ABOUT CORALIA
Coralia is a liveaboard that is committed to creating sustainable and unforgettable human-nature experiences, while conserving the oceans we cruise in and developing the local communities we work with.
As a classic Phinisi it was built in Bira, Sulawesi by the Konjo tribe, who have been building cargo ships for centuries. Blending ancient techniques and wisdom with modern design and safety features, Coralia is one of the few Phinisi equipped with two engines.
Coralia’s name comes from the word ‘coral’ and the Latin ending of ‘-ia’, so ‘Coral-ia‘ means ‘Nation of Corals’.
ABOUT US
Coralia is a project by Papua Explorers, who are renowned for exceptional service, quality and commitment to protecting the nature while developing local communities in Raja Ampat.
Accordingly, we use reef friendly laundry detergent and bathroom amenities, biodegradable garbage bags, avoid the usage of single-use plastic, and make a point of employing and training locals on as many jobs as possible. We collaborate closely with the foundation Raja Ampat SEA Centre, which was initiated by our Papua Explorers Resort.
OUR CRUISE DIRECTOR TEAM
Matthias and Fernanda & Jerry and Debbie
Our fabulous team of experienced Cruise Directors has excellent knowledge of sailing Indonesian waters. Their knowledge and experience of these areas are fundamental to our ability to treat our guests to the best dive spots Indonesia has to offer. Our Cruise Directors’ passion for being underwater crosses over into an extra awareness about marine conservation. Between them all they have many years’ experiences in service and hospitality ensuring you enjoy five-star service offered on board.
Cruise Director Matthias is a Swedish dive professional, photographer, and filmmaker with over ten years of experience working in Southeast Asia. He has worked as a scuba instructor, videographer, cruise director, and boat manager on high-end liveaboards all over Indonesia, plus seasons in Thailand and Malaysia. His videos have won several awards, showing the beauty of the underwater world and the nature above. Matthias loves sharing his passion for the ocean, wildlife and remote places to help others learn about and care for the natural world.
Cruise Director Fernanda was born in São Paulo, Brazil, but grew up in the countryside, surrounded by mountains and rivers. The sea was far away from her, but every time she entered water, it felt like home. After years of living, studying, and working abroad, she finally had the chance to live by the ocean. Her career gradually shifted until she found herself in Komodo, completing her Divemaster training, a decision that changed her life forever. She went on to work across Indonesia, joining Matthias on a liveaboard before eventually becoming part of Coralia.
Cruise Director Jerry, born in Mexico, has been working in the dive industry since 1995. He grew up in Cancun, making his first dive at the age of 10 and he has been diving ever since. The Red Sea, Mallorca, Indonesia and Thailand have all been home for Jerry, since he became a dive instructor. According to Jerry, diving from a liveaboard is the best way to experience remote areas in luxurious comfort – with the ‘house reef’ changing every day as the boat moves to the next exciting destination.
Cruise Director Debbie, hails from England, close to the university city of Oxford. She has always loved the ocean and many family holidays were spent by the sea. In 2000, she began her world wanderings with a two year trip to Australia and New Zealand. She became a divemaster in Thailand, during which time she became passionate about liveaboard life. Jerry and Debbie are both accomplished photographers who enjoy so much capturing the underwater world.