Tanaka Review

As well as some next level scuba diving trips (more on these in just a bit!), Tanaka offers loads of cool activities like kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, beach bbq’s and massage services as well as treks to see komodo dragon and sunrise viewpoints. 

The only other mid-price liveaboards to hold as many extra events are Nataraja and Carpe Diem. 

At 35 meters long, this is a very large vessel; combined with the fact she takes only 14 guests, this liveaboard feels very spacious and roomy onboard. 

The al-fresco dining area has splendid panoramic views and partial shading, whereas the sundeck is equipped with plush loungers and beanbags. 

There’s also an air conditioned indoor dining area with video & audio entertainment. 

The master suite has excellent ocean views and a private balcony as well as three beds (2 singles, 1 double); making Tanaka one of the view liveaboards to have an accommodation option that specifically caters to families / groups of friends. 

The other cabins are double rooms and they all have have ensuite bathrooms and tasteful wooden decor interiors, although for ocean views these double cabins do only have one small porthole. 

There are many different routes available throughout the year. For example, the 4 day trips cover Komodo’s famous central region and are the next shortest dive safari around Komodo, after the 3 day routes offered by Yoshi. 

Slightly longer trips explore the rarely visited southern region or the stunning underwater landscapes of the north region…or all three, as with the 10 day “all around” route. 

Guests are required to have their open water cert plus ten logged dives to embark on most trips. 

Personally, my favourite route is the “Komodo’s Central, North & Gili Banta” option. In this itinerary, as well as exploring some of the very best dive sites of Komodo, you’ll also get to visit the volcanic island of Gili Banta; a small volcanic island that lies some 10km to the northeast of Komodo National Park. 

Gili Banta is only visited by a very few other liveaboards, and you’re highly unlikely to see another dive boat upon the horizon whilst here. 

There some truly pristine fringing coral reefs here as well as excellent muck diving, with many quirky macro critters. 

Tanaka is something quite special. She feels, looks and offers the dive trips of a luxury komodo liveaboard, yet is at a very reasonable mid-price range, in fact at the lower end of it. Plus she offers a great variety of itineraries than any other option. 

This is one of the best value for money options I’ve ever seen!