Choosing the right time for a cruise is essential to ensure an unforgettable journey. Our personally vetted collection of charter yachts offers an amazing way to explore Indonesia’s islands from the comfort of luxury accommodation at sea. Our yachts combine tradition, elegance and modern conveniences, and each one is fully crewed including a captain, a cruise host, a private chef and a dive guide.
Although Indonesia’s cruising destinations can be enjoyed all year round, there are optimal times to visit.
- November to April: Northern Indonesia includes Raja Ampat, The Spice Islands, North Maluku, West Papua, and the Forgotten Islands.
- May to October: Southern Indonesia includes Komodo, Lombok & Bali, Sumba, The Alor Archipelago, and Sumbawa.
Luckily, when it’s not the best time to cruise in Northern Indonesia, Southern Indonesia becomes ideal for sailing, and vice versa.
Komodo, Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa
These islands are best explored during the dry season between May and October. Water temperatures hover between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius during these months, providing a comfortable environment for diving and snorkelling. Experiencing the underwater wonders with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species is a delight during this season. Additionally, trekking to witness the majestic Komodo dragons in their natural habitat is more manageable with the prevailing dry conditions.
- The dry season runs from April to mid-December, with an average temperature of 26°C. The weather is dry, with very little to no rain.
- The rainy season runs from mid-December to March, with an average temperature of 28°C.
Ultimate Bali’s insider notes:
Komodo:
- May and September see higher congregations of manta rays.
- October and November attract large pelagic animals, such as whales migrating south from the Flores Sea into the Indian Ocean.
- In Komodo, you can spot the Komodo dragon all year round; however, the mating season runs from July to August, meaning they are more active at this time of year. The nesting season runs from September to November, with Komodo dragons being more elusive at this time.
Sumbawa
- Sumbawa is a gem of a cruising location, still relatively unknown to tourism, with wonderful surf breaks and whale shark sightings as well.
Bali and Nusa Penida
- August and September are the best time to spot Mola-Mola (Sunfish) and pelagic creatures passing through.
The Spice Islands & the Forgotten Islands
Hidden in the remote Moluccas, the Banda Islands offer an immersive historical and natural experience. The optimal cruising time is during the dry season between May and September. Water temperatures in this period range from a balmy 26 to 30 degrees Celsius, providing ideal conditions for divers and snorkelers. The clarity of the water during these months ensures that visitors can fully appreciate the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life that thrive beneath the surface.
The arc of the Forgotten Islands encompasses 600 miles of islands spread between the Alor Archipelago and the Banda Islands. Often visited during charters that take place in the shoulder seasons while the yachts navigate between Raja Ampat and Komodo, these far eastern jewels are a once-in-a-lifetime destination. They are best visited from March to May and September to November.
- Dry season from June through November
- Rainy season from December through May
The Spice Islands, on the Expedition route is good all year around but as every other destinations, its best time to visit is between October through to March with similar conditions as in Raja Ampat.
- Dry season from November to April
- Rainy season from April to September
Ultimate Bali insider’s notes:
The Spice Islands
- Do not miss out on congregating sea snakes near Gunung Api.
The Forgotten Islands
- Between September and November, The Forgotten Islands are fast becoming famous for the schooling and individual hammerhead sharks seen there.
Raja Ampat, North Maluku & West Papua
Known as the “Four Kings,” Raja Ampat is a haven for biodiversity enthusiasts. The best time to cruise to Raja Ampat is during the dry season (October to April). Water temperatures in this period, ranging from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius, create optimal conditions for marine life to thrive. The stunning coral gardens will enchant divers and snorkelers alike, while the chance to encounter manta rays at Manta Point adds an extra layer of excitement to the underwater exploration.
Any time of year is good for the weather. Climate and underwater conditions are good all year. The ocean is warm year-round, too, with an average surface temperature of 29oC.
- The dry season is from October to April, with an average temperature of 30°C. The weather is dry, with very little rain.
- Rainy season from April to September, with most rain falling in June and July
Ultimate Bali insider’s notes:
Raja Ampat:
- From October to April, plankton blooms reduce visibility but bring greater manta rays to the area. Always look for wobbegongs that lurk underneath table corals.
- Raja Ampat is also home to over 250 species of birds including the endemic Bird of Paradise, making it a heaven for any birder.
West Papua:
- Whale sharks can be observed at any time of the year
North Maluku:
- Those planning to visit North Maluku at the end of the year should include the Kora-Kora Festival in their itineraries. The festival, held in December, will allow travellers to watch a kora-kora (North Maluku’s traditional wooden boat) competition.
Alor, Sumba & Rote:
The Alor Archipelago and surroundings are the first stop for most yachts between September and November, when they are on their way to Raja Ampat, and when they return to Komodo between April and May.
- The dry season from April to November
- The rainy season from December to March
Water temperatures vary from 25C in March to a high of 28C or more from May to September.
The visibility increased to an incredible 40m between June and October.
Ultimate Bali insider’s notes:
The Alor Archipelago:
- September to November, when the currents are strong, and the water is cold, increases the chances of seeing the hammerheads, thresher sharks and other bigger animals, including whales and dolphins, that migrate in the cold upwellings
Sumba:
- If you travel in February or March, do not miss out on The Pasola Festival, an important annual event to welcome the new harvest season, which coincides with the arrival of the ‘Nyale’, multicoloured seaworms. It involves two teams of men on horseback charging towards each other, whilst trying to hit their rivals with ’Pasol’ javelins and avoiding being hit themselves. Such rituals preserve the bond between modern families and their ancestral roots.
Rote:
- Indonesia has long been on the list of surfer’s pilgrimages. Somehow, the island of Rote has remained a well-kept secret. Rote has great surf from March until November, with the peak swell between May and September.
The Indonesian Islands offer numerous other destinations waiting to be explored. From Bali’s cultural richness to the far Eastern Forgotten Islands, the options are boundless. Each destination within Indonesia’s vast maritime expanse presents its unique charm, making the archipelago a treasure trove for avid cruisers. So, set sail during the optimal months and let the Indonesian Archipelago unveil its mesmerising treasures.
Planning Your Trip
To discuss planning your ultimate private charter in Indonesia, please get in touch.
