Destined for adventure

Adelaar is just Amazing! I own Dive N Ride Adventures and chartered the Adelaar to retrace a scuba trip I took in the 1990s in Indonesia. At that time, there were no reliable GPSes to mark sites, and we played a lot of our site selection by the whim of the wind and the sea. I had a small-scale map of the trip, estimating where my dive sites were.

On this 10-day trip, we visited Komodo National Park and the area around Selayar to dive. The things we saw were very diverse—from Pygmy Seahorses to Whale Sharks! The sites were not a disappointment at all; they exceeded my expectations.

The boat was quite comfortable. There were several things that I would change if I were the owner, but they did not really impede my clients' enjoyment of the trip. The boat even seems quite stable when heavy seas are experienced.

The crew and the cruise managers were OUTSTANDING! They met my expectations and more. They were attentive and very concerned for our safety and our enjoyment. I left the trip feeling that I was leaving my family.

All in all, it was a fabulous experience. I hope to be able to charter the ship again!

An A+++ experience I've just returned from a 10 day cruise on the Banda Sea, my second trip on board The Adelaar. I had hopes and expectations for this trip to the deepest sea on the planet they were blown out of the water!
Lorine and Reto, the two cruise directors, have a fantastic team, from the boat captain through to the chefs and engineers. They ensured that the cruise was perfect in every detail, from the cleanliness of the cabins to the quality of food, from the care taken with camera gear to the quality of dive briefings, complete with artwork! 'Thank you' seems wholly insufficient.
Attention to detail, a dry sense of humour and a keenness to share a deep love of Indonesia and it's many hidden treasures, are at the heart of The Adelaar. Prior to every dive, everyone's gear was checked (they discovered a tiny high pressure hose leak that I'd missed and replaced it!), the dive site was visited for a current check, buoy dropped in place where necessary, and great care was taken to ensure the safety of all. The dive boats maintained their station above us at all times to ensure that they were readily available should a problem arise, as well as being close to hand at the dive's end.
The diving? What did we see? It's probably easier to go down a list of what we didn't on this trip! So varied were the dive sites and deep the knowledge of our dive guides, that if there was something to be seen, we saw it:- hammerheads on numerous dives, whalesharks on two occasions, Threshers, silver tips, black tips and white tips; schools of barracuda; huge tuna; oceanic manta; eagle rays and mobula; there were frogfish, leaf fish and Ornate Ghost Pipefish; and nudis of every shape and size. Sights on the surface were memorable too:- blue whales and pilots; sailfish and barracuda; and it wouldn't be a trip without dolphins.
Yes, the currents did prove entertaining at times, as well as being unpredictable, and the diving was deep in order to encounter the thermoclines, cold water, amazing visibility and the wildlife. The water did get a little chilly at times, but nothing that a 3mm suit and 1.5mm hooded vest couldn't cope with.
The food was great - normally I lose about 7 pounds on a dive trip, but the chefs' efforts added 3 pounds to my waistline oh dear, my doctor will not be happy! The cabins were beautifully fitted, with plenty of storage, as well as TVs with a host of films available for those who weren't shattered at the end of the diving day.
Would I go to the Banda Sea again? Yes. Would I join The Adelaar, Lorine and Reto and their team? Definitely as Arnie says: 'I'll be back!'

review 08/2023 I did a diving cruise on ADELAAR in the KOMODO in August 2023
The boat is very comfortable, the crew very friendly and competent, and the dives exceptional.
I've been doing diving trips and cruises every year for over 25 years and this experience on ADELAAR is one of the top 3.
I recommend this experience 100% without the slightest hesitation.
Richard

Adelaar’s 11 day Komodo cruise was all we expected and more. Adelaar’s signature Komodo 11 day cruise was just outstanding. The dive team were excellent, the food was awesome and the crew professional and helpful. The boat is an attraction in its own right with a history that dates back to 1908 (i think ) The main attraction for us was the diving and the chance to see the Komodo Dragon. The team delivered on these and managed to include three more outstanding land tours. The diving program was well managed and the dive leaders hard working and extremely knowledgeable. How they found some of the critters I wanted to see is a mystery to me, but they did it day after day. Great boat, excellent dive team and hardworking happy crew. Loved it!

“Best diving in the world on a first class ship” I went on the Adelaar 10 day trip from Bali to Komodo and back, on their first trip back after the... read more

Outstanding family holidays! Outstanding family holidays!

We have joined Adelaar last year as a family of four with kids at the age of 14 and 17 years and it was an outstanding experience for all of us. Adelaar is a stunning vessel of 38 meters with 4 beautiful and perfectly designed cabins that can host 8 guests at the highest standards. The very attendant crew did a perfect job starting with breakfast in the morning to our individual order, with the assistance while gearing up before your dives or other watersports activities, your afternoon drinks and snacks until dinner in the evening. We could recharge our batteries between our dives at the shady foredeck for upcoming events. Every night, we have picked out a movie from the choice of hundreds of movies from the multimedia system in our cabin before having a comfy and airconditioned sleep. Komodo’s underwater world is incredible and the diving and water sports experience with the guides of Adelaar’s crew makes it an unforgettable experience. We were lucky to have nice company with the other guests on board and overall our holidays were beyond our expectation, therefore we can just warmly recommend Adelaar and its crew. Attention to all, time flies by faster than you can imagine :-)

An ordinary cruise Hello I have been many times on the Boat Adelaar and it has been as always a complete blast we had very many options per day as diving with 3 dives a day and if you want you can do a night dive which always is very overwhelming due to seeing the water world in it's rest times in addition you where able to see the majestic creatures a rise out of the dark.

I'm speechless The Adellar exclusive liveaboard experience is unforgetable. I had sucha great time there, that I want to go there again. Arriving on the ship, I was welcomed by the crew as if it was family. They were all very kind and friendly. I was included into this "family" directly and felt like I was part of it. The rooms were all nicely decorated and give you that indonesian feeling. On the bed there was a small piece of chocolate to greet me to this journey I was about to begin. I must say that my expectations were more than just exceeded, as it felt like a adventure and luxury trip all at once. The dive site we visited were like a dream come true and something I couldnt imagine ever seeing in my life. I really miss this dream boat and hope to come back again!

Outstanding family holidays! Outstanding family holidays! We have joined Adelaar last year as a family of four with kids at the age of 14 and 17 years and it was an outstanding experience for all of us. Adelaar is a stunning vessel of 38 meters with 4 beautiful and perfectly designed cabins that can host 8 guests at the highest standards. The very attendant crew did a perfect job starting with breakfast in the morning to our individual order, with the assistance while gearing up before your dives or other watersports activities, your afternoon drinks and snacks until dinner in the evening. We could recharge our batteries between our dives at the shady foredeck for upcoming events. Every night, we have picked out a movie from the choice of hundreds of movies from the multimedia system in our cabin before having a comfy and airconditioned sleep. Komodo’s underwater world is incredible and the diving and water sports experience with the guides of Adelaar’s crew makes it an unforgettable experience. We were lucky to have nice company with the other guests on board and overall our holidays were beyond our expectation, therefore we can just warmly recommend Adelaar and its crew. Attention to all, time flies by faster than you can imagine :-) …

An ordinary cruise Hello I have been many times on the Boat Adelaar and it has been as always a complete blast we had very many options per day as diving with 3 dives a day and if you want you can do a night dive which always is very overwhelming due to seeing the water world in it's rest times in addition you where able to see the majestic creatures a rise out of the dark. …

Awesome Adelaar Sailing and diving with Adelaar is a very unique experience. With such a long and checkered history on the high seas, this vessel has somehow retained all of its gorgeous charm and history, whilst being immaculately renovated and superbly crewed (some have been on-board for 25 years), delivering divers to some of the most ridiculously coral-ed places on the planet. Here you pay for INTIMACY - this liveaboard carry's just 8 guests, you pay for DEDICATION and EXPERIENCE - the captain has been with Adelaar 25 years and the Head Chef, 15 years, you pay for fine dining meals, exceptional service and safe, wonderful diving. But you don't have to pay for the love that will grow. That comes free. The owners young boy dream was to buy a boat and sail around the world, which he did on Adelaar - but then, his dream needed to be shared. And so now we too have an opportunity to walk her decks and share in her story. On Adelaar, I was fed amazingly, waited on endlessly and taken to swim with mantas, cruise on currents, dive in warm bubbles at the base of an active volcano, swim with dolphins and gaze in awe at the ridiculous variety of fish and coral life - Every. Single. Day. If you are seeking historic, private luxury, and 10 out of 10 hospitality and service, I have no hesitation in recommending Adelaar. Cathy #cathyfinchphotography …

EXCEPTIONAL trip to Komodo One word - EXCEPTIONAL. I joined Adelaar as a marine biologist and guest for a 10N/11D "Manta Ray Special" trip in Komodo National Park. The trip was nothing short of ocean perfection. The ship itself is a work of art; a spacious deck, the interior design and cabins are stunning. The food was delicious food (with exquisite attention to detail from the most thoughtful host, Nyoman!) and the crew were so warm, friendly and attentive. Komodo is home some of the most fantastic diving in the world and the Adelaar dive guides allowed us to explore this to its full potential. If you are looking for an exceptional boat with an incredible atmosphere and the highest class experience - then it doesn't get much better than this. I miss it already & can't wait to return to the Adelaar for another adventure!

Alor trip with Adelaar Not my first dive safari with Adelaar, but one of the most challening but also exciting ones.
Not only had we fascinating dives, with a huge variety of sealife, but we were also visiting villages and local markets, hence learned about local tribes and their rituals.
The crew was very attentive and helpful. Wayan, the chef, and Made his assistant did miracles in the kitchen. Food was always tasty, nicely presented - just excellent.
The dive guides always found dive sites were we were on our own.
Thank you all for making this trip unforgettable.

EXCEPTIONAL trip to Komodo One word - EXCEPTIONAL. I joined Adelaar as a marine biologist and guest for a 10N/11D "Manta Ray Special" trip in Komodo National Park. The trip was nothing short of ocean perfection. The ship itself is a work of art; a spacious deck, the interior design and cabins are stunning. The food was delicious food (with exquisite attention to detail from the most thoughtful host, Nyoman!) and the crew were so warm, friendly and attentive. Komodo is home some of the most fantastic diving in the world and the Adelaar dive guides allowed us to explore this to its full potential. If you are looking for an exceptional boat with an incredible atmosphere and the highest class experience - then it doesn't get much better than this. I miss it already & can't wait to return to the Adelaar for another adventure!

Add this to your bucket list NOW We spent 11 incredible days onboard the Adelaar from Bali to Komodo and back again. For anyone who is considering a liveaboard diving trip in the area, I would highly recommend this one! We can’t wait to come back and stay on the Adelaar again.

With 3-5 dives a day and on-land excursions too, we were never bored. The wildlife we saw both above and under the water was out of this world - giant Komodo dragons, huge manta rays, many different species of shark, schools of fish, neon anemones around volcanic vents, pristine coral reefs We didn’t want to leave!

The boat has been beautifully restored and the rooms, while snug, feel very luxurious. The en suite shower always had hot water which was a lifesaver after some chilly dives.

The crew and dive guides were all five star - we felt totally safe and pampered the entire time. All our gear was looked after, our rooms cleaned as we were out diving, and we were welcomed back with drinks as soon as we got back on board (thanks Numan!). Tino and Obi ensured every dive was well planned and adjusted for currents and diving capabilities - we loved every dive and saw so much wildlife.

This really is an “eat-aboard” liveaboard experience - the chefs create the most amazing food for all FIVE meals each day. We were as excited for our lunch and dinner as we were for our dives!

The Bali start/end point is great for reducing the number of flights you need to take to get there and allows you to stop and dive on some other Indonesian islands en route. The sea on the way out (Bali to Komodo direction) is very choppy, so seasickness medication is necessary (they also had some onboard) for the first two nights to ensure you get some sleep.

The currents in Komodo can be very cold while diving (20-21 degrees Celsius) so would recommend you take/rent a long 5mm wetsuit to stay warm.

“Greatest mix between adventure, comfort & intimacy all at once! - Mix parfait entre luxe, aventure et intimité 10/10 !” I was aboard Adelaar on a trip to Alor archipelago in October 2019. The journey has been nothing... lire la suite

Outstanding family holidays! Outstanding family holidays! We have joined Adelaar last year as a family of four with kids at the age of 14 and 17 years and it was an outstanding experience for all of us. Adelaar is a stunning vessel of 38 meters with 4 beautiful and perfectly designed cabins that can host 8 guests at the highest standards. The very attendant crew did a perfect job starting with breakfast in the morning to our individual order, with the assistance while gearing up before your dives or other watersports activities, your afternoon drinks and snacks until dinner in the evening. We could recharge our batteries between our dives at the shady foredeck for upcoming events. Every night, we have picked out a movie from the choice of hundreds of movies from the multimedia system in our cabin before having a comfy and airconditioned sleep. Komodo’s underwater world is incredible and the diving and water sports experience with the guides of Adelaar’s crew makes it an unforgettable experience. We were lucky to have nice company with the other guests on board and overall our holidays were beyond our expectation, therefore we can just warmly recommend Adelaar and its crew. Attention to all, time flies by faster than you can imagine :-)

I'm speechless The Adellar exclusive liveaboard experience is unforgetable. I had sucha great time there, that I want to go there again. Arriving on the ship, I was welcomed by the crew as if it was family. They were all very kind and friendly. I was included into this "family" directly and felt like I was part of it. The rooms were all nicely decorated and give you that indonesian feeling. On the bed there was a small piece of chocolate to greet me to this journey I was about to begin. I must say that my expectations were more than just exceeded, as it felt like a adventure and luxury trip all at once. The dive site we visited were like a dream come true and something I couldnt imagine ever seeing in my life. I really miss this dream boat and hope to come back again!