KIRA KIRA IS A BEAUTIFUL HAND-CRAFTED BOAT, WHERE FREEDOM AND ADVENTURE ARE KING AND ITINERARIES EXIST IF ONLY FOR SHOW. A SUPERB VALUE TRIP wITH ACCESS TO BOTH RAJA AMPAT AND KOMODO.
"Kira kira”, named after Rich and Paul's epic two year boat-building experience, means “kind of, maybe, probably”, but we’d definitely, certainly, completely recommend this chilled out adventure.
Once you meet this crew, you’ll be hard-pushed not to trust and be guided by their enthusiastic suggestions to tear up the rule book and go off-piste. Beach BBQs, sunset hikes, cold beers and impromptu trips to see the dragons in Komodo are as much a part of the experience as the dives themselves, and these guys know all the best spots.
With a maximum of 8 passengers on board, Kira Kira specializes in bespoke, super intimate trips. The beauty of a flexible schedule is that you’ll never queue for a dive site either, or share the site with another group. An undeniable luxury in this region of absolute world-class dive sites! Two dives down and don’t fancy the third? The crew will strap kayaks onto the back of the boat and search for a wild beach to explore instead, where baby white tips swim around you ankles in the shallows.
While you’re diving, the cook be found at the local food markets or fishing straight off the boat, when permits allow – so the on-board provisions are always fantastic. The boat is completely solar powered so has no unnatural air-con, making it both eco-friendly and breathtakingly quiet. Cabins are comfortably vented, but you can sleep on deck below the stars any time you like – it’s a rare pleasure.
Good to know
Kira Kira – A construction by the Konjo Boat Builders of South Sulawesi. Hand crafted over a two year period on the beaches of Mandala Ria, in the village of Ara using Tropical Hardwoods from the forests of Kendari. The hull sits on a double Ironwood keel, the body was first shaped over fires, the ribs crafted thereafter from Bitti timbers enclosed with a thick Teak deck. The cabins were cut from Kendoli and Teak and boast large beds and are naturally vented.
Launched in 2014, the 22m sailing Phinisi Kira Kira is a fantastic budget friendly option for exploring the diverse region of Komodo National Park & Raja Ampat. Hand-crafted over 2 years, the Kira Kira liveaboard was built with stability, comfort and safety in mind. Able to travel up to 1000 nautical miles, she is highly economic and extremely environmentally friendly.
Kira Kira caters to a maximum of 8 passengers in 4 cabins, ensuring a more personalized service on board and perfect for friends, families or individuals who would like to join others on the trip.
Combining classical appeal with 21st Century technology, Kira Kira features a low lying superstructure with a large deck covering the bow to stern, resulting in a craft that offers not only a subtle form, but also sails safely on our magical journeys across the seas.
Kira Kira was built to be environmentally conscious, and runs electrical systems via a battery bank in order to reduce emissions and operational noise. It provides clean freshwater on board, 2000 liters stored in the ship’s tanks. A charging station for electrical items is operated daily for short periods making Kira Kira one the most environmentally friendly boats around.
She features three Twin cabins and one Roof Top Double with amazing panoramic views. The Cabins are spruced daily, with towels and sheets changed at your request. Each cabin has storage lockers for large bags and dive gear, a personal wardrobe for clothes and belongings and shelf space for laptops, cameras and gadgets, books, travel journals and more. Lie in bed and admire the magnificent view across the seas through traditional brass portholes.
Kira Kira features two Shared bathroom facilities with modern appliances, marine toilets and traditional handcrafts. For relaxation guests can choose to lounge on the Sundeck or open-air Lounge with stunning sun-set views, comfortable sun lounging on deck, cold beers and incredible sunsets.
Meals will be a selection of freshly-cooked Indonesian and Western meals, along with the catch of the day, and freshly baked bread and treats throughout the day.
Our Indonesian Cook is truly excellent, preparing a variety of Indonesian and Western dishes, beach BBQ’s, breads, cakes and treats. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements upon booking, we will happily cater for Vegetarian and Vegan passengers, severe allergies should be discussed in depth at the enquiry stage.
Kira Kira is crewed by Bugis sailors, from Bira in South Sulawesi
Known for life at sea, under sail… Divers will enjoy the stunning diversity of Indonesia, with trips to Komodo National Park to see Manta Rays and Komodo Dragons, and Raja Ampat with all the amazing bio-diversity it offers and new dive sites being explored regularly.
How to get there
Please refer to logistics section of each itinerary to find detailed info on how to get there.