Pack light, pack soft-sided and pack for sun and salt water above everything else: that covers most of what matters for a yacht charter in Indonesia. Cabins have limited storage, tenders have limited space, and the climate is consistently hot and humid whether you are in Komodo or Raja Ampat.
Why soft luggage matters more than usual
Hard-shell suitcases are awkward on a phinisi: cabin storage is typically under-bed or in narrow lockers built for soft bags, and any gear moved by tender between shore and boat is easier to handle in something that folds or compresses. A duffel bag or soft holdall, rather than a rolling case, will save you and the crew genuine hassle from the first transfer onward.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
The sun in Komodo and Raja Ampat is strong year-round, and most of your day happens outdoors on deck, at anchorages or in the water. Pack reef-safe sunscreen specifically, since standard sunscreen can damage coral and some marine parks discourage or restrict it, along with a hat with a strap, sunglasses and a light long-sleeved layer for the strongest midday hours. Rash guards double as sun protection in the water and are worth packing even if you do not plan to dive.
Clothing for hot, humid days and cool evenings
Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is what actually gets worn on a charter: swimwear, shorts, t-shirts and light dresses for the day. Evenings on deck can feel cooler once the sun drops and the boat is moving, so one light layer, a shirt or a thin jumper, is worth having even in the tropics. Deck shoes or sandals that can get wet are more useful than anything you would wear on land, since you will be on and off tenders regularly.
Documents, medication and money
Bring your passport, any visa documentation required for Indonesia, and a printed or downloaded copy of your booking confirmation. Pack prescription medication in carry-on rather than checked luggage, along with basic seasickness tablets even if you do not usually get seasick, since conditions can vary. Cash in small denominations is useful for gratuities and any incidentals not covered by your charter, since remote anchorages have no ATMs.
What the crew already provides
Most boats supply towels, bedding, snorkelling gear and often kayaks or paddleboards as standard, so you do not need to pack your own. Dive equipment is usually available to rent on boats with a dive programme, though serious divers with their own preferred gear, particularly a properly fitted wetsuit or dive computer, often bring it anyway. Check your specific yacht's page or ask us what is included before you pack anything bulky on the assumption it is not provided.
Divers need to think about a few extras beyond the general list: certification cards, a dive log if you keep one, and any personal gear you prefer over rented equipment, particularly a well-fitted wetsuit, mask or dive computer. If your group is mixed, some diving, some not, it is worth checking with the crew in advance how the boat splits its day between dive sites and snorkel-friendly shallows, since that can shape what gear each guest actually needs to bring rather than everyone packing for the most demanding activity on the itinerary.
Most yachts run generators for set hours rather than continuous power, so pack a portable charger or power bank for phones and cameras if you plan to be out on deck or in the water for long stretches away from a cabin outlet. A waterproof or dry-bag-protected case for any camera you take ashore or on a tender is worth the small extra weight, since spray and the occasional wet landing are part of most itineraries. Check with your specific boat about plug types and voltage, since this can vary by vessel and build year.
A short practical packing list
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses with a strap
- Quick-drying swimwear, shorts and t-shirts, plus one light layer for evenings
- A rash guard and comfortable wet-friendly sandals
- A dry bag for phones and cameras during tender transfers and water activities
- Seasickness tablets, personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
- Passport, visa documents and cash in small denominations
- A reusable water bottle, since most boats discourage single-use plastic on board
Plan your charter
Once you know which boat you're on, its own page will list exactly what is provided so you can pack around it. See which yachts are open to check a specific yacht's inclusions, or send your dates if you would like us to confirm what is on board before you pack.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring my own snorkelling gear?
No, most yachts in the fleet include snorkelling equipment as standard. Check the specific boat's inclusions if you have a strong preference for your own mask or fins.
Should I bring reef-safe sunscreen specifically?
Yes. Standard sunscreen can harm coral reefs, and Komodo and Raja Ampat's marine parks depend on healthy reefs, so reef-safe sunscreen is both considerate and often expected.
Is a hard suitcase a problem on a yacht charter?
It can be. Cabin storage and tender space are built around soft, foldable luggage, so a duffel bag or soft holdall is far more practical than a hard-shell case.
Do I need to bring cash on board?
Yes, some cash is useful for gratuities and any incidentals, since remote anchorages in Komodo and Raja Ampat have no ATMs or card facilities.
What should I pack for evenings on the boat?
A light layer, such as a shirt or thin jumper, is worth having even in the tropics, since evenings on deck can feel cooler once the boat is anchored or moving after sunset.