looking to expand their technical capabilities and depth limits, they provide the Advanced Open Water Diver and Deep Diver courses.

They also offer Nitrox training, which is essential for extending no-decompression limits on longer liveaboard itineraries. The centre's expertise allows them to tailor these programmes to the specific destinations you are visiting.

The fleet is diverse, catering to different styles of exploration. The Dune Aurora is an authentic, traditional Indonesian Phinisi, perfect for those seeking a cultural immersion alongside their diving. For those heading to the Maldives, the Dune Theia and Dune Black Manta offer luxury, featuring air-conditioned cabins with private toilets, outdoor dining areas, and even massage services on the deck.

In Egypt, the fleet includes the Dune Titan, Longara, and Silky. All vessels are designed with serious divers in mind, featuring expansive dive decks to manage equipment and dedicated areas for underwater photographers, complete with multiple charging points and organised storage for camera housings.

Onboard the liveaboards, the focus is on comfort and functionality. You will find spacious shared areas and well-equipped cabins to relax in between dives. For those travelling to Bali, the centre organises local safaris that combine diving with cultural experiences.

While specific shore-based compressor brands are not listed, the liveaboards are equipped with the latest technology to support extended itineraries. Onboard amenities include water, snacks, and towels, as well as facilities for camera users.

The marine life encountered on these voyages is vast and depends heavily on the region. In the Maldives, you can find Manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and various reef sharks. The South Atolls are particularly noted for Tiger sharks and oceanic Manta rays. In Egypt, the Red Sea offers encounters with hammerhead sharks at Daedalus Reef and Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) at Elphinstone Reef.

In Indonesia, the biodiversity is staggering. Raja Ampat is a stronghold for pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus bargibanti), nudibranchs, and mantis shrimp. The Banda Sea is famous for its pelagics, including hammerhead sharks during the autumn months and Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) between September and November.

Macro life is a major draw for many divers. You can find a wealth of small creatures including Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), various Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), and the Blue-ringed octopus. In the sandy areas and reefs, look out for Frogfish (Antennarius), Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), and many species of colorful reef fish.

Fixed life forms provide a stunning backdrop to every dive. You will see vast arrays of corals, including Sea fan (Gorgoniidae), as well as various sponges and gorgonians. Large schools of fish, including tuna (Thunnus) and barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), frequently move through the water column.

Conditions vary significantly by destination. The Banda Sea is generally calm between September and November, while the Red Sea offers year-round diving opportunities. In the Maldives, the North Atolls are best visited from November to May, while the South Atolls are most productive from December to April.

Divers should be prepared for varying current strengths. While many sites offer calm conditions, others like Shark Reef in Ras Mohammed, The Brothers, and the waters around Nusa Penida are known for strong currents. These sites are better suited to those comfortable with drift diving and managing their buoyancy in moving water.