Vela

AM: Our crew will meet you at Labuan Bajo airport and escort you to Vela. Upon arrival, and after being greeted with a refreshing drink, our Cruise Director and his team will conduct the welcome and safety briefings and show you to your suites before enjoying a light lunch while en-route to Sabolan, a pair of small islands located at the northern edge of Komodo.

PM: Be sure to look out for dolphins around the ship's bow, as they may playfully escort you to your destination during this short crossing. Thanks to their secluded location right outside of Komodo National Park, the twin islands of Sabolan Besar and Sabolan Kecil are an ideal spot to enjoy motorized water sports, which are typically not permitted inside the park. Hop on one of our two jet skis for an adrenaline-filled ride, or strap on a wakeboard or water skis to make the most of the crystalline waters and stunning tropical landscape. Sabolan is an ideal location to have a check dive for those that wish to, or take to the seas in our kayaks and stand up paddleboards. The shallow reefs here are home to large schools of reef fish, turtles, cuttlefish, giant sea fans, and lovely coral life that can easily be enjoyed by snorkelers and divers alike.

As your first day on board Vela comes to a close, gather your loved ones on the top deck and enjoy some expertly crafted cocktails while admiring a spectacular sunset. As the night progresses, head over to the main deck to indulge in our executive chef’s delightful creations while dining under the stars, before Vela sets sail westwards overnight.

AM: Start the day in Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat, two larger islands located northeast of Komodo Island. The snorkeling and diving in this area is quite exhilarating due to the constant ebb and flow of the tides combined with the narrow passages between these two islands.

PM: Exciting dive sites such as Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Lighthouse, China Shop and the infamous Shotgun can be enjoyed by divers of varying levels of experience. Our professional dive team will guide you safely around these sites, depending on your experience, for you to discover those famed sites safely and at your own pace. Non-divers can take advantage of the calm water in the bays around these islands and indulge in some stand up paddleboarding, kayaking or snorkeling. Alternatively, kick back and relax in decadent luxury on board Vela or take advantage of Vela’s outdoor gym for a workout session with a view.

Before dinner, take a short trek to the top of Gili Lawa Darat to admire the sunset from this fantastic spot. Upon returning to the vessel, let our chefs treat you with a bespoke dining experience using the freshest local products.

AM: Today, we head over to Taka Makassar, central Komodo – a stunning sand bar surrounded by a rich and vibrant reef. There tends to be current here, which attracts feeding reef manta rays that take advantage of the passing buffet. You can also expect to see turtles, friendly white tip sharks and hundreds of colorful tropical reef fish. Enjoy some time snorkeling with the graceful and harmless giants before heading south towards the Island of Padar.

PM: In the late afternoon, start a short trek to the top of this spectacular viewpoint to watch the sunset over the Komodo National Park. As you step back on board, take the opportunity to soothe your weary muscles with a deep tissue massage or some reflexology before gathering on our main deck for an al fresco dinner. You may then retire to our upper deck with some fine wine to watch a movie of your choice at our cinema under the stars, a truly memorable experience. The boat will stay overnight at this picturesque anchorage before heading to the neighboring island of Rinca before sunrise.

AM: Early in the morning, before the heat of the day, is the best time to observe the legendary Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. You will be safely guided around a choice of treks by professional and knowledgeable local rangers. Enjoy a bountiful breakfast as you step back on board, before setting off to explore the mangrove-fringed waterways meandering into the Rinca shoreline on a kayak or a standup paddle board.

PM: In the afternoon, relax on one of the secluded beaches of Teluk Ginggo, a large bay located in northwest Rinca. Adults may unwind on plush sun beds with a drink and a good book while the children partake in a wide range of activities such as archery, beach paddle or snorkeling. As you head back on board, end the day on a memorable note by crafting your own tropical cocktail under the guidance of our skilled mixologist on Vela's top deck before enjoying dinner under the stars.

AM: During breakfast, Vela will slowly make her way back to Labuan Bajo harbor, where our crew will bid you farewell and escort you to the airport for your departure flight.

Please note:

All of our itineraries are very flexible to give you the most personalized and rewarding luxury adventure with us that will far exceed your expectations. Our experienced Cruise Director and Activities Manager will happily discuss your needs daily and they will also adapt the itinerary to better suit the conditions or location. Occasionally, due to weather, tides & currents, poor visibility underwater or other factors beyond our control, we may have to alter the itinerary at short notice. We will always discuss the benefits of the available alternatives with you before making a final decision on the day.

AM: Our crew will meet you at Labuan Bajo airport and escort you to Vela. Upon arrival, and after being greeted with a refreshing drink, our Cruise Director and his team will conduct the welcome and safety briefings and show you to your suites before enjoying a light lunch while en-route to Batu Moncho at the northwest tip of Komodo island. This secluded bay is an ideal location to have a check dive for those that wish to or take to the seas in our kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The shallow reefs here are in excellent condition and can easily be enjoyed by snorkelers and divers alike. Mantas are often seen in this bay along with a resident pod of dolphins.

PM: As your first day on board Vela comes to a close, gather your loved ones on the top deck and enjoy some expertly crafted cocktails while admiring a spectacular sunset and views of Sangeang volcano in the distance. As the night progresses, head over to the main deck to indulge in our executive chef’s delightful creations while dining under the stars.

AM: Early in the morning, Vela will set sail to Gili Banta, on the outskirts of the park. This uninhabited, partially submerged ancient volcano has some beautiful white sandy beaches on the northwest side and equally nice reefs with some great diving and snorkeling around the center part of the crater. The lovely beaches and protected bay make this a perfect place to take out our two jet skis, water-skis and wake- board or perhaps just relax all day on-shore with a great book and some refreshments.

PM: Alternatively, let yourself be pampered for an hour or two with a relaxing spa treatment delivered on the beach or in the comfort of your cabin by one of our qualified therapists. After dinner, we will either make our way back into Komodo National Park or stay overnight on this anchorage in order to enjoy the water sports some more the following morning.

AM: We will make our way to Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat, two larger islands located northeast of Komodo Island. The snorkeling and diving in this area is quite exhilarating due to the constant ebb and flow of the tides combined with the narrow passages between these two islands.

PM: Exciting dive sites such as Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Lighthouse, China Shop and the infamous Shotgun can be enjoyed by divers of varying levels of experience. Our professional dive team will guide you safely around these sites, depending on your experience, for you to discover those famous sites safely and at your own pace. Non-divers can take advantage of the calm water in the bays around these islands and indulge in some stand up paddleboarding, kayaking or snorkeling. Alternatively, kick back and relax in decadent luxury on board Vela or take advantage of Vela’s outdoor gym for a workout session with a view.

Before dinner, take a short trek to the top of Gili Lawa Darat to admire the sunset from this fantastic spot. Upon returning to the vessel, let our chefs treat you with a bespoke dining experience using the freshest local products.

AM: Today, we head over to Takka Makassar, central Komodo – a stunning sand bar surrounded by a rich and vibrant reef. There tends to be current here, which attracts feeding reef manta rays that take advantage of the passing buffet. You can also expect to see turtles, friendly white tip sharks and hundreds of colorful tropical reef fish. Enjoy some time snorkeling with the graceful and harmless giants before heading south towards the Island of Padar.

PM: Around 5pm, start a short trek to the top of this spectacular viewpoint to watch the sunset over the Komodo National Park. As you step back on board, take the opportunity to soothe your weary muscles with a deep tissue massage or some reflexology before gathering on our main deck for an al fresco dinner. You may then retire to our upper deck with some fine wine to watch a movie of your choice at our cinema under the stars, a truly memorable experience. The boat will stay overnight at this picturesque anchorage.

AM: Early in the morning, before the heat of the day, is the best time to observe the legendary Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. You will be safely guided around a choice of treks by professional and knowledgeable local rangers. During a well-deserved breakfast, Vela will set sail to the central area of the national park to visit underwater sites such as Tatawa Besar, Mawan and the beautiful Siaba Besar. These sites are suitable for all levels of divers and snorkelers and are ideal to admire stunning hard coral gardens in Komodo. These tend to be populated by endangered green turtles and thousands of colorful reef fish happily feeding on the passing plankton.

PM: This evening, the adventurous may enjoy a night dive at Wainilu and see the reefs in a whole new light. You may have the chance to witness vibrantly coloured nudibranchs, frog fish and even seahorses that tend to become more active under the cover of darkness.

AM: Start the day with an early morning dive at the world-famous Batu Bolong. Located right in the middle of the park, this unassuming rock breaching the surface is home to a plethora of marine life. The daily changing tides makes this dive one of the most spectacular in the Indonesian archipelago. Diving always on the lee side, protected from the current, you can expect to see white tip reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, giant sweetlips, and hawksbill turtles thriving amongst some of the most beautiful hard coral gardens in the world. A perfect way to end your dives for this trip.

PM: After a delightful lunch, set off to explore a local village on Pulau Papagarang. This small fishing village consists of about 1,200 locals who are just as friendly as they are environmentally aware. There is also a mangrove center on the island where the younger generation is taught the importance of preserving the local mangrove habitat along with a solar powered desalination system for freshwater. By early evening, Vela will moor up at Kalong Island for a unique natural spectacle. At dusk, as the sun starts setting, thousands of fruit bats vacate their daytime roosts in the mangrove forests and fly in search of food towards Rinca and Flores islands. A true National Geographic experience and one you will never forget.

AM: During breakfast, Vela will slowly make her way back to Labuan Bajo harbor, where our crew will bid you farewell and escort you to the airport for your departure flight.

Please note:

All of our itineraries are very flexible to give you the most personalized and rewarding luxury adventure with us that will far exceed your expectations. Our experienced Cruise Director and Activities Manager will happily discuss your needs daily and they will also adapt the itinerary to better suit the conditions or location. Occasionally, due to weather, tides & currents, poor visibility underwater or other factors beyond our control, we may have to alter the itinerary at short notice. We will always discuss the benefits of the available alternatives with you before making a final decision on the day.

AM: Upon your arrival at Ambon airport, our cruise director Dean will greet you and escort you to the harbor. After you've comfortably settled onboard, Vela will set sail from the harbor.

PM: In the afternoon, you can embark on your initial snorkeling or diving adventure at one of Indonesia's captivating muck sites located within Ambon’s Bay. Dinner will be savored under the starlit sky before starting an overnight crossing to the Banda Islands, a voyage reminiscent of the journeys once undertaken by European explorers in pursuit of the same mesmerizing vistas.

AM: Your first destination in the Banda Islands is Pulau Hatta, an island bearing the name of Indonesia's inaugural vice-president and a revered advocate for the nation's freedom, who was once imprisoned by the Dutch colonial rulers in Banda. The diving experience here is equally enthralling, as the walls are adorned with immense gorgonians, soft corals, barrel sponges, and intriguing swim-throughs.

PM: After your visit, you will head back to Vela for lunch and resume your cruise, making your way to further dive sites around Karang Hatta.

AM & PM: Begin your exploration by delving into the island's rich history, wandering through colonial-era streets adorned with charming buildings and forts that whisper tales of a bygone spice trade era. Visit the iconic Fort Belgica, which offers panoramic vistas of the island's turquoise waters and lush surroundings. Embark on a sensory journey as you venture into nutmeg plantations, gaining insights into the cultivation and harvesting of the spices that defined Banda's historical significance. For those drawn to the underwater wonders, Banda Neira presents an exceptional opportunity for diving and snorkeling. Explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life that thrive beneath the surface, an aquatic symphony of colors and life forms.

AM & PM: Begin your exploration by delving into the island's rich history, wandering through colonial-era streets adorned with charming buildings and forts that whisper tales of a bygone spice trade era. Visit the iconic Fort Belgica, which offers panoramic vistas of the island's turquoise waters and lush surroundings. Embark on a sensory journey as you venture into nutmeg plantations, gaining insights into the cultivation and harvesting of the spices that defined Banda's historical significance. For those drawn to the underwater wonders, Banda Neira presents an exceptional opportunity for diving and snorkeling. Explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life that thrive beneath the surface, an aquatic symphony of colors and life forms.

AM: Disembark on Ai Island to discover the remnants of Fort Revenge, nestled deep within the jungle. Our journey continues to Run Island, the inaugural British overseas colony. This minuscule land- mass witnessed a fierce and protracted rivalry between two European colonial forces, the British and the Dutch. Eventually Run was exchanged to the Dutch in return for the island of Manhattan, then called New Amsterdam. Uncover forgotten old fort ruins as we traverse the island.

PM: In the evening Vela will lift anchor and sail towards the island of Nusa Laut.

AM: Wake up to the greenery of Nusa Laut. Nestled in the Banda archipelago, offers serene beauty and rich history. The island's tranquility and lush landscapes frame powdery beaches for relaxation and exploration.

PM: Divers will relish vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Engage with locals for insights into traditional life, and as the sun sets, the island transforms into a tranquil haven for reflection.

AM: Begin your day by venturing ashore to discover the quaint town of Saparua and its notable attraction, the Duurstede Fort. Erected by the Portuguese in 1676, this historical structure awaits your exploration.

PM: As you savor lunch aboard, Vela will navigate towards Hila Island. Here, an underwater world beckons along the eastern coastline, offering enchanting dive sites to uncover.

AM: During breakfast, Vela will slowly make her way back to Ambon harbor, where our crew will bid you farewell and escort you to the airport for your departure flight.

Please note:

All of our itineraries are very flexible to give you the most personalized and rewarding luxury adventure with us that will far exceed your expectations. Our experienced Cruise Director and Activities Manager will happily discuss your needs daily and they will also adapt the itinerary to better suit the conditions or location. Occasionally, due to weather, tides & currents, poor visibility underwater or other factors beyond our control, we may have to alter the itinerary at short notice. We will always discuss the benefits of the available alternatives with you before making a final decision on the day.

AM: Our crew will meet you at Sorong airport and escort you to Vela. Upon arrival, and after being greeted with a refreshing drink, our Cruise Director and his team will conduct the welcome and safety briefings and show you to your suites before enjoying a light lunch while en route to Waisai on the island of Waigeo.

PM: Once you have met the crew and settled in, the yacht will set sail for Raja Ampat’s northernmost islands. During the crossing, feel free to relax on Vela’s main deck and keep an eye out for the many cetaceans that inhabit these waters, as it is not uncommon for large pods of dolphins to escort the boat off the bow. The more curious may drop by Captain Saiful’s wheelhouse on the bridge deck, while others may opt for a pampering massage from our skilled spa therapists in the comfort of their cabin. Crossing the Dampier Strait takes between 4-6 hours depending on sea conditions, but it also offers an opportunity to relax and acclimatize to the comfort of your home for the next seven nights. Our first dive in this area would normally take place at Mioskon or Batu Lima – two perfect spots for a check dive as well as snorkeling.

AM: After breakfast, you may head over to Sauwandarek village on the island of Mansuar. Located west of the city of Waisai, the capital of the Raja Ampat district, this quaint village is home to 46 families. Ladies here produce colorful hats and bags made of sea pandan leaves. Sauwandarek boasts an exceptional reef surrounding its shoreline. You can expect to see schooling barracuda, green and hawksbill turtles, shoals of big eye trevally and scads hanging out under the jetty with some very curious batfish. The dives here are straightforward, with little to no current, and suitable for all levels. Snorkelers may enjoy the hard-coral gardens in the shallows that are also teeming with life or simply swim off the village’s jetty to see a dense concentration of marine life.

PM: During lunch, we set sail to Arborek island, and the famous dive site known as Manta Sandy. About 18 meters below water lies a manta cleaning station where the gentle giants gather during a rising tide to be cleaned by many different species of fish. End the day on a relaxed note with some cocktails served alfresco on the bridge deck and admire the spectacular sunset before indulging in one of our chefs’ delightful creations.

AM: After an overnight crossing, we should reach Wayag around sunrise. You are now sailing in the northern hemi- sphere, in the far North of Raja Ampat. Undoubtedly the most famous sight in this region, Wayag offers secluded bays, soft white sand beaches and calm turquoise lagoons. The karst limestone formations jutting out of the Pacific Ocean are a sight to behold, and the remote nature of this area generally translates to a scarcity of other boats. Wayag’s sheltered bays are perfect to enjoy our stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaks, and its calm, pristine lagoons offer fantastic snorkeling. This quiet area also serves as a nursery for baby manta rays and black tip sharks, along with many juvenile reef fish that choose to mature in these safe waters. Therefore, all motorized water sports are off limits in order to protect this very remote and untouched part of the world.

PM: Experienced divers can take advantage of the many dive sites outside the entrance to the bay. Sites such as Figure 8, Two Hump Rock or Pelagic Rock provide challenging dives depending on the tides. Alternatively, kick back and relax in refined luxury on board Vela or take advantage of the yacht’s outdoor gym for a workout session with a view. Before dinner, hop on a tender and head over to the local ranger station to snorkel with baby black tip sharks. Upon returning to the vessel, let our chefs treat you with a bespoke dining experience using the freshest local products.

AM: Start the day with a steep trek to the top of Mt. Pinditio, the most scenic viewpoint in Wayag. While the hike is not particularly long or challenging, the rock you will be climbing is rather sharp so don't forget to wear comfortable close-toed shoes and bring your camera! Upon returning on board, gather around our aft dining area for a well-deserved hearty breakfast as we make our way out of the bay and start to head south to Kawe. The island of Kawe sits right on the equator and is home to some exceptional diving. Eagle Rock and Black Rock are excellent sites to see mantas and vast numbers of fish life. Snorkelers can visit the lee side of the dive sites to stay sheltered from the current or, for the more adventurous, enjoy a drift snorkel and watch the colorful reef pass you by as our attentive tender drivers watch over you.

PM: As this active day comes to an end, you may take the opportunity to soothe your weary muscles with a deep tissue massage or some reflexology before gathering on our main deck for an al fresco dinner. After dinner, retire to our upper deck with some fine wine to watch a movie at our cinema under the stars, a truly memorable experience. We will then sail to Wofoh to drop anchor for the evening.

AM: With white sand beaches and colorful coral reefs, the pair of small islets that form Wofoh stand out as a postcard perfect version of a deserted island. This idyllic location is perfect for watersports and our crew will set up the white sand beach on Wofoh island in typical Vela-style for you to relax between activities. The flat, calm waters here are perfect to take out our two jet skis, or to go water skiing or wake boarding. You may also paddle around the islands in our sea kayaks or on our stand-up paddle boards. For the experienced divers on board, Wofoh is home to an exciting dive site called Black Forest, which derives its name from the extensive black coral that can be found at depth. You can expect to observe Napoleon wrasse and white tip sharks, along with a myriad of colorful reef fish.

PM: You may also simply sit back and relax with a good book and a fresh drink while redefining the meaning of a beach holiday. As the sun starts setting, a flavorful dinner will be served al fresco under the stars as we sail to Yangeffo for tonight's anchorage.

AM: Start the day with the morning chorus of cockatoos in the nearby jungles of Gam island. Yangeffo, a smaller island off Gam, is surrounded by mangroves and exceptional dive sites such as Mayhem and Citrus Ridges, where large colonies of orange Dendronephthya soft corals bloom to feed in the current. Along with thousands of reef fish, this is also a great place to observe the tiny and adorable Pygmy seahorses. Raja Ampat is home to 4 different species of these shy and well camouflaged critters.

PM: During the course of a family-style lunch, we set off to nearby Piaynemo, a stunning island renowned for its scenic viewpoint. Draped with tiers of green vegetation, the islets encircle a shallow green bay and a walking trail along the rocky hills leads to a look out with magnificent views of the lagoon, its outlying islands, and the ocean beyond. Our next underwater adventure will be Melissa's Garden, home to some of the most impressive hard coral gardens. You may otherwise use a paddleboard or a kayak and enjoy the waters at your own pace or jump on the tender and cruise out to deeper channels, where you might spot one of the local pods of dolphin, or perhaps some migrating whales. Upon boarding Vela, enjoy a hydrating facial scrub or opt for a reflexology session before heading over to the top deck for sunset while our chefs prepare a delectable dining experience to top off the day.

AM: No trip to Raja Ampat would be complete without a dive at Cape Kri, a reef famed for its abundant schools of fish and vibrant coral slopes. Here, the vibrant soft and hard coral reef provide shelter for veils of colorful reef fish, turtles, sharks and even manta rays. Renowned marine biologist Gerald R. Allen famously recorded the highest species count on one single dive at Cape Kri, sighting 374 different species and propelling Raja Ampat as one of the world’s top diving destinations. Snorkeling in Kri is just as astounding, and you can expect to find turtles, schooling batfish, barracuda and bump head parrot fish, incredible hard coral gardens and even the occasional passing black tip shark.

PM: In the late afternoon, join our skilled bartender on the top deck one last time for a mixology class, where he will introduce you to various fruits and herbs endemic to the region and teach you how to prepare one of Vela’s signature cocktails as the sun starts setting. In the evening, Vela will cross the Dampier Strait once again as we head back to Sorong harbor.

AM: During breakfast, Vela will slowly make her way back to Sorong harbor, where our crew will bid you farewell and escort you to the airport for your departure flight.

Please note:

All of our itineraries are very flexible to give you the most personalized and rewarding luxury adventure with us that will far exceed your expectations. Our experienced Cruise Director and Activities Manager will happily discuss your needs daily and they will also adapt the itinerary to better suit the conditions or location. Occasionally, due to weather, tides & currents, poor visibility underwater or other factors beyond our control, we may have to alter the itinerary at short notice. We will always discuss the benefits of the available alternatives with you before making a final decision on the day.

AM: Our crew will meet you in Moyo Island and escort you to Vela on our two tenders. Upon arrival, and after being greeted with a refreshing drink, our Cruise Director and his team will conduct the welcome and safety briefings and show you to your suites. Over the course of a light lunch on Vela’s main deck, the boat will head towards the inlet of Teluk Saleh, a broad bay encircled by North Sumbawa and Moyo Island. Once you have met the crew and settled in, feel free to relax on Vela’s main deck and keep an eye out for the many cetaceans that inhabit these waters, as it is not uncommon for large pods of dolphins to escort the boat off the bow. As Vela drops anchor in the semi-enclosed bay, take a moment to enjoy the view, with Moyo Island’s lush vegetation to the west and the imposing Mount Tambora to the north - one of the archipelago’s tallest peaks. Moyo Island’s reef is ideal for a refreshing snorkeling session, so the more adventurous may gear up and go explore the surrounding waters with our activities manager, Pak Yoyok, who spent over two decades diving in this bay. Alternatively, feel free to unwind on a sunbed with a good book and a chilled juice, or let yourself be pampered by our on-board therapist with a spa treatment.

PM: As the day comes to an end, head up to Vela’s top deck to craft your own tropical cocktail under the guidance of Pak Bawa, our skilled mixologist, before indulging in a refined meal under the stars. As you return to your cabin for a well-deserved rest, Vela will undertake a short overnight crossing to the heart of Saleh Bay.

AM: Wake up at sunrise and, after enjoying a freshly brewed coffee and some pastries, hop on one of our tenders to encounter the majestic whale sharks that populate the waters of Saleh Bay. Depending on the moon cycle, you may spot whale sharks feeding on plankton near the surface in the early morning. Sightings of these impressive yet friendly creatures - the largest fish in the animal kingdom, increased a decade ago as local fishing boats started throwing the remains of their catch overboard in the bay, thus attracting those persistently hungry giants. When feeding at the surface, whale sharks may be observed by divers and snorkelers alike. As you step back on board, Vela will lift anchor and head towards the neighboring island of Satonda. Located right off the coast of Sumbawa, Satonda is a partly submerged inactive volcano covered in verdant vegetation.

PM: After a hearty lunch on deck, head over to the mirror-like saltwater lake in the volcano’s caldera to indulge in a leisurely water adventure as you navigate through the picturesque surroundings on one of our kayaks or stand-up paddle boards. In the late afternoon, enjoy a scuba diving or snorkeling session along Satonda’s main reef, where you may spot pygmy seahorses hiding on fan coral, or head south to the nearby Sumbawa Wall for a classic wall dive. Alternatively, hop on one of our jet skis or glides through the shimmering waters while water skiing or wakeboarding surrounded by breathtaking views and stunning landscapes. As the sun starts to set, sit back and observe colonies of fruit bats take to the sky to forage for sustenance, before enjoying a refined al fresco dinner in the comfort of Vela’s main deck. Vela will set sail eastward overnight towards Komodo National Park, passing by Sangeang volcano in the early morning.

AM: Start your day with a wholesome breakfast spread as Vela approaches Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat, a pair of islands located Northeast of Komodo Island. The snorkeling and diving in this area are quite exhilarating due to the constant ebb and flow of the tides combined with the narrow passages between these twin islands. Exciting dive sites such as Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Lighthouse, China Shop and the infamous Shotgun can be enjoyed by divers of varying levels of experience. Our professional dive team will guide you safely around these sites and at your own pace. Non-divers can take advantage of the calm water in the bays around these islands and indulge in some stand up paddleboarding, kayaking or snorkeling. Alternatively, kick back and relax in decadent luxury on board Vela or take advantage of Vela’s outdoor gym for a workout session with a view.

PM: In the afternoon, Vela will head over to nearby Manta Point, where the current attracts reef manta rays that take advantage of the passing buffet. You can also expect to see turtles, friendly white tip sharks and a variety of tropical reef fish as you dive or snorkel around this exciting seascape. After dinner, grab a craft cocktail and head over to Vela’s top deck for a movie screening under the stars, a truly memorable experience. As you retreat to your cabin, Vela will cross the channel to reach nearby Padar Island.

AM: As you wake up, take a moment to appreciate the stunning view of Padar, an uninhabited island known for its immaculate mountainous landscape jutting out of the ocean. A hiker’s paradise, Padar is also bordered by kilometers of pristine beaches and coves that are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddling. Start the day with a short trek to the top of Padar’s spectacular viewpoint offering a 360o degrees view of the national park. As you step back on board, take the opportunity to soothe your weary muscles with a deep tissue massage or some reflexology, or step on our tenders to go explore some of the area’s exciting dive sites. Notable spots include the submerged pinnacles of Three Sisters, and Pilarsteen Rock, known for its lunar seascape, steep walls and caves that can be accessed at 30 meters depending on the swell.

PM: After a shared lunch, allow our crew to take you to Padar’s famous pink beaches where you may unwind on plush sun beds with a drink and a good book while the children partake in a wide range of activities such as archery, beach paddle or snorkeling. As the sun sets on the day, gather on our main deck for a refined dinner before Vela relocates to the island of Rinca.

AM: Early in the morning, before the heat of the day, is the best time to observe the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. You will be safely guided around a choice of treks by professional and knowledgeable local rangers as you encounter the world’s largest lizard. Enjoy a bountiful breakfast as you step back on board, before setting off to explore the mangrove-fringed waterways meandering into the Rinca shoreline on a kayak or a standup paddle board.

PM: In the afternoon, divers may enjoy some of Komodo's best muck diving at Wainilu, a gently sloping reef where one may expect to spot frogfish, ribbon eel and scorpion fish among other tiny creatures. This site is also suitable for a night dive for the more intrepid divers. Alternatively, Vela could raise anchor and sail north to nearby Sabolan Island if you wish to partake in some thrilling watersports. End the day on a memorable note by crafting your own tropical cocktail under the guidance of our skilled mixologist on Vela's top deck before enjoying dinner under the stars. As you retreat to your cabins, Vela will undertake an overnight crossing along the northern coast of Flores towards the small fishing village of Riung.

AM: The 17 Islands Marine Park is a cluster of small uninhabited islands covered in forest and savannah and bordered by dreamy white sand beaches. Due to the remote nature of the region, the park offers an untouched panorama of Eastern Indonesia, far from the crowds. The small islands around Riung may be explored on foot and also offer a great opportunity to kayak or paddle board, as well as a selection of deserted beaches. Take a mask and snorkel and feel free to go explore the local seascape with a member of our dive crew, before finishing on a beach with some refreshing drinks.

PM: Mid-afternoon, the boat will move to Bat Point, a mangrove-covered point that comes alive at dusk. Enjoy the view of the setting sun on the ocean horizon, a spectacle made all the more amazing by the colony of bats that are about to take wing by the thousands. “Flying foxes” are among some of the largest species of bat and enjoy a fruit and plant-based diet. Every day at dusk, they fly in search of food and return to the colony before sunrise. As the day comes to a close, and following a refined dinner under the stars, Vela will set sail to Pemana Besar Island as you continue your journey east.

AM: Located north of Maumere, the Pemana islands are inhabited by the seafaring Bugis people. Known for their white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, those islands are perfect for a day of island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving and water sports. Following a hearty breakfast, head onshore to visit a traditional fishing village and observe local fishermen set out on their daily expeditions on board traditional lepa-lepa boats. Gear up to explore one of Pemana’s scuba diving sites, such as Lagoon and South Pemana, where you may encounter reef sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, and many other large fish around the spectacular drop-offs.

PM: After lunch, head over to neighboring Kambing island, a deserted island surrounded by white sand beaches, and topped with a small hill. This tranquil island is ideal for a private beach set up and for a variety of watersports. Alternatively, you may sit back and relax on board with a pampering spa treatment in the shade of Vela's main deck, or work on your tan with a good book and a fresh coconut! In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner on board or on the beach before retreating to our upper deck with some fine wine to watch a movie of your choice at our cinema under the stars.

AM: After a short crossing, awake at Pulau Babi, translating to Pig Island. Babi’s northern end is surrounded by shallow reefs facing the Flores Sea, and the southern tidal flats are bordered by a nice beach and tapering reef covered in soft corals and crowded with damselfish. One of the standout dive sites is known as The Crack, a remnant of a 1992 Earthquake, which measured 7.7 magnitude and caused a 7 metre tall tsunami within 3 minutes, ravaging the island’s villages three decades ago. The crack in the reef is roughly 20 metres below the surface, measuring 70cm and roughly 30 metres long yet another reminder that the truly epic forces of nature shaped the landscape both above and below the water in the Ring of Fire.

PM: Vela will stay at anchor around Babi Island on the final day of your adventure for you to make the most of the stunning scenery and take full advantage of what Vela has to offer. Whether you wish to go diving or snorkeling, partake in motorized watersports, relax on board with one of our signature spa treatments, or simply spend some quality time with your family on a quiet beach, simply speak to your Cruise Director and our crew will make sure that your day is a memorable one!

AM: During breakfast, Vela will slowly make her way back to Maumere harbor, where our crew will bid you farewell and escort you to the airport for your departure flight.

Please note:

All of our itineraries are very flexible to give you the most personalized and rewarding luxury adventure with us that will far exceed your expectations. Our experienced Cruise Director and Activities Manager will happily discuss your needs daily and they will also adapt the itinerary to better suit the conditions or location. Occasionally, due to weather, tides & currents, poor visibility underwater or other factors beyond our control, we may have to alter the itinerary at short notice. We will always discuss the benefits of the available alternatives with you before making a final decision on the day.