About Tiger Blue

Our Story

A family-run phinisi, handcrafted in Sulawesi and sailing the remote islands of the Indonesian archipelago.

A FAMILY LEGACY

A Story of Sea, People and Place

Tiger Blue was commissioned in 2007 by her founding family and designed with families and groups of friends in mind. Built in Bira, Sulawesi, in 2008, she has welcomed guests since 2009 and is still family-run, now managed by the second generation.

A 34-metre traditional phinisi with five en-suite cabins for 10 guests, she crosses between Komodo and Raja Ampat twice a year as the seasons change.

Guests resting on a hilltop above Komodo's bays at sunset

WHY TIGER BLUE

A True Sense of Place. A Journey of Your Own

Remote Indonesia

Explore untouched islands, vibrant reefs and remote corners of Indonesia.

Indonesian Heritage

A traditional timber phinisi, shaped by generations of Indonesian boatbuilding.

An Experienced Indonesian Crew

Deep local knowledge and warm hospitality on every journey.

Travel Your Way

You choose the pace and the activities, and our team take care of the rest.

THE PHINISI

A Traditional Phinisi, Made for Adventure

Handcrafted from ironwood and teak using traditional Indonesian boatbuilding techniques, Tiger Blue retains the charm and character of an authentic phinisi. Thoughtful renovations, most recently in 2025–2026, have enhanced her comfort and safety while preserving her heritage.

Beautifully restored teak decks, elegant new outdoor furnishings and fully refurbished en-suite cabins bring a fresh level of comfort and sophistication to Tiger Blue. A completely upgraded kitchen completes the transformation, blending modern comforts with her timeless Indonesian charm.

Tiger Blue at anchor in a sheltered bay below forested mountains, seen from a drone
Guest reads on the cushioned bow lounger of Tiger Blue while sailing past Komodo islands
Two guests relax on the teak bow of Tiger Blue at sunset, with forested islands ahead
The Tiger Blue crew cheering on a beach with the boat behind

OUR CREW

The People Behind Tiger Blue

At the heart of Tiger Blue is our wonderful Indonesian crew of 12, many of whom have been part of the Tiger Blue family for over a decade. More than just a team, they are a close-knit family who share a genuine love for the boat, the sea and the islands they call home.

From finding hidden anchorages and sharing their favourite dive spots to making guests feel completely at home, each brings their own personality, experience and warmth to life on board. Together with Kathryn and Arthur, who run and operate Tiger Blue, it’s their laughter, dedication and genuine care that make every journey feel so personal and memorable.

THE TIGER BLUE WAY

Designed for Time Together

Families and friends have been at the heart of Tiger Blue from the start. Her founding family still sail on her every year, and she welcomes divers and snorkellers, children, and anyone happiest on deck with a good book.

With two tenders, some can dive while others snorkel, kayak or head for the beach. Then everyone comes back together: long lunches at the big table, sunset drinks on deck, and a barbecue or bonfire on the beach under the stars.

Guests and dive crew in the tender after a dive
Two guests with drinks on the beach at sunset, with Tiger Blue at anchor behind them
Two guests smiling in clear shallow water, holding shells they have found
Guest being towed on an inflatable ring behind the tender

Indonesian Archipelago

Far From the Ordinary

Sail through remote islands, pristine reefs and some of the Indonesian archipelago’s most dramatic landscapes.

View from Padar Island over the curved bays of Komodo National Park
Komodo dragon lying in the dry grass in Komodo National Park
School of fish swirling through a sunlit reef
Guests posing with traditional dancers on a village visit
Green sea turtle swimming towards the sunlit surface
Papuan villagers in traditional body paint in the rainforest
Blacktip reef sharks and trevally cruise over white sand in shallow turquoise water, Raja Ampat
Guests hiking a Komodo hillside at golden hour
Scuba diver looks out from under a reef overhang hung with pink and orange soft corals
White-sand bay and turquoise water in Komodo National Park
Clownfish nestled in a sea anemone
Turquoise lagoon beneath forested limestone cliffs, seen from above

PRIVATE CHARTER OR BY THE CABIN

Your Indonesian Adventure Starts Here

Tell us who is travelling and when, and we will suggest a route.