Semporna's Sipadan liveaboard
A 35-metre working dive yacht in the Celebes Sea operating dedicated routes to Sipadan Island and the macro sites of Semporna for advanced divers.
Semporna's Sipadan liveaboard
The 35-metre MV Celebes Explorer 9, launched in 2019, anchors near Mabul or Si Amil for diving in the Semporna archipelago. Sleep in calm water between dive days, with a specialised camera room, constant power and up to five guided dives a day.
The liveaboard functions as a boutique floating hotel that prioritises diving efficiency and post-dive recovery. The original vessel bearing the name MV Celebes Explorer was officially retired and the operator commissioned a completely new build to improve the trip. The current MV Celebes Explorer 9 was constructed and launched in late 2019.
The 3 decks separate the social spaces from the diving operation. You spend your surface intervals on the open-air upper sun deck which is equipped with loungers or in the air-conditioned middle deck. This middle level holds the saloon where the buffet meals are served along with a separate lounge featuring a television and a highly specialised audio-visual camera room. The camera room is a major reason why underwater photographers book the boat because it provides extensive charging stations for housings and strobes.
The vessel is supported by a 24-hour 240V electricity supply so you can charge your torches and batteries continuously. The operator provides free broadband wi-fi on board. The signal depends on the vessel remaining within range of the cellular towers on the nearby islands so you should expect intermittent connectivity.
The liveaboard suits you if diving and underwater photography are the focus of your trip. It suits guests who want continuous power for camera charging and direct access to the reefs without daily transit times. If you have an Advanced Open Water certification and want to log the maximum legal number of dives at Sipadan, this is the right platform.
Families with infants, novice divers and travellers who want terrestrial resort amenities should stay on land. If you want a swimming pool, a spa or a sandy beach, you should look at Mataking Reef Resort or Pom Pom Island Resort.
Why stay here
This is the most efficient way to dive the Semporna archipelago if your only priority is logging time underwater. You avoid the daily speedboat transit from the mainland or a land-based resort so you are ready to drop in while other groups are still travelling. The dedicated camera room and the constant power supply make it a superb choice for photographers. The vessel holds a PADI 5 Star Dive Operator certification that reflects its commitment to safety protocols and equipment standards.
A 35-metre purpose-built liveaboard yacht launched in 2019
Eight cabins for a strict maximum of 16 guests
Three to five guided dives daily from a specialised tender
Dedicated camera room featuring charging stations for underwater photographers
Permits allocated for diving Sipadan Island on full cruise days
Rooms
There are 2 of these on the middle deck. They are the premium offering because they have a large double bed and big sea-view windows. The doors open directly to the outside deck to give you natural light and fresh air.
Enquire about this roomThere are 6 of these on the lower deck. They have 2 twin beds and portholes. The doors open to a central interior corridor. These comfortable rooms suit friends sharing a diving trip.
Families share twin or double cabins and the boat suits people who are steady on steep stairs and comfortable boarding a tender.
Enquire about this roomFrom your doorstep
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Wildlife you may see
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Packages
Rates on enquiry, no prices are published.
2 nights at the flagship lodge: the canopy walkway at dawn, a night drive, and dinner beside the river.
Full board · on enquiry
EnquireA private week across the Lodge and the Study Centre: hides, flexible dawn starts and a vehicle that waits for the light.
Full board · on enquiry
EnquireThe current MV Celebes Explorer 9 is a completely new vessel that was constructed and officially launched in late 2019 to replace the older retired boat.
Yes. The package is full-board and includes a buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks along with standard tea, coffee and water.
Children must be at least 10 years old to enrol in a Junior Open Water course or participate in the diving programme. The operator advises against bringing infants on board.
Yes. Every cabin has a private en-suite bathroom with a hot water shower.
No. Nitrox blending is available on board but it incurs an additional charge per fill.
Extend the journey
Mataking Reef Resort Pom Pom Island Resort Mabul Water Bungalows
Plan your trip
Send the team your preferred dates, dive certification level and party size to check liveaboard availability and arrange transfers from Tawau.
Sources referenced on this page: Sabah Parks — https://www.sabahparks.org.my/.