We welcome you to join a cruise on Adelaar, as she sails the magnificent Indonesian archipelago with various itineraries from Bali to Alor, through the most pristine sites of Komodo National Park. As you cross the Wallace Line, and travel eastwards, you’ll enter some of the most culturally diverse regions of the world. Welcome to the underwater world, where strong currents feed a teaming marine life, amass with color as well as stunning landscapes and excursions.
Day 1
Welcome to Adelaar!
The meeting point will be at the Main Passenger Jetty in Serangan Harbor at 8:30 AM, where our crew are standing by to welcome you. As soon as everyone is aboard, we depart Serangan and move along the coastline of Bali, cruising overnight to Satonda Island. We hope for a magnificent sunset over Bali’s majestic Mt Agung.
Day 2
Satonda Island, Sumbawa
Arrival at Satonda Island will be late morning, with two dives scheduled along a sloping reef. Satonda is an ancient volcanic island, said to be even older than Tambora, with a saltwater lake that fills the crater. A huge tsunami filled the crater after the violent eruption of Mount Tambora, on Sumbawa, in 1814. Don’t miss a chance to cast your wish at the wishing trees along the lakes edge! At sunset we depart and cruise through the night toward Komodo.
Day 3
North Komodo National Park
We are up early for a glimpse of the sunrise as we arrive at Gili Lawa Laut. The park is located in the region known as Wallacea, denoting the overlapping of Australian and Asian biogeographical areas. There is a splendid assortment of dive sites just outside this picturesque bay.
Day 4
Komodo National Park
Dragons! We go ashore at 7:00 AM for a ranger guided hike into the interior of Komodo Island, to look for Komodo dragons. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the only natural habitat of these giant monitor lizards. The area was designated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 1991. Once safely back aboard, we travel south for a late morning and afternoon dive along the coast of Komodo. At dusk, we dive Lehok Sera to search for the elusive mandarin fish.
Day 5
South Komodo National Park – Rinca & Nusa Kode
An early morning departure is planned, as we head to the extreme southern end of Komodo to Manta Alley. This area typically has much cooler temperatures with nutrient rich waters, perfect for Mantas! We enjoy lunch as the boat moves to southern Rinca to an area known as Nusa Kode. With the towering cliff walls surrounding all sides, the landscape in this remote area, is breathtaking. Between dives, we board the dinghy and head towards the shore, to get up close to the resident dragon population. After the sun sets, we prepare for a night dive, and a late dinner.
Day 6
South Komodo National Park – Nusa Kode & Padar
There are two dives planned for this area, one of which will be the famous ‘macro temple” of Cannibal Rock, a photographers dream come true. From here we journey north to Padar Island for our afternoon dive. Just before sunset, we go ashore and hike across a beautiful crescent bay, to witness a spectacular sunset. Alternately, for those who prefer to be underwater, a night dive is planned.
Day 7
Center Komodo National Park – Wainilu
We depart early from Padar and enter the central park area, also known as ‘current city’. This area of the park is subjected to the strong tidal currents that run through the Lintah Strait, bringing with them, plenty of marine life. These currents make for lots of action and exhilarating drift dives. Mantas are often seen in these parts. In the late afternoon, we make our way north toward Wainilu and prepare for a night dive.
Day 8
North Komodo National Park – Gili Lawa Laut & Gili Lawa Darat
We’ve saved the best for last! We spend the morning diving around the northern boundary of the park off the islands of Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat. In late afternoon we say goodbye to Komodo National Park and start our westward journey back towards Bali. We stop for the night in Banta Island, just outside the park boundary, and prepare for our last night dive.
Day 9
Sangeang volcano, Sumbawa
A very early morning departure, with destination Sangeang, a volcano whose most recent eruption was in 2014. Upon our sunrise approach, Sangeang rises majestically from the sea, emitting the occasional puff of smoke. The black sandy bottom of this site makes for spectacular diving. In places, a steady stream of gaseous sulfur, bubbles up from the sand making its way towards the surface. Swimming through, you have the feeling of being in an underwater jacuzzi! Tonight we sail through the night towards Moyo Island.
Day 10
Moyo Island, Sumbawa
We arrive at Moyo Island early this morning, for our final two dives along the fringing reef, outside the main village. A shore excursion takes you through the local village along a winding path towards a waterfall. Those daring enough can grab the rope, swing out over the falls and drop into the pool below! We sail through the night towards Bali.
Day 11
Arrival in Serangan Harbor, Bali will be after 9:00 AM.
The route and dives are always organized according to the weather conditions, the currents and tides.