The best luxury charter yachts in Indonesia

As a nation renowned for its hospitality and revered for its seafaring expertise, no country in the world does luxury yacht charters like Indonesia. Add in the sheer number of unparalleled islands and biodiverse marine habitats to explore, and it’s easy to understand why this sprawling archipelago is the ultimate destination for a private charter yacht experience.

There are many luxury vessels available for private yacht charters cruising Indonesia’s waters, but we’ve selected and reviewed the best of the best. Keep reading to find your favourite.

Perfect for intimate Indonesian adventures, Senja is a 31-metre wooden phinisi catering predominantly to couples. This vessel features just one spacious master cabin that occupies most of the main deck, creating a sense of privacy and exclusivity while delivering exquisite ocean views – particularly from the private terrace. Romance reverberates throughout this yacht, enhanced by a selection of charming and indulgent facilities such as al-fresco fine dining, star-lit film shows, and on-demand spa services.

With up to four staff for each guest, this vessel guarantees highly personalised experiences where you’ll want for nothing. Beyond blissful relaxation, Senja comes well-equipped for a range of activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, freediving, and yoga. Full scuba gear is also available, along with nitrox fills and scuba certification, catering to recreational divers of all experience levels. 

Renovated in 2020, Aliikai is one of Indonesia’s most luxurious charter yachts, boasting a boutique beach house style that is as inviting as it is elegant. This 41-metre vessel accommodates up to 15 guests in seven chic cabins and has been designed to maximise space, and privacy. Featuring an intimate and cosy lounge, a spacious sky deck, and a vast alfresco area on the main deck, Aliikai has plenty of relaxation space to go around, making it ideal for larger families and groups of friends.

Whilst on board this charter yacht, guests can indulge themselves with activities including as onboard massage services and open-air movie screenings. More energetic activities are included in every itinerary and range from scuba diving, kayaking and paddleboarding to birdwatching, jungle trekking and visits to remote villages steeped in culture.

Measuring an impressive 62-metres in length, Lamima is one of the world’s largest wooden sailing yachts, and every inch is imbued with luxury. Accommodating just 14 guests, this spectacular, expertly-designed vessel offers a wealth of space that can be used for socialising or seclusion. And, combining the technology of a superyacht with the charm of a phinisi, the communal areas onboard Lamima can be stylishly adapted to suit specific activities.

Guests aboard this vessel can expect unparalleled all-inclusive service and access to a seemingly endless array of premium amenities. When it comes to wellness, Lamima’s qualified Pijat masseuses offer unlimited treatments, while yoga sessions and fitness facilities are also available. When it’s time to cool off, complementary watersports include jet skiing, jetboarding and waterskiing, as well as kayaking, canoeing and surfing. Lamima even offers enough scuba equipment for every guest and free nitrox fills.

Crafted by the traditional seafarers of Sulawesi, and named after an infamous pirate from days of old, Anne Bonny is guaranteed to deliver the ultimate swashbuckling adventure. And, as a result of these influences, this yacht is an extremely capable explorer. Throughout each voyage, this vessel aims to facilitate ocean-based adventure of all kinds, from swimming in scenic bays to surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and wakeboarding. Anne Bonny even comes fully-equipped for scuba diving, with brand new Apeks regulators, dive computers and reef hooks, along with necessities such as fins, booties and wetsuits.

Designed by an Italian architect and decorated with chic stylings, this sturdy vessel can visit the more remote areas in total comfort, keeping guests’ energy levels high with fine dining from an expert onboard chef. At 30-metres long, Anne Bonny is ideal for six adult guests and up to four children, spread over one master cabin and two double cabins.

Majik is a spellbinding luxury phinisi that is guaranteed to capture the hearts of each and every guest. This vessel is exquisitely styled with rich wooden tones of chocolate and gold with tasteful neutral furnishings. The large open-air and open-plan living spaces facilitate informal social interaction and tranquil relaxation. And, with a crew of 11 staff assisting a maximum of eight guests, almost any fleeting fancy can be instantly facilitated.

Despite placing obvious importance on aesthetics, Majik has also been crafted with functionality in mind. Designer furnishings provide plenty of space to kick back with a good book, some music, or an espresso, while yoga mats and a massage table facilitate deeper relaxation. And, for energetic moments, Majik comes fully-equipped for snorkelling, freediving, and scuba – with everything but dive computers included in the price.

Crafted by conscientious artisans using age-old techniques, La Unua combines traditional Indonesian naval architecture with modern innovation and elevated luxury. This attractive yacht has been designed specifically for intimate charters in Komodo National Park, one of Indonesia’s most unique and beautiful destinations. Accommodating up to seven guests in four cabins – including two double rooms which feature additional single beds for children – La Unua is uniquely suited to family escapades. And, its simply yet inviting social spaces promote interaction over electronic entertainment, providing the ideal setting to reconnect.

La Unua delivers a flexible approach to five-star hospitality, no matter what activities guests choose to enjoy. Whether it be scuba diving, hiking and wildlife watching, or yoga and massage therapy, this exceptional vessel guarantees exclusive and off the beaten path experiences, and the freedom to create personal memories that will last a lifetime. 

Fenides is the culmination of perfectionism, cutting-edge technology, and age-old sea-going wisdom. Serving the most exotic and remote islands of the Indonesian Archipelago, this divine phinisi was designed to reflect the perfection, elegance and freshness of its surroundings. Interiors are modest yet meticulously presented, with flourishes of vibrant decoration. Social spaces include sophisticated indoor and outdoor lounge and dining areas, as well as a top deck bar with large, open-air day beds. Two of Fenides’ five cabins are also located on the top deck, providing plenty of natural light and outstanding views.

Charters aboard this yacht can focus on scuba diving, surfing, or leisure, allowing guests to cater their itinerary to specific preferences. And, regardless of the activity, Fenides will ensure it’s a trip to remember with a selection of little luxuries – from complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, to a naturalist guide and optional massage services. There’s even a dedicated camera room for underwater photographers.

While only set sail for the first time in 2019, Amaya Explorer has already built a strong reputation among discerning travellers. Although adventure and discovery are a part of every trip, this vessel’s ultimate mission is to introduce its guests to Indonesia's lauded hospitality. Consequently, the crew represents a full spectrum of skills and experiences from all parts of the archipelago, and is well-prepared to accommodate almost any request. Amaya Explorer’s main deck is where guests are encouraged to gather, providing open-air living and dining spaces, while the top deck is reserved for the vessel’s two inviting master suites.

While scuba diving is often the main focus, it is not the only experience offered aboard Amaya Explorer. Guests are free to indulge in a range of other leisurely activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, freediving, and soothing yoga sessions. 

Rascal is a beautiful charter yacht delivering playful and highly-personalised itineraries in some of Indonesia’s most inaccessible and culturally-rich destinations. Curated by iBalDesigns, this vessel’s interior aesthetic is guaranteed to impress, blending traditional Balinese design and Hamptons-style beach house decor. Yet, despite its salubrious style, the overall atmosphere aboard Rascal is one of laid-back luxury and spirited adventure – fit for frivolous and fun-loving clientele.

This five-star floating villa was born from a deep desire to uncover unique places and explore their natural habitats. On every voyage, the vessel comes fully-equipped with an array of watersports facilities, including kayaks, paddleboards, wakeboards, and equipment for snorkelling and scuba diving. Alternative entertainment includes jungle trekking and enriching village visits, as well as yoga, massages, and meditation. Or, guests can simply amuse themselves by sunbathing on the top deck or jumping off into the cool waters below.