Indonesia Yacht Charter: a travel back in the time of spice trade

A Indonesia Yacht Charter is different from Yacht Charters anywhere else in the world. Not only does the Indonesian Archipelago with its more than 17,500 islands boats a beauty and diversity that can not be found anywhere else in the world, also the Yachts used to explore this stunning Islands are different from anywhere else. The great age of sail, which ended in the West in the early twentieth century, never quite ended in Indonesia and traditional wooden Yachts, the Phinisi Schooners, still cruise Indonesian waters – nowadays outfitted with modern safety and comfort facilities.

Traditional 2-masted wooden Schooner in Indonesia are called Phinisi Yachts and are modeled according to the design of the vessels that transported spices from the islands known as the “East Indies”. Indonesian Yachts have sailed around the Indian Ocean and beyond for centuries and nowadays offer a holiday like no other. Exploring Indonesia on a Phinisi Yacht is like a travel back in time: a return to classical sailing, giving one a feeling of real adventure and discovery.

Watch this video for a impression of a Yacht Charter in Indonesia.

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Why Charter with Barefoot Yachts?

Authentic​​

In today’s era of mass tourism bulk-produced holiday packages, cruising on a traditional schooner offers a greatly contrasting experience.

Service

We are experts in our area of operation and we are more than happy to help you with organising any other services you may require around your cruising experience with us.

Fleet

We work in close partnership with a limited number of handpicked vessels. We offer flexibility to cover a wide variety of routes while catering different budgets and cruise styles.

Price

Offering unique routes and packages, you will receive the best possible rate. We are up to date with special offers – meaning we can pass on the best deals for you!

Giving Back​

The Indonesian Ocean, source of our energy, life and income, is precious to us. We regularly support various Marine Conservation Projects and NGOs.

Why Charter with Barefoot Yachts?

Experience

Service

Yachts

Price

Care

Private Boat Charters in Indonesia

A private boat charter in Indonesia offers a escapes for families and groups beyond reach of a common holiday. Private Cruises are available throughout the diverse Indonesian Archipelago including destinations such as Komodo , Sumbawa, Raja Ampat, West Papua and the Moluccas. Indonesia is the world’s largest island country with more than 17,000 islands boasting vast areas of wilderness supporting high level of biodiversity. Our yacht charter destinations goes to everywhere from Bali to Lombok and Gili Islands, Moyo Island and Sumbawa, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Komodo National Park to Sulawesi, Moluccas and Banda Sea and all the way to Raja Ampat and West Papua.

Our customized charters are suitable for Adults and Children alike and each charter will be tailored according to your interests.

adventure boat charter

Booking Process of a Yacht in Indonesia

Step 1: Inquire With us For Your Boat Charter

Inquire now with Barefoot Yachts Indonesia for your Private Boat Charter. To get the  outcome, best to tell us a little bit about yourself and your family or friends. Most interesting is if you have and dates in mind already, if you have been to Indonesia before, what is your overall holiday plan in Indonesia and what are your expectations and interests. Also please let us know if your charter should have a specific focus, such as Scuba Diving, Freediving, Snorkelling, Surfing, Land sites or simply a blend of different activities. Please let us know in case you have guests with special needs, like elderly people or young kids, in your group. Giving all these details gives us the chance to understand your situation and come up with the best option for your holiday.

Step 2: Evaluate The Options

Once started to do some research about Boats in Indonesia you will see that there is a “jungle” of routes, destinations and Yachts available – We are experts with years of charter experience and and will give you unbiased advice for your charter. We work closely with a selected range of Yachts in Indonesia – each with own features and specialities. We believe the Yachts listed on our website w offer the best value and service to you. We might offer you different options in terms of routes and Yachts for your evaluation – guaranteed always for the for the best price. 

Step 3: Confirm and pay

Once settled on a Yacht, route and dates, we will send you transparent proforma invoice along with all details and Terms & Conditions. Usually a deposit payment of 20-50% is due to confirm your booking (Balance 30-90 Days before departure), depending on the timeframe and Yacht. We accept Euros, USD and IDR, Credit Card Payment is available on request.

Step 4: Plan Details of your Yachting Adventure

Once your charter is confirmed, time to book domestic flights and arrange details such as hotel stays before or after your cruise – we are happy to assist you and  give recommendations. When the time of your charter gets closer we will also collect passport details (for the harbour clearance), food restrictions/preferences and diving & Snorkelling equipment sizes. In the time we can also fine-tune your Yacht Charter in terms of itinerary and additional services.

Step 5: Embark

Embark for your private boat trip in Indonesia. We are available via phone/email/whatsapp for assistace if needed.

Step 6: Take Home Photos & Memories and plot your Next Charter with us

Time to return home and take memories and photos. Of course, we are excited to hear about your trip.Having booked with us before, we are familiar with each other and looking forward to planning your next trip. We offer additional benefits or discounts to our repeat guests – Indonesia is very large and diverse and offers a variety of amazing areas and  routes – certainly a destination to return to and many of our guests do so every year.

lambo dive and cruise

Pricing Guidelines for Yachts in Indonesia

Adventure Yachts

1,000-2,000US$ per night
  • Size: 16-30m
  • Private cabins, shared bathroom
  • Design: traditional wooden yacht with western facilities and wooden interior
  • Watersports: partially equipped for diving and Watersports
  • 3-6 Crew (Guest:Crew Ratio 2:1)
  • Service: supportive and friendly crew, home cooked Indonesian meals
  • Experience: Authentic Adventure Holiday
  • Western standard safety and emergency equipment

Comfort Yachts

2,000 -4,000 US$ per night
  • Size: 26-35m
  • Comfortable private cabins with AC and private bathroom hot water
  • Design: Ample storage spaces, lounge areas, western facilities and selected interior
  • Watersports: Fully equipped for diving and watersports
  • 6-12 Crew (Guest:Crew Ration 1:1)
  • Service: Dedicated and service trained crew, western and Indonesian cuisine
  • Experience: Exploring Indonesian islands in style and comfort
  • Western standard safety and emergency equipment
Popular

Luxury Yachts

4,000-12,000US$ per night
  • Size: 30-50m
  • Spacious luxury cabins with AC, private batrooms and high attention to design and detail
  • Design: High attention to details and design of interior and facilities
  • Watersports: Fully equipped for diving and broad selection of additional watersports activities
  • 10 -25 Crew (Guest:Crew Ration 1:3)
  • Service: several attentive and dedicated service staff in all areas of operation
  • Experience: An unparalleled customizable luxury Escape
  • Western standard safety and emergency equipment
boat cruise bali

Private Yachting FAQ - General QuestionS

Whats Means Chartering A private Boat in Indonesia?

Chartering a private boat in Indonesia means you rent the vessel, including crew and all facilities  for your personalized leisure experience with friends or family. Depending on the area a normal charter duration is 4-11 Nights. We also provide yacht charters for a weddings, bachelor/hens parties, private company events, product launches or photo shoots.

Why charter a PrivAte Yacht?

Chartering a private Yacht gives you the greatest privacy, freedom and flexibility for your boat cruise in Indonesia. It’s just going to be you, your friends or family on the boat hence the route itinerary, as well as the daily scheduled activities, can be tailored to your needs and preferences.

A Private Yacht Charter in Indonesia means ultimate freedom and privacy during your cruise experience. You can choose your cruise destination, route as well as the activities according to your personal preferences and style.

 

What activities are possible?

Activities on a boat trip Indonesia may include Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Wakeboarding, Yoga, Freediving, Sea Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Fishing, Bird Watching, and Beach Bonfires.

What is included and excluded

Included services

  • All Accommodation
  • Towels and general toiletries
  • Coffee, tea and drinking water
  • Food and Snacks
  • Airport/Hotel transfers
  • Watersports & Snorkeling equipment
  • Tanks/weight/Divemasters

Excluded services

  • Diving Equipment Rental
  • Harbour & National Park Fees
  • Travel and Diving Insurance
  • Alcohol and Soft Drinks
  • Crew Gratitude
  • International and domestic flights
  • Hotel stays before or after your charter

Please note, each yacht is different and we will send exact inclusion and exclusion prior booking.

Whats is the best Season?

We have chosen this country not only for the broad range of adventures, beautiful boats and ocean sites it offers but also the great weather conditions that are typical for the Indonesian archipelago.  The Charter season in Indonesia is all year-round, only the destinations vary depending on the time of the year. As guideline the best time to visit Komodo and the Sunda Islands in Central Indonesia is April to November. Best time in Raja Ampat in East Indonesia is considered November to April. Indonesia has many micro-cliates and the best season also depends on the activities you like to do during your Charter. All our Yachts schedules are adjusted according to seasons and we will offer charter dates having the seasons in mind.

How about children on Board?

We welcome families with children of all ages on our private Cruises. Most crews are quite used to having children onboard and will be of great help to you. See here for more Tips and tricks for parents cruising with kids children. For more information or if you would like to chat about your specific needs, please contact us. If bringing very young children, cruise destination and boat will be chosen accordingly. From the age of 10 might years, you might also consider a Junior Scuba Diving Course when on board.

splendour yacht

Private Boat FAQ - Planning Your Cruise

Where does the Boat depart?

Most of our guests Cruising Indonesia start their trip from International Airports in Denpasar, Bali or Jakarta. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Labuan Bajo for Komodo, Sorong (via Jakarta or Makassar) for Raja Ampat or Makassar for Sulawesi. For Bali Cruise departures, you can reach Serangan harbour via local transportation. For getting to the Gili Islands in Lombok, take a fastboat transfer from Bali, Serangan or Padang Bai including pick up from your hotel.

Do I need Visa?

All Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of departure from Indonesia. . Many countries will receive a free 30-day non-extendable visa upon arrival to Indonesia (Jakarta/Bali). If, however, your country is not included on this list, then arrival to Indonesia costs $35 for a one time renewable tourist visa; best to check this before booking a flight.

What about travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance such as World Nomads is highly recommended when going on boat trip in Indonesia. For Divers, please make sure to be covered for a hyperbaric treatment in a chamber and other diving incidents.

What about Seasickness?

Our Yachts sail in mostly calm seas without large waves, so seasickness is really rarely a issue. It always depends on the route, size of the boat, season and weather of course. Motion sickness tablets are on board and can be taken to ensure your comfort. In case seasickness mighty be a concern of yours,let us know and e will plan the route route accordingly.

Should we be concerned about mosquitoes/malaria?

Depending on the size of the Yacht, they may moor somewhere around 50-150m to shore but there are very few mosquitoes, if not none at all, on the sea. While Raja Ampat is generally an area with Malaria risk, we have not experienced this concern so far but bringing some insect repellant and good clothing for land visits are highly recommended. In case you prefer to take Malaria tablets, keep in mind that there might be side effects.

carpe diem yacht

3. FAQ - Before Departure

What should I bring?

Most of our guests Cruising Indonesia start their trip from International Airports in Denpasar, Bali or Jakarta. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Labuan Bajo for Komodo, Sorong (via Jakarta or Makassar) for Raja Ampat or Makassar for Sulawesi. For Bali Cruise departures, you can reach Serangan harbour via local transportation. For getting to the Gili Islands in Lombok, take a fastboat transfer from Bali, Serangan or Padang Bai including pick up from your hotel.

How much cash do I need onboard?

All Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of departure from Indonesia. . Many countries will receive a free 30-day non-extendable visa upon arrival to Indonesia (Jakarta/Bali). If, however, your country is not included on this list, then arrival to Indonesia costs $35 for a one time renewable tourist visa; best to check this before booking a flight.

What about tipping?

Tips are not mandatory but if you perceive the service as good, it is common to tip 3-10% of cruise prices to our hardworking crews. Commonly, tips are shared equally among Indonesian crew. Western staff, when available, may be tipped separately.

When receiving any service from locals during island visits, you may give some money to appreciate their service, but keep it in relation to their income. Over tipping will create baggers, jealousy and inequality. IDR 20,000 – IDR 100,000 per person are adequate; depending on the kind of service received. 

Catch & serve fish during cruise?

We consider catching and eating fresh fish as a part of the life on a boat. However, the Indonesian Seas, source of life and income, are depleting and we are highly committed to conserving this highly valuable resource for future generations. We encourage all boat crew and guests to treat fish as a valuable resource, do not fish in protected areas, do not catch or eat fish that are endangered and not to catch more than you can eat. Fishing activities are no available in National Park areas.

Can I charge Electronics?

Yes, there is voltage 220V available on all Yachts. On some boats electricity may be limited during late night hours. In case you come from the US or Australia with a adopter for your plug may be required – Indonesia uses Type F.

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