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Guest Comments and Testimonials

Over the years, the Pelagian has widely been regarded as one of the premier dive liveaboards in the Southeast Asia / South Pacific region. During this time, it’s earned an unparalleled reputation for quality operations and unique itineraries.


 "I had a wonderful time, muck dives were awesome! The crew, staff, and vessel were all Top Notch."
Clark Bentley
December 2009

 "Loved the trip. Pelagian (5th trip) did not let us down!"
Jennifer Gray
November 2009

 "I don not know what was better between the crew and the diving. First class treatment plus the best corals and reefs, most diverse sea life I have experienced in my 27 years of diving. Food was 5 star and service was 6 star. "
Mary Beth Kelzer
October 2009

 "The crew was perfect and the boat was very comfortable. We had a great time and we enjoy meeting all of you."
Anouch Walicki & Olivier Grinda
October 2009

 "Excellent organization & excellent service. We enjoyed it thoroughly. "
Sofia & Afonso Burnay
October 2009

 "The most beautiful and relaxing cruise / dive trip ever. The crew is extraordinary, the divemasters are terrific. You have achieved that wonderful feeling of care and perfection."
Tia Millman and John Madsen
September 2009

 "Fantastic boat, delicious food and truly outstanding staff and crew. A trip on the Pelagian sets a new standard for all other liveaboards! "
Matthew Radtke
September 2009

 "Simply wonderful! Exceptional service, luxury accommodations and fantastic diving. It is worth every penny. "
Judi Brusett Radtke
September 2009

 "The crew of the Pelagian was the best! Showed us everything we wanted to find and were very professional but fun. "
Scott Cormack
August 2009

 "It was a fantastic journey. People on the boat and the resort were always very friendly and became friends. The Pelagian is a sailing resort with superb diving."
Jeroen Potjes
August 2009

 "Finest liveaboard I have ever been on. The reefs were pristine with lots of reef fish and small animals."
Dan Blake
August 2009

 "I have had a wonderful holiday, everyone on the Pelagian made our trip so special, the dive guides were superb, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I will certainly be recommending the yacht to my dive friends back in Scotland."
Anne Margaret Peck
July 2009

 "Best holiday ever! The staff were really friendly and the diving was amazing! We are hoping to come again very soon."
Katherine Waring
July 2009

 "Everything was very good. The crew has created a great atmosphere on the boat; there is a lot of attention for safety which was good. Everyone was very helpful and we had a great time."
Elza Groenink der Hertog
July 2009

 "The corals were very nice, and I enjoyed the muck critters and the large variety of sea life. The dive masters were very knowledgeable and worked with our needs."
Suzanne Wignall
June 2009

 "Singularly the most spectacular diving experience a diver could desire, from the comfort, food, staff and of course the diving!"
Vallorie Hodges
May 2009

 "An outstanding experience from the moment I landed in Bali and was greeted by a Wakatobi staff member, to the moment I left. The Dive Masters and the entire crew did an exceptional job. Dive briefings were very thorough, the diving was fantastic and the attention to every detail was great!"
David Cutter
May 2009

 "Great boat, great diving, the dive masters are great hosts and the crew are very friendly and helpful. In short: a wonderful experience!"
David Kammann
April 2009

 "The boat is in excellent shape and the crew was knowledgeable, competent and courteous. We had a fantastic time."
Ronald Underhill
April 2009

 "The boatmen & dive guides handled my photo gear with the utmost care. I never had to worry about the cameras. The Pelagian is the finest liveaboard on the seas. Many liveaboards boast Luxury, but only the Pelagian delivers."
Karen Schofield
April 2009

 "This was my second trip to Wakatobi, it exceeded my expectations again, and you have raised the level of dive vacations so high I do not believe I will ever dive in a location around the world that can beat the entire experience."
James Grendell
April 2009

 "This is our third visit; once again, the dive masters treated us to a great time above and below the water. We love every minute and we will be back!"
Barbara Lochrie
March 2009

 "Float into Wonderland!"
Todd Moss
March 2009

 "Superb trip - would definitely return. Everything I want from a liveaboard. Thank you."
Gemma Hollis
December 2008

 "Stunning dive sites, made more enjoyable and interesting by the knowledge of the dive masters.
Food and service were both excellent!"

Jane Heaton
December 2008

 "In years of liveaboard diving this has been our best - by far."
Mike & Diana Garside
December 2008

 "Pelagian - Best Livaboard Ever!
Stunning Diving, Stunning Boat, Superb Staff!"

Bari Pollard
November 2008

 "A great boat, wonderful dive sights, guided by true professionals."
Chris Taylor
November 2008

 "We have done quite a few liveaboards around the world - but Pelagian is the best. Wakatobi has shown us the best reefs and marine life never seen before including 'Wonderpus'.
Thanks"

Andy Walvin
November 2008

 "Probably the best liveaboard in the world."
Judith Walvin
November 2008

 "Fantastic! Great boat, great crew, great food! Tremendous and varied diving experience!"
Ian Jones
November 2008

 "Fantastic.
Very well run operation in all respects. I was on this liveaboard before (Fantasea 2 1995, Pelagian 1999). Layout, systems, etc much, much better now. Dive masters exceptionally good. Crew excellent."

John Michael Brown
November 2008

 "The Pelagian is a great boat with a fantastic crew - truly world class! Dive masters are wonderful as is every member of this incredible team. Thank you for putting them together so we could relax and enjoy such spectacular diving safely and easily. The Pelagian and her crew are the true gems of the world!"
Kandie Vactor
November 2008

 "Excellent diving with best coral I have ever seen. The dive guiding was supportive & knowledgeable without being intrusive. The fun & care on the boat from all the crew made for an all round superb dive trip. Thanks."
Lesley MacPherson
November 2008

 "I have been fortunate enough to have seen many dive locations. Wakatobi and Pelagian may be the best in the world. I'll be back!"
Dennis L. Barber
October 2008

 "Without a doubt the best diving we have ever done. The reefs are the healthiest we have ever seen. Makes it hard to dive anywhere else.

The Pelagian is the best liveaboard in the business! Simply georgeous and the food was devine. I simply cannot say enough good things about the crew. They were so friendly and helpful.

We simply cannot wait to go back and 7 days is NOT ENOUGH!"

Darlene Myers
October 2008

 "The Pelagian is a high class dive operation that takes you to see things you wouldn't imagine, in comfort you will not forget."
David Olson
October 2008

 "I had very high expectations. They were exceeded! - Thank you."
Mel Briscoe
September 2008

 "As a novice with only 21 dives, I was a little apprehensive. But the dive guides were exceptional and attentive! The ship is delightfully casual and the crew all wonderful... The food was outstanding! I would definitely come again. Thank you for a lovely, relaxing trip."
Linda Knutsen
September 2008

 "It just doesn't get better than this - great dives, great food and the very best staff!"
Mary Vandeford
August 2008

 "The absolute best "one stop" dive vacation. From diverse dive sites - walls to muck, critters and corals, to pampered service and great food on board the yacht. Superb!"
Randolph Huiting
August 2008

 "Five star quality on the sea."
Leah Huiting
August 2008

 "The Pelagian is the big fish of liveaboards. 5-star service on a well appointed ship."
Diane Revinskas
August 2008

 "How perfect to have the Pelagian as my first liveaboard experience. I'm certain this will is as good as it gets."
Yvette Marie Roshto
August 2008

 "Pelagian is a top notch operation & the finest liveaboard we have experienced. This is our second trip & we will return. The diving is fabulous, the cruise directors extraordinary and the crew marvelous. It is like a floating "dive heaven". The reefs, fish & nudibranch were all great & we got our wishes fulfilled to see rare & wonderful fish & critters."
Ellen R. Gritz
July 2008

 "First class operation with knowledgeable dive staff and courteous, attentive on-board support team!"
Jesse H. Jones
July 2008

 "An efficient, high quality, dive operation delivering opportunities with confidence."
Geoff Tizard
June 2008

 "A great all round experience. Excellent service, great diving and the most comfortable liveaboard I've been on yet."
David McDougall
June 2008

 "Pelagian is a great liveaboard that will exceed all your expectations."
Beverly Factor
June 2008

 "Diving on the Pelagian is an unforgetable experience! Thanks!"
Darren Green
May 2008

 "The classiest, most stylish liveboard I have ever been on ... a new level of "eat, dive, sleep!""
Victor Nurcombe
May 2008

 "It will be difficult to top this experience. Now we have to decide: to tell everybody because it was so wonderful or not to tell anybody - just to keep this secret. Thanks for wonderful days under water."
Beate Hauteman
April 2008

 "Thanks again for the great services, great dives and great fun time to know all the nice people on this same trip. "
Cheng-Hui Wong
March 2008

 "This was my first liveaboard experience, and I am incredibly pleased to have chosen the Pelagian."
Bob Bailey
March 2008

 "This was my first experience on a live-aboard. It was wonderful! Thanks to all the crew who worked so hard to provide us with a clean, comfortable cabin, delicious meals, and awesome dives. It was a dream come true in every way."
Janet Lamont
March 2008

 "A "must" for the experienced dive traveler."
James Lamont
March 2008

 "Best dive service I ever had. Best boat service I ever had. You made 50 dives possible with the excellent service."
Michael Braunsterin
December 2007

 "I have never dived with an operation so committed to reef preservation and low cultural impact."
Graham Warren
December 2007

 "My new, favorite live-aboard."
David Reubush
December 2007

 "Fantastic, 1st class operation! Thank you. Best Dive + Christmas Vacation... EVER!!!"
Karina Lukmito
December 2007

 "This was our first time on a livaboard. I am pretty sure it can't get better than that! Thanks a lot for that wonderful dive trip!"
Christian Huettinger
December 2007

 "A wonderful 10 days. Incredible sites & weather, loads of fun. Can''t wait to come back."
Jolynee Whitney
November 2007

 "Excellent trip BOTH for divers and snorkelers!"
Diana Gold
November 2007

 "There's nothing like diving on a luxury yacht & visiting untouched, pristine reefs. Saw many creatures never seen before. The much diving was fantastic!"
Gloria Sullivan
November 2007

 "After diving for 16 years all of the Caribbean I finally found paradise in Wakatobi!"
Larry Miller
November 2007

 "Even for snorkeling the reefs and fish life were the best I have seen. I am not sure other sites will be able to live up the views here."
Brenda Miller
November 2007

 "The Pelagian is one of the most comfortable live aboards! The staff goes above beyond to accommodate any request + the diving is excellent! From schools of Bumphead parrots to Pygmy Seahorses it's all there!"
Margaret Mays
November 2007

 "This has been a top rate trip in all respects. Other live-aboards have a huge pair of shoes to fill in order to compare."
William C. Hester
October 2007

 "You were created to be a blessing, anything else would be a lie!"
Betty Martin
October 2007

 "I keep coming back for the third time, found the remodeling of the boat even better. Dives are well planned and most enjoyable."
Ryan Chan Yue Wah
September 2007

 "We have been diving for 40 years; this was our 32nd liveaboard trip and it ranks among the top 5!"
Doris & Bob Schaffer
September 2007

 "The Pelagian staff & crew made the trip the easiest & most comfortable liveaboard we have been on. Congratulations."
Katy Tapling
September 2007

 "I just returned from my trip to Bali and Wakatobi and the Pelagian. I really had a brilliant time on both the resort and the boat. I just can't get over how fantastic it was. People were so nice and the food and everything was just so great. I can't believe that all of that is running like that in the middle of "nowhere". I am impressed."
Janice Nigro
September 2007

 "Best Dive Boat in Indonesia. Loved being pampered."
Theresa Detchmendy
August 2007

 "The boat was wonderful, but even more wonderful were the crew. Very personable, gracious and most importantly fun! :) This was a trip to remember! Thank you!"
Maybritt Healing
August 2007

 "Our dive shop chartered the whole boat and tour trip could not have been and better! Both dive operation and the hotel operation were simply outstanding. All of our requests were addressed promptly, efficiently, and with a smile. The accommodations were luxurious, the food fir for a gourmand and the diving spectacular. Indonesia should be on every diver's "must dive" list, and the Pelagian is a first class way to do it!!"
John M. Damas
April 2007

 "The Pelagian crew - thank you all so much for a fabulous trip! We will never forget the sites we saw, the critters found, the humor and fun had by all - how many diver trips can boast about pursuing giant nudibranchs, nano pygmy sea horses and jaguar sharks! Hope to cruise and dive with you again soon."
Janice Wenning
November 2006

 "Beautiful dives, wonderfully odd creatures, flat seas, and a superb crew. Many thanks to the whole crew for such excellent guidance and good humor! We hope you will always maintain your enthusiasm for the seas. Till later. Long live the jaguar sharks!"
Deb Meyers & Karen Edwards
November 2006

 "Pelagian was a terrific experience. Great diving, wonderful dive guides, good food and dolphins at dawn. Could not have asked for more!"
Phil Chetwynd
October 2006

 "This is our fourth trip to Wakatobi and our first with Pelagian. We had on unusually wonderful time. Not only was the diving spectacular, it was thrilling and challenging as well. The service from you as well as the boat crew and staff was impeccable. The "exploratory" diving was a once in a life time opportunity. Thank you for making our vacation a truly special one."
Marie Owens & Richard Swinney
October 2006

 "This boat is run like a well oiled machine. I have done dozens of liveaboards all over the world and this is the best in terms of service, atmosphere, quality and experience"
Leah Shermis
September 2006

 "There are a lot of reefs to explore and with the Pelagian you have an excellent opportunity to explore them. Combine the "known" dive sites with the ones to explore. We did that once and we were very excited about it! You should consider to talk about the planned trip and the preferences of the divers and make alterations possible (if possible)."
Marcel Uijen
December 2005

 "I honestly am not sure all the trouble was worth it ;-) We only spent an hour in the water with three minke whales; watched 100+/- dolphin on the hunt; dove with turtles, cuttlefish, stingrays, morays, banded sea snakes...not to mention all the little critters muck diving. I took two 1 GB cards for the camera, laptop and a dozen CDs and used them all.
I can't say enough good things about Capt. Peter Manz and his whole crew from top to bottom. Our diving holiday was their priority and they did everything to see that all of us had a great time. "

David Pfeffer
November 2005

 "Captain and Crew were knowledgeable of all dive sites. Exploratory dives were interesting and exciting, especially in Buton. E6 processing would have been nice."
Sherry Thibert
November 2005

 "The crew of the Pelagian is excellent. The reefs around Wakatobi are pristine. The reefs around other areas were mundane. I was surprised at the lack of pelagics. Fished out?? Over all you did a good job."
Bill Ehler
November 2005

 "The Buton Island part of the dive itinerary was the best diving, followed by the housereef. Would have liked to spend more dive time around the house reef. Diving so many walls became a bit boring, although the walls were pristine and very beautiful. There were many fish and coral life. I would not hesitate to recommend this as a dive destination - especially the resort - the boat crew were great."
Alan Markis
November 2005

 "It's very good. I'm interested to know your 2007 itinerary to charter a whole boat. Thanks a lot."
Ivan Salazar Gonzalez
November 2005

 "Terrific diving, saw many unusual critters, healthy reefs … coral & growth. The boat was most the comfortable we're been on food was terrific, crew was excellent, cabin large & very clam. This is best live aboard we've been on and we weren't made to feel the crew wanted this to the contrary. We actually were made to feel that they were sad to see us leave & they made comments like we would be missed & they wanted us to stay. Marvellous trip!"
JoAnn Kobus
November 2005

 "Superb trips 2 things I would have liked. 1. All Guests could eat together, as we were split up. 2. Have more than 2 days murex diving. It wasn't enough and we really wanted more. But superb trip. Thanks"
Hilary Hickmott
November 2005

 "Good Boat, Good Crew, Good Diving."
John Duggan
November 2005

 "The house reef is amazing. Diving was great all over."
Archie Haugen
November 2005

 "Wakatobi - the dive destination where all you underwater dreams come true!"
Sophie Wimberly
October 2005

 "We've seen fantastic dive spots on the trip. But operating the boat out of Bali would ease travelling and I would appreciate also to see the boat on trips to komodo/Raja Empat again."
Juergen Steinhauer
October 2005

 "Sofie was excellent and tried very hard to see guests were having fun. Also the kitchen girls always were helpful."
Audrene Karst
October 2005

 "Excellent diving all week. Meeting our flight in Bali & expediting our way thru to our hotel was terrific, very much appreciated and helpful."
Wendy Zerngast
October 2005

 "Believe it. Excellent operation, staff from top to bottom. Photo ops. excellent. Enjoyed the 3 Minke Whales we snorkelled with (2 adults and I calf) Thanks"
Dennis Pfeffer
October 2005

 "Staff aboard the Pelagian was top notch and would not hesitate to dive with them again. Wendy from the resort was also a pleasure to work with as she took good care of us while at the resort waiting to board to Pelagian."
Derik Pfeffer
October 2005

 "Best boat one could ever be on."
Marilyn Puschinsky
September 2005

 "Pelagian is a gracious vessel, run by an excellent crew with quality food and service. I have dived many live boards (but not all!!) but Pelagian is the benchmark by which I judge all other live boards. She provides a combination to which all other live boards should aspire "
Peter Rowlands
September 2005

 "Best boat in the business"
Robert Puschinsky
September 2005

 "The boat is very well set up for diving; the crew was excellent and always cheerful and obviously eager to make our trip a success. Everything was set up to maximise the diving experience. "
Linda Ianniello
September 2005

 "Overall, a very fantastic trip and I feel that there is very little room for improvement. However, I do have a few suggestions: The arrival briefings should include an introduction of the crew. The crew should be invited to dine with the guests. This will improve the atmosphere of the ship"
Blaine Trainor
September 2005