Phinisi or catamaran for Komodo?

For Lombok–Komodo routes, a luxury phinisi usually suits multi‑day liveaboards better: more cabins, indoor lounges and shaded decks for longer crossings. Catamarans are excellent for smaller groups focused on sailing feel and outdoor space. Both can visit Komodo highlights like Padar, Pink Beach and Manta Point; choice depends on comfort preferences.

How many guests per yacht type?

As of August 2026, typical comfort capacities are: sail catamaran up to 14 guests, power catamaran around 20–30 guests, motor yacht up to 12 guests, luxury phinisi around 10–12 guests for premium setups, and superyachts up to about 14 guests. Exact numbers depend on cabin count, layout and whether the trip is day‑use or overnight.

Which is fastest between islands?

Motor yachts and power catamarans are generally fastest, often cruising 15–20 knots in suitable conditions, making them efficient for Lombok–Sumbawa–Labuan Bajo transits. Phinisi and sail catamarans cruise slower, around 7–9 knots, but offer a more relaxed journey. Superyachts can be fast but usually cruise moderately for comfort and fuel efficiency.

Which offers best value for families?

Mid‑sized sail catamarans, power catamarans and comfortable phinisi often give the best value for families. Chartering the whole boat spreads cost across several relatives, and child‑friendly deck space plus ensuite cabins makes naps, early bedtimes and flexible meal times easier during multi‑day Lombok–Gili, Lombok–Komodo or Bali–Lombok–Gili routes.

Fleet guide

Which hull suits you

Q: Which yacht type is best for Lombok?

For day trips to the Gilis, a sail catamaran or power catamaran is often ideal: stable, spacious and efficient for 10–20+ guests. For multi‑day Lombok–Komodo, phinisi and motor yachts give better cabin comfort and range. Superyachts suit guests prioritising privacy and premium service over price per person.

Five categories, one honest comparison. Capacity, cruising speed, comfort and price — laid side by side so you can stop guessing which boat the brochure is actually describing.

Request a quote Compare

Sailing catamaran under way at sunset in Komodo National Park

05 Yacht Types

The short answer

No hull wins every trip

The right boat depends on three things: how many of you there are, how far you are going, and whether you would rather arrive quickly or arrive well.

Catamarans give stability and deck space. Phinisi give atmosphere and overnight comfort. Motor yachts give you back your afternoons. Superyachts give you a crew-to-guest ratio you will notice at every meal.

5
Vessel categories: 30
Largest guest count: 25
Knots, fastest hull

Aerial view of a motor yacht in Komodo waters

Compare

The four numbers that matter

Sail Catamaran

Up to 14 guests · 7–9 knots. Twin hulls mean almost no roll at anchor. The best price-to-deck-space ratio in the fleet, and the easiest boat for guests who have never spent a day at sea.

Power Catamaran

20–30 guests · 15–20 knots. The widest platform we run. Chosen for corporate days, launches and large family groups who need space more than they need pace.

Motor Yacht

Up to 12 guests · 15–25 knots. Lombok to the Gilis in 20–30 minutes instead of two hours. Buys back a half-day on any 3D2N itinerary.

Luxury Phinisi

Up to 12 guests · 7–9 knots. Wooden Indonesian schooner with enclosed salon and ensuite cabins. The natural choice for multi-day Lombok–Komodo crossings.

Superyacht

Up to 14 guests. Higher crew-to-guest ratio, more toys, premium finishes. For private expeditions and hosting where the vessel is part of the statement.

By trip type

Pick by purpose

Every vessel is quoted per boat, fully crewed. Ask for current day rates.

Sail catamaran

A Day To The Gilis

Best mix of price and deck space for Trawangan, Meno and Air in one day.

Ask for price

Phinisi or motor yacht

Overnight In Sekotong

Ensuite AC cabins and an indoor salon for the Secret Gilis at anchor.

Ask for price

Power catamaran

A Corporate Day

Room to brand, room to meet, and reliable timing between anchorages.

Ask for price

Phinisi

Lombok To Komodo

Range and overnight comfort for the four- to six-night eastern crossing.

Ask for price

Superyacht

A Private Expedition

Crew ratio, toys and finishes for high-end hosting and long-range travel.

Ask for price

Speedboat

A Fast Half Day

Two to eight hours of private boat time when a full day is not on offer.

By the hour

Before you decide

Four things worth asking

Guest Count

Deck capacity and cabin capacity are different numbers. Fourteen on deck often means six in beds.

Hours At Sea

A slow hull on a tight schedule spends your holiday in transit. Match speed to distance.

Comfort At Anchor

Twin hulls barely move. Monohulls roll. It matters most for guests who sleep lightly.

What Is Extra

Park fees, diving and long repositioning legs sit outside the day rate. Ask for them itemised.

Questions

Before you commit

Ask us directly

Which yacht type is best for Lombok?

For a day trip to the Gilis, a sail catamaran up to 14 guests gives the best mix of value and deck space. For overnights in Sekotong Bay, a phinisi or motor yacht with ensuite AC cabins is more comfortable. Corporate groups usually take a power catamaran for the space and the schedule reliability. Ask for price once you know the boat and the dates.

How fast do these boats actually go?

Phinisi and sail catamarans cruise at 7–9 knots. Power catamarans and motor yachts run 15–25 knots. On the Lombok–Gili hop that is the difference between 20 minutes and close to two hours, which compounds across a multi-day itinerary.

How many guests can sleep on board?

Day capacity and sleeping capacity differ. A catamaran carrying 16 on deck usually sleeps 6–8 in cabins. Phinisi typically offer 4–9 cabins for 8–18 guests. Superyachts run 3–11 cabins, with the sweet spot at 8–14 guests.

Is a phinisi less comfortable than a modern yacht?

Different, not lesser. Phinisi are slower and made of wood, but they carry larger shaded decks, enclosed salons and generous ensuite cabins. For multi-day Komodo crossings they are the most-chosen hull for exactly that reason.

Phinisi silhouetted at sunset off Kalong Island

Not sure yet

Tell us the group. We name the boat

Send guest count, dates and where you want to end up. We will come back with two or three hulls that genuinely fit, and the reason for each.

Start planning