Ilike Review

Diving Squad Rating:

 9.2/10

9.2 / 10

A traditional Phinisi vessel with a wooden interior, Ilike is the affordable solution for experienced divers who want to challenge themselves at Raja Ampat, whilst also enjoying a digital detox.

Unlike other liveaboards, she does not have TV or WifI, allowing / forcing (!) you to get back in touch with nature, both during and between dives.

Great For: Digital Detoxes, Longer Trips, Advanced Divers, Cheap

Trip Lengths: 9 – 13 days.

Max Guest Capacity: 14

Tours Raja Ampat: October – May. (Tours other parts of Indonesia for rest of year).

Details:

Ilike runs several all encompassing itineraries through Raja Ampat, all of which cover the very best north and south dive sites. She is one of the cheapest Raja Ampat liveaboards available.

This is a particularly great choice for experienced divers as you’re required to have your advanced open water certification and 80 logged dives to go on Ilike.

Consequently, the itineraries feature a superb selection of challenging and rewarding dives.

Guests will experience exhilarating night dives whilst searching for walking sharks, adrenaline soaking drift dives alongside large pelagics like yellowfin tuna and blacktip sharks…

… swim through caves coated in beautiful nudibranch and coral and might even glimpse a mighty whale shark around Triton Bay. Nitrox is available. It’s also possible to go on a village visit.

The spacious sun-deck; complete with sundecks and hammocks is the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail in hand as you catch the sunset at the end of each day.

Said cocktail will have come from the bar located in the indoor saloon, where snacks and additional seating are available.

Meals comprise a mix of Indonesian and international cuisine and are served in the indoor saloon or outdoor seating area.

Every cabin has AC, an ensuite bathroom and portholes that provide beautiful ocean views, with budget, twin and suite options available.

There’s also an underwater camera setup and preparation area which includes a separate rinse for underwater cameras.

Guest Reviews:

My 2nd cruise in Raja Ampat. Glad to see some of the dive sites are still supreme! Ilike is overall a very good boat. The price is not cheap for us but considering the number of dives, it's actually good value. Cabin are communal areas are comfortable, although hygiene department is a bit of a let down. I love the Indonesian crew. But the boat is clearly more catered towards European guests, and has a healthy dose of sophistication. Although I cannot say I love this vibe, but at least I understand this is the mater of personal taste. The cruise directors and two out of three divemasters are European, they did a fantastic job in organizing everything from divings, activities to other daily matters.

"It was amazing to witness so many mantas, Wobbegons, Pigmy Seahorses and Turtles. Thanks so much to the kind and attentive crew of ilike"!.

"Epic diving with mantas, crystal rock, and castle rock".

Indoor saloon with bar
Observation deck
Sundeck
Camera station with. separate rinse for underwater cameras
Snorkelling equipment
Nearly 1:1 crew/guest ratio
Laundry Service
Warm water showers
Leisure deck

Sibylle B from Switzerland said:

”The 30 mantas of Manta Alley, the frog fish with it’s small eyes, the splendour of each site having something special to discover, the nights watching the shooting stars on the bridge.

The briefings were accurate and fun…the youhouhou from the crew on the return from each dive.

The beauty of ilike all out, the care with which every crew member does their job, starting with the director David, who creates a warm and friendly atmosphere. In short, it was 12 days of joy and magnificent dives”.