Adelaar

Adelaar is a 38-meter historic schooner built in 1902 in the Netherlands and restored as a steel-hulled luxury yacht, accommodating up to 10 guests across 4 en-suite staterooms. Blending diving and leisure with a flexible, unhurried pace rather than a rigid dive schedule, the vessel offers up to 3 to 4 dives per day alongside snorkeling, kayaking, and land excursions. Operated by PBS Lines since 1994, the vessel runs 6 to 11-night itineraries across Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda Sea, and Triton Bay. For the 2026/2027 season, rates start from USD $497 per person per day.

Adelaar is one of the oldest vessels operating as a liveaboard anywhere in the world — built in 1902 as a Dutch cargo schooner, requisitioned during the Second World War, and later rescued, restored, and refitted as a luxury yacht with a steel hull and concrete keel. She has sailed Indonesian waters continuously since 1994, making her one of the longest-serving vessels in the Komodo region. With a maximum of 8 guests across 4 staterooms, Adelaar is positioned as a diving and leisure yacht rather than a pure dive-focused liveaboard. The itinerary is adapted to the group onboard, with up to 3 to 4 dives a day available for keen divers, but no obligation to fill the schedule — guests are equally free to spend a day snorkeling, kayaking, exploring a beach, or simply relaxing on deck. This makes the vessel a strong fit for mixed groups of divers and non-divers, or for travelers who want world-class diving without a regimented routine. Many cruises run with five or six guests rather than a full complement, giving a near-private-charter feel, and the steel hull means quieter, more stable nights underway compared to traditional wooden Phinisi vessels.

Four staterooms accommodate up to 8 guests, including a Master Suite and three further staterooms, all with individually controlled air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with Kohler basins, Grohe fixtures, hot water showers, and vacuum toilets. Sensatia Botanicals toiletries are provided throughout. Common areas include an air-conditioned dining room and salon, with meals also served on deck under the stars when conditions allow. A crew of around 12, including a Western cruise manager and dive instructor, has an average tenure with the vessel exceeding two decades in several cases.

Diving is supported by three Bauer compressors, two aluminium tenders each crewed by two crew members, and a nitrox membrane system available at an additional charge. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding are available between dives, and land excursions and treks are a regular feature of itineraries rather than an occasional add-on. Starlink WiFi with up to 1GB per person is included. Itineraries cover Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, and Triton Bay, including crossing routes such as Sorong–Ambon and Maumere–Ambon. Port and park fees, fuel surcharges, and nitrox are not included in the published rate.