SeaTrek Katharina

Katharina is a 38-meter traditional Phinisi sailing vessel built in 1996, accommodating 12 guests across 6 cabins. Operated by SeaTrek Sailing Adventures — sailing the Indonesian archipelago since 1986 — the vessel runs 9 to 16-night leisure and exploration cruises across Komodo, Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands, and Maluku. No diving onboard; snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, wildlife encounters, cultural visits, and trekking are the focus. For the 2026/2027 season, rates start from USD $790 per person per day.

Katharina is the smaller and more intimate of SeaTrek's two Phinisi vessels, sailing alongside the 42-meter Ombak Putih on shared or parallel itineraries throughout the year. SeaTrek has been pioneering expedition-style sailing in Indonesia since 1986, and Katharina has been part of the fleet since 1996 — with over 500 voyages completed under Captain Jefri and a crew of 12. The vessel sits in the Beyond Diving category: there is no scuba diving onboard, and the program is built entirely around above-water and surface-water experiences. Typical days include snorkeling over coral reefs, kayaking into mangrove channels, trekking to waterfalls and viewpoints, birdwatching for hornbills and birds of paradise, visits to traditional villages, and quiet time on deck watching the islands pass. The deliberate absence of WiFi is part of SeaTrek's philosophy — guests are encouraged to disconnect fully, and the remoteness of many itineraries means the boat is genuinely off-grid for days at a time.

Six cabins accommodate 12 guests across three configurations. Two Double cabins offer a full double bed, private en-suite bathroom, adjustable air conditioning, and under-bed storage, ideal for couples. Two Triple cabins feature a double bed below and a retractable single upper bunk — reserved for families traveling with one child, with the bunk retractable when used by couples. Two Twin Bunk cabins have upper and lower single beds with individual storage, en-suite bathrooms, and individually controlled air conditioning. All cabins have natural light through deck hatches. Children are warmly welcomed during school holiday periods from June through August and December through January. Children under 4 are not permitted on shared cruises.

The seasonal itinerary splits broadly into two phases. From April through September, Katharina operates Komodo and Beyond routes in the central and southern archipelago — exploring Komodo National Park, whale shark encounters in Sumbawa's Saleh Bay, and ring-of-fire island chains east of Komodo toward Alor. From October through March, the vessel heads north and east into Maluku, the Spice Islands, Raja Ampat, and West Papua. Many itineraries are led by specialist guides including marine biologists, coral scientists, zoologists, and cultural experts — a consistent feature of SeaTrek's program rather than an occasional add-on. The Orangutans & Dragons itinerary includes a Borneo component operated with a dedicated river vessel. The operator takes both boats out of service for three weeks each March for annual safety inspections.

All meals, soft drinks, tea, coffee, snacks, park fees, port fees, local guides, cultural performances, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, laundry, and transfers are included in the rate. Alcohol is included at the beach BBQ and farewell dinner; otherwise available for purchase. Crew and guide gratuities are not included.