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Indonesia
Sailing yacht charter in Bali
A handbuilt wooden schooner from Sulawesi, for a sunset dinner or a week among the islands of eastern Indonesia.
Sailing yacht charter in Bali almost always means a phinisi, the traditional Indonesian schooner that Konjo boatbuilders in South Sulawesi still make largely by hand. This is not a sporty racer heeling over with winches clicking; it is a floating teak home with broad decks, classically rigged masts and air-conditioned cabins.
The vessel on this page is a 30-metre phinisi. By day up to twenty guests come aboard, and its five cabins typically sleep ten overnight. A crew of around ten includes a chef and often a dive guide, there is a tender, kayaks and SUPs, and dives can be arranged on request.
A phinisi is the choice for honeymoons, family journeys with teenagers or a trip with diving friends. The short version is a sunset cruise along the Bukit with dinner on deck, or a day at Nusa Penida; the long version is a week via Lombok and Sumbawa to the dragons and reefs of Komodo National Park.
Sailing yachts in Bali
What it costs
The lowest indicative prices among the yachts of this type on this page.
- Full day
- from €2,500 / day
- Week-long charter
- from €18,000 / week
Indicative "from" market prices for this destination. The exact price depends on dates, duration and the specific yacht, and comes in your personal quote.
Usually included
- A crew of about ten, including a chef
- Air-conditioned cabins with linen
- A tender, kayaks and SUPs for landings and coves
- Meals aboard on a multi-day cruise, as detailed in your offer
Usually extra
- Komodo National Park entry tickets
- Guided diving and equipment hire
- Alcohol and drinks beyond the standard selection
- The flight from Labuan Bajo back to Bali
Exact inclusions depend on the yacht and are always listed in your written offer.
Where you go
Day and sunset sails start at Benoa Harbour, heading along the Bukit Peninsula to the Uluwatu cliffs and temple or across the strait to Nusa Penida and Lembongan. A multi-day cruise runs east past the Gilis and Lombok, along Sumbawa, and ends in Labuan Bajo on Flores, where guests fly home. Some itineraries start in Labuan Bajo itself.
Marinas
- Benoa Harbour (Bali Marina)
- Serangan
- Sanur
- Labuan Bajo (for Komodo cruises)
When to go
The dry season from April to October is the best time for both short sails and cruises, with April to September particularly good for Komodo. November to March can bring heavy rain, so plans stay flexible. A sunset sail lasts about three hours, while a voyage to Komodo usually takes a week.
Sailing yacht charter in Bali: FAQ
Does a phinisi actually sail?
Yes, a phinisi has a genuine sailing rig, but on long passages it more often motors to keep to schedule. The sails tend to go up when the wind suits, more for atmosphere than for sport.
How many people can sleep on board?
The five cabins typically take ten guests. By day the deck holds up to twenty, so a phinisi also works for a larger group at a sunset dinner.
Can we scuba dive?
Yes, dives are arranged on request, and the crew often includes a dive guide. Komodo is one of Indonesia's top diving areas, but currents are strong, so experience levels are discussed in advance.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Teenagers love it, with kayaks, snorkelling and dragons ashore. With small children, bear in mind the long passages and sun; for short outings a catamaran may suit them better.