When seeking a truly exclusive Indonesian dive expedition that honours tradition and prioritises intimacy, the 30-metre Calico Jack is a premier selection. This handsome vessel was built in the classic Phinisi schooner tradition from durable iron wood and teak, ensuring both stability and enduring aesthetic appeal. Its key feature is the extremely low guest occupancy, welcoming a maximum of just 10 divers. This guarantees an exceptional feeling of personal space and privacy for every individual on board as you navigate Indonesia’s finest regions. The Calico Jack liveaboard provides a unique and desirable base for scuba divers.
The operational expertise of Calico Jack is complemented by an excellent level of personal service. A multi-lingual crew of eight is trained to provide highly attentive support, reflecting the small size of the passenger list and ensuring assistance is always at hand. For added comfort during your extended safari, a laundry service is also included. Accommodation ensures a private and cool retreat. All cabins are situated on the lower deck and are fitted with air-conditioning and private en-suite facilities. Guests can select comfortable double or twin bed configurations. The quiet environment below deck is conducive to rest and preparation between the day’s activities.
Diving logistics are expertly managed, typically offering 3 day dives daily, supplemented by night dives on alternate evenings. Transfers to the precise dive sites are handled by 2 custom-made speedboats. These tenders are purpose-designed for dive operations, each featuring 6 dedicated dive stations, along with low sides and sturdy ladders for easy entry and safe recovery, greatly improving the flow of the diving schedule.
The itineraries of Calico Jack are sophisticated and seasonally responsive, deliberately timed to ensure access to Indonesia’s best diving conditions. For 8 months of the year, from October through to June, the focus is squarely on Raja Ampat. The liveaboard navigates the region comprehensively, exploring both the rich soft coral gardens of the southern Misool area and the famous current-swept sites of the northern Dampier Strait and Waigeo.
Demonstrating a true commitment to specialist and remote areas, the Calico Jack liveaboard dedicates time to less-frequented destinations during the shoulder seasons. During August and September, the vessel relocates to Cenderawasih Bay, famed for unique endemic marine species, historical World War 2 wrecks, and consistent encounters with numerous whale sharks. This deep local knowledge extends to October when it heads to Triton Bay, often called the 'final frontier' of Indonesian diving, boasting incredible diversity and vibrant marine life.
When not scuba diving, relaxation spaces include an expansive covered deck for open-air lounging, and for active guests, complimentary equipment such as sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and a wakeboard is available. The Calico Jack liveaboard offers knowledgeable operation and an authentic, high-end experience.
Cenderawasih Bay (12 Days / 11 Nights - 34 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, great macro life/ marine diversity
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Cenderawasih Bay: Manokwari Bay, Numfor, Manim, Purup, Mioswar, Roon, Ribbon, Sodompari, Wandammen Peninsula, Tridacna Atoll, Tanjung Mangguar, and Kwatisore. Beach BBQ.
Day 1
This expedition into Cenderawasih Bay, a world reserved for the truly adventurous, begins the very moment you cross the gangplank of the magnificent Calico Jack liveaboard at Manokwari port. Once settled in, you will be introduced to the crew and fellow guests before receiving a full safety brief and vessel orientation. A check dive is typically conducted in Manokwari Bay, allowing you to fine-tune your gear before a sunset dinner and the first night at sea.
Core Days
The diving in Cenderawasih Bay with the Calico Jack offers a truly distinctive experience, focusing on scuba diving in a biological sanctuary unlike any other in Indonesia. Geographically isolated, the bay is renowned for hosting a high proportion of endemic fish species and supporting expansive, healthy hard coral formations. The experienced crew are dedicated to navigating this unique frontier.
A major highlight is the unparalleled opportunity to dive and snorkel alongside the resident whale sharks at Kwatisore and Tanjung Mangguar. There will be ample time to diving and snorkelling beneath the traditional bagans (fishing platforms) to witness these gentle giants feeding, an interaction considered among the most reliable whale shark encounters globally. The knowledge of the Calico Jack dive team is instrumental in maximising these crucial morning encounters.
Beyond the celebrated pelagics, the sheer scale of the coral reefs is impressive. The liveaboard explores submerged structure and volcanic islands, including the massive hard coral plateaus around Mioswar, Ribbon, and Sodompari. The traditional Phinisi Calico Jack is perfectly suited to reaching these remote outer island sites, including Numfor, Manim, and Purup, which reveal immense sponges and vibrant soft corals, supporting the unique endemic fish that thrive here. It also incorporates exploration of the Wandammen Peninsula and the unique geology of Tridacna Atoll. Onboard activities are balanced with exploration, including a memorable Beach BBQ held on a quiet stretch of sand.
Day 12
You will enjoy a last breakfast before disembarkation at Nabire port.
Raja Ampat National Park 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: Dampier Strait, Mioskon, Sardine Reef, Cape Kri, Yenbuba Jetty, Arborek, Manta Sandy, Penemu, Aljui, Wofoh and Yanggelo. Explore lagoons, short boat tour and a trek to a viewpoint overlooking Penemu, beach BBQ party, visit a local village.
Day 1
The vastness of the Indonesian archipelago awaits. A highly anticipated expedition begins when you cross the gangplank of the magnificent Calico Jack liveaboard at Sorong port. Once settled in, you will be introduced to the crew and fellow guests. The evening includes a full safety brief and vessel orientation before the yacht sails overnight toward the central Raja Ampat dive sites.
Core Days
This dive cruise explores the ecological engine room of Raja Ampat: the central region and the renowned Dampier Strait. These waters are nutrient-rich, resulting in staggering volumes of schooling fish. Expect fast-paced action at sites like Cape Kri and Sardine Reef, both famous for dense aggregations of fusiliers and snappers, while Mioskon offers submerged pinnacles blanketed in healthy coral, often attracting big fish and reef sharks.
A central feature of this safari is the Manta Sandy cleaning station, where you can observe majestic reef manta rays feeding and visiting the station in the shallow channels. The exploration also delves into unique hotspots like Yenbuba Jetty and Arborek, where the pylons support exceptional macro subjects. Further variety is found near Aljui Bay, offering distinctive diving conditions in its pearl farm channel. Beyond the diving, the professional crew of the Calico Jack facilitate a visit to a local village, providing insight into island life.
The stunning landscape of the region is equally accessible. We dedicate time for surface excursions around Penemu, involving a short boat tour and a rewarding trek to the famous viewpoint overlooking the karst islands. Diving around Yanggelo and Wofoh reveals immense hard and soft coral gardens flourishing on the underwater plateaus. Evenings on the traditional Phinisi vessel, the Calico Jack, include a relaxing beach BBQ party, and guests can enjoy exploring calm lagoons using the available kayaks and paddle boards. The reliable performance and dive setup of the Calico Jack ensure comfort throughout this focused central Raja Ampat scuba adventure.
2 final morning dives are scheduled before the Calico Jack liveaboard commences its return cruise.
Final Day
After a final breakfast, disembarkation takes place at Sorong port.
Raja Ampat National Park North & Central (9 Days / 8 Nights - 20 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: Dampier Strait, Mioskon, Sardine Reef, Cape Kri, Yenbuba Jetty, Arborek, Manta Sandy, Penemu, Kawe, Wayag, Wofo and Yanggelo. Explore lagoons, kayaking and paddle boarding and trek to the panoramic viewpoint on Mount Pindito, short boat tour and a trek to a viewpoint overlooking Penemu, beach BBQ party, visit a local village.
Day 1
The adventure of a lifetime begins the very moment you board of the magnificent Calico Jack liveaboard at Sorong port. Once settled in, you will be introduced to the crew and fellow guests. The evening includes a full orientation and a sunset dinner before the vessel sails overnight to the core diving areas.
Core Days
This safari focuses on the sheer marine density and diverse topography of Raja Ampat’s north and central dive regions. We spend the majority of the cruise traversing the famed Dampier Strait, the engine of the region’s fish life. Signature dive sites here include Cape Kri, an area celebrated for holding the world record for fish species recorded on a single dive. Nearby, the exposed reefs of Chicken Reef and Mioskon provide exciting, current-dependent drifts where schools of fish and passing pelagics congregate.
Further south, in the central region, you will make the essential visit to Manta Ridge, a shallow site where majestic reef manta rays gather over the seabed for cleaning. The exploration extends to the local jetties of Yenbuba Jetty and Arborek, known for their exceptional macro subjects and schooling fish. Non-diving activities include exploring calm lagoons by kayaking and paddle boarding, and a visit to a local village.
The voyage dedicates time to the stunning limestone karst formations, beginning with a short boat tour and a trek to a viewpoint overlooking the iconic Penemu. We then push into the northern sector, visiting the breathtaking Wayag where a challenging trek leads to the panoramic viewpoint on Mount Pindito, rewarding you with the archipelago's most famous vista. Diving in this northern area includes the dive sites of Kawe, Wofo, and Yanggelo, known for their pristine hard coral gardens and unique underwater topography.
Evenings offer time for relaxation and socialising on board the Calico Jack, often culminating in a traditional beach BBQ party under the stars. The professional dive guides possess deep, local knowledge, which is key to maximising your underwater time and ensuring a high-quality experience across this expansive area. The traditional Phinisi charm of the Calico Jack adds to the authenticity of your exploration.
Day 9
After a final breakfast, disembarkation takes place at Sorong port.
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: from Raja Ampat - Misool: Balbulol, Daram, Warokaraket. Boo, Wayilbatan, Yilliet, Wagmab, Farondi; Penemu, Wofo, Waigeo: Gam, Arbroek, Dampier Strait: Cape Kri. Explore lagoons, kayaking and paddle boarding among hidden lagoons, short boat tour and a trek to a viewpoint overlooking Penemu, beach BBQ party, visit a local village.
Day 1
A warm smile welcomes you to Sorong: the Calico Jack crew has awaited your arrival and takes you to the nearby harbour. The liveaboard will leave port as soon as all guests are on board in order to avoid an overnight journey, since to Misool it takes 12 hours. Enjoy a refreshing drink while the cruise director introduces the crew, the other guests and the boat amenities. Be assigned to your cabin and in the afternoon you can unpack your dive gear and get it ready for tomorrow's dives. A sunset dinner takes place in the air-conditioned saloon.
Core Days
An easy to follow daily schedule and days full of fun - pre-breakfast, 1st dive, breakfast, 2nd dive, lunch, 3rd dive, snacks, 4th dive and dinner. Dining on board Calico Jack is an experience as memorable and definitive as the diving. All meals are prepared and cooked daily by the amazing chef Yono and you can expect to be indulged with an array of healthy, mouth-watering Asian fusion and International cuisines. Any specific dietary requirements will be happily accommodated with prior consultation. All trips are include 3 meals per day, snacks, as well as water, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Dinner each night is a 3-course gourmet affair, and a bonfire-lit BBQ on a secluded beach is a signature specialty. A selection of local and imported alcoholic beverages will be available on board, but you are invited to bring along your favourite spirit or bottle of wine to share and compliment this unforgettable experience.
The dining won't be the only reason for you to be pleased. Raja Ampat offers unforgettable diving, being the richest marine region on Earth. Reef sharks, manta rays, wobbegongs, turtles, barracudas, bumphead parrotfish, dogtooth tuna and also unforgettable macro life such as frogfish, seahorses, ghost pipefish, rhynophias and much more to discover.
Please note that only 2 dives will be scheduled for the last full day of the safari before the yacht starts its way back to port.
Final Day
You have reached the end of this amazing cruise. Exchange farewells and photos with the people that have helped make this safari unforgettable. Disembark and enjoy the view while being transferred to Sorong airport.
Raja Ampat, Banda Sea & Ambon (12 Days / 11 Nights - 33 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Dive sites and activities: Ambon Bay: Nusa Laut, Molana, Banda Islands: Karang Hatta, Batu Kapal, Pohon Miring, Pulau Ai, Pulau Run, Koon, Raja Ampat - Misool: Wayilbatan, Fiabacet, Yilliet, Warokaraket. Boo, Daram, Balbulol. Beach BBQ, waterfall visit, kayaking, dinghy exploration, Banda Neira historic tour.
Day 1
The grand Indonesian traverse begins the moment you step onto the deck of the magnificent Calico Jack liveaboard at Sorong port. Settle into your cabin and meet the crew and fellow guests before receiving a full safety brief and orientation. The vessel sails in the evening, commencing the passage to the first dive destination.
Core Days
This ambitious dive expedition links the unrivalled biodiversity of Raja Ampat with the remote, pelagic-rich waters of the Banda Sea, culminating in the superb macro sites around Ambon. The traditional Phinisi Calico Jack is perfectly equipped to cover this extensive route, ensuring comfort and capability throughout.
The initial segment is dedicated to the thriving ecosystem of Raja Ampat, where we concentrate on the southern reefs. Dive sites around Misool, including Wayil, Fiabacet, and Boo, are famed for their kaleidoscopic soft corals and immense fish populations. Expect close encounters with resident wobbegong sharks and a stunning density of reef fish before the Calico Jack begins the long eastern traverse.
As the voyage enters the deep Banda Sea, the dive profile shifts towards dramatic volcanic topography and exciting blue water action. This stretch explores the historic Spice Islands and the iconic Ring of Fire. Diving around the remote sea mounts involve deep clear water, offering high potential for sightings of large schools of pelagic fish, dogtooth tuna, and seasonal hammerhead sharks. We explore the central Banda Islands, including the stunning walls near Pulau Ai and Run, and make a land visit to Banda Neira, a notable Spice island-with views of the Gunung Api volcano.
The final section features the reefs of Saparua, Nusa Laut, Molana, and the atmospheric Hukurila Cave. The expedition culminates in Ambon Bay, celebrated globally for its high-quality muck diving. Here, the experienced guides onboard the Calico Jack will help you locate elusive critters, such as the endemic Ambon scorpionfish, providing a thrilling contrast to the wide-angle reefs encountered earlier on this Calico Jack liveaboard safari.
Following 2 final morning dives, the vessel commences its return cruise to port.
Day 12
After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at Ambon port.
[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 dive cruise aboard the Calico Jack liveaboard provides divers with a superior level of comfort and service while they explore the best of Indonesia’s underwater realm. The daily schedule is built around the diving, with 4 essential meal services spaced across the day: a quick pre-breakfast to fuel the early morning immersion, a full breakfast afterwards, lunch, and dinner. The catering staff is prepared to serve guests from the moment they arrive on board.
Elevating the atmosphere, dining on the Calico Jack is a refined experience with full waiter service for all meals, setting it apart from typical liveaboard buffets and adding a welcome touch of class. Guests can choose to take their meals in the comfortable, cool air-conditioned saloon or relax in the pleasant, shaded open-air dining area. The menu offers an inviting rotation of international dishes, drawing inspiration from Chinese, Italian, and authentic barbecue techniques. Expect satisfying main courses at dinner, such as tender, slow-roasted BBQ Pork Ribs, a fragrant Chinese Lemon Chicken, or a classic Italian Pesto Gnocchi.
To keep energy levels consistently high, complimentary refreshments including coffee, tea, fruit juice, biscuits, toast, and fresh drinking water are available non-stop. For those wanting a wider choice, soft drinks, espresso, beer, and liquors are available to purchase.
The Calico Jack crew is proficient in accommodating all dietary requirements, provided you send us your specific needs in advance of the cruise.
"
I spent 12 days with the Calico Jack team for an unforgettable cruise in Cenderawasih Bay in Indonesia. Magnificent dives with incredible reefs, a host of whale sharks and beautiful wrecks! The all-wooden boat with its beautiful red sails was spacious and very nice! The schedule was focused on diving but with great activities on offer such as snorkeling, visiting a traditional village, a barbecue on the beach, etc. The meals were all very good and especially the crew was amazing! All very attentive, friendly and funny. I can only recommend the cruises offered by Calico Jack" -
Lea Delmas, France, 2 October 2024 ...
"
Boat is OK, cabins are rather small. Food was OK. Staff excellent." -
Daniel Erbeznik, Slovenia, 7 January 2019 ...
"
Equipment was new, well-maintained and the service from the support crew was fantastic.The food was fantastic. The sleeping quarters/ bunks were o.k. Nothing glamorous but there was air con and everything we needed." -
Anke Steier, Germany, 18 January 2017 ...
"
On the liveaboard, I rented most of the dive equipment and utilized all of the services organized by the staff, including treks on the islands, meals and snacks, reading books, etc. Everything was taken care of perfectly. From being picked up at the airport and taken to the boat, to the beautiful cabins, to every day's incredible diving and food, it was truly perfect in every way. All of the diving equipment was in good quality and the boat itself was in immaculate condition. There's not a single thing I can complain about." -
Rachel Berkley, USA, 15 September 2015 ...
