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
BEAT & DESI AND JERRY & 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 Beat grew up in Aarau, Switzerland, and blew his first bubbles at the age of 11 in Fuerteventura. He continued to dive in Egypt on holidays and in Switzerland on a weekly basis. While managing a hospitality business, Beat completed his professional training in various Swiss lakes, mostly diving in dry suits. Travelling around South-East Asia and looking for warmer waters, he started working as a dive instructor in East Timor before moving to the Maldives and later to Indonesia.
Cruise Director Desi was also born in Aarau, and it was Beat who introduced her to the fascinating underwater world of Lake Lucerne. Desi worked as a language specialist and digital marketing manager before launching her professional diving career in Egypt. She assisted in diver training in Switzerland and then headed off to much preferred tropical waters. Desi worked alongside Beat in East Timor and the Maldives before joining Coralia and Papua Explorers.
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.