A truly unforgettable journey is shaped not just by the destination, but by the people who guide you there. At Hello Flores, we also building meaningful connections with local communities and our exceptional crews. We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Audrey, the energetic and lovely Cruise Director of the Jakare liveaboard.
Imagine being eight years old, submerged beneath the waves with a heavy air tank strapped to your back, and absolutely hating every single second of it. You would never guess this reluctant child would one day trade the quiet forests of northern France for the untamed nature of Komodo National Park.
For a young girl growing up on the French coast, the water was meant for splashing around and chasing octopuses, not technical scuba diving. Yet today, that exact same girl is the energetic Cruise Director of the Jakare liveaboard. She waking up every morning to navigate Indonesia’s wild, sweeping tides.
How did a childhood dislike transform into a profound, lifelong devotion to the sea? For Audrey, the ocean became her ultimate teacher.
“It teaches you the true meaning of humility; in front of its vastness, you control nothing, you simply learn to listen,” she notes. “My parents raised me with a deep respect for the ocean and wildlife.”
A Passion Born in the Water
Audrey spent her early childhood in Picardy, a historical region in the north of France characterized by dense woodlands and surrounded by horses, deer, and wild boars. It was a far cry from the tropical marine environments she commands today.
However, summer trips to her grandparents’ home down south, right by the Spanish border, introduced her to the Mediterranean Sea, specifically the coastal waters of Banyuls. This was the birthplace of her diving journey, where she first looked beneath the surface.
While she initially resisted technical scuba diving, preferring the simple freedom of fishing, spearfishing, and hunting for octopuses in the shallows, the sport eventually became a family affair. When her sister began living and breathing diving, it transformed into a shared passion that connected the family. From the age of eight to eighteen, Audrey spent nearly all her free time in the water.
Exploration was simply woven into her DNA. Both of her parents were born in Africa and possessed rich Asian roots. To them, discovering the world was an absolute duty, and exploring the depths of the ocean was non-negotiable. Soon enough, Audrey found that being submerged in the water felt like her personal form of meditation, a weightless space of total peace.
First Time Visit Indonesia
When she arrived in Indonesia in 2015 to become a divemaster, she fell completely in love with the archipelago, its welcoming people, and the rich marine biodiversity that makes an Indonesia liveaboard experience so legendary. She returned to finish her formal schooling, but her heart remained behind.
As soon as she graduated, she headed straight back to complete her Instructor Development Course (IDC), and it was love at first sight when she finally discovered the sheer scale of Komodo National Park.
24 Hour Decision
Her journey into the professional diving world came down to a single, high-stakes week in November 2017. Audrey was facing a massive dilemma: accept a comfortable sponsorship on an island she loved in Australia, or dive headfirst into the intense Indonesian dive industry.
She flew to Labuan Bajo for a brief holiday, where her best mate offered her a job on the spot, giving her just 24 hours to decide. To help her choose, they took her out on the water immediately.
“That very same day, they took me for a taste of world-class Komodo diving at Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, and The Cauldron. Oh my god, I had never felt so alive,” she says.
She vividly remembers that the currents were intense, the adrenaline was through the roof, and the atmosphere on the boat was incredible. The crew was amazing! Audrey felt they were family to her right of way, and one of them later become her crew aboard Jakare.
The Pandemic Transition
When the global pandemic hit the tourism world, it brought the industry to a standstill and forced Audrey to reflect deeply on her next step. She knew she wanted a new challenge that broke away from rigid daily routines.
She wanted a vessel where every day was completely unpredictable, a ship that allowed her to explore deeper and offer travelers a truly bespoke experience. Most importantly, she was searching for a specific kind of boat: elegant, understated, and genuinely loved and meticulously cared for by its owners.
Finding the Princess: Joining Jakare
Word travels fast within the tight-knit Indonesian maritime community. She secured an interview with the owners of a beautiful phinisi, and she never looked back. She had found her “princess”.
On December 1st, 2020, she stepped aboard the Jakare liveaboard for her very first commercial charter, marking the true beginning of her chapter as an elite Cruise Director. It was the perfect match for her style, combining rugged exploration capabilities with an elegant, traditional design that stands out in any Indonesian boat charter fleet.
Now in her sixth year on the vessel, she reflects on the unique, rolling rhythm of living and sailing on Jakare: “Time goes in cycles here, which is amazing,” she notes. “Sometimes it feels like I’ve only been with them for two years, and other times it feels like ten!”
The Family Spirit at Sea
For Audrey, the most rewarding element of her longevity on the boat is the deep, unbreakable relationships she has forged along the way. “My crew members are much more than just colleagues; they are family,” Audrey explains.
“We support each other, look out for one another, and stand by each other no matter what,” she was quite proud with what they are passing through together. This sense of mutual protection is vital when navigating remote waters.
Furthermore, she values the professional relationship she has developed with the boat owners, which is firmly grounded in mutual trust, flexibility, and a shared vision for hospitality.
Beyond the physical boundaries of the Jakare liveaboard, Audrey has integrated deeply with the local communities of East Nusa Tenggara. She has built strong bonds with local fishermen, coastal villagers, and the extended families of her crew.
“They have accepted me, adapted to me, and taught me so much about their culture, traditions, and deep-seated beliefs,” she shares. “They are truly the most generous people I have ever met, offering a beautiful, community-focused contrast to our more independent Western mindset.”
The Magic of Komodo
For Audrey, the rewards of the job are found in the profound, quiet moments underwater. It is like the eye of a passing manta ray or thousands of tiny fish dancing on the reef in the early morning light. She describes Komodo today as a wild, athletic, and beautifully unpredictable paradise.
Her advice for travelers booking a Komodo tour to experience this magic is simple: slow down, trust experienced guides, and respect the marine environment. She reminds guests to pack binoculars for wildlife as water temperatures can drop suddenly by 5°C. No matter how tough the job gets, the ocean always calls her back.
Audrey Secret ‘Ritual’ to Maintain Positive Energy
Being a Cruise Director might look like a non-stop holiday, but managing a top-tier Komodo liveaboard requires immense energy and emotional intelligence. Especially when you are facing unpredictable region with changing weather. For Audrey, the secret to maintaining her positive spirit while running the Jakare liveaboard is a strict dawn ritual.
“My alarm goes off at 5:00 AM, and the magic begins,” she explains. “I brew a massive cup of coffee, put on some beautiful, calming music, grab my yoga mat, and head straight to the top deck.”
Under the open morning sky, she practices meditation, yoga, and stretching. While she admits she used to have too much chaotic energy to sit still, the practice has become her anchor.
“Today? It’s my absolute lifesaver. Those deep breathing exercises fill my soul and make me profoundly aware of just how incredibly lucky I am to be here,” she says.
To keep her batteries charged during long charters, she takes rapid power naps. Then, she releases stale energy between trips by running and hitting boxing bags. She also stays grounded by constantly calling her close-knit family and friends back in France.
“People always ask me: ‘Why on earth do you live all the way in Indonesia if your circle in France is so amazing?’ The truth is, I need both worlds to strike my perfect, beautiful balance,” she shares.
When she does catch a quiet moment, she fills it by devouring books, painting, writing, and practicing the ukulele. “For me, staying active, creating, and connecting isn’t just a routine, it is pure, unfiltered happiness,” she says.
Experience the Magic Aboard Jakare
Are you ready to step away from the routine, dive into the extraordinary, and experience the wild beauty of Komodo National Park alongside Audrey and her dedicated crew? Whether you are looking for the ultimate Komodo boat charter or an unforgettable adventure of island-hopping Indonesia. Sailing Indonesia has never been more captivating.
At Hello Flores, we believe the best way to experience Komodo isn’t just through destinations, but through the people who dedicate to these waters. Book your unforgettable Jakare liveaboard journey with Hello Flores today and let the magic of the ocean redefine your world.
FAQ
1. Is Komodo Island closed in 2026?
No, Komodo Island is not closing in 2026. However, starting in April 2026, the government is implementing a daily quota of 1,000 visitors across the park to protect the ecosystem. Visitors must now book their entry permits and time slots in advance through the official SiOra application.
2. Is the Komodo tour worth it?
Absolutely. A Komodo tour offers a world-class adventure featuring legendary Komodo dragons, pink sand beaches, and breathtaking marine life. As Cruise Director Audrey notes, it is a deeply athletic, challenging, and utterly wild paradise that provides an unforgettable experience.
3. How many days do I need in Komodo Island?
A 3 to 4-day liveaboard trip is highly recommended to experience Komodo National Park without rushing. This timeframe gives you enough flexibility to hike iconic viewpoints, track dragons, and explore world-class diving sites. Having extra days also allows you to adjust your plans based on the park’s dynamic tides and weather.
4. Which is better Komodo or Lombok?
It depends entirely on the type of adventure you are seeking. Komodo is the ultimate destination for liveaboard sailing, world-class scuba diving, and rare wildlife encounters like manta rays. On the other hand, Lombok is better suited for land-based explorations, extensive beach hopping, and multi-day volcano trekking.
5. Which month to go to Komodo Island?
Komodo is a beautiful year-round destination that changes dramatically across two distinct seasons. The dry season (May to October) is the most popular, offering sun-drenched savanna landscapes with crystal-clear waters in the north. Alternatively, the wet season (November-April) transforms the islands into a green paradise with stunning underwater visibility in the south.
