About Us
Our liveaboard story
It started with a dream
White Manta Diving is a Singapore-based liveaboard company which started in 1989 as a one-man operation running trips to West Malaysian dive sites on the humble MV Vincent. Since then, White Manta Diving has thrived and developed into one of Singapore’s best liveaboard companies.
In the last twenty years, we have expanded our operations beyond Singapore, Malaysia, and the Thailand Andaman Sea; exploring new dive sites in many world-class diving destinations within the Indonesian Archipelago and beyond. Our vision is to keep discovering and delivering wonderful diving experiences that will bring guests back for more.
Safety first
We do not take risks that could potentially compromise the safety and diving of our guests and crew. Furthermore, our vessels are outfitted with spares of every sector (such as engines and gensets) so that we can cruise long distances with peace of mind.
Fuss-free diving
Our vessels and operations are thoughtfully designed by divers, for divers. Enjoy a fuss-free, five-star experience both above and below the waves. Expect to be delighted by the attentive service of our capable and friendly crew, who understand divers’ needs and expectations.
Inspirational experiences
We are passionate about the underwater world and preserving the abundant resources that make it so unique. Our goal is to transform your dive vacation into an adventure that will educate, inspire, and energise you unlike any other.
Our philosophy
We have been asked how we design our tours before. The answer is simple. We approach our tours as the dive enthusiasts that we are! When we scout for locations, choose tour options, or explore the surrounding areas for exciting side trips, we ask ourselves one question: Is this something we would love to do?
All our tours are environment-sensitive and will provide you with an opportunity to explore the underwater world in a manner that is safe for both our divers as well as the places we dive.
Our core team
Vincent Chew
Owner / Managing Director
A former naval and commando diver, Vincent has 35 years of diving experience and has spent more than 30 years doing diving business. A PADI Instructor since 1990, Vincent is still diving every month and is very passionate about introducing new divers to the underwater world. He particularly loves exploring new dive destinations, meeting new people on dive trips, and building new boats.
His all-time favourite dive destinations are Raja Ampat, Komodo and Banda Sea. When he is not diving, Vincent enjoys swimming, playing the guitar, and spending time with family.
Maximilian Hand
Operations Manager
Max learnt to dive in the refreshingly cool waters of the UK in 1999 and has continued to dive in many amazing countries and dive sites. Based in Phuket since 2006, Max is living his dream by working as an instructor. Whether he is teaching, guiding, or just talking about fishes, he wishes to share his passions with every diver. He does that at White Manta Diving as the office "Dive Desk Jockey". Although he does not get wet as often these days, he is always ready and willing to answer your queries and helping you plan your diving adventures. Max's personal creed is: Dream the Dive, Dive the Dream.
Michael (Mike) Thomas
Operations Manager
As a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Mike has more than 500 certifications and plenty of experience looking after both experienced and new divers alike. When diving, Mike is a little old-fashioned in that all his favourite underwater inhabitants are bigger than him. If there is a shark, manta, dolphin, turtle or whale shark in the water – that is when he is at his happiest! However, on the numerous occasions that the big guys are hiding away from the reef, Mike is more than happy to scour the underwater world for the macro life that excites even the most jaded underwater photographer.
Mike has worked as Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director & Instructor on both the East and West coasts of Thailand as well as the incredibly rich and diverse waters of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. He now sits in the White Manta headquarters handling operations with Max, but regularly joins our vessels.
Cedric Lesenechal
Cruise Director
Born in France, Cedric started travelling the world in his twenties and discovered scuba diving along the way. Since then, he has only had very short surface intervals.
Cedric loves sharing his knowledge about the ocean and marine life in the various languages he can communicate with. His love and passion for the underwater world spills over into every dive briefing and always excites divers for the next wonderful discovery.
You will find Cedric on the Blue Manta, often entertaining our guests with his amazing juggling or guitar-playing skills.
Evan Foster
Cruise Director
Evan is originally from sunny Miami, FL.
Upon graduating from university Evan moved abroad for work, taking up scuba diving in the process. It only took one breath underwater before he was enraptured by the sea. Evan has since spent nearly a decade exploring destinations far afield and still loves what he does. Being a Cruise Director on the Blue Manta fuels Evan’s lifelong passion for adventure, human connection, and the unknown.
If you don’t see him onboard during your stay, Evan’s probably skiing or climbing along the Silk Road and wishes you a wonderful voyage!
Herdianto (Anto) Bando
Cruise Director
Anto hails from Banggai Island in Central Sulawesi, where the banggai cardinal fish was first discovered. He start diving at 2004 in Togean Island, and joined White Manta Diving on the Black Manta as a divemaster in 2012.
Since then, Anto has amassed a wealth of diving experience in Komodo, Bali, Alor, Banda Sea, Ambon, Raja Ampat, Triton Bay Halmahera, Lembeh, Derawan Islands, and many more destinations. Anto is known for his calm demeanour and sharp eyesight – he can spot the craftiest and most well-camouflaged critters underwater with ease. Anto is always happy to share his knowledge with guests, so don't be shy to approach him when you see him onboard the White Manta!