Cachalo

Cachalo is a 51-metre wooden phinisi for 18 guests, with nine ocean-view cabins, a jacuzzi on the sun deck and nitrox at no extra cost. She dives Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea and Alor.

She was built by hand in South Sulawesi over two years, with an ironwood hull and natural teak, and launched in 2025. A crew of 18 looks after the 18 guests, led by a captain with an ANT II licence.

The boat

The nine cabins come in five types, all with their own bathroom, air conditioning and ocean views. The VVIP suite has its own lounge. The Deluxe Balcony cabins on the main deck measure 28 m², with twin beds that convert to a double, and the Deluxe King cabins on the upper deck have a king bed and a balcony. Standard Ocean View cabins on the upper deck measure 25 m², and the Standard cabins on the lower deck 20 m², both with twin beds that convert to a double. Towels, toiletries and hairdryers are in every cabin.

The saloon has a marble bar and the dining area, with a lounge that opens onto the outdoor decks. Up top, the sun deck has a jacuzzi. Starlink internet is free for guests. The kitchen cooks Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese and Western food, with a hotpot night and a barbecue during the trip, and a private dinner on a beach when the anchorage allows.

The dive deck has tanks and gear racked on both sides. Nitrox is free for certified nitrox divers, and PADI courses can be arranged on board. Between dives there are kayaks, snorkelling, island walks and fishing.

Itineraries

• Komodo National Park, 6 nights. The manta cleaning stations, the current-swept pinnacles of the north and the dragons on land.
• Banda Sea, 7 nights, Ambon return. The Banda Islands and the volcanic seamounts, where hammerheads school at some sites. Sightings are never certain.
• Raja Ampat, 7 nights from Sorong. The central reefs combined with either the south or the north, depending on the departure.
• Ambon to Raja Ampat, 7 nights. The crossing north from the Banda Sea, ending in Sorong.
• Komodo to Alor and Alor to Ambon, 8 nights each. The crossings that move the boat between regions, with the diving of the Alor strait on the way.

Dates, prices and free cabins for each departure are listed below. The cruise director chooses the sites on the day, by weather and current.

What is included, and what is not

• Included: the cabin, full board, nitrox for certified divers, towels and toiletries, Starlink internet and, once a departure is confirmed, airport transfers.
• Not included: flights, park and island landing fees, alcohol, and crew tips.
• Dive insurance is mandatory on this boat.

Who she suits

Divers who want a traditional wooden phinisi with the comfort of a small hotel: large cabins, a jacuzzi and about one crew member per guest. Trips require Advanced Open Water and at least 25 logged dives. The operator recommends 50 and a dive in the six months before the trip. Scheduled departures go ahead with a minimum of 10 guests. Prices are per person in a shared cabin. Ask us about a private charter.