5.0 
Calico Jack Expedition Liveaboard
30m | 5 Cabins | 10 Guests | 10 Crew
Explore Indonesia’s most remote reefs aboard a handcrafted expedition vessel built for serious diving and small-group adventure.
The Calico Jack Expedition Platform
Designed specifically for small-group dive expeditions across Indonesia’s most remote seas.
Built for Remote Expeditions
Calico Jack was designed for long-range operations across Indonesia’s remote archipelagos, with onboard water production, dual engines and expedition infrastructure.
Dedicated Dive Operations
Purpose-built dive deck, Nitrox system, camera stations and two dive tenders ensure smooth, efficient diving every day.
Small Group Diving
Maximum of just 10 guests, allowing relaxed dive logistics, small dive groups, and more personal service.
Step aboard Calico Jack, a hand-crafted Indonesian Phinisi built for adventure.
Designed to carry just ten guests, this 30-meter wooden schooner combines the charm of traditional Sulawesi shipbuilding with modern comfort. With spacious cabins, gourmet cuisine, and expert dive guides, every journey is a blend of exploration and relaxation. From the coral-rich reefs of Raja Ampat to the wild currents of Komodo and the remote Banda Islands, Calico Jack offers unforgettable voyages through Indonesia’s most spectacular seascapes.
- Traditional 30m Phinisi, hand-built in Sulawesi
- 5 en-suite, air-conditioned cabins (10 guests max).
- Expert crew of 10 + marine biologist cruise director.
- World-Class Diving, with Nitrox, dive station, 2 tenders, camera station
- Kayaks, SUPs, inland excursions & beach setups.
- Modern Comforts, Wi-Fi (Starlink), charging stations, lounge & sun deck
- Asian fusion cuisine & bonfire beach BBQs.
- Available per-cabin or private charter.
The Calico Jack
Calico Jack was built in Sulawesi using the traditional Phinisi shipbuilding tradition, a maritime craft developed by the Konjo people of South Sulawesi.
These handcrafted wooden schooners are known for their seaworthiness and ability to navigate the shallow reef systems of the Indonesian archipelago.
Designed for long-range dive expeditions, Calico Jack can operate far from port for extended periods, exploring remote regions such as the Banda Sea, Triton Bay, and the outer reaches of Raja Ampat.
Today she sails as a modern expedition platform while preserving the character of Indonesia’s historic sailing vessels.
The Story Of Calico Jack
Calico Jack was built in Sulawesi using the traditional Phinisi shipbuilding tradition, a maritime craft developed by the Konjo people of South Sulawesi. These vessels are known for their handcrafted wooden hulls, exceptional seaworthiness and ability to navigate the shallow reef systems of the Indonesian archipelago. Designed specifically for long-range dive expeditions, Calico Jack is capable of operating far from port for extended periods, exploring remote regions such as the Banda Sea, Triton Bay and the outer reaches of Raja Ampat. Today she sails as a modern expedition platform while preserving the character of Indonesia’s historic sailing vessels.
Cabins & Comfort
With just five cabins for ten guests, Calico Jack offers one of the most spacious guest-to-boat ratios among Indonesian liveaboards.
Cabin configuration includes:
• 2 convertible cabins (double or twin)
• 2 double cabins for couples
• 1 twin cabin ideal for friends or solo travellers
Each cabin features:
• air conditioning
• ensuite bathroom with hot shower
• charging sockets
• storage space
• natural ventilation and fans
• daily housekeeping
The interior blends traditional Indonesian woodwork with relaxed expedition comfort, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the vessel.
Daily Life Onboard Calico Jack
Life aboard Calico Jack follows the relaxed rhythm of expedition diving. A typical day begins with coffee and a light breakfast before the first dive briefing. After the morning dive, guests return to the vessel for a full breakfast while the boat relocates to the next site.
Afternoons usually include one or two additional dives, surface intervals on deck, and the occasional island excursion or paddle through hidden lagoons.
Evenings are spent reviewing marine life sightings, enjoying a chef-prepared dinner, and watching the sunset over remote island chains.
Food & Dining Onboard
Meals are an important part of life onboard Calico Jack. Our chef prepares a rotating menu of Asian fusion and international cuisine using fresh ingredients sourced locally.
Guests can expect hearty breakfasts after the first dive, relaxed lunches between dives, and three-course dinners served under the stars.
Highlights include:
- fresh seafood, grilled meats, curries and vibrant salads
- signature beach BBQ nights on remote islands
- homemade desserts and rotating daily menus
Meals are served communally, creating a relaxed social atmosphere where stories are shared and friendships form throughout the journey.
Vegetarian, vegan, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice
Meals are an important part of life onboard Calico Jack. Our chef prepares a rotating menu of Asian fusion and international cuisine using fresh ingredients sourced locally.
Guests can expect hearty breakfasts after the first dive, relaxed lunches between dives, and three-course dinners served under the stars.
Highlights include:
• fresh seafood, grilled meats, curries and vibrant salads
• signature beach BBQ nights on remote islands
• homemade desserts and rotating daily menus
Meals are served communally, creating a relaxed social atmosphere where stories are shared and friendships form throughout the journey.
Vegetarian, vegan, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Photography & Camera Facilities
Calico Jack is well suited for underwater photographers.
Facilities include:
- dedicated camera preparation station
- separate rinse tanks for cameras
- large working space on the dive deck
- multiple charging points for camera equipment
Many expeditions attract underwater photographers drawn by the biodiversity of Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, and the Banda Sea.
Exploration Beyond Diving
While diving is the focus of each voyage, Calico Jack expeditions also include opportunities to explore Indonesia’s spectacular island environments. Guests may kayak through limestone lagoons, paddle quiet bays on SUP boards, or visit remote beaches and villages along the route. Occasional beach BBQ evenings and island walks add an extra dimension to the expedition experience.
Upcoming Expeditions
Explore our upcoming voyages aboard Calico Jack and secure your place on one of Indonesia’s most unique dive expeditions.
Raja Ampat to the Spice Islands Dive Expedition
11 nights
Sorong
~35 dives
From $5,300
Triton Bay to Raja Ampat
11 nights
Kaimana
~33 dives
From $5,100
Cenderawasih Bay – Nabire to Manokwari
11 nights
Nabire
~35 dives
From $5,100
Raja Ampat North (Wayag)
8 nights
Sorong
~26 dives
From $3,100
Raja Ampat Full Park
11 nights
Sorong
~35 dives
From $4,365
Calico Jack Sailing Schedule
Sailing year-round across the Indonesian archipelago, from Komodo to Raja Ampat and the remote Spice Islands.
Need help or have questions before booking?
We’re here to help.
Call or Whatsapp: +62 813-3932-5544
Email: calicojackbookings@gmail.com
Guaranteed Departures
Our scheduled expeditions run with very small guest numbers, and most trips confirm well in advance. Once your departure is confirmed you can confidently arrange your flights and travel plans.
Small Guest Groups
Calico Jack carries a maximum of just 10 guests. This allows for relaxed dive operations, small dive groups, and a far more personal onboard experience than larger liveaboards.
Expedition Experience
Our crew has spent years navigating Indonesia’s remote seas, guiding divers across Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, the Banda Sea and other rarely visited regions of the Coral Triangle.
Trusted by Divers Worldwide
Calico Jack Charters is consistently rated among the top liveaboards in Indonesia, with excellent guest reviews and many returning divers joining multiple expeditions.
Prepared for Your Expedition
Before departure you’ll receive a complete trip preparation guide covering travel logistics, packing advice, dive equipment recommendations, and destination information.
Diving on Calico Jack
Calico Jack is first and foremost a serious dive liveaboard, built for guests who want to explore Indonesia’s most remote reefs properly, with the time, space, and expertise to do it right.
Whether you’re logging advanced dives, continuing your training, or simply diving for the love of it, everything onboard is designed around safe, unhurried, high-quality diving.
PADI Dive Courses & Training Onboard
Calico Jack offers a range of PADI-certified dive courses, depending on the trip type:
- Advanced Open Water (AOW)
- Enriched Air / Nitrox
- Private dive guiding
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) for guests trying diving for the first time
Beginner certifications such as Open Water Diver and Bubble Maker (kids) are offered on private Anne Bonny charters, where the itinerary can be fully tailored to the group.
Non-Divers & Mixed Groups
Not everyone onboard needs to dive — and that’s intentional.
Non-divers are welcome on Calico Jack trips and can enjoy:
- Snorkelling in pristine reefs
- Kayaking and paddleboarding in lagoons
- Island visits and cultural stops
- Relaxed time onboard between dives
A dedicated tender follows the dive groups, ensuring safety and flexibility for mixed-experience guests.
Dive Style & Experience
Diving on Calico Jack is intentionally small-scale and well-paced.
- Small dive groups with a maximum 1:5 diver-to-guide ratio
- Two experienced dive guides plus a dedicated dive instructor onboard
- Flexible dive planning based on conditions and guest experience
- Multiple dives per day, with generous surface intervals
Our cruise director is a qualified marine biologist, adding depth and context to every dive — from identifying rare species to explaining reef systems and ocean behaviour.
Where We Dive
Throughout the year, Calico Jack sails through four of Indonesia’s most celebrated dive regions:
- Raja Ampat – unmatched biodiversity, reefs, mantas, and fish life
- Triton Bay – vibrant soft corals and remote exploration
- Banda Sea – pelagic encounters, seamounts, and historic islands
- Cenderawasih Bay – whale sharks, calm dives, and rare species
Most trips are 11 nights / 12 days, allowing access to dive sites that shorter itineraries simply can’t reach.
Expert Dive Leadership
Highly experienced dive guides with decades of exploration across Indonesia’s reefs.
Small Dive Groups
Low guide-to-diver ratios ensure relaxed, well-guided dives and more personal underwater experiences.
Marine Biologist Onboard
Calico Jack expeditions include a marine biologist cruise director sharing insights into the region’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Calico Jack Vessel Specifications
Calico Jack was built for life at sea, exploring remote reefs, navigating Indonesia’s vast archipelagos, and supporting long-range dive expeditions far from port. Here you’ll find the vessel’s technical specifications and onboard facilities that make these journeys possible.
Max Guests:
10
Cabins
5
Length
30m
Beam
7m
Draft
2.5m
Engine
2 x 220 Hp Mitsubishi diesel
Cruising speed
Max 12 Knots
Sail Area
300m2
Tonnage
90 tonnes
Fresh Water Maker Capacity
5000 L/day
Fresh Water Capacity
5000 L
Common Areas & Guest Spaces
Calico Jack is designed to provide relaxed communal spaces where guests can unwind between dives and enjoy Indonesia’s spectacular seascapes.
Facilities include:
• Sun deck with sofas and shaded lounging areas
• Observation deck with sunbeds
• Indoor lounge with bean bags and social seating
• Outdoor dining area
• Bar and BBQ area
• Book library, movies and board games
• Projector screen for evening presentations and dive briefings
• Sound system with Wi-Fi connectivity
These shared spaces create a relaxed expedition atmosphere where guests can gather, share stories and enjoy the journey between dive sites.
Services Onboard
Our crew provides attentive expedition hospitality while ensuring dive operations run smoothly and safely throughout the voyage.
Onboard services include:
• Daily cabin housekeeping
• Freshly prepared meals and snacks throughout the day
• Tea, coffee and soft drinks
• Airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days
• Guided diving and dive briefings
• Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for guest use
With a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, the team is always available to assist with diving, equipment, or guest needs.
Dive Facilities & Equipment
Calico Jack is fully equipped for serious dive expeditions.
Dive infrastructure includes:
• Dedicated dive platform
• Nitrox system
• Dual dive compressors
• Camera preparation station
• Separate rinse tanks for underwater cameras
• Equipment rinse tanks
• Gear drying stations
• Two dive tenders for quick and efficient dive site access
The dive deck is designed to keep equipment organized and entries smooth, even during busy dive schedules.
Toys & Exploration Equipment
Beyond diving, guests can explore Indonesia’s remote coastlines and lagoons.
Available equipment includes:
• Kayaks
• Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)
• Snorkelling gear
• Beach BBQ equipment for island events
These allow guests to explore mangrove channels, hidden lagoons, and remote beaches between dives.
Navigation & Safety
Safety and redundancy are fundamental to Calico Jack’s expedition capability.
Navigation and safety equipment includes:
- Dual Mitsubishi diesel engines
- Two generators for electrical redundancy
- Marine navigation radar and GPS systems
- Satellite communications
- Oxygen systems and full dive safety equipment
- Emergency life rafts and safety gear
- Fire safety and detection systems
These systems allow the vessel to safely operate in remote regions far from port.
Ready to set sail?