Katharina is a sailing vessel whose adventures explore the Ring of Fire, the string of volcanic islands that stretch out from Bali east to the Philippines.
Sailing Indonesia: Whale Sharks, Corals & Komodo Dragons
Experience Indonesia's whale sharks, corals & dragons round-trip from Flores aboard the 24-guest Ombak Putih or 12-guest Katharina. Encounter the famous Komodo dragon, swim with whale sharks, snorkel in pristine coral reef and explore beautiful deserted beaches.
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$5,825
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PER PERSON
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Explore Indonesia round-trip from Flores on this 9-day Komodo Island cruise aboard the 24-guest Ombak Putih or 12-guest Katharina traditional Indonesian sailing vessels. Few areas in Asia can match the cultural and natural diversity that’s found following the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands: towering active volcanoes, jungle-clad mountain ranges and dry savannah lowlands, all teeming with wildlife.
This unique itinerary visits quiet coastal villages, emerald seas, megalithic cultures, bustling colorful markets, tribes and a world of kaleidoscopic beauty underwater. Over the course of your week at sea, look for (and have a great chance of spotting) the famous Komodo dragon, swim with sea turtles and whale sharks, snorkel on pristine coral reefs, hopefully swim with manta rays, take in traditional dances and explore some of Indonesia’s most beautiful deserted beaches.
The journey starts with recommended group flights from Bali to Flores Island, so it makes it easy to explore on your own pre-cruise. For those who want to see even more wildlife, join a pre-cruise extension to Borneo to see orangutans for select departures.
Passage is aboard the 24-guest sailing vessel Ombak Putih or 12-passenger ketch Katharina. These traditional pinisi-style ships offer romance, Indonesian culture, rustic charm and superior service. These vessels are also AdventureSmith favorites for private charter cruises due to their cozy, inviting feel and size. Complimentary onboard snorkeling equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing gear and tender boats equip guests with daily adventures among a string of Indonesian islands.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Indonesia cruises.
Whale Sharks, Corals & Dragons Itinerary
Bali, IndonesiaLabuan Bajo, Indonesia
The Whale Sharks, Corals & Dragons cruise operates round-trip from Flores/Komodo over 9 days, beginning with a recommended group flight from Bali.
Taking the early morning flight from Bali, you will be met at the Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo by your tour leaders and be taken straight to your boat. As you settle into your new home, the captain navigates to your first snorkeling spot on some of Komodo Park’s best reefs. Snorkel at a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where you will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the reef’s shallow water.
Go ashore on Rinca Island in search of the fearsome Komodo dragons, found only in the Komodo National Park. This is the world’s largest lizard, growing up to a length of three metres and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms. Another highlight will be anchoring off a small island to witness the nightly departure of thousands of flying foxes that fly at dusk to feed on the mainland.
Enjoy a fantastic drift snorkel as you visit Gili Lawa Darat, an island in the north of the park from where you can trek to the viewpoint and watch a majestic sunset across the park.
Go ashore on Sangeang island, an active volcano, where you will visit the local village and enjoy snorkeling on the colorful coral reef just offshore.
Experience a beach BBQ under a night sky filled with millions of stars as you feast on the amazing local delicacies prepared by the onboard chef, and all accompanied by live musical entertainment from your talented crew.
Go ashore on the forested Moyo Island where you will travel to the interior of the island to visit a scenic waterfall in the rainforest, where you can bathe in the refreshing cool water.
Prepare for an exhilarating opportunity to swim with whale sharks, the majestic gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here in the bay, but now, thanks to travelers like you, your captain has formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fisherman who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms in the bay that attract the sharks. We can’t make any promises since these wild animals are not on a leash, but fingers crossed you will see them.
Visit a local village and witness their age-old practice of buffalo racing, where the local men ride their prized beasts through a mud-filled rice paddy, an exhilarating sight to behold.
Visit a strange and mystical volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its center and visit a small coastal community to see pinisi ships being built on the beach.
Enjoy a unique snorkeling experience where volcanic gas escapes in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals, with the metallic black volcanic sand below being home to an abundance of very interesting invertebrates.
Entering the Komodo National Park again, go drift snorkeling in one of the best and healthiest coral reefs in the park. You will have a hands-on experience at a coral conservation project on Hatamin Island, where you will learn about the work and get a chance to create your own coral rack and place it in the sea.
Snorkel at a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where you will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef. Swim with manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin.
After breakfast, disembark for a short, scenic drive to Melo Village to witness their traditional Caci dance performance. Local strongmen perform a ritual whip-fight between two rivals in which the players, each armed with a rattan shield and a whip, will try to hit each other while dancing to the rhythm of traditional acoustic instruments.
After lunch on the boat, say farewell to the crew and your fellow shipmates as you disembark and continue onto your next destination.
Included
Accommodations and meals as indicated in itinerary; airport transfers in Flores; beverages including coffee, cocoa, tea, soft drinks and fruit juice; limited laundry service (2 items per day free of charge, service stops 2 days before disembarkation); guided excursions; use of snorkeling gear and sea kayaks/canoes.
Exclusions
International flights; alcoholic beverages; pre- and post-trip hotel accommodations; gratuities; a 2.5% foreign credit card transaction fee if using a credit card to pay for any onboard purchases; insurance of any kind (medical and medivac/air evacuation strongly encouraged due to the remote nature of itineraries); fuel surcharge ($200 per person, per departure in 2026 & 2027).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Your trip/cruise is transferrable should you provide an alternate participant at the same fare. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – 25% of total trip cost
90 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Whale Sharks, Corals & Dragons Komodo cruise itinerary operates round-trip from Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, Flores (LBJ). Plan flights to arrive on recommended group flights from Bali in the morning of Day 1. After disembarkation in Labuan Bajo, flights may be booked for the late afternoon on Day 9, but further timing details will be confirmed upon booking. Transfers to/from the vessel will be provided. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Indonesia trip concludes.
Activities
Opportunities to explore the land and sea are made available most days of your trip and might include trekking, cultural tours, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding or nature exploration. Although all activities are inclusive, they are always optional; just inform your Tour Leader if you prefer to stay on board. Other activities may include jumping off the boat, beach volleyball with the crew and fishing (a simple spool of fishing line and hooks are available on board).
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin for solo use may do so at a 75% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. If you are willing to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, the single supplement will be waived; if no room-share match is found, no single supplement will be charged.
Families & Children
Families traveling with children aged 4 and above are welcome aboard, but keep in mind that this is an adventure cruise and parents must watch their children at all times. Both boats have higher side railings than on normal traditional Buginese schooners, but there are steep staircases to consider if bringing smaller children. Children 12 years and younger will be charged 50% of the cruise fare if they share a triple cabin with parents. If sharing a cabin with other children, only the third child will receive the discount.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
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Katharina is a 12-guest sailing vessel whose adventures explore the Ring of Fire, the string of volcanic islands that stretch out from Bali east to the Philippines. Katharina is a mix of traditional and modern design. Her hull and rigging are traditional, while the deck house and interior are custom designed to cater to Western tastes of space, privacy and comfort. While Indonesian traditional sailing vessels are customarily referred to as Bugi schooners, strictly speaking, Katharina is rigged as a ketch, the foremast being higher than the aft mast.
Why Sail Aboard Katharina
Choose this ship to sail aboard a modern vessel with rich cultural roots and a remarkable history of transformation. Katharina is a gorgeous sailing vessel that AdventureSmith Explorations is proud to represent among our many small ship cruises around the world. The founder of SeaTrek Sailing Adventures discovered her under construction in 1998 while he was paying a courtesy visit to some old Buginese friends who had moved to Batulicin. He spotted her slender hull under construction on the riverbank and made a deal with her builder, based on the Buginese principle that all boats are always for sale even before they are launched. This story, of how Katharina was rescued from a hard life of carrying cargo, is now an important chapter in the history of SeaTrek Sailing Adventures. She was baptized Katharina, and a French naval architect redesigned the superstructure and the interior of the hold.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Katharina. Read our dedicated Katharina Ship Review, written by two of our specialists, for our firsthand take on life aboard. Or consult this page further for a detailed description of Katharina, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, a photo gallery and current links to all the trips she sails. Our team can help you compare the Katharina with other small cruise ships and yachts offering Indonesia cruises, Pacific Island cruises and Asia cruises, including private charter cruises.
History Aboard Katharina
The founder of SeaTrek Sailing Adventures discovered her under construction in 1998 while he was paying a courtesy visit to some old Buginese friends who had moved to Batulicin. He spotted her slender hull under construction on the riverbank and made a deal with her builder, based on the Buginese principle that all boats are always for sale even before they are launched. This story, of how Katharina was rescued from a hard life of carrying cargo, is now an important chapter in the history of SeaTrek Sailing Adventures. She was baptized Katharina, and a French naval architect redesigned the superstructure and the interior of the hold.
Katharina Design
The Bugis people of south Sulawesi, once feared as pirates, are known as the most skillful ship builders and sailors of Indonesia. Their vessels, perahu (smaller fishing boats) and pinisi (cargo carriers, like Katharina was intended to be), were and still are hand-crafted entirely from timber. The pinisi are elegant two-masted schooners with mainsails, top-sails and three jibs. Today, while still hand-built by native craftsmen from tropical hardwood and still with traditional rigging, they usually hold an engine in addition to the sails. The construction of of a pinisi hull always follows age-old and well-established design principles. What is most remarkable is that these huge handmade structures (in the case of Katharina, a total weight of 300 tons of wood) are made without any drawings, fully relying on the intuitive craftsmanship of its builders as passed along through many generations. Contrary to Western boat-building practice, the Bugis method of hull construction is to start with the planking and fit in the beams later.
Katharina is different from most traditional pinisis because she became a joint effort between western naval architects and traditional Bugis skills. The superstructure and the interior were redesigned to accommodate small groups of passengers for cruising in the Indonesian archipelago, offering an excellent standard of reliability, safety and comfort. Her spacious air-conditioned, en-suite staterooms, the dining/recreational area and the large deck space with comfortable chairs and sun beds make the Katharina perfectly suitable for extended passages and leisure cruises.
Common Areas Aboard Katharina
The deck area of Katharina is dominated by the 82-foot-tall main and top masts and a large central table around which you can enjoy meals alfresco. Just aft is the main lounge and bar, accessible on the port side and featuring a television, DVD player and music center. On top of this main cabin there is a sun deck with deck chairs and comfortable day beds. Guests enjoy unlimited use of snorkeling equipment and two sea canoes. Katharina does not carry binoculars, so guests are recommended to bring their own. Redesigned in 2014, the salon and central dining areas now feature an upper deck shaded lounge.
Dining Aboard Katharina
Free tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices and mineral water is available on board Katharina, as are excellent meals and snacks. You'll enjoy a welcome drink and chilled towels to refresh you upon embarkation. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated upon request. Wine, beer and other alcholic drinks are available for purchase on board; however, Indonesia has high import taxes for alcohol, so guests are permitted to bring their own wine or liquor, which should be stored in staterooms as there is limited space in the ship's coolers.
Safety & Sustainability Aboard Katharina
Katharina is fitted with all internationally required safety and communication equipment such as SSB and VHF radios, life jackets, life rafts and satellite telephone. Her crew is a well-trained, well-seasoned Indonesian crew of 13, several of whom have worked on the vessel since she was launched. Much attention is given to her maintenance; she has an annual docking period and periodical checks of all the technical installations on board. In 2014, Katharina received a complete overhaul of all auxiliary systems and was equipped with solar panels, wind generators and deep cycle marine battery systems so she would have the smallest possible carbon imprint.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Katharina
The staterooms were completely redesigned in 2014, including natural light and a new state-of-the-art air conditioning system. Each stateroom aboard Katharina has a wardrobe, a built-in mini safe, individually controlled cooling systems and soft lightning. All staterooms have their own private bathroom with (warm & cold water) shower, wash basin, toilet and toiletries. Towels and beach towels are regularly changed. There is ample space to store your belongings and still move about with ease. And an added bonus is mattresses and light blankets available on the Top Deck for sleeping under the stars, an unforgettable experience that a cruise in the tropics affords. Voltage on board is 220 volts. In each cabin there is a socket suitable for 2-way European plugs. Two triple cabins offer a third bunk suitable for a child, increasing the guest count to 14 by request.
The 24-guest sailing vessel Ombak Putih combines traditional and modern design to bring authenticity and comfort to her itineraries in the Ring of Fire region stretching through Indonesia. This intimate vessel is a gaff-rigged ketch just oozing with Indonesian charm and an Old World sense of simple luxury. As a traditional pinisi-style ship she was built in the sturdy and efficient way that ironwood ships have been built for hundreds of years on the islands surrounding Sulawesi. She is well fit for her memory-making itineraries and her beauty as the perfect match for the stunning region and waters in which she plies. The Ombak Putih, means “white wave” in Bahasa Indonesia and is quite the appropriate ship for traveling from idyllic island to idyllic island throughout the remote intrigue of Indonesia.
Why Sail Aboard Ombak Putih
Choose the Ombak Putih for an intimate sailing adventure on a sustainably-minded traditional ship with an Indonesian crew. This ship is romantic for couples, family-friendly and ideal for a group of friends. Travelers are sure to be impressed by this ship's all-wood interiors, lending your voyage a feel that harkens back to the time of spice trade. Ombak Putih is fitted with all internationally required safety and communication equipment such as SSB and VHF radios, life jackets, life rafts and satellite telephone. Other safety measures include the reliable "work horse" Detroit Diesel engine, anchor chains instead of wire rope and many safety features demanded by the Australian coast guard for ocean-going vessels. Her crew is a well-trained, seasoned Indonesian crew of 16, several of whom have worked on the vessel since she was launched, complemented by a multilingual cruise director.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Ombak Putih. Read our dedicated Ombak Putih Ship Review, written by two of our specialists, for our firsthand take on life aboard. Or consult this page further for a detailed description of Ombak Putih, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, a photo gallery and current links to all the trips she sails. Our team can help you compare the Ombak Putih with other small cruise ships and yachts offering Indonesia cruises, Pacific Island cruises and Asia cruises, including private charter cruises.
History of Ombak Putih
Ombak Putih's construction followed age-old and well-established design principles. Throughout Asia, the Buginese people from the island of Sulawesi are well-known for their shipbuilding skills; most remarkable about Ombak Putih is that this huge handmade wooden structure was made without any drawings, fully relying on the intuitive craftsmanship of its builders as passed along through many generations. A Dutch naval architect was hired to recalculate and verify all dimensions for ultimate seaworthiness, as well as design the interior and the deck house. Only first-quality ironwood timber was used, making the hull considerably thicker than most other wooden vessels (ranging from 10cm down below to 6cm near the deck). Construction on Ombak Putih began in May of 1996.
One year after construction started, six men started digging. In Batulicin, boats are not towed into the water. Instead, men dig away the soil underneath, thus creating a small canal out of which the boat is eventually pulled. On May 27, 1997, the Ombak Putih was launched, complete with the Buginese tradition of a goat being ritually sacrificed and its blood scattered over various important places of the ship.
Common Areas Aboard Ombak Putih
The charming, classy and clean Ombak Putih offers a variety of common spaces for all passengers to find a nook. The spacious enclosed salon has room to relax and read and includes the ship's library, presentation TV, small bar, coffee station, the electronic charging "dry zone" and mini-fridge. A charming outdoor dining and seating area on the main deck is where all meals are served (completely covered in canvas to protect from sun and rain) and offer plenty of room for viewing wildlife and wild seascapes from the rail. Ombak Putih does not carry binoculars, so guests are recommended to bring their own. The bow offers cushioned seating for six to watch the sunset and to lookout for dolphins. On the Top Deck, an uncovered bow facing area and the covered viewing area aft of the wheelhouse provide an ample supply of benches, loungers, couches and even bean bag chairs for reading, napping, journaling, socializing with shipmates or simply watching the jaw-dropping landscapes of Indonesia slip by.
Dining Aboard Ombak Putih
Free tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices, filtered water (reusable water bottle is provided) and mineral water is available on board Ombak Putih, as are excellent buffet meals and snacks. Enjoy a welcome drink and chilled towels to refresh your embarkation. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated upon request. Wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks are available for purchase on board; however, Indonesia has high import taxes for alcohol, so guests are permitted to bring their own wine or liquor, which should be stored in staterooms as there is limited space in the ship's coolers.
Meals are served in large dishes, buffet or family-style, with guests being able to select their own portions. Breakfast includes several cereal, granola and bread options alongside a changing menu of Western- and Eastern-style cuisine. Eggs and a small menu of choices are made to order upon request. Crackers, cookies and nuts are available self-serve any time of day, and the chef prepares an early evening traditional snack before each night’s dinner. Dinners include steak and seafood, soups and always a refreshing salad. Dessert is served plated at both lunch and dinner, and is most often an assorted tropical fruit plate punctuated by a few custards and cakes throughout the voyage.
Activities Aboard Ombak Putih
Take advantage of the marine life by using complimentary onboard snorkeling equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing gear and two tender boats. Beach towels and sarongs are provided and there is a freshwater on-deck shower for rinsing off after activities. Scuba diving may be arranged on select itineraries at an added cost. The 2:1 guest to guide ratio ensure guests are completely taken care of during any activity. No WiFi is available aboard the ship, and cell coverage should not be relied upon in the remote regions that the Ombak Putih sails.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Ombak Putih
Ombak Putih can accommodate 24 guests in complete comfort and superb style. Her 12 cabins are a study in the efficient use of space aboard a ship—all boasting modern conveniences such as USB charging ports, air conditioning, stylish fixtures and ensuite bathrooms with a hot shower and toiletries. The beach sarongs and towels, reusable water bottles and small day-pack that await guests on the berth make it clear that time won’t be spent inside peering through the brass porthole. Towels and beach towels are regularly changed. There is ample space to store belongings and still move about with ease. Valuables and travel documents can be stored in the ship's safe. Voltage on board is 220 volts. In each stateroom there is a socket suitable for 2-way European plugs as well as USBs. An added bonus, mattresses and light blankets are available on the Top Deck for sleeping under the stars, an unforgettable experience that a cruise in the tropics affords.
Learn About the Bali Sailboats on Your Itinerary
Sailing vessel Ombak Putih combines traditional and modern design to bring authenticity and comfort to her itineraries in the Ring of Fire region stretching from Bali to the Philippines.
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Expert Aboard: Katharina & Ombak Putih Ship Review
Learn about the food, cabins, crew and more from AdventureSmith experts who've been aboard these unique Indonesian sailing vessels.
Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Komodo Cruise
In conjunction with select departures of this cruise, there is an optional 4- or 5-day Orangutans & Dragons pre-cruise extension that allows for time in both Borneo and Bali. Call AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing.
Orangutans & Dragons Cruise Extension
On an air-conditioned riverboat, glide along the Rungan River through the forested landscape of Borneo. Visit the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation for orangutans in their natural habitat and then voyage on to small villages, lakes and islands to view more orangutans and other wildlife, and learn from the indigenous Dayak people. On 5-day departures, spend the final day at your leisure and an additional night at a pre-arranged Bali hotel. Then, join the main 9-day cruise itinerary listed above to observe the Komodo dragons and other unique wildlife. Day 1 - Arrive Borneo to Palangka Raya, Visit Pulau Kaja & Embark Day 2 - Lake Bagantung, Pusaka & Tumbang Nusa Village Day 3 - Pilang Village Day 4 - Pusaka Village & Tundai Village, Disembark Borneo, Fly to Bali & Hotel Overnight (Day 5 - At Your Leisure & Overnight at Same Hotel)-
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