Cachalo Liveaboard, Indonesia

Diving onboard Cachalo

Cachalo is well equipped for diving across Indonesia, with a dedicated dive deck, compressors, nitrox membrane and two reinforced fibreglass tenders with 115HP Yamaha engines. Rental equipment is available at an additional cost, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, fins, boots, torches, dive computers, 15-litre tanks, sidemount tanks and action cameras. Nitrox is included for certified divers, and itineraries normally include night dives where conditions and route planning allow.  

Itineraries cover several of Indonesia’s classic liveaboard routes. Raja Ampat trips can include central, northern and southern areas, visiting sites sites such as Magic Mountain, Boo Window, Melissa’s Garden, Manta Ridge, Manta Sandy, Sawandarek and Cape Kri. Komodo itineraries focus on current-swept reefs, pinnacles, manta sites and protected bays, while itineraries in the Banda Sea and Alor add volcanic islands, deep walls, seamounts, macro sites and pelagic sightings.

Diving in Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the world’s most varied dive destinations, with over 17,000 islands and liveboard routes that follow seasonal conditions between the country’s western and eastern regions. Raja Ampat is known for extraordinary reef biodiversity, manta rays, schooling fish, soft corals and iconic sites around Dampier Strait and Misool. Komodo combines current-fed reefs, manta encounters, macro subjects and the chance to visit Komodo or Rinca in search of dragons. Banda Sea crossings are among Indonesia’s most exciting liveaboard routes, with deep walls, seamounts, volcanic islands and remote expedition-style diving, while Alor adds pristine reefs, currents, macro life and seasonal pelagic encounters.

Read more about diving in Indonesia on the ZuBlu site here.

ZuBlu’s dive travel experts will help you book the ideal trip onboard Cachalo, including your preferred cabin type, itinerary, diving, equipment rental, transfers and any special requests. Share your travel dates, group size, diving experience and budget, and we’ll recommend the best options for your trip.

We’ll also help with practical travel planning, including flight routes, arrival timings, embarkation details and transfers, making sure your itinerary works as smoothly as possible from start to finish.

Once you’ve finalised your plans, your travel expert will put a complimentary hold on your preferred cabin and send a final quote that includes accommodation, meals, diving, transfers, rental equipment, port fees or other extras. This quote will also show any costs paid in advance or onboard - there are no hidden fees - as well as a payment schedule and cancellation terms and conditions.

Your booking is confirmed once the required deposit, or full payment when necessary, has been received.

After confirmation, your dedicated guest concierge will take over and assist with flight routes, transfers, any personal information required by the liveaboard, and questions about your reservation. They are there to make the entire process as straightforward as possible.

Ready to start planning your trip? Talk to a travel expert now.

Looking for more information about liveaboards in Indonesia? Read more in our guide here.

Getting there

Embarkation and disembarkation ports will vary depending on the itinerary. Komodo trips usually start and end in Labuan Bajo, using Komodo Airport (LBJ), while Raja Ampat itineraries usually operate from Sorong, using Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ). Banda Sea trips usually start and end in Ambon, using Pattimura Airport (AMQ), and crossing itineraries link different ports such as Labuan Bajo to Alor, Alor to Ambon, or Ambon to Sorong. The ZuBlu travel team will advise and help you to find the right flights to reach the right port.

Airport and hotel transfers are included in the itineraries, and trips normally begin with a group transfer to the port before boarding, crew introductions and safety briefings. Travel in Indonesia can involve long domestic connections, especially for Sorong, Ambon and Alor, so overnight stays before or after the cruise may be sensible depending on flight schedules. Guests should confirm the exact latest safe arrival time, earliest safe departure flight and transfer meeting point for their chosen itinerary before booking flights.

Other activities

Non-diving activities might include snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, island trekking, land excursions where local regulations permit, private beach BBQs, sunset beach dining, drone photography and aerial shoots. All activities depend on the itinerary, weather and the day’s dive schedule.

• WiFi – Satellite WiFi is included onboard.
• Mobile coverage – Mobile signal is likely to be limited or unavailable in remote cruising areas.
• Electricity – Indonesia uses 230V and 50Hz; Cachalo is equipped with marine generators.
• Plug type – Indonesia commonly uses Type C and Type F sockets.
• Payments on the liveaboard – Payments can be made onboard using cash or cards.
• Currency – Indonesian Rupiah is the local currency; liveaboard rates and some extras may be quoted in USD.
• Time zone – Varies by route: western Indonesia is UTC+7, central Indonesia is UTC+8 and eastern Indonesia is UTC+9.
• Languages – Crew languages include Chinese, English and Indonesian.
• Nitrox – Included for certified nitrox divers.
• Rental equipment – Available at additional cost.
• Dive requirements – Some itineraries require Advanced Open Water or equivalent and at least 50 logged dives.
• Insurance – Travel and diving insurance are required; short-term DAN diving insurance may be available on request.
• Marine park and port fees – These may apply depending on the itinerary.
• Alcohol – Alcoholic beverages are charged separately.