Raja Ampat is an archipelago of over 1,500 small islands and reefs surrounding the 4 main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo - the ‘Four Kings’ from which Raja Ampat takes its name. The area is part of the newly-created province of West Papua and, despite its allegiance to Indonesia, the islands of Raja Ampat feel very much like part of a different world. Although resorts are being developed throughout the archipelago and liveaboards run regular schedules around its famous sites, this string of beautiful islands still holds on to a lingering promise of exploration and discovery.

Papua is home to an incredible diversity of flora, fauna and cultures with the rugged terrain and relatively late development having helped to preserve the unique biological and cultural diversity. Much of the mainland is made inaccessible by rugged mountains and dense jungle and new endemic species are being discovered here every year. Below the surface of the sea, the rich reefs of Raja Ampat are a similar treasure trove of unique species; in fact, Cape Kri on Mansuar Island in the Dampier Strait holds the record for the most number of fish species recorded on a single dive. Raja Ampat is so species-rich and such a vital area for reef conservation that the entire area has been protected as part of the Bird’s Head Seascape.

Komodo National Park is situated close to the coast of Flores, with Sumbawa and the Sape Strait to the west. Covering over 1,730 square kilometres, the park includes the three large islands of Komodo, Padar and Rinca, along with 26 smaller islands. The park’s rugged terrain is dominated by jagged peaks and mountain slopes covered in dry savannah and dense stands of deciduous forests. Erosion has carved the coastlines of the islands into deep bays, inlets, channels and isolated beaches, creating some of Indonesia’s most spectacular scenery. Locations such as Komodo’s ‘Pink Beach’ and the incredible view from Padar looking across back-to-back, circular bays, are worth the trip alone!

Komodo’s dramatic landscape continues beneath the waves and the waters are some of the richest marine environments in the world. The reefs, channels, seagrass beds and mangroves are home to over 1000 species of fish and 250 species of corals. The channel surrounding theses islands funnels huge volumes of water between the Flores Sea and the Indian Ocean, resulting in nutrient-rich upwellings and dramatic currents that sweep past the islands, creating the perfect conditions for an incredible diversity of marine life and superb diving. The national park was founded in 1980 to protect its infamous resident - the Komodo dragon. This extraordinary species is the world’s largest land-dwelling reptile and can still be observed in the wild on both Komodo and Rinca islands.

The Banda Sea lies just south of the equator in Eastern Indonesia and is bounded by the islands of Buru, Ambon and Seram in Maluku to the north, Sulawesi to the west, curving arcs of volcanoes and reefs to the east, distant islands of Nusa Tenggara and Timor to the south. Within the basin itself are two chains of islands - an inner arc of rugged volcanoes that rise from the deep waters of the central area and an outer arc of low, limestone islands that mark the eastern boundary of the sea. These remote islands of the ‘Ring of Fire’ have escaped much of the development of the modern world and remain pristine outposts of Asia’s extraordinary marine environment, offering untouched reefs, prolific marine life and plenty of bigger species.

This remote area once lay at the heart of the lucrative spice trade - in fact, Banda and its neighbour, Run, were the original ‘Spice Islands’ sought after by explorers and fought over by nations. Today the islands of the Banda Sea attract a different type of adventurer - drawn by the opportunity to dive remote, pristine reefs, visit islands rich in history and culture, and explore a part of Asia that, despite its previous fame and fortune, has become a pristine backwater.

The Alor region consists of two large islands, Alor and Pantar, as well as 14 smaller islands lying due east of Flores. They are amongst the least developed in Indonesia but offer incredible experiences both above and below the surface of the sea. On land, steep mountains and dry savannahs blend into lush forests that hide waterfalls, hot springs and even an active volcano.

The islands are part of the Lesser Sundas and along with Flores to the west, help to define the northern boundary of the Savu Sea. The famous Indonesian Throughflow is at its strongest in this part of the archipelago and an extraordinary volume of water passes through this region, funnelled through the channels that separate each of the islands. These huge currents bring with them a constant supply of nutrient-rich water, providing the perfect conditions for the marine life that so obviously flourishes around the islands of Alor. These pristine blue waters and swirling currents, along with beautiful reefs, drop-offs, caves and sheltered bays, are home to thousands of marine species in one of the richest biodiverse regions in the world.

The Coralia is a brand new 48-metre traditional Phinisi yacht, accommodating up to 16 guests in 2 twin rooms, 2 double rooms, and 4 Master Cabins with their own private open-air terrace. The spacious sundeck is furnished with daybeds and canopy-covered sofas, while the main deck features an air-conditioned lounge with panoramic windows and an audio/visual entertainment system. An on-board restaurant offers a choice of indoor or al-fresco dining, with local and international meals prepared by the Coralia’s experienced Ambonese chef. Snacks and fruit bowls are served throughout the day and there’s also a selection of beer, wines, and spirits available at the bar. Between dives, guests can take advantage of kayaks and paddleboards to explore secluded bays, or kick back and grab a massage at the spa on the upper deck. Hikes, birdwatching, and short viewpoint treks can also be organised.

Coralia was built specifically for divers, featuring a shaded dive deck equipped with warm showers, a changing room, hangers, equipment storage, and 2 well-equipped tenders. Equipment rental is available onboard, including computers, and guests are advised to book in advance. 12-litre aluminum tanks are used, with DIN and Int adapters, and 15-litre tanks are available at an additional cost. Nitrox is free to certified divers and night dives can be organised. Underwater photographers are well catered to with a dedicated, air-conditioned camera room on the main deck, and camera rinse tanks and towels on the dive deck. Groups are kept small, with just 4 divers per guide, and a full-range of PADI courses is offered, from beginner to divemaster as well as a wide range of specialities.

Coralia offers flexible multi-day trips around Raja Ampat based on conditions and divers’ experience. An example itinerary heads south from Sorong, to the famous Dampier Strait, taking in the best dives sites. Guests can expect to dive at some world class sites such as Cape Kri, Chicken Reef, Sleeping Barracuda, Sardine Reef, Mioskon and Blue Magic. At the other end of the Dampier Strait is the island of Arborek with a great jetty dive, as well as Lalosi, Manta Sandy and Manta Ridge. Guests can also visit Papua Explorer’s coral restoration project or take a walk around the village at Sawandarek or Arborek. Coralia will then travel to Penemu where the famous Melissa’s Garden awaits, as well as Keruo Wall, My Reef and Batu Rufus.

Next, the cruise heads to Wofoh which has several unique dive sites and interesting walls with shallow caverns where wobbegong sharks can be found. The pearl farm in Aljui Bay can also be visited to learn all about how pearls are grown. Wayag is next on the agenda, where guests can gaze at pristine beaches and unique karst islands or dive at Far Out Rock and Figure of 8. The liveaboard then visits Kawe’s Black Rock and Eagle Rock, before heading back to Aljui, and then arriving at Gam Island to explore sites such as Citrus Ridge and Mayhem. The remaining time will be spent diving in the Dampier Strait before heading back to Sorong.

Coralia offers flexible multi-day trips around Komodo based on conditions and divers’ experience. An example itinerary departs from Labuan Bajo before heading into the large channel between the islands of Komodo and Flores. At Karang Makassar guests can visit sites such Tatawa Besar and Siaba Kecil with their healthy reefs that are best viewed while floating along in the current. Batu Tengah lies exactly in the middle of the National Park and the healthy hard corals here attract reef sharks and turtles.

In the north of Komodo National Park the two most famous dive sites are Crystal and Castle Rock or guests might also dive at Shotgun and The Passage. Any cruise on board Coralia will include a trek to look for Komodo Dragons and there are also viewpoints where you can take in breath-taking views across the National Park. Wainilo and Loh Liang Bay offer macro critters such as nudibranchs, hairy frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipefish, and harlequin shrimps. Pink Beach and Torpedo Alley are both excellent dives that can be done during the day and at night. Coralia may then visit the area of Padar island with its wonderful viewpoint and to dive Three Sisters and Secret Garden. In the south of Komodo guests can explore Cannibal Rock and Yellow Wall of Texas before heading back to Labuan Bajo. 

Coralia offers flexible multi-day trips around Komodo based on conditions and divers’ experience. An example itinerary starts from Maumere, before an overnight crossing to Bacatan in Alor. At the entrance to this bay there is a dive site called Bacatan Ledges where guests can see schooling jacks and pelagics such as eagle rays, tunas and sharks. Inside the bay is the sea mount of Takat Prau and the reef of Padang Pasir. Coralia then moves on to the Pantar Strait to explore the dive site of Anemone Cit and visit Yan Village where guests will be greeted by locals selling traditional textiles. In Kalabahi Bay divers can experience the fantastic muck diving of Alor, with such as Mucky Mosque, Rocky Church and Pertamina Jetty. During any cruise to Alor, Coralia will visit a traditional village to watch and take part in dances and ceremonies of these friendly people.

The cruise will then head towards the Forgotten Islands which are now known for the chance to see schooling hammerhead sharks. North and South Terbang are the next stops with dramatic walls with large overhangs. Close to the island of Nila are the seamounts of Dusborgh and Nil Desparandum which are surrounded by very deep water providing a chance to see large pelagics. Dawera is the last stop where guests will dive around the island of Tanimbar before heading into Saumlaki. 

Coralia offers flexible multi-day trips around Komodo based on conditions and divers’ experience. An example itinerary starts from Saumlaki, before heading to Dawera, and visiting the sites of North and South Terbang with their dramatic walls with large overhangs. Close to the island of Nila are the seamounts of Dusborgh and Nil Desparandum which are surrounded by very deep water providing a chance to see large pelagics such as hammerheads. On trips from Saumlaki to Ambon Coralia will visit Manuk with its abundance of sea snakes.

This cruise will also include a few days in the Banda Islands visiting the museum, an old Dutch fort and a nutmeg plantation to learn about the incredible history of these remote islands. The diving here includes the typical deep walls of the Banda Sea, as well as seamounts and drift dives along fish-packed reefs. At Batu Kapal the whole pinnacle is covered in schooling pyramid butterflyfish and red-toothed triggerfish. Nusa Laut is a small island close to Ambon and home to Amet Reef where eagle rays, hammerhead sharks and even a Dugong can be seen. Ambon is a world class muck diving destination allowing guests to search for rhinopias, frogfish, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and leaf fish. On the last full day on board guests will dive in Ambon Bay and enjoy our goodbye dinner inside the harbour.