Calico Jack

Constructed in traditional fashion from iron wood and teak, Calico Jack is a 30m liveaboard running diving safaris around some of Indonesia's finest regions. Considering there is a maximum of 10 guests on board there is plenty of room on this classic Phinisi schooner as it cruises all around Indonesian Papua - Raja Ampat and beyond.

3 day dives are offered per day, plus night dives on alternate days. From October through to June the boat visits Raja Ampat, diving in the south at Misool regions and the north at the famous Dampier Strait and Waigeo. In August and September Calico Jack relocates to Cenderawasih Bay where you can find endemic marine species alongside World War 2 wrecks and many whale sharks. In October it heads to Triton Bay, 'the final frontier', with incredible diversity, abundant and vibrant marine life, and more whale sharks. Diving is conducted from 2 dive-focused, custom-made speed boats. They each have 6 dive stations, plus room for the dive guide and equipment, with low sides and ladders for easy drop and recovery of divers.

All of the en-suite cabins are located on the lower deck and are air-conditioned and with double or twin beds. There is a laundry service available. The multi-lingual crew of 8 are on hand to look after you, so there is plenty of personal service. Guests can relax in the indoor dining area or more commonly on the covered deck, where there is plenty of lounging space and you can relax in the open air and drink in the changing views of the Indonesian archipelago. You can also enjoy the TV, DVD, computer and music system below decks or work on your tan while lounging on the sundeck.

Snorkelling equipment, sea kayaks, SUPs (paddleboards), and wakeboard are all available for active guests. Calico Jack delivers not only a great scuba diving experience but will make you feel like you are cruising around these ancient islands as have generations before.

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Notes: TBC - To be confirmed.

Dive experience: There is a 50+ dives requirement for Komodo and Banda Sea safaris where there will be deep and current dives. In Raja Ampat, Triton Bay and Cenderawasih Bay where the water is calm and safe, the requirement is 20+ logged dives. They prefer 20+ logged dives at least for all cruises, but it is negotiable.

Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, soft drinks, hot drinks, land tours, round trip hotel/airport transfers to and from the boat, dives, experienced English-speaking divemaster(s) (max 5 divers to 1 divemaster), snorkelling equipment, tanks, weights and weightbelts, all taxes.

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment (incl. dive computer US$ 26 per day), dive insurance, port and park fees US$ 250. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash - EUR, USD, AUD, IDR, and credit card).

Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks and espresso, nitrox (US$ 15 per day), 15 litre tanks (US$ 36 per trip), torch (US$ 5 per day). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.

How to get there: Calico Jack's liveaboard safaris depart at 11 am (or when the last guest has boarded), boarding is at 9-11 am, local hotel/airport pick up is at 8-10 am. There is a transfer service from the boat to and from the nearest airport. The last dive on all of these charters will be at around 10 am on the penultimate day. The yacht usually returns to port around 6 am on the final day, for disembarking at 9-11 am. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving.
Komodo: ports used are Labuan Bajo or Bima. You can fly direct to Labuan Bajo or Bima from Bali.
Raja Ampat: These cruises depart from Sorong in West Papua. You can fly directly to Sorong from Jakarta, Ujung Pandang (Makassar) and Manado. From Bali there are convenient connections via Ujung Pandang (Makassar) and Manado.
Cenderawasih Bay: Fly direct to the port of Manokwari (from Jakarta or via Makassar or Sorong), the port of Nabire (via Ambon or Manokwari) or the port of Biak (via Makassar).
Triton Bay: Fly direct to the port of Kaimana in the south of West Papua, from Sorong, connecting to Jakarta.
For more details, including airlines, see our travel information section. We can help you arrange return domestic flights if necessary.

Non-diver rate: Discount per night - Raja Ampat: US$ 21, other destinations: US$ 31.

Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travellers may choose to share a cabin, or pay a supplement of 80% of the published price for their own cabin.

Dive clubs and group discounts: See whole boat charter rate below.

Whole boat charter rate (per night): 1 free night for every 10 paid nights.

Raja Ampat National Park North & Central (9 Days / 8 Nights - 20 Dives)

Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Dampier Strait, Mioskon, Sardine Reef, Cape Kri, Yenbuba Jetty, Arborek, Manta Sandy, Penemu, Kawe, Wayag, Wofo and Yanggefo. Explore lagoons, kayaking and paddle boarding and trek to the panoramic viewpoint on Mount Pindito, short boat tour and a trek to a viewpoint overlooking Penemu, beach BBQ party, visit a local village.

Day 1
A warm smile welcomes you to Sorong: the Calico Jack crew has awaited your arrival and takes you to the nearby harbour. The liveaboard will leave port as soon as all guests are on board in order to avoid an overnight journey; it takes 5 hours. Enjoy a refreshing drink while the cruise director introduces the crew, the other guests and the boat amenities. Be assigned to your cabin and in the afternoon you can unpack your dive gear and get it ready for tomorrow's dives. A sunset dinner takes place in the air-conditioned saloon.

Days 2-8
An easy to follow daily schedule and days full of fun - pre-breakfast, 1st dive, breakfast, 2nd dive, lunch, 3rd dive, snacks, 4th dive and dinner. You will be pleased to discover that the 3 course meals are waiter-served instead of buffet style, with the chef preparing the best of European and Indo-Chinese cuisine. During your tour there will also be a barbecue night on a deserted beach.
The dining won't be the only reason for you to be pleased. Raja Ampat North offers unforgettable diving, being the richest marine region on Earth. Reef sharks, manta rays, wobbegongs, turtles, barracuda, bumphead parrotfish, dogtooth tuna, and also unforgettable macro life such as frogfish, seahorses, ghost pipefish, rhynophias and much more to discover.
Note that only 2 dives will be scheduled for the last full day of the safari before the yacht starts its way back to port.

Day 9
You have reached the end of this amazing cruise. Exchange farewells and photos with the people that have helped make this safari unforgettable. Disembark and enjoy the view while being transferred to Sorong airport.

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Raja Ampat National Park South & Central (12 Days / 11 Nights - 32 Dives)

Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat - Misool: Balbulol, Daram, Warokaraket. Boo, Wayilbatan, Yilliet, Wagmab, Farondi; Penemu, Wofo, Waigeo: Gam, Arbroek, Dampier Strait: Cape Kri. Explore lagoons, kayaking and paddle boarding among hidden lagoons, short boat tour and a trek to a viewpoint overlooking Penemu, beach BBQ party, visit a local village.

Day 1
A warm smile welcomes you to Sorong: the Calico Jack crew has awaited your arrival and takes you to the nearby harbour. The liveaboard will leave port as soon as all guests are on board in order to avoid an overnight journey, since to Misool it takes 12 hours. Enjoy a refreshing drink while the cruise director introduces the crew, the other guests and the boat amenities. Be assigned to your cabin and in the afternoon you can unpack your dive gear and get it ready for tomorrow's dives. A sunset dinner takes place in the air-conditioned saloon.

Days 2-11
An easy to follow daily schedule and days full of fun - pre-breakfast, 1st dive, breakfast, 2nd dive, lunch, 3rd dive, snacks, 4th dive and dinner. Dining on board Calico Jack is an experience as memorable and definitive as the diving. All meals are prepared and cooked daily by the amazing chef Yono and you can expect to be indulged with an array of healthy, mouth-watering Asian fusion and International cuisines. Any specific dietary requirements will be happily accommodated with prior consultation. All trips are include 3 meals per day, snacks, as well as water, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Dinner each night is a 3-course gourmet affair, and a bonfire-lit BBQ on a secluded beach is a signature specialty. A selection of local and imported alcoholic beverages will be available on board, but you are invited to bring along your favourite spirit or bottle of wine to share and compliment this unforgettable experience.
The dining won't be the only reason for you to be pleased. Raja Ampat offers unforgettable diving, being the richest marine region on Earth. Reef sharks, manta rays, wobbegongs, turtles, barracudas, bumphead parrotfish, dogtooth tuna and also unforgettable macro life such as frogfish, seahorses, ghost pipefish, rhynophias and much more to discover.
Please note that only 2 dives will be scheduled for the last full day of the safari before the yacht starts its way back to port.

Day 12
You have reached the end of this amazing cruise. Exchange farewells and photos with the people that have helped make this safari unforgettable. Disembark and enjoy the view while being transferred to Sorong airport.

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Cenderawasih Bay (12 Days / 11 Nights - 34 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, great macro life/ marine diversity

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Manokwari Bay, Numfor, Manim, Purup, Mioswar, Roon, Ribbon, Sodompari, Wandammen Peninsula, Tridacna Atoll, Tanjung Mangguar, and Kwatisore. Beach BBQ.

Day 1
A warm smile welcomes you to Manokwari: The Calico Jack crew has awaited your arrival and takes you to the nearby harbour. The liveaboard will leave port as soon as all guests are on board. Enjoy a refreshing drink while the cruise director introduces the crew, the other guests and the boat amenities. Be assigned to your cabin and in the afternoon you can unpack your dive gear and get it ready for your check dive in Manokwari. A sunset dinner takes place in the air-conditioned saloon.

Days 2-11
An easy to follow daily schedule and days full of fun - pre-breakfast, 1st dive, breakfast, 2nd dive, lunch, 3rd dive, snacks, 4th dive and dinner. Dining on board Calico Jack is an experience as memorable and definitive as the diving. All meals are prepared and cooked daily by the amazing chef Yono and you can expect to be indulged with an array of healthy, mouth-watering Asian fusion and International cuisines. Any specific dietary requirements will be happily accommodated with prior consultation. All trips are include 3 meals per day, snacks, as well as water, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Dinner each night is a 3-course gourmet affair, and a bonfire-lit BBQ on a secluded beach is a signature specialty. A selection of local and imported alcoholic beverages will be available on board, but you are invited to bring along your favourite spirit or bottle of wine to share and compliment this unforgettable experience.
There are some very cool endemic fish to be found in Cenderawasih Bay and these first Bay dives would give us the chance to have our first glimpse of them. Not all the dives are muck but there are some good critters to find. Once you leave the Port of Manokwari all other diving is reef, great hard corals, big sponges, and soft coral. You will normally spend a morning or two with the bagans (fishing platforms) to swim, snorkel and dive with the whale sharks.
Please note that only 2 dives will be scheduled for the last full day of the safari before Calico Jack starts its way to port.

Day 12
You have reached the end of this amazing cruise. Exchange farewells and photos with the people that have helped make this safari unforgettable. Disembark and enjoy the view while being transferred to Nabire airport.
Note: This itinerary may operate in reverse. Please see above for specific ports of departure and return.

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Raja Ampat & Triton Bay (12 Days / 11 Nights - 30 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Triton Bay: Larry's Heaven, Aiduma, Little Komodo; Namatote, Sagin, Mommon, Pulau Pisang, Raja Ampat - Misool: Wayilbatan, Yilliet, Warokaraket. Boo, Daram, Balbulol. Beach BBQ, waterfall visit, kayaking.

Day 1
The Calico Jack crew will collect you from your Kaimana hotel and take you to the nearby harbour for boarding. Following refreshments and a short tour of the ship, you will be briefed on safety, diving operations, and life onboard. A delicious lunch will be served and then you have time to get acquainted with the ship, set up your dive gear and cameras, and meet and socialise with the other guests and crew. You will do a check dive in the area later in the afternoon. A sunset dinner takes place in the air-conditioned saloon.

Days 2-11
An easy to follow daily schedule and days full of fun - pre-breakfast, 1st dive, breakfast, 2nd dive, lunch, 3rd dive, snacks, 4th dive and dinner. Dining on board Calico Jack is an experience as memorable and definitive as the diving. All meals are prepared and cooked daily by the amazing chef Yono and you can expect to be indulged with an array of healthy, mouth-watering Asian fusion and International cuisines. Any specific dietary requirements will be happily accommodated with prior consultation. All trips are include 3 meals per day, snacks, as well as water, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Dinner each night is a 3-course gourmet affair, and a bonfire-lit BBQ on a secluded beach is a signature specialty. A selection of local and imported alcoholic beverages will be available on board, but you are invited to bring along your favourite spirit or bottle of wine to share and compliment this unforgettable experience.
The food won't be the only reason for you to be pleased. Raja Ampat offers unforgettable diving, being the richest marine region on Earth. Reef sharks, manta rays, wobbegongs, turtles, barracudas, bumphead parrotfish, dogtooth tuna, and also unforgettable macro life such as frogfish, seahorses, crustaceans, rhynophias and much more to discover.
Triton Bay is considered a dive destination of absolute world class with its own unique attractions. It is relatively unexplored, with wonderful biodiversity and unique soft coral gardens. Huge forests of black coral and rugged rocks provide fantastic scenery both above and below water. Potential sightings include whale sharks, epaulette sharks, resident pilot whales, squadrons of bumphead parrotfish. Critter appearances include frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish and nudibranchs galore.
Please note that only 2 dives will be scheduled for the last full day of the safari before the yacht starts its way back to port.

Day 12
You have reached the end of this amazing cruise. Exchange farewells and photos with the people that have helped make this safari unforgettable. Disembark and enjoy the view while being transferred to Sorong Airport.
Note: this cruise sometimes runs in reverse so please check port details above.

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(12 Days / 11 Nights - 33 Dives)

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Ambon Bay: Nusa Laut, Molana, Banda Islands: Karang Hatta, Batu Kapal, Pohon Miring, Pulau Ai, Pulau Run, Koon, Raja Ampat - Misool: Wayilbatan, Fiabacet, Yilliet, Warokaraket. Boo, Daram, Balbulol. Beach BBQ, waterfall visit, kayaking, dinghy exploration, Banda Neira historic tour.

Day 1
The Calico Jack crew will collect you from Ambon airport or hotel and take you to the nearby harbour for boarding. Following refreshments and a short tour of the ship, you will be briefed on safety, diving operations, and life onboard. A delicious lunch will be served and then you have time to get acquainted with the ship, set up your dive gear and cameras, and meet and socialise with the other guests and crew. You will do a check dive in the area later in the afternoon. A sunset dinner takes place in the air-conditioned saloon.

Days 2-11
An easy to follow daily schedule and days full of fun - pre-breakfast, 1st dive, breakfast, 2nd dive, lunch, 3rd dive, snacks, 4th dive and dinner. Dining on board Calico Jack is an experience as memorable and definitive as the diving. All meals are prepared and cooked daily by the amazing chef Yono and you can expect to be indulged with an array of healthy, mouth-watering Asian fusion and International cuisines. Any specific dietary requirements will be happily accommodated with prior consultation. All trips are include 3 meals per day, snacks, as well as water, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Dinner each night is a 3-course gourmet affair, and a bonfire-lit BBQ on a secluded beach is a signature specialty. A selection of local and imported alcoholic beverages will be available on board, but you are invited to bring along your favourite spirit or bottle of wine to share and compliment this unforgettable experience.
The food won't be the only reason for you to be pleased. Raja Ampat offers unforgettable diving, being the richest marine region on Earth. Reef sharks, manta rays, wobbegongs, turtles, barracudas, bumphead parrotfish, dogtooth tuna and also unforgettable macro life such as frogfish, seahorses, ghost pipefish, crustaceans, rhynophias and much more to discover.
The diving around the Banda Islands is mainly conducted on walls covered with soft corals, big sponges and wide sea fans, but you will also see pinnacles surrounded by butterflyfish, triggerfish and batfish. There will also be time for muck diving, with mandarinfish one of the main highlights of your vacation. Caves and more muck diving towards the end of the trip, when you reach Ambon Bay. Please note that only 2 dives will be scheduled for the last full day of the safari before the yacht starts its way back to port.

Day 12
You have reached the end of this amazing cruise. Exchange farewells and photos with the people that have helped make this safari unforgettable. Disembark and enjoy the view while being transferred to Sorong Airport.
Note: this cruise sometimes runs in reverse so please check port details above.

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Raja Ampat National Park North & Central (9 Days / 8 Nights - 25 Dives)

Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Dampier Strait, Mioskon, Sardine Reef, Cape Kri, Yenbuba Jetty, Arborek, Manta Sandy, Penemu, Aljui, Wofo and Yanggefo. Explore lagoons, short boat tour and a trek to a viewpoint overlooking Penemu, beach BBQ party, visit a local village.

Day 1
A warm smile welcomes you to Sorong: the Calico Jack crew has awaited your arrival and takes you to the nearby harbour. The liveaboard will leave port as soon as all guests are on board in order to avoid an overnight journey; it takes 5 hours. Enjoy a refreshing drink while the cruise director introduces the crew, the other guests and the boat amenities. Be assigned to your cabin and in the afternoon you can unpack your dive gear and get it ready for tomorrow's dives. A sunset dinner takes place in the air-conditioned saloon.

Days 2-8
An easy to follow daily schedule and days full of fun - pre-breakfast, 1st dive, breakfast, 2nd dive, lunch, 3rd dive, snacks, 4th dive and dinner. You will be pleased to discover that the 3 course meals are waiter-served instead of buffet style, with the chef preparing the best of European and Indo-Chinese cuisine. During your tour there will also be a barbecue night on a deserted beach.
The dining won't be the only reason for you to be pleased. Raja Ampat North offers unforgettable diving, being the richest marine region on Earth. Reef sharks, manta rays, wobbegongs, turtles, barracuda, bumphead parrotfish, dogtooth tuna, and also unforgettable macro life such as frogfish, seahorses, ghost pipefish, rhynophias and much more to discover.
Note that only 2 dives will be scheduled for the last full day of the safari before the yacht starts its way back to port.

Day 9
You have reached the end of this amazing cruise. Exchange farewells and photos with the people that have helped make this safari unforgettable. Disembark and enjoy the view while being transferred to Sorong airport.

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[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].

Calico Jack has 5 Standard en-suite cabins - 2 with double beds, 2 with twin beds and 1 double/twin bed cabin on the lower deck.

All the cabins have: No. of bathrooms / showers - 6 / 7 - hot water

The11 crew comprise: 2 Motorised dinghies - Dive deck with ladders 2 fresh hot water showers - Air-conditioned saloon & dining area with TV, DVD player, music system and computer - Fish ID & general books, diving magazines - Shaded open-air social area - Sundeck with deck chairs - Sea kayaks, SUPs, wakeboard, fishing equipment - Water dispenser.

The dining on Calico Jack can take place in either the air-conditioned dining area or in the shaded open air. Meals are served rather than buffet style for that added bit of class. The menu consists of international cuisine as well as BBQs, Chinese and Italian influences.

• Chinese, Italian, BBQ and international main dishes.
• Meals served with waiter assistance in the saloon or open-air.
• Pre-breakfast, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• Coffee, tea, fruit juice, biscuits, toast and drinking water are all free of charge.
• Soft drinks, espresso, beer and liquors are also available for purchase.
• All diets can be catered for - please send us your requirements.
• The liveaboard safari dining service begins on guest arrival.

Customer reviews:

"I spent 12 days with the Calico Jack team for an unforgettable cruise in Cenderawasih Bay in Indonesia. Magnificent dives with incredible reefs, a host of whale sharks and beautiful wrecks! The all-wooden boat with its beautiful red sails was spacious and very nice! The schedule was focused on diving but with great activities on offer such as snorkeling, visiting a traditional village, a barbecue on the beach, etc. The meals were all very good and especially the crew was amazing! All very attentive, friendly and funny. I can only recommend the cruises offered by Calico Jack" - Lea Delmas, France, 2 October 2024 ...

"Boat is OK, cabins are rather small. Food was OK. Staff excellent." - Daniel Erbeznik, Slovenia, 7 January 2019 ...

"Equipment was new, well-maintained and the service from the support crew was fantastic.The food was fantastic. The sleeping quarters/ bunks were o.k. Nothing glamorous but there was air con and everything we needed." - Anke Steier, Germany, 18 January 2017 ...

"On the liveaboard, I rented most of the dive equipment and utilized all of the services organized by the staff, including treks on the islands, meals and snacks, reading books, etc. Everything was taken care of perfectly. From being picked up at the airport and taken to the boat, to the beautiful cabins, to every day's incredible diving and food, it was truly perfect in every way. All of the diving equipment was in good quality and the boat itself was in immaculate condition. There's not a single thing I can complain about." - Rachel Berkley, USA, 15 September 2015 ...