Celebes Explorer
M/V Celebes Explorer is the only boat plying the best sites of Sipadan Island and Mabul year-round. Regarded as one of the world's best dive areas, Sipadan boasts hundreds of coral gardens, sloping reefs and unforgettable underwater landscapes. Expect to discover thousands of vibrant fish and vivid corals. The 95 foot, Celebes Explorer, offers 8 basic cabins, 6 of which have double/twin bunkbeds. Two cabins offer queen size beds. All cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, private bathroom and closets. In between dives, you can chill in the bar/lounge or up on the spacious, partially covered sun deck.
The cuisine served onboard is buffet style and a hearty mix of Malay and Chinese dishes. While a no-frills vessel, The MV Celebes Explorer offers the unique opportunity get to remote sites not accessible from the resorts. You can get up to 4 dives per day which are typically relaxing drift dives and spectacular wall dives.
M/V Celebes Explorer Information:
* Size: 29m length (95 feet), 7.2m beam, 2m draft.
* 2 x 500 hp Cummin engines.
* Cruising speed: 8-10 knots.
* Water capacity: 20,000 litres.
* Nitrox: available.
* 1 x diving boat and 1 x transfer boat.
* 2 x Bauer Mariner compressors
* 12 liter aluminium tanks with international fittings and DIN.
* Electricity: 240 Volts – 24/7
* Full Safety equipment including GPS, Radio, Sonar, Hummingbird fishfinder, bilge, sounder, mobile phone, etc.
* Western and Local Asian food is served
All the cabins have:
* Air-conditioning
* Private en-suite bathrooms with hot water shower
* Towels, hairdryer and soap
* Cabinet, shelves & mirror
* Reading lights
* Safety box
* Bedding
* 24-hour, 240V electricity supply with UK-style sockets
* Fire detectors
* Life jackets
* No. of bathrooms / showers - 8 / 9 - hot water
MV Celebes Explorer Routine
Diving is mostly done at Sipadan Island but may also include Mabul Island. Itinerary may change slightly in the event of weather and sea conditions.
Celebes Explorer stays at Semporna on Sunday and departs to Sipadan Island/ Mabul Island on Monday early morning. If you take the Sunday to Sunday package, on the last day, you will have 2 or 3 dives before MV Celebes Explorer leaves Sipadan Island at 2:00 p.m. and arrive Semporna town in the late afternoon for replenishments. Normal disembarkation time for guests will be after breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday departure day.
Sipadan Island, a marine paradise, is renowned among divers for its rich underwater biodiversity, pristine reefs, and sudden drop-offs into the deep blue. Regularly ranked as one of the top ten diving destinations in the world
For other packages, normal disembarkation time will be at 6:00 a.m. after early breakfast and transfer by boat to Semporna. Most of the dives will be around Sipadan Island except for arrival & departure day, Saturday, and days MV Celebes Explorer leaves Semporna after replenishing supplies.
For 6 days / 7 Nights or 7 days/ 7 nights (Sunday to Sunday cruise), Celebes Explorer will normally cruise back to Semporna for replenishment around 2:00 pm and arrive Semporna in the late afternoon on Saturday with 2 or 3 dives to be conducted before cruising back.
