For divers wanting to explore beyond the reach of a resort stay, Wakatobi’s dive yacht Pelagian offers an exceptional liveaboard experience in some of Indonesia’s most remote waters.
Week long cruises venture across the Wakatobi Regency and into the Banda Sea, visiting offshore reefs, dramatic pinnacles, coral atolls and sheer walls, along with the famed muck diving sites of Pasarwajo Bay on Buton Island. As with everything Wakatobi does, the experience blends serious diving with relaxed luxury and impeccable service.
Life On Board
With a maximum of ten guests supported by a twelve person crew, Pelagian delivers a level of personal attention rarely found at sea. The crew handles all dive logistics, from equipment setup to in water support, allowing guests to focus entirely on the diving.
Knowledgeable guides are experts at spotting the region’s unique marine life, while post dive comforts include hot towels, refreshments and seamless preparation for the next immersion. Between dives, guests enjoy restaurant quality cuisine inspired by local flavours alongside international favourites, with all dietary preferences catered for.
Diving Highlights
Pelagian’s itineraries cover a diverse range of sites within Wakatobi National Park, including fish rich pinnacles near Hoga and expansive reefs at Karang Kaledupa and Karang Kapota. Many guests cite Pasarwajo Bay as a standout, with world class muck diving at sites such as Asphalt Pier and Cheeky Beach.
Magic Pier is another highlight, renowned for its dusk dives where hundreds of mandarinfish gather to perform their colourful courtship displays, a spectacle that leaves even experienced divers in awe.
Three Mandarinfish frolic in front of the camera at Magic Pier. Photo by Walt Stearns.
A Yacht With History
Built in Norway in 1965 to Lloyd’s standards, Pelagian began life as a robust military vessel before evolving into an upscale dive yacht. After exploring destinations including the Red Sea, Seychelles and the South Pacific, the yacht was acquired by Wakatobi in 2005 and extensively upgraded to meet the resort’s high standards.
Refits included new engines, redesigned public spaces and upgraded cabins, resulting in a vessel that combines proven seaworthiness with refined comfort.
From 2027, Pelagian will offer an even more exclusive experience, welcoming just six guests per voyage and further enhancing its personalised service and sense of privacy.
For divers seeking access to remote sites without compromising on comfort or quality, Pelagian delivers a truly elevated liveaboard experience.
To learn more about the Pelagian for your next visit to Wakatobi contact the team at office@wakatobi.com or enquire >here.
