Bespoke Adventures

Why choose a yacht instead of a resort? 

Why commit to just one location, when you can wake up to a new view every day – without any of the hassle of repacking or tedious transfers? In a country as large and spread out as Indonesia, yachting is a truly unique market. The archipelago spans over 17,500 islands, many of which are only accessible by sea. If you're adventurous, a staggering array of islands hidden from the world awaits, and a yacht will help you reach them.  

FAQ

Can I stay connected while I'm cruising?

Many of our yachts do offer internet onboard - it's best to check with our experts for your chosen yacht. Komodo gets 3/4G coverage in up to 60% of the cruising area, while Raja Ampat has some signal in the central islands and limited signal in the south. If your time away hinges on staying in touch with family or colleagues, we can help plan the best itinerary to keep you connected.

How does a yacht compare to a hotel?

Whilst there are a large number of boats in Indonesia, we only work with the very best. Our team can personally vouch for each yacht’s comfort. Think of it as your own private villa at sea. Depending on the yacht and the level of luxury you’re after, there may be high thread count linens, fluffy towels, sustainable toiletries, rainforest showers and espresso machines. You'll have your very own chef on hand, committed to knowing exactly how you like your meals & cocktails throughout the trip. 

Is a private yacht charter suitable for my family with young children?

Some yachts are better suited to children than others, but we can guide you in the right direction. We have plenty of clients with children of all ages. The crew love to come up with fun family activities like treasure hunts and marine biology lessons. If need be, we can also arrange nannies to come onboard and help out for your charter.

Do I need a visa?

You will need a tourist visa to enter Indonesia. However, this can be done on arrival with the visa on arrival service. This can be purchased on arrival as you pass through immigration and costs USD$30 per person and can be paid for in cash or by card.

Which airport should I fly into? 

For trips in Komodo National Park, you will need to fly into Labuan Bajo, airport code LBJ and most direct flights originate from Denpasar Bali (DPS).

For trips in Raja Ampat you will need to fly into Sorong, airport code SOQ. Most direct flights originate from Jakarta (CGK). 

This may vary for some trips not starting and ending in the same place. 

Can you help with domestic flights?

Yes we certainly can. We work with a trusted flight agent who we can introduce you to. 

Do you offer airport assistance?

We can arrange for you to be met from the aircraft and transferred through the airport, either to your connecting flight to your onward transfer. Please ask us for more information.

Arrival & entry requirements

Life onboard

Will I be met on arrival at the local airport?

Yes. You will be met by a member of the crew with a name board as you enter the arrivals hall. They will then assist you with your luggage and transfer you to the harbour to board the boat. 

What time is check in/check out?

The boats are very flexible when it comes to arrival and departure times. We would recommend arriving early, so that once you have settled in onboard and had some brunch / lunch you will have time to enjoy the afternoon, snorkelling, diving, or just relaxing on deck after your flight. For departures, the official check out time in 12 noon. However, should you have an afternoon flight there may be some flexibility. 

What do you recommend for gratuity?

We recommend a tip of between 5 - 10% of the overall charter cost. This can be given to the cruise director at the end of the trip and it will be shared evenly between the entire crew. This is at your discretion and is not mandatory. Gratuities can be given in either USD cash, or some boats accept card payments onboard. 

Which currency should I use and can I pay by card? 

USD is generally accepted and is the easiest to source so we recommend this as the currency of choice. Many of the boats have card machines, and the details can be found on the the boat specific website pages. Alternatively, may boats accept bank transfer. 

Will I have 4G signal while cruising?

Many of the yachts have wifi onboard, operating on 3/4G signal. n Raja Ampat you can expect about 50 - 60% coverage and in Komodo around 60 - 70% depending on your itinerary. There is also the option to buy a local SIM card at the airport (or the crew can assist prior to you arrival) should coverage be very important. However, being in some of the most beautiful surroundings in the world, we would recommend disconnecting as much as possible! 

How often can I dive?

If diving is a key focus of your trip, the cruise director and dive guide will get you in the water as often as is possible and safe to do so. Please note a safety check dive will need to be carried out on arrival, and you will not be able to dive 24 hours before departure. But the short answer is you can dive as often as is safe and possible weather and location dependent. 

Am I able to get dive qualified onboard? 

Yes! We just don’t recommend this for trips of less than a week and the cost is generally between USD$400 - USD$600 depending on the boat.

A dive course is split into the following three sections.
1) Theory of five sections with learning, a video and an exam. Followed by a final exam.
2) Confined water, there are five confined water dives to be done, each matches a section of the theory and with briefing, dive and debrief take two to three hours to complete each one and do it properly.
3) Four open water dives, under the course guidelines you can only do two training dives a day and each one takes around two hours including brief, dive and debrief. 

Many boats advise completing the first 2 stages (theory and confined water dives) prior to your trip, however depending on the length of your trip, all are possible whilst onboard. 

I'm not certified, can I still have a go at diving? 

Absolutely! All the boats offer a Discover Scuba option. This means you will be able to dive (with the dive master) to a depth of 10m. This is great way to experience diving. Usually the first dive is free of charge, and if you wanted to do more than one, there may be a charge of around USD$100 depending on the boat. 

Do I need insurance? 

Yes insurance is required and is highly important, especially as you will be in a remote part of the world. For divers, dive insurance is also mandatory. If you would like help with dive specific insurance please ask us for more information on this as we can arrange this for you. 

Is the itinerary set in stone?

No, the itinerary in your guest pack is always purely a suggestion. On arrival and throughout your trip you will discuss with your cruise director and the trip will be tailored to suit you personally (conditions permitting). 

Can I fish whilst onboard? 

Fishing is prohibited in both the Raja Ampat and Komodo National Parks. Therefore, in order to fish you would need to leave the national park boundaries. This may be possible depending on the length of your trip, but it will not be incorporated if it will negatively impact the rest of the itinerary. If you would like to fish, please mention this to us prior to arrival so that we can advise if it may be possible or not. 

Is there water sports equipment onboard?

Yes, many of the boats have a great selection of activities onboard. Please refer to your yacht page for details. It is worth noting that motorised water sports are prohibited in the National Parks, and so again this would need to be arranged outside of the national parks if possible. 

What plug adaptor do I need?

Indonesia runs on the two pin European style plug, so any adaptor for Indonesia/EU will work fine.

What diving equipment is onboard?

The boats all carry a wide selection of diving gear, including masks, snorkels, BCDs, wetsuits and fins. Within your guest preference form you will have been sent at confirmation, there is a section for you to complete your sizes required to ensure the boat have the appropriate gear onboard for you. Some boats do charge for gear rental so please do check your inclusion and exclusion section in the contract, or of course ask us if you're unsure.