How far ahead should I book a liveaboard?

At least 12–18 months ahead for peak seasons — June–September in Komodo, December–March in Raja Ampat — or for popular private charters.

How long is an open trip, and what does it cost?

In Komodo, open trips run 3D2N from USD 300 per person (up to USD 850 by boat and cabin), park fee extra. Raja Ampat open trips (4D3N or 5D4N) are quoted per departure — ask for price.

Are eco-friendly cruises available?

Yes — trips with responsible waste management, low environmental impact, support for local communities and respect for park rules.

Phinisi cruises & liveaboards

Phinisi cruises across Bali, Komodo & Raja Ampat

Sail Indonesia's richest waters on a traditional wooden schooner — comfortable cabins, open decks and access to remote reefs and islands.

Plan my phinisi cruise When to sail

5–12 days: typical voyage
USD 300: Komodo 3D2N open trip from, per person
Charter: or join an open trip

The phinisi difference

More than transport — the heart of the trip

The phinisi is a wooden schooner and an enduring symbol of Indonesian seafaring. Today's boats blend that traditional design with modern comfort.

A typical journey starts in Bali, flies on to Labuan Bajo to board in Komodo National Park, then continues to Raja Ampat, often called the Amazon of the Ocean, where liveaboards depart Sorong on a 7-night minimum.

Private charter or open trip
Multiple daily dives on diver itineraries
Family trips with age-appropriate activities

Life on board

Comfort between the dive sites

Boats range from intimate charters to larger vessels for open trips, to suit different budgets and group sizes.

Comfortable cabins

Traditional wooden boats with modern amenities.

Spacious decks

Room to relax between islands and dives.

Gourmet dining

Meals served on board, often gourmet.

Expert local guides

Attentive service and guides who know the waters.

Where you sail

Komodo and Raja Ampat by boat

Dragons and pink sand in Komodo; karst islands and remote reefs like Misool, Wayag and Piaynemo in Raja Ampat.

Komodo dragons

Guided treks to see them in their natural habitat.

See the tour

Pink Beach

Snorkel coral gardens off the pink sand.

Manta Point

Manta rays, sharks and a kaleidoscope of reef fish.

Piaynemo

Dramatic karst islands from the viewpoint.

See the tour

Wayag

Remote northern karsts, reached only by liveaboard or private yacht. Access can change — check before booking.

See the tour

Voyage figures

Plan around these numbers

3D2N: Komodo open-trip length
USD 5,300: private Komodo phinisi 2D1N from, per charter
12–18 months: booking lead for peak dates

When to sail

Two seas, two seasons

Komodo and Raja Ampat peak at different times. We time the route to match.

Region	Best conditions	Peak season	Highlights
Komodo	April–November (dry season)	June–September	Dragon treks, Pink Beach, Manta Point
Raja Ampat	October–April	December–March	Misool, Wayag, Piaynemo, manta rays