Adelaar Cruises
Adelaar Cruises
Adelaar Cruises sails the stunning Indonesian Archipelago from Bali eastward to Alor, offering a carefully curated selection of itineraries along this route. This region is rich in natural history and is just as captivating above the water as it is below. Adelaar Cruises specializes in diving and snorkeling trips, complemented by a variety of cultural excursions. Whether you’re a seasoned diver, an occasional snorkeler, or simply along for the adventure, Adelaar Cruises welcomes both individual travelers and small groups for yacht charters.
Adelaar Cruises specializes in unforgettable trips to Komodo National Park, but also offers a variety of other itineraries around Indonesia throughout the year. Whether it’s your first or fifth trip aboard, there’s always something new to discover.
One of the highlights of Adelaar Cruises is their unique itineraries focused on Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, and vibrant Coral Reefs. Learn more about these exciting trips by exploring the tabs below.
Twice a year, we invite a marine biologist from Conservation International to join us on an exploration of a newly discovered destination where a permanent aggregation of whale sharks has been found. Conservation International has played a vital role in tagging these sharks and educating local villages on conservation efforts to protect the habitat of these gentle giants. During the cruise, they will present their work with Indonesia’s whale shark population and how we can contribute to their conservation efforts.
Our whale shark excursions are part of our Bali-Komodo routes, with each departure carefully timed to coincide with the new moon, which offers the best chances for an encounter.
Contact us today to book your spot on one of these special trips.
Manta rays are frequently encountered in Komodo National Park, but for true manta enthusiasts, there’s never enough time spent with these majestic creatures. One of our Komodo routes is specially adjusted to focus on areas within Komodo favored by mantas.
On these special trips, we invite a marine biologist to join us, offering insightful presentations about their work in manta conservation and how we can help protect these graceful creatures. You’ll learn everything about mantas, including recent updates on their classification.
Our Manta Special Itinerary varies depending on the season and the availability of our specialist.
Contact us today to book your spot on one of these special trips.
Since all of Adelaar’s routes are located in the Coral Triangle, organizing a trip dedicated to coral reef rehabilitation was a natural choice. Although the Coral Triangle covers only 1.6% of the planet’s oceanic area, it contains 76% of all known coral species.
During these special cruises, we host a coral specialist who will lead courses on coral biology, conduct workshops, and organize identification games. The trip also includes an excursion to a coral rehabilitation center on the north coast of Sumbawa.
Contact us today to book your spot on one of these special trips.
adrlaar cruises sample itinerary komodo
Day 1: Welcome to Adelaar! (2 dives)
Boarding begins in Labuan Bajo, Flores, from 11:00 AM onwards, depending on flight arrivals. Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the harbor. Once everyone is aboard, we set sail to Sabolon Island for two check dives. We will anchor in a quiet bay for the night.
Day 2: Sangeang Volcano (3 dives)
An early morning departure brings us to Sangeang, an active volcano with its last eruption in 2014. As we approach at sunrise, the volcano rises majestically from the sea, occasionally puffing smoke. The black sandy bottom makes for spectacular diving, with gaseous sulfur bubbling up from the sand, creating the feeling of being in an underwater jacuzzi. We’ll anchor near a village for the night, with a night dive planned. If time permits, we may visit the village.
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Day 3: North Komodo National Park (4 dives)
We depart Sangeang Island early and head to Banta Island, just outside the park boundary. We’ll enjoy two dives along Banta’s northern coast before crossing into Komodo National Park during lunch. The afternoon and night dives will take place in North West Komodo, where we will anchor for the night.
Day 4: Prehistoric Day & Central/South Komodo National Park (3 dives)
In the morning, we go ashore for a ranger-guided hike to see Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Afterward, we dive near Pink Beach before traveling south for an afternoon dive along Komodo’s coastline. At dusk, we’ll search for the elusive mandarin fish during a night dive at Lehok Sera.
Day 5: South Komodo Island & South Rinca (4 dives)
We begin the day at Manta Alley, where nutrient-rich waters and cooler temperatures attract manta rays. After two dives, we head to Nusa Kode in southern Rinca, where the dramatic landscape offers towering cliff walls and a resident dragon population. After the sun sets, we’ll enjoy a night dive and a late dinner.
Day 6: South Rinca & Padar Island (4 dives)
In the morning, we’ll explore the South East corners of Horseshoe Bay in Nusa Kode before heading to Padar Island for an afternoon dive. In the evening, hike across Padar for a stunning sunset view over a crescent bay, or choose a night dive.
Day 7: Padar Island & Central Komodo National Park (4 dives)
We enter Central Komodo National Park, also known as “current city,” where strong tidal currents bring abundant marine life and exciting drift dives. We’ll spend two days diving this area, known for its exhilarating dives and manta ray sightings. A night dive is planned each evening.
Day 8: Sebayur & Pungu (3 dives)
Our final diving day will be spent around Sebayur Island, just north of the park. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Atlas Pearl Farm on Pulau Pungu, renowned for its environmentally friendly approach to producing the finest white and silver pearls. We’ll anchor here for the night.
Day 9: Farewell and Disembarkation
We arrive in Labuan Bajo at 7:00 AM. After breakfast, we will assist you with disembarkation for your onward journey.
sample itinerary alor & forgotten islands
Day 1: Maumere, Flores (2 dives)
A domestic flight from Bali or Jakarta brings you to the harbor town of Maumere on the island of Flores. Our staff will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel (if arriving the day before) or directly to the harbor where the Adelaar is anchored (on the day of departure). Once aboard, we’ll complete check dives close by, followed by overnight sailing to North Lembata.
Day 2: North Lembata (3 dives)
Wake up to coffee on deck and start your first full day of diving in this remote location with stunning topographical features. The narrow strait provides nutrient-rich waters, fueling lush coral reefs and marine life. Watch out for pelagic species and keep an eye on the horizon for migrating whales, especially during fall.
Day 3: Komba Volcano (3 dives)
Komba Volcano rises majestically on the horizon, venting plumes of smoke. Below the surface, colorful coral thrives against the dark sand. Streams of bubbles from the volcanic activity create an “underwater jacuzzi” experience, making for a unique dive.
Day 4: Pantar Strait (3-4 dives)
West of Pantar Island in the Savu Sea, world-class dive sites await. These small islands attract schools of fish along colorful Indian Ocean reefs. We explore the underwater walls, slopes, and ridges of Pantar, Pura, and Ternate islands, including the iconic Anemone Valley with its expansive seabed of anemones and clownfish. Keep an eye out for thresher sharks in the blue.
Day 5: Kalabahi Bay (2-3 dives)
Visit the Abui tribe, known for their fierce warrior history, as they welcome us with ceremonial dress and perform the ancient lego lego dance. After exploring the local market and museum, we dive in Kalabahi Bay in the afternoon.
Day 6: Pantar Strait (3-4 dives)
Dive among the islands lining the Pantar Strait, including Beangabang Village, home to the famous Religious Critters dive site. During surface intervals, local fishermen and their children, with hand-carved outriggers and homemade goggles, will often greet divers with warm smiles.
Day 7: Lamalera Bay (3 dives)
Early morning brings us to Lamalera, Indonesia’s last whaling village. This area is home to mantas, pilot whales, and other pelagic species. If conditions are challenging, we’ll dive the nearby Shark Plateau, a pinnacle near Lembata Island.
Day 8: Lamakera/Larantuka (3 dives)
We visit the Fisherman’s Cooperative on Larantuka Island, supported by the Misool Foundation, which promotes sustainable fishing practices. In the afternoon, we’ll dive at Gedong and enjoy a final night dive.
Days 9-10: Forgotten Islands (6-7 dives)
Explore the remote and rarely visited Forgotten Islands, known for their pristine reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and diverse marine life.
Day 11: Thanks for joining us!
After breakfast, we disembark for your onward journey.
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