How to Plan Your Private Yacht Charter in Indonesia

Everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable voyage through one of the most extraordinary archipelagos on Earth.

Over 17,000 islands scattered across three time zones and some of the most remote waters on Earth

 

Chartering a private yacht in Indonesia is unlike any voyage in the world. With over 17,000 islands stretching across the equator, this is a place where remote reefs, ancient cultures, and towering cliffs remain largely untouched by mass tourism, reachable only by sea.

Whether you’re drawn to the manta-filled waters of Raja Ampat, the dragon-patrolled hills of Komodo, or the spice-scented history of the Banda Islands, a private yacht offers the freedom to explore on your terms, with no tour groups in sight.

But with so many destinations, yacht styles, and seasonal considerations, planning an Indonesia yacht charter can feel overwhelming.

This guide walks you through every step of the process, from understanding what a liveaboard actually is, to picking the perfect yacht and itinerary for your group.

What Is a Yacht Charter & Liveaboard in Indonesia

Before you dive into deck plans or dream destinations, it helps to understand what chartering a yacht in Indonesia actually looks like.

A liveaboard is like a floating hotel or villa where you sleep, dine, and travel onboard, waking up somewhere new each day. It’s immersive, seamless, and the only way to access Indonesia’s most remote waters in comfort.

There are two main formats:

Private Charter – You book the entire yacht for your group, with a crew, private chef, and fully customized itinerary. Ideal for families, groups of friends, or celebrations.

Open Trip – You book a cabin on a set departure and share the experience with other guests. Perfect for solo travellers or couples looking for company and a lower price point.

You’ll also see the term Phinisi—a traditional Indonesian sailing vessel reimagined for modern luxury. Think handcrafted teak, open-air lounges, and crew that feel more like hosts than staff.

Best Indonesia Yacht Charter Destinations

With thousands of islands and half the world’s coral species, Indonesia offers a kind of natural variety few places can match. But don’t just pick a spot on a map, choose a journey that aligns with your style, your schedule, and your soul.

Start with the feeling you want. Then find the destination that delivers it.

How to Choose Your Yacht for an Indonesia Charter

Your yacht is the lens through which you’ll experience Indonesia. From handcrafted phinisis designed for barefoot luxury to expedition vessels made for deep dives and remote surf breaks, the right yacht defines the rhythm, tone, and intimacy of your journey. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, or a group of wild souls chasing horizon lines, we’ll help you find a yacht that matches your pace, style, and sense of adventure.

We categorise our fleet into three signature collections, each curated with intention.

Legend Yachts

The pinnacle. Private sanctuaries designed for those who expect the exceptional.

Legend yachts offer the highest standard of chartering in Indonesia, think refined interiors, world-class chefs, bespoke service, and generous space to breathe. These vessels are often chartered privately by large families, high-profile guests, or groups celebrating something worth celebrating.

Guest capacity: 10–20
Typical rate: $14,000 USD/night and above
Availability: Private charter only

Premium Yachts

Luxury reimagined for modern explorers. Elegant, effortless, and deeply comfortable.

Premium yachts strike the balance between indulgence and adventure. Expect spacious cabins, exceptional service, and thoughtful design details, paired with a spirit of exploration. Perfect for those who want the good life without feeling like they’re on a floating hotel.

Guest capacity: 8–16
Typical rate: $8,000–$14,000 USD/night
Availability: Mostly private charter; select yachts offer open trips

Explorer Yachts

Stripped-back luxury for those who prefer their salt with a little grit.

Explorer yachts are built for adventurers—divers, surfers, photographers, and anyone chasing remote corners of the archipelago. These yachts offer essential comfort, expert crews, and access to the same epic regions at a more accessible price point. Several offer open trips, ideal for couples or solo travellers.

Guest capacity: 4–10
Typical rate: $4,000–$8,000 USD/night
Availability: Private charter + open trips (cabin bookings

Best Time to Visit Indonesia for Yacht Charters

Anne Bonny yacht charter in Banda Neira at golden hour, viewed through tropical palms on a remote Indonesian island.

 Indonesia is a year-round destination, but not every region is in season at the same time. The country stretches across three time zones and multiple microclimates, which means that timing your charter well is essential if you want the best conditions for diving, wildlife, or simply blue skies and calm seas.

In general:

Raja Ampat: Best from October to April

Komodo: Best from April to October

Banda Sea & Spice Islands: Accessible during shoulder months, typically March–April and October–November

Cenderawasih & Triton Bay: Late June to early October

 

What’s Included Onboard (And What You’ll Want to Plan For)

Every Boatique charter includes the essentials, plus the luxury touches that make life at sea feel seamless.

Yachts may vary slightly but in general…

Included

  • Private yacht with full crew (captain, chef, stewards, guides)
  • All meals, snacks, coffee, tea, soft drinks
  • Roundtrip transfers from nearest airport/hotel to the yacht
  • Full use of water sports gear: snorkeling, kayaks, SUPs
  • Up to 3–4 dives per day (on dive-focused itineraries)
  • Private en-suite cabin with A/C, hot showers, and daily housekeeping

Not Included

  • Flights & Visas Fees

  • Alcohol (can be arranged in advance)

  • Park fees and fuel surcharges (varies by region)

  • Gratuities (optional, but customary)

Planning Your Route: How Itineraries Work

Your itinerary depends on the destination, the time of year, and the pace you want to move at. Some guests want to dive five times a day. Others want sunrise yoga, island hikes, and beach dinners by candlelight. Both are possible. Often, both happen on the same trip.

Each Boatique itinerary is designed with intention. Some routes (like Komodo or Raja Ampat) have well-established highlights. Others (like Banda Sea or Triton Bay) are more exploratory. You’ll work with our team to create something tailored to your style, with plenty of room to improvise once you’re on board.

Most charters range from 5 to 12 days, with embarkation from hubs like Sorong for Raja Ampat, Labuan Bajo for Komodo, or Ambon for the Banda Sea.

Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in Indonesia?

More than a resort, less than a mega-yacht in St Barts, and far more value than either. Chartering a private yacht in Indonesia isn’t “cheap,” but it is extraordinary value for a fully private, all-inclusive journey with up to 20 guests.

Explorer Yachts: $4,000–8,000 USD/night

Premium Yachts: $8,000–14,000 USD/night

Legend Yachts: $14,000+ USD/night

That covers the entire yacht, not per person. So a $10,000/night yacht split between 10 guests? $1,000 per person per day. For that, you get a luxury vessel, gourmet meals, a private crew, your own itinerary, and access to parts of the world money can’t usually buy into.

Getting to Your Charter: Flights, Visas & Arrival Tips

Most charters begin in regional hubs like Sorong (SOQ) for Raja Ampat, Labuan Bajo (LBJ) for Komodo, or Ambon (AMQ) for the Banda Sea.

Most routes require a domestic flight from Bali or Jakarta, while some have international connections to Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. Our team will assist you with the best routing, suggested hotels (if overnighting), and ensure your driver is waiting when you land.

Visas: Most nationalities receive a 30-day visa-on-arrival.
Vaccinations: None required, but check current recommendations.
Arrival: Arrive 1 day early if possible to avoid flight delays.
Transfers: Included. We’ll meet you at your hotel or airport and handle the rest.