Very few vessels in operation can lay claim to such a rich and varied history as the 39-metre sailing yacht (SY) Adelaar. Originally built in Holland over a century ago, this classic schooner once traversed the globe, navigating the challenging conditions of Scandinavia, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. Her distinguished past includes winning the prestigious New Zealand Tall Ships Race, and her original log book is historically significant enough to be featured in a museum. While its heritage is immediately evident beneath your feet, this boat has been meticulously converted into the luxury Adelaar liveaboard, pairing stately, classic decor with top-tier modern amenities.
The yacht visits Raja Ampat, Komodo, and various destinations between. For divers intent on exploring the world-renowned reefs of Komodo National Park, the logistics are straightforward: the cruise departs directly from Bali. This is a considerable advantage, entirely bypassing the need for additional connecting internal flights, thus preserving more time for your diving trip. The intimate setting of the Adelaar liveaboard is a key feature, restricting capacity to a maximum of just 8 guests. This low-occupancy design ensures a high ratio of dedicated service and personal attention, seldom matched across the Indonesian fleet.
Confidence in your diving experience is founded upon the operator’s extensive local knowledge. The crew has been navigating these dynamic Indonesian waters for more than 20 years, offering a wealth of expertise when selecting dive sites. They skilfully adjust the itinerary to accommodate varied diver experience levels, consistently seeking out the optimum conditions. On the technical side, the provision of a Nautilus LifeLine locator device for every diver is a crucial safety element, and the convenient hot water showers on the dive deck demonstrate a practical focus on diver comfort post-submersion.
The thorough restoration process has resulted in a truly magnificent schooner. Guests reside in one of 3 cabin types, all generously proportioned and finished with rich teak panelling, high ceilings, and private marble en-suite bathrooms. Each private quarter is fully appointed for downtime, including streamed entertainment offering a library of 3,000 films and 30,000 songs, ideal for unwinding between dive sessions.
The atmosphere on board promotes both conviviality and relaxation. As the sun dips below the horizon, marking the end of your diving day, you can enjoy a custom cocktail from the bar while awaiting a gourmet evening meal. The resident trained chef prepares exceptional cuisine, which guests enjoy either al fresco under a canopy of stars or within the comfortable, air-conditioned saloon. An additional seating area below deck offers dedicated space for divers to manage their underwater camera gear, read from the library, or socialise over a quiet game. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also provided when the Adelaar is within range to share images of your Komodo diving expedition.
Choosing the Adelaar liveaboard is an investment in a distinctive, high-end scuba diving adventure. This classic schooner provides the perfect combination of historical charm, experienced operation, and guaranteed intimacy for your Indonesian diving holiday.
Banda Sea, Ambon & Alor
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: from Ambon, Banda Sea: Lucipara Archipelago - Penyu, Maisel; Gunung Api, Reong, Wetar, Pura, Timur, Alor: Pantar, Beangabang Bay, Boling Strait, Adonara.
Trips that use Labuan Bajo harbour may also visit Palue.
Day 1
Step aboard the classic sailing yacht Adelaar in Ambon to begin your spectacular Banda Sea expedition. After meeting your fellow divers and the crew, and receiving a safety briefing, you will settle into your cabin. The vessel immediately casts off, beginning the dive cruise into the heart of the blue Banda Sea. Enjoy a welcoming gourmet lunch prepared by the Belgian-trained chef; with no diving scheduled today, it is the perfect time to relax and take in the sea air.
Core Days
This unique Adelaar liveaboard expedition crosses the infamous "Forgotten Paradise," offering divers a powerful blend of pelagic action and unique species. The initial phase focuses on the Banda Sea's deep oceanic sites, which act as magnets for large schools of fish. Locations such as the remote Lucipara Archipelago, including Penyu and Maisel, are known for attracting species like silky and hammerhead sharks, giant trevally, and barracuda. The volcanic island of Gunung Api is a truly memorable dive site due to its large population of sea snakes. Sites at Reong, Wetar, Pura, and Timur also offer dramatic deep-water diving, with chances to spot thresher sharks and mola mola during the migratory seasons.
The diving around Ambon introduces the world-class macro scene. Here, you move from open-ocean encounters to focused searches in the bay for unique endemic critters. Photographers can seek out species like the Ambon scorpionfish, as well as various frogfish and rhinopias. Beyond the diving, this historical route often provides opportunities to spot dolphins and whales from the deck of the Adelaar during the deep-sea crossings.
As the voyage progresses toward the Lesser Sunda Islands, the Adelaar liveaboard enters the high-current waters of the Alor Archipelago. Dive sites around Pantar, Adonara, and the challenging Boling Strait are renowned for their varied topography and the sheer biomass they host. Beangabang Bay is a key destination for scrutinising small life, including hairy frogfish, wonderpus octopus, and various species of shrimps and pygmy seahorses. The diving in this area is comprehensive, featuring both the large schools of fusiliers and oversized bumphead parrotfish, alongside whitetip reef sharks, and bamboo sharks. This remote and spectacular itinerary offers divers a peerless experience of Indonesia's deep east with the Adelaar liveaboard.
Final Day
The Adelaar cruises into Maumere on Flores. Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast before disembarking and concluding your expedition.
Komodo & Sumbawa (Whale Shark Special)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs/manatees, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: from Sumbawa: Moyo, Teluk Saleh, Satonda, Sangeang, Komodo: Gili Lawa Laut, Gili Lawa Darat, Banta Island, Tatawa, Current City, Wainilu, Pantai Merah, Padar, Rinca: Manta Alley, Nusa Kode, Cannibal Rock; Flores: Sebayur. Komodo dragon land visit, fruit bat exodus, waterfall walk.
Trips that use Maumere harbour may also visit Palue.
Day 1
Your Indonesian diving escape commences with boarding the classic sailing yacht Adelaar in Serangan Harbour, Bali, for a morning departure. Following a necessary safety briefing and introduction to your expert crew and fellow guests, you will settle into your well-appointed cabin. The vessel then weighs anchor for the overnight crossing to Moyo Island, allowing you to relax on deck, admire the distant views of Bali, and enjoy your first gourmet meal prepared by the Belgian-trained chef.
Core Days
This Adelaar liveaboard diving safari focuses on the Sumbawa region for a dedicated whale shark safari, increasing your prospects of encountering the oceans largest fish in Teluk Saleh. Ashore in Sumbawa, you can explore the land-based features, including a hike to the caldera of Satonda Island, a quiet moment at the wishing trees, and a refreshing swim in a natural pool fed by a waterfall on Moyo Island. Additionally, the trip explores the active underwater topography of Sangeang volcano.
As the voyage transitions into Komodo National Park, the intensity of the diving increases. Dive sites in the northern part of the park, such as Gili Lawa, Banta Island, Tatawa, and the famous Current City, are known for strong, nutrient-rich currents. These conditions foster superb coral growth and attract large congregations of pelagic species, including impressive schools of fish and the occasional shark action. The clarity of the water here often provides stunning visibility.
Further south, the Rinca area presents a diverse diving environment. A scuba highlight is Manta Alley, a site reliably frequented by magnificent manta rays. For those focused on small marine life, the black sand slopes of Wainilu offer excellent macro photography opportunities, while the legendary Cannibal Rock at Nusa Kode is a spectacular 'macro temple' renowned for its extreme critter diversity. You may also experience the unique phenomenon of diving near gaseous sulphur bubbles creating a warming effect in the sea floor. A visit to Pantai Merah (Pink Beach) is also included.
The schedule incorporates essential land excursions that showcase the region's famous sights. This includes a guided visit to see the formidable Komodo dragons, a steep but rewarding hike to the viewpoint on Padar Island, and the memorable spectacle of the fruit bat exodus at dusk. This blend of top-tier diving and exclusive topside exploration makes the Adelaar experience unique. Scuba divers seeking adventure and comfort will find the Adelaar liveaboard the ideal base for exploring this Indonesian archipelago.
Final Day
After your final dives, the Adelaar sails into Labuan Bajo Harbour on Flores. The morning allows for a leisurely, delicious breakfast with your group before you complete your adventure and disembark.
Komodo National Park
Trip highlights: shark action, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs/manatees, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: from Sangeang, Komodo: Banta Island, Gili Lawa Laut, Gili Lawa Darat, Pantai Merah, Current City, Tatawa, Batu Balong, Rinca: Manta Alley, Nusa Kode, Horseshoe Bay, Cannibal Rock, Padar; Flores: Sabolon, Sebayur, Pulau Pungu. Komodo dragon land visit, Padar hike, Atlas Pearl Farm.
Trips that use Maumere harbour may also visit Palue.
Day 1
The Komodo adventure begins in Labuan Bajo, where you will join the crew and fellow guests of the classic yacht Adelaar. After receiving a mandatory safety briefing and settling into your cabin, the vessel sets sail. The day includes two check-dives, providing an immediate immersion into the park’s waters. You can relax and enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by the master-chef.
Core Days
This comprehensive cruise with the Adelaar liveaboard is designed to explore the varied environments of Komodo National Park, catering to divers who appreciate both high-energy drift dives and intricate critter spotting. The voyage typically focuses first on the northern section of the park, where nutrient-rich currents flow. Sites such as Batu Balong, Gili Lawa, Gili Banta, Current City, and Tatawa are known for powerful currents that aggregate vast schools of fish, including barracuda and large pelagics. These conditions foster superb coral growth and offer thrilling dive profiles.
The Adelaar schedule includes diving excursions to the volcanic island of Sangeang, known for its unique underwater features and endemic marine life. Further west, sites near Flores such as Sabolon, Sebayur, and Pulau Pungu provide excellent reefs and varied topography, often serving as great locations for your final dives in the archipelago. For trips utilising Maumere harbour, there is a possibility of visiting Palue, where the steep walls are richly covered in soft corals and gorgonians, habitats for sightings of pygmy seahorses and rare nudibranchs.
Moving to the south, the Rinca area presents cooler waters and unique topography. Horseshoe Bay is famous, encompassing Nusa Kode where Cannibal Rock serves as a phenomenal 'macro temple,' teeming with diverse, small marine life on its volcanic slopes. Crucially, the iconic Manta Alley is a dependable site for observing majestic manta rays visiting cleaning stations.
The Adelaar also includes non-diving highlights such as an escorted land visit to Komodo Island to observe the magnificent Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, an energetic hike up Padar for its commanding panoramic views, a visit to Pink Beach, and a stop at the Atlas Pearl Farm. This Adelaar experience offers a well-rounded immersion into this Indonesian treasure.
Final Day
The Adelaar returns to Labuan Bajo harbour in Flores. Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast and exchange memories with your fellow divers before being transported ashore, concluding your voyage.
Raja Ampat & Triton Bay (12 Days / 11 Nights - 34 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Dramai, Aiduma: Iris Strait, Triton Bay: Namatote; Momon, Fakfak: Pisang, Raja Ampat - Misool: Wayilbatan, Daram; Batanta. Waterfall trek, birds of paradise.
Day 1
Kaimana marks the starting point for your unparalleled diving experience across Raja Ampat and Triton Bay on the Adelaar. Upon arrival, the crew offers a warm welcome ahead of the morning departure. Following a safety briefing and settling into your cabin, the vessel casts off, cruising into the Aru Sea. Lunch is served around noon. With no dives scheduled for today, guests can relax and enjoy the yacht's amenities during the initial transit.
Core Days
This Adelaar liveaboard expedition combines the electrifying current-fed diving of Raja Ampat with the pristine, exploratory conditions of Triton Bay. Triton Bay is often cited as a true diving frontier, captivating certified divers with its unique biodiversity and spectacular soft coral gardens. Sites around Dramai and Aiduma, including the nutrient-rich Iris Strait, feature dramatic underwater topography, where you find vast black coral forests and rugged rock formations.
Diving highlights in Triton Bay include Namatote and Momon, which reliably offer encounters with large schools of bumphead parrotfish and, occasionally, resident pilot whales. The region also provides opportunities to observe whale sharks feeding near local fishing platforms. For macro enthusiasts, there are plentiful critters, including frogfish, nudibranchs, and ornate ghost pipefish. The waters around Fakfak, including the Pisang islands, provide excellent reefscapes before the Adelaar sails north.
The voyage then transitions into the world-famous Raja Ampat archipelago, focusing on the remote southern islands of Misool. This region, known for its extreme marine biodiversity, features iconic dive sites like Wayilbatan and Daram. These spots showcase dramatic limestone bommies entirely covered in vibrant marine growth, creating habitats for majestic mantas, wobbegongs, and reef sharks. The tour later visits Batanta for dedicated scrutiny of smaller marine life such as wonderpus octopus and various seahorses.
Topside excursions complement the underwater experience, showcasing West Papua's rugged natural beauty. Guests can take a guided trek to remote waterfalls or seek out one of the endemic birds of paradise or hornbill nesting areas, ensuring the Adelaar liveaboard experience is truly immersive.
Day 12
The Adelaar cruises into Sorong in the morning. Enjoy a final, delicious breakfast with your fellow divers before concluding your expedition and being transported ashore.
Raja Ampat National Park (11 Days / 10 Nights - 32 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat - Matan, Misool: Daram, Yilliet, Boo, Fabiacet, Wayil, Pelee, Balbulol; Penemu, Wayag, Kawe, Yanggelo, Dampier Strait: Arborek, Mansuar. Treks to waterfalls, Love Lagoon, viewpoints, beaches, local villages, birds of paradise or hornbill nesting areas, speedboat ride to cavern systems and lagoons inhabited by stingless jellyfish.
Day 1
The Raja Ampat diving charter begins with boarding the classic sailing yacht Adelaar in Sorong. Following the introduction and safety briefing, you settle into your comfortable quarters. If logistics permit, a check dive may be offered on the first afternoon. Dinner is served as the yacht sails overnight, commencing the voyage toward the Dampier Strait, with cuisine prepared by the onboard chef.
Core Days
Raja Ampat is globally recognised as the pinnacle of marine biodiversity. This Adelaar liveaboard trip is structured to provide divers with exposure to the region's varied highlights, from schooling fish in current-swept channels to rare macro life on vibrant reefs. The journey focuses heavily on the Central and Southern regions.
The Dampier Strait, featuring popular dive sites like Mansuar and Arborek, is known for its strong currents that nourish expansive reef systems. Here, divers consistently witness large concentrations of pelagic species, including cruising reef sharks, schools of mackerel, and tuna. In contrast, the spectacular Misool area to the south, including sites such as Daram, Fabiacet, Boo (famous for its swim-throughs) offers sheltered bays and dramatic coral bommies, creating ideal habitats for exceptional macro life and cleaning stations frequently attended by manta rays.
The voyage also explores the northern reaches around Kawe and Yanggelo, offering superb visibility and opportunities to spot the unusual wobbegong and epaulette sharks. This Adelaar expedition offers immersion into pristine coral gardens that host a complex ecosystem of sea fans, sponges, and countless invertebrates.
The topside environment provides equally rich experiences. Guests can take guided treks to viewpoints on islands such as Penemu and Wayag for memorable panoramic photographs of the karst topography. Further excursions include visiting secluded white-sand beaches like Matan, observing the endemic birds of paradise or hornbills, or taking a speedboat ride to freshwater lakes where harmless, stingless jellyfish reside. This remote and fascinating environment is accessed and explored in comfort aboard the Adelaar liveaboard.
Day 11
The Adelaar returns to Sorong harbour. Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking and concluding your dive expedition.
Raja Ampat National Park South & Central
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat - Batanta, Dampier Strait, Misool: Daram, Pele, Wagmab; Penemu, Yanggelo. Treks to waterfalls, birds of paradise or hornbill nesting areas, speedboat ride to cavern systems and lagoons inhabited by stingless jellyfish.
Day 1
The highly anticipated Raja Ampat diving expedition begins in Sorong, where you step aboard the classic sailing yacht Adelaar. After a welcome from the crew and a mandatory safety briefing, you are shown to your accommodation. Depending on arrival times, the first afternoon may include a settling-in dive before the Belgian-trained chef prepares dinner, served as the yacht sails overnight toward the Dampier Strait.
Core Days
The Raja Ampat South and Central dive cruise focuses on maximizing underwater encounters in this marine biodiversity epicentre. This Adelaar liveaboard experience starts in the Dampier Strait and surrounding islands like Batanta and Yanggelo. These locations are typified by current-fed reefs where you can expect schooling behaviour from barracuda and jacks, along with frequent sightings of reef sharks and the endemic wobbegong shark. The sheer density of hard and soft corals here confirms Raja Ampat's reputation as a world-class dive destination.
The Adelaar moves to the famed Misool region, dedicating extensive time to dive sites such as Daram, Pele, and Wagmab. These southern locations are characterised by vast underwater limestone formations known as 'bommies', entirely encased in colourful growth. Misool offers a dual experience: exhilarating wide-angle views of sponge-encrusted walls and the chance for macro enthusiasts to seek out rare species hidden within the reef structure. The region is also noted for its dependable manta ray cleaning stations.
Surface interval excursions reveal the geological beauty of the archipelago. Guests can enjoy a high-speed ride through the striking karst islands to reach hidden cavern systems and salt-water lagoons inhabited by the fascinating stingless jellyfish. Other options include treks to waterfalls or to spectacular panoramic viewpoints, such as those at Penemu, or early morning walks to observe hornbills or the elaborate courtship displays of the birds of paradise. The stability and comfort of the Adelaar ensure you are well-rested for every day's exploration.
Final Day
On the concluding morning, the Adelaar completes its return sail to Sorong. After a leisurely final breakfast and exchanging well wishes with the crew and fellow divers, the voyage concludes with disembarkation.
Raja Ampat, Banda Sea & Ambon
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat - Dampier Strait, Misool: Wagmab, Fiabacet, Wayilbatan, Balbulol; Koon, Watubela, Banda islands: Karang Hatta, Manukang, Nusa Laut. Lagoon and cavern exploration, jellyfish lake, swim & snorkel trek, beach visits, historic town visit, fort, museum and nutmeg plantation.
11+ night trips also visit: Gili Manuk.
Day 1
This dive adventure aboard the classic yacht Adelaar commences in Sorong, where the crew welcomes you for the morning departure. Following the safety briefing and settling into your cabin, lunch is served, prepared by the Belgian-trained chef. The yacht sets sail towards the Dampier Strait, offering a check dive opportunity if guests arrive promptly.
Core Days
The voyage begins with an intensive exploration of Raja Ampat, a region globally recognised for its exceptional marine biodiversity. The Adelaar concentrates on the renowned Misool area, where famous dive sites like Fiabacet, Wagmab, Balbulol, and Wayilbatan provide sensational diving. Scuba divers encounter remarkable visibility over submerged reefs and pinnacles, featuring prized macro creatures such as seahorses and wonderpus, alongside regular sightings of reef sharks and majestic manta rays. Topside excursions include visiting the unique non-stinging jellyfish lake for a snorkel, and exploring hidden lagoons and cavern systems.
As the liveaboard sails east, the itinerary incorporates the remote islands of Koon and Watubela, acting as open-ocean focal points in the Banda Sea. These isolated spots are magnets for larger pelagic species, affording opportunities to witness vast schools of surgeonfish, giant trevally, and barracuda, with wider pelagic sightings often visible from the deck of the Adelaar.
The dive experience culminates in the historic Spice Islands. The Banda islands, including Karang Hatta, Manukang, and Nusa Laut, present dramatic volcanic topography underwater, hosting pristine, healthy coral growth. These clear blue waters offer the potential for encounters with hammerhead and silky sharks, dependent on the season. For guests on the longer Adelaar liveaboard charters, an excursion to Gili Manuk is also included.
On land, a significant cultural exploration involves guided visits to historic towns, formidable forts, maritime museums, and traditional nutmeg plantations. The stability and comfort of the Adelaar liveaboard ensure you are perfectly positioned to explore this iconic migratory route.
Final Day
The Adelaar sails into Ambon Bay in the morning. Enjoy a final, delicious breakfast with your fellow divers before saying your farewells and disembarking.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
A successful dive trip requires quality sustenance, and the operator of the Adelaar liveaboard considers its catering a key priority. Dining is certainly a gourmet affair, provided by a highly skilled chef, trained by a Belgian master-chef, who expertly prepares a fusion of Indonesian favourites and international cuisine. For those curious about the menu, main meals consistently offer a wide choice of Indonesian and international dishes; picture fresh seafood dishes and grilled meats, presented with a variety of vegetable accompaniments and regional specialities.
The daily routine is organised to maximise your time in the water. Guests enjoy a pre-breakfast snack before the first dive. Following your morning immersion, a comprehensive breakfast is served. Lunch is typically served around 12 noon.
Mid-afternoon is time for the next dive, after which divers can recover with plentiful snacks, including cakes, biscuits, toast, and fresh fruit, available all day. The fourth dive, often a night dive, precedes a leisurely dinner service. Dining takes place either buffet style alfresco, if the weather allows, or with waitress service in the comfortable, air-conditioned dining saloon.
Unlimited coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks are included with your dive cruise on the Adelaar. Additional beverages, such as wines, beer, and spirits, are available for purchase.
All special dietary requirements can be accommodated, providing prior notice is given. Catering begins with lunch on the day you arrive and concludes with breakfast on the final day.
