Liveaboard scuba diving, sailing in the Komodo National Park aboard Adelaar based in Bali Indonesia

Tall Ship adventures and the ultimate scuba diving experience . . .

Passenger Briefing

Recommended Items to Bring Along:

Soft duffle bag type luggage that can be folded for storage
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for sun protection (Aloe for sunburn)
Personal beach towel for on deck
Swimsuits, T-shirts & shorts (quick drying outdoor clothing is ideal)
Personal shower supplies, medical prescriptions, basic first aid kit, etc.
Video Camera or camera and lots of film (waterproof bags for protection from salt water)
A couple of good books
Refillable water bottle for hiking, or to keep in your cabin
For land trips: lightweight long pants, shirt with sleeves, shoes that can get wet for beach landings, and insect repellent
Personal snorkel gear, if possible

Divers Please Also Bring:

Dive Certificate
Logbook
Recent medical statement stating that you are fit to dive (less than two years old)
Dive gear: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask & fins
Diving Computer with recent battery check
Connecting piece for INT valves (if you have European gear)
Special gear for drift dives: signal buoy, signal whistle or dive alert, and gloves
Dive light for night dives (limited rental is available onboard)
Spare parts for your personal dive gear (mask strap, fin strap, o-rings, etc.)

Diving Safety Rules:

No decompression dives
Maximum depth 90 feet/30 meters
S.A.F.E. Diving (Slowly Ascend from Every Dive)
We highly recommend diving insurance i.e. DAN membership

Water Temperature:

Water temperatures can change from a tropical warm 84ºF/29º C to a cool 71Fº/22º C. A 5mm neoprene wetsuit is ideal, if you do not have this, then a 3mm neoprene and a thin lycra should do it.
Snorkel guests might also want to bring along a thin lycra suit, it is great protection from the occasional stinging plankton and of course, the ever-present burning rays of the sun.

Visibility:

Visibility as well as water temperatures can vary greatly. The best visibility is during the dry season, and can often be more than 90 feet/30 meters. In the southern section of Komodo National Park, where the water is extremely rich in plankton, the visibility is often a bit less.

Currents:

The Komodo area is well-known for strong currents, caused by heavy water exchange from the Java and Flores Sea in the North, and the Indian Ocean in the South. Itinerary and dive spots are planned according to currents and tides, taking into consideration the experience level of divers on board. We strive to ensure the best possible dives, for the weather and sea conditions during your charter. Swimmers and snorkelers should take note, and never jump into the water from the ship at anchor, unless you have checked in with the captain.

Climate:

In Komodo, the dry season is from April to November, with the rainy season starting around the end of December, and lasting until the end of March. However, rainfall in Komodo, is normally less than in other regions of Indonesia. April through September are the driest months, and the sea is normally calm during this time of year. The best conditions underwater are usually in October and November.

Electricity:

On board Adelaar, electricity is 230 Volt / 50 Hz, with a round two pin plug. Dive lights, cameras and batteries can be charged in your cabin or in the salon. Generators run continuously, so charging is possible 24 hours per day during the trip.

Bar, Satellite Phone & Fax:

At the end of your trip on Adelaar, you can pay your bar tab, laundry and satellite phone charges in cash (US dollars, Euro, or Indonesian Rupiah) or with Travelers Checks in US Dollar/Euro. We apologize in advance that we are not set up to accept credit cards onboard.

Merpati Flights Bali-Bima or Bali-Labuhan Bajo:

We try to avoid these small commuter flights by scheduling our boarding and deboarding in Bali. However, if you would like to board or deboard in a different port, please keep in mind that the baggage allowance is 20 kg per person, at the moment. If you have overweight baggage, Merpati Airline charges an extra fee at the airport in Bali. This fee is currently 9,000 Rp per kilo for flights to Bima and 12,000 Rp per kilo for flights to Labuan Bajo (at the current exchange rate this is approximately $1.25 to $2.50). For flights back to Bali, Merpati often allows only 10 kg per person. Please note: this information, while correct today, cannot be guaranteed to be correct tomorrow. The rules can change at any time, without advance notice.

Trip - Baggage & Health Insurance:

Totally optional but highly recommended. Please, check with a travel agent for a listing of companies offering these services.

Passport / Visa / Harbor Clearance:

The Visa rules have changed as of February 1, 2004, for all countries who do not allow Indonesians a free visa to enter their country. For some countries, a 30 day tourist visa-on-arrival can be issued at the airport upon arrival. Visa fees are $25.00 for a 30 day visit (a 7 day visa is available for $10.00), and are not extendable. Please, check with the Indonesian Consulate in your country to check whether you will be allowed visa-on-arrival or if you must apply for a visa prior to entering Indonesia.

Your passport must be valid for at least six more months from the date of entry into Indonesia, otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter.

For Harbor Clearance, please provide upon booking: your full name, passport number, date of expiration, date of birth and nationality.

Immunizations:

There are no immunizations required by the Indonesian government. Please, check with your local health department for a listing of immunizations recommended for travel to Indonesia. Also, check for the latest recommendations regarding Malaria prophylaxis for this area.

Money Issues:

Travelers Checks in US Dollars are accepted only in Bali, as is Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Be prepared to pay a 3-5% surcharge for credit card purchases. You will need to have cash (Indonesian currency) for any of the islands east of Bali.

Cash (US dollars) for exchange must be bills dated no earlier than 2000, in immaculate condition with no tears or marks of any kind on the bill. Even the smallest tear or mark, will result in the rejection of your money by the bank. Please note that the exchange rate listed is for $100 bills only, for smaller denominations you will get a lower exchange rate.

You can change money at your hotel, or at one of the many money changers. Unfortunately, many of the money changers have gone down the wayward path and have become quite good at cheating you in the exchange. You are probably better off using the banks or hotel, even if the exchange rate is not as good. If you do use a money changer, bring your own calculator and count your money carefully.

For the current exchange rate, please consult Oanda's currency converter at www.oanda.com

Komodo National Park Fee

The Komodo National Park has implemented a Conservation fee for all persons entering the park. Each guest is responsible for paying this on board as we enter the Park. At the moment the park fees are approximately EUR 35.00 per person.

Any changes to the fees will be posted here on our website. Please be reminded that we normally do not get advance notice of fee increases, but will post changes immediately as soon as we are informed.