Bali Sailing and Boating

Sailing and boating opportunities in Bali start at the Royal Bali Yacht Club with its state-of-the-art facilities and vessels and continue across a broad spectrum of outfits that run from fully catered two week private yacht cruises to adventurous explorations of nearby islands and inlets on traditional Balinese boats.

The Royal Bali Yacht Club hires sail training hours at relatively expensive rates but these packages come with an experienced sailor and a very good boat. The Club has yachts for sale and a range of hire vessels that run from dinghies to catamarans. Membership is available, but not necessary for temporary hires.

Sailing groups like Sail Sensations have 87-foot yachts available for truly five-star sailing experiences. Groups or couples can charter fully-staffed yachts and sail about the waters of Bali and moor at the only the most beautiful parts of the island for sunset dinner and cocktails. Sleeping facilities on board are deluxe and overnight cruises are fully catered. Alternatively, one or two hour cruises can be booked.

Traditional Indonesian Jukung outriggers are a real sight at the docks and jetties of Bali, with their re-jigged exteriors a mix of old and new. Many are available for charter while others are used to tow surfers way off shore to hunt the big waves. Experienced sailors can hire unstaffed Jukung boats for up to one month at a time. The boats tend to sleep up to 16 people but choose carefully – comfort varies from the sublime to the ridiculous.

A couple of operators keep lovingly-restored wooden boats built several decades ago but now completely refurbished as luxury cruisers. Most have ben originally handcrafted by local boat builders and come with lovely cabins and experienced crews. Cruises on these incredibly atmospheric boats take visitors as far afield as Borneo.

Fabulous ‘Pinisi’ schooners decked out with the latest navigation and safety equipment tour in and around the Balinese waters and seven-day ’safari’ tours book out most weeks of the year and sail around Bali and to nearby islands. These tours offer fully staffed and catered luxury and privacy.

Apart from these options, private rental is fairly limited. There are always ample kayaks to be leased for the day or for the duration of the trip but only the most experienced sailors operating their own boats would be advised to head off on their own in Indonesian waters.