Komodo and Raja Ampat

Yacht charter in Indonesia

Indonesia lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, which is home to more than 3,000 fish species and 600 coral species. The best time to cruise Komodo is the dry season. Raja Ampat is in season from October to April.

Komodo: May to September
Raja Ampat: October to April
Embarkation ports: Labuan Bajo, Sorong

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Cruising in Indonesia

A Komodo charter begins in Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores. Guests reach Labuan Bajo on a domestic flight. The volcanic islands of the national park are home to the giant lizards known as Komodo dragons. Guests look for them ashore on a guided walk. The viewpoint on Padar overlooks the island's beaches and surrounding hills. Pantai Merah's pink sand beach is a good spot for a swim.

A Raja Ampat charter begins in Sorong, in Papua. From the airport, a car and then the tender bring guests to the yacht in 20 minutes. Between Arborek and Mansuar, shallow reefs serve as cleaning stations for oceanic manta rays. To the south, Misool is surrounded by hundreds of small islands to explore by tender.

The 2 regions have opposite seasons. Each one is a cruise in its own right.

Where to go

Rinca
On the island of Rinca, Komodo dragons can be seen at Loh Buaya. A guided walk through the reserve offers the chance to observe them in their natural habitat.
Padar
The viewpoint on Padar overlooks the island's beaches and surrounding hills. South Rinca lies 7 nm away for a day of diving.
Kabui Bay
On the island of Waigeo, Kabui Bay is an anchorage below towering limestone cliffs draped in vegetation. Guests explore its channels and mangroves by kayak or paddleboard.
Misool
In the south of the archipelago, the yacht anchors in Tomolol Bay off Misool, among hundreds of small islands to explore by tender. Misool lies 73 nm from the Fam Islands.
Batanta
Batanta lies 36 nm from Sorong in the Dampier Strait. Guests rise early to watch for the bird-of-paradise display, which typically takes place at sunrise.

When to go to Indonesia

Janpeak season
Febpeak season
Marpeak season
Aprpeak season
Maypeak season
Junpeak season
Julpeak season
Augpeak season
Seppeak season
Octpeak season
Novpeak season
Decpeak season

Komodo is cruised in the dry season from April to October, when the seas are generally calmer. The heart of the season runs from May to September.

Raja Ampat is at its best from October to April. The seas are then calmer and underwater visibility is at its peak. From May to September, conditions are slightly rougher. This period suits long-range expedition yachts. Every month of the year, either Komodo or Raja Ampat is in season.

A Komodo or Raja Ampat charter, day by day

The captain adjusts each day's stops to the weather.

Komodo from Labuan Bajo

Day 1
Labuan Bajo
A domestic flight to Labuan Bajo and embarkation. The crew introduces the water toys.
Day 2
Tatawa
An uninhabited island for a dive or a walk ashore.
Day 3
Batu Bolong and Pantai Merah
A dive at Batu Bolong, one of the park's best-known sites. The day ends on the pink sand beach.
Day 4
Komodo
A guided walk to see the Komodo dragons.
Day 5
Padar
A walk up to the viewpoint over the island's beaches.
Day 6
South Rinca
A day of diving off the south of Rinca.
7 nm from the previous stop
Day 7
North Rinca and Labuan Bajo
A last stop in the north of Rinca, then disembarkation in Labuan Bajo and a transfer to the airport.

Raja Ampat from Sorong

Day 1
Sorong and Kri
Embarkation in Sorong, then on to Mioskon near the island of Kri.
Day 2
Dampier Strait
Snorkelling with turtles and manta rays around Kri.
Day 3
Penemu, Fam Islands
Kayaking and paddleboarding among the limestone domes of the Fam Islands.
Day 4
The Passage, Waigeo
The channel known as The Passage on Waigeo, reached through Kabui Bay.
Day 5
Batanta
A waterfall and birdwatching on Batanta in the Dampier Strait.
Day 6
Batanta and Sorong
An early start to look for the bird of paradise, then disembarkation in Sorong.
36 nm from Batanta

Cruising distances

Labuan Bajo to Gili Lawa Darat	19 nm
Padar to South Rinca	7 nm
Sorong to Batanta	36 nm
Fam Islands to Misool	73 nm
Misool (Farondi Islands) to Sorong	77 nm

Good to know

Since 1 April 2026, Komodo National Park has admitted up to 1,000 visitors a day. The quota covers the islands of Padar, Rinca and Komodo as well as 23 surrounding dive sites.

Komodo dragons are seen ashore on a guided walk.

A yacht in Asia

The yacht shown here lists Asia as her winter cruising ground. Our broker will confirm her availability and the itinerary.

Alfa

70 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €700,000 per week

Frequently asked questions

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When is the best time to visit Komodo?

The dry season from April to October brings generally calmer seas. The heart of the season runs from May to September. Charters begin in Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores, reached on a domestic flight.

When is the best time to visit Raja Ampat?

Raja Ampat is at its best from October to April. The seas are then calmer and underwater visibility is at its peak. From May to September, the season suits long-range expedition yachts.

Where does a Raja Ampat charter begin?

In Sorong, in Papua. After landing at Sorong airport, a car and then the tender bring guests to the yacht in 20 minutes. On this itinerary, the charter also ends in Sorong.

Can guests see the Komodo dragons?

Yes, ashore and with a guide. On the island of Rinca, Loh Buaya offers the chance to see them on a guided walk.

What is there to see underwater?

Indonesia lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, which is home to more than 3,000 fish species and 600 coral species. In Raja Ampat, oceanic manta rays visit cleaning stations between Arborek and Mansuar. Batu Bolong is one of Komodo's best-known dive sites.

Which airports serve an Indonesia charter?

The airport depends on the cruising area. Sorong Domine Eduard Osok Airport serves Raja Ampat. Labuan Bajo Airport serves Komodo with domestic flights, often from Bali.