While many of you are seasoned travellers, some of you may be unfamiliar with the ways and means of travelling in the remoter regions of Indonesia where we journey. Cruising in eastern Indonesia on a traditional wooden pinisi ship can be a brave new world for some, so with that in mind we have compiled the following list of answers to the most often asked questions to try to make your journey with us as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
Exploring the spirit of SeaTrek and what to expect from the archipelago.
We sail for the islands, not the dive sites.
That one decision shapes everything else. Our routes are drawn around the places we want you to set foot on — villages, volcanoes, spice plantations, beaches nobody else is anchored off — rather than around a list of coral reefs. That said, we are snorkeling experts; we do it well, we do it often (at least once and usually twice) on some of the most beautiful and diverse coral reefs on the planet.
It means our days are spent as much ashore as in the water, and it means the person leading you through a village morning is Indonesian and speaks the language.
Indonesia through Indonesian Eyes is our motto and it isn’t decoration. Every one of our tour leaders is Indonesian, as is every member of both crews — 15 aboard Ombak Putih and 12 aboard Katharina — who live on these boats year-round and treat them as home. You’ll eat with them, and at some point in the week you’ll almost certainly end up listening to them play in their ship’s band. Park fees, local guides and cultural performances are all part of the fare, because we’d rather you never have to decide whether an experience was worth the extra money.
Our two ships, Ombak Putih and Katharina, are traditional wooden pinisi, hand-built in Sulawesi using methods passed from father to son for centuries and now recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage. They carry 24 and 12 guests. Small enough that you’ll know everyone’s name by the second day.
And there’s no internet. Deliberately, permanently. For a week or two you are genuinely somewhere else.
If what you’re after is a dive-focused liveaboard with tanks on deck and four dives a day, we’re honestly not the right boat — and we’d rather tell you that now than have you find out on day three. If you want to snorkel over extraordinary coral in the morning and be walking through a village by afternoon, that’s exactly what we’ve built.
On SeaTrek, you will see a wide variety of cultures, landscapes, and flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth, all from the decks of our UNESCO-listed, traditional, wooden Indonesian pinisi ships.
Think Komodo dragons, whale sharks, sea turtles, amazing corals and underwater life, dolphins and whales, monkeys, giant bats and orangutans. You will also come face to face with many of the myriad cultures that are present in Indonesia and learn about their ways of life and their traditions.
To better prepare yourselves for your journey, we have placed various resources at your fingertips to help you get a better grasp of what lies ahead. We have many books on board our vessels on various topics related to our journeys, but to help you get better prepared we have an extensive reading list to help bring you up to speed on all the history, culture and wildlife you will encounter along the way.
Also check out our website blogs, which cover everything from to one-of-a-kind cultural events, daily island adventures, historical accounts, animal encounters, and even recipes to take home. You may also be interested to read about us in features that have appeared in local and international publications. If video is your thing, then please visit our YouTube channel to view some of the short clips we have about our journeys and the special events that we have encountered along our routes.
We call it Sailing for Good, and the principle behind it is that every journey leaves an impact — how good that impact is, is a choice.
In practice, that means coral planting in Komodo and West Papua, mangrove restoration, children’s libraries established in Raja Ampat and Inosota, clean water filters and swimming goggles distributed in the communities we visit, and carbon offsetting through carefully chosen partners. Across more than thirty years, that adds up to more than 5,000 baby corals and mangroves planted, two community libraries, over 600 books for schools, 84 water filters and more than 400 pairs of swimming goggles.
None of it is done at arm’s length. The people who run these projects are what we call our Local Heroes — coral gardeners, master boat builders, culture keepers and conservationists — and they come aboard to explain their work in their own words. And it’s not done at arm’s length, either: guests can join in planting a coral fragment and watching it grow or handing a child their first pair of swimming goggles.
Our Sailing for Good programme was recognized at Azure Road’s Best Impact Awards in 2026.
You can read more about our philosophy of Sailing for Good on this page and meet the people behind it on our Local Heroes page.
We cruise all year round, with us only taking the boats out of the water in March for three weeks for their annual safety inspections.
April through September is the ‘dry season’ in the central and southern parts of Indonesia, and the weather and seas are settled and relatively calm. During this time, we cover the Komodo & Beyond routes, where ships can operate in the lee of the islands and enjoy protection from wind and swell.
Come October, we begin our passage further east from Maumere in Flores back up to Raja Ampat via the Banda Islands. As the trade winds and monsoons turn, we head to the north and east of the archipelago and into the Maluku and Papua regions — home to the Spice Islands and the wondrous biodiverse region of Raja Ampat. This is the time of year that features our 10-day Raja Ampat cruises right through to our 12- to 16-day expert-led cruises, which offer much more substantial cruising itineraries.
Yes to both, and they’re two different things.
Combining two cruises — We call it a Super Trip
Where the schedule allows, we join two of our itineraries back-to-back into one continuous voyage. These run close to a month and take you considerably further into the archipelago than a single cruise can — from the Spice Islands through to Raja Ampat, for instance. The rhythm of a long voyage is genuinely different: you stop skimming and start settling in, and the places begin to relate to one another. We handle everything in between, so it stays one journey rather than two trips stitched together. Have a look at our Super Trips page for sample routes, then talk to us about building your own.
Adding an extension
Our four-day orangutan programme, which features in the Orangutans & Dragons itinerary, can be worked into any SeaTrek cruise, whatever its length or destination. Beyond that, we know Indonesia well and are always happy to suggest wildlife and cultural add-ons elsewhere in the country, before or after your time on board. Just ask us when you book.
We don’t offer scuba, so you don’t need to dive, and you don’t need any qualification of any kind. Most of our guests have never worn a tank in their lives. This is a snorkeling boat and always has been.
We don’t carry tanks, compressors, or dive guides on either ship, and scuba isn’t a part of any of our itineraries. What we do instead is snorkel, often twice a day, straight off the boat or the tender wherever the water is good. Masks, snorkels and fins are provided in all sizes (children’s included), and our tour leaders are in the water with you, pointing things out, helping anyone who’s rusty, and keeping an eye on the group.
If you’ve never snorkeled before, that’s genuinely fine. The reefs we visit are shallow and bright, and there is more to see in three metres of water than most people expect. Nobody is timing you or expecting you to swim far. And if you’d rather stay on deck with a book while everyone else is in the water, that’s an entirely reasonable way to spend a morning. (Read our Snorkeling Article)
If diving is the main reason you’re coming to Indonesia, there are excellent dedicated dive liveaboards working these same waters, and we’d genuinely rather point you towards one than have you spend a week wishing you were on a different boat.
Since the company’s beginning, both Ombak Putih and Katharina have welcomed families on board with open arms. In that time, we have hosted a great number of children and teenagers on board, and they have enjoyed the cruises immensely. The opportunities and experiences for nature, culture, and the great outdoors that we offer on our cruises provide more in one week for a child’s education and outlook on life than any school can teach in the classroom.
During school holidays, June through August and December through January, children and teenagers are very welcome on board.
It’s not an easy road trying to please all our guests, but all we can do is try our best to accommodate everyone, so in the interests of openness and honesty, we would like our guests with children to consider the following simple rules and recommendations regarding boat safety and the comfort of other passengers.
Many of us have kids and know how difficult it can be at times to keep their youthful exuberance under control, especially when on holidays. But there are times and places to be wild, and times and places to not. While we love for kids to have a good time, our boats are not big, and it’s very easy to disrupt or disturb other people who are trying to relax or simply enjoy the world go by. With this in mind, we ask that you talk to your kids about keeping their noise and youthful energy to a minimum on board. When we get to shore, they can run around to their hearts’ content.
Please be aware of the potential dangers that surround us on the ships and in the tropical environments, both on land and on water, that we cruise through. When on land or in the water, please try to get your children to refrain from getting too close to animals or straying off the path. Ours are working ships and have many potential hazards, so please let your kids know to be careful when moving around. Both boats have been built with child safety in mind, and to this day they still have a clean bill of accident-free cruises, but to keep things this way, we need the attention of parents, and it is of utmost importance for them to be vigilant and to watch their children at all times. For your peace of mind and added safety, the side railings on both ships have been built higher than on normal traditional pinisi, and we advise you to keep a close eye out in the lounge area, especially where the stairs to the cabins can be steep.
While our crews are great with kids and will show them all a fun time, please try not to let your children get in the way of the crews going about their daily duties, as this reduces productivity and will slow down how we go about our cruise. When the work is over, and it comes time for play, our crews will be more than happy to entertain your kids all they like.
Small babies and toddlers like to cry, so we do have a policy of not allowing children under four on board our FIT cruises.
We know that kids get bored and frustrated, so we’d like to help keep them occupied during the day. We have many games and activities on board, but if there’s a particular board game or activity they like, just let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate. We don’t have electronic games on board, but most kids have their own. We do not have Internet on board, so online gaming will not be possible.
Travelling with Teenagers
Older kids tend to get the most out of these cruises, and we’ve had many teenagers aboard over the years. There’s a great deal for them to throw themselves into: snorkeling straight off the boat, paddle boarding and kayaking whenever we’re at anchor, island hikes, and the chance to spend a week alongside a crew who will happily teach them a few words of Indonesian and hand them a guitar for an evening. We’d be dishonest, though, if we didn’t mention the obvious hurdle — there is no Internet on board, and for a teenager used to being connected all day, that first day or two can be an adjustment. In our experience, they come round quickly once the snorkeling starts, but it’s worth a conversation at home before you book rather than a discovery on day one. Do also have a look at the itinerary with them; some of our cruises are more active than others, and a trip that suits a keen young snorkeler is not always the same one that suits a family looking for a gentler pace.
Families and the Triple Cabins
Each boat has two ‘triple’ cabins consisting of a double bed below and a full-size single bunk above, which we reserve for families with one child or three so that parents can share with their one child or that the three kids can share together. For the third child, we charge only 50% of the full fare. Our rule of thumb is that the child must be 12 or under, but we will look at each case on a case-by-case basis.
Everything you need to know about cabins, dining, and life on deck.
Offering many of the creature comforts of the modern world, our two wooden pinisi ships, Ombak Putih and Katharina, are part of a beautiful, centuries-old maritime tradition of hand-crafted boat building now classified as a UNESCO cultural heritage. Built by the highly skilled seafaring peoples of Sulawesi, using hand tools and traditional methods of construction, the design of these gaff-rigged ketches has been adapted and passed down from father to son for centuries.
Both ships come out of the water every March for three weeks of annual maintenance and safety certification, and both are certified to the highest Indonesian maritime standards. We are very proud of our boats and are constantly renovating, upgrading, and improving them. Both boats were extensively remodeled in 2015 to create the signature polished wood fittings you will see on both boats. In 2019, both boats had new decks laid on the main deck. In 2026, new bathrooms were added to Ombak Putih, the wheelhouse was completely remodeled, and the upper deck was extended to create more public space. For Katharina, in 2025 and 2026, the entire bridge deck was raised, the public spaces were extended and upgraded, and an entire new salon was created for guest enjoyment. And it’s not over yet!
All cabins are on the lower deck and are the same in basic style and décor. Both boats were extensively renovated in 2015 with stylish new interiors that highlight the natural woods of the original pinisi design. New teak decks added in 2019. Each cabin is about 9sqm (97 square feet) and has either a double bed (200 x 160cm) or two twin bunks (200 x 90cm), one atop the other. Two cabins have one double bed and a single bunk designed for families. Each cabin has its own private en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet and sink. They are also individually air-conditioned. Ombak Putih cabins have a porthole, while Katharina has skylights above letting in natural light. There is also plenty of storage space and lots of power points and USB chargers.
What kind of power sockets are in the cabins?
All our on-board staff are Indonesian and hail from a wide array of the cultures and ethnic groups of the archipelago. The Ombak Putih is crewed by a team of 15 and Katharina by one of 14. These consist of your captain, first and second officers, engineers, steering hands, chefs, galley staff, and stewards. Our crews live on the boat year-round, and as such it is their home, and we encourage our crew and guests to mix whenever possible. They are also super friendly and helpful and will assist you in anything you need.
They are all family men and women, and they are great with kids. Both boat’s crews are all highly musical and the band will regale you with folk songs of their homeland at least a couple of times during the trip. An experience that will have you dancing into the night. Our tour leaders are all highly experienced in the ways of the sea and the islands we visit. They all speak English very well and are on hand to look after you and ensure you have a very good time.
Indonesia through Indonesian Eyes is our motto, and with this combination of crew and tour leaders you will have quite the immersive Indonesian experience.
Our chefs and their galley teams will be preparing for you a wide array of dishes from all around the world, including Asian, Western, and all manner of world cuisines, as well as of course Indonesian. Dinner and lunch are served buffet style, and breakfast is a la carte with a wide range of cereals, pastries as well as eggs any style, pancakes, sausage and bacon. All drinks are readily accessible from the fridge in the salon with complimentary soft drinks and juices, a wide array of teas, instant coffee and an espresso machine serving as much free coffee as you can drink. Alcohol is charged for, but at basically cost price. It’s self-serve using the honesty system — take what you need and just place a mark in the book next to your cabin number. For cocktails, simply ask your friendly steward to mix up your favourite tipple. We’re happy to cater to dietary requirements — vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, children’s fare, low fat, allergies and so on. Do tell us when you book. This isn’t bureaucracy: we provision for the whole cruise before we leave, and once we’re out among the islands, there is nowhere to pop out to for an ingredient we didn’t bring. The more notice you give us, the better we’ll feed you.
We have a good selection of basic spirits, local lager and wines on board the boat, all at very reasonable prices. If you do want to bring a bottle of duty free top shelf for the ride, you are most welcome. The allowance for Indonesia is 2 x 700ml per person, regardless of type. You can travel with it domestically in the cabin as long as the bottle cap’s seal is not broken. When on board, give the bottle to the head steward and they will look after it for you.
The short answer is no – nor do we intend to ever get it. It is our aim to take you away from the modern world and put you in the moment. We like to think of this as a positive. With the need to be online 24/7 becoming an all-encompassing factor of modern living, being able to go to a place that is off the grid will only become more of a luxury as we march forward into a digital future.
With that in mind, our boats will be one of those digital-free oases where you can truly switch off and enjoy the natural world around you, free from any outside distraction. For those who have the luxury of switching off, it will be a beautiful experience, we assure you. However, with the realities of technology being what they are, it’s not that simple for some to live offline, and there is the option for a intermittent connection through the purchasing of a local SIM card with a 3G or 4G connection for your phone or device here in Indonesia.
There are cell towers all over the country, and we will come into range of these from time to time, allowing for the sending and receiving of SMS and small emails. This is by no means guaranteed, and we can sometimes be off the grid for up to 2 or 3 days at a time, particularly in the far east or north of the country. You can purchase a local SIM card at the airport upon arrival in Indonesia prior from any one of a vast number of cell phone stores that line the streets of Bali and load it up with some credit to your trip. The store staff will be only too happy to help.
Note: If you run a business that requires you to be constantly online, or simply cannot be without a regular connection for staying in touch with friends and family, then a SeaTrek cruise may not be the best match for you.
How to get here and what to pack for a remote island expedition.
Snorkelling Gear
Snorkels, masks & fins in all sizes are provided onboard. If you are an avid snorkeller, you may prefer to bring your own mask & snorkel. We do have equipment for children, but for smaller kids (under 10) you may want to buy a mask that fits them perfectly prior to joining.
Water Toys
We have paddle boards and kayaks on board for guest use whenever we are at anchor.
Clothing
The tropical climate means you can safely leave all of your cold weather gear at home. Bring cool cottons, T-shirts and shorts. We cruise during the dry season in each of the regions that we visit but rain is always a possibility so bring a lightweight waterproof jacket; it can sometimes be a bit windy on the boat and this will also help keep you warm. Likewise, a lightweight fleece could be useful for pre-dawn trekking or if there is a cool wind on the boat, even if you don’t need it onboard it will be useful for the plane. SeaTrek is respectful of the local cultures and customs so bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees for village visits. Finally, you might want to bring at least one smart-casual outfit for sunset cocktails and evening meals on the boat. Ladies: beach throw overs, kaftans and sarongs are always useful; choose fabrics that dry easily. Also, bring a lightweight sundress or two — the boat offers a great setting for a photo shoot, live it up!
Sun Protection
You’ll be spending plenty of time out in the warm tropical sun, so be sure to pack high SPF reef safe sunscreen. We also have reef safe sunscreen on board so don’t be worried if you forget. Remember to bring your snorkeling rash guard also.
Cover-ups, sarongs, sun shirts, and other such clothing will ensure that you come back from your trip with just happy memories and photographs and not a sunburn. Just in case you fail to avoid getting sunburnt, bring an aloe-based lotion to soothe burned skin. A good hat is essential, and a wide brimmed hat or cap will keep the sun off your face and neck. Sunglasses keep your eyes protected and add a little glam to your photos, and a strap to hold your glasses can be a good idea on more active adventures.
Footwear
Pack comfortable trainers, trekking sandals, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for hikes and walks — although the boots are not necessary for non-specialised trips such as those for serious bird watchers. Bring socks to wear inside your walking shoes to avoid getting blisters. Many travellers appreciate the added stability of a walking stick or hiking pole and lightweight telescopic poles are easy to pack. You might also want waterproof sandals or reef shoes for wet landings and water activities. Flip-flops are great for the beach. Note: standard practice is to go barefoot on the boat.
Bags
A day-backpack is essential on day hikes to carry things such as your water bottle, camera, binoculars, and rain jacket. SeaTrek provides each guest with a small linen backpack and a SeaTrek-branded metal water bottle, which can be refilled as often as required and makes a nice souvenir to take home and reduces plastic use onboard. A waterproof wet/dry bag is a good idea for your phone, camera, etc.
Swimwear
Don’t forget your swimsuit/bikini/shorts/trunks/Speedos — and preferably more than just one swimsuit, so that one or two can be drying while you are wearing another. Luckily, swimsuits and/or swim trunks don’t take up too much space in your luggage. The water is warm, but a rash guard (or a thin wetsuit) will protect you from the sun, abrasions and possible jellyfish stings.
Skin & Hair Protection
It’s important that you take good care of your skin and hair, if you are so inclined. The sun, seawater and salty air may be beautiful to experience but it can be tough on your body and will wreak havoc on your locks. Bring moisturising lotion to soothe skin parched by the sun and the saltwater; bring a leave-in conditioner to de-tangle your hair with ease because the water, mask, and hair-ties will leave it in knots. Also consider bringing a scarf or headband to hold back unruly hair, or hair-ties/pins to keep your hair off your face and therefore prevent water seeping into your mask. Note: Your cabin is outfitted with towels, shampoo, conditioner and bodywash.
Camera Equipment
If you are a photo enthusiast, bring all of the camera and video equipment that you will use as you can expect exceptional opportunities for photography. If you prefer the ease of a point & shoot camera or your phone, just bring that. If you want to take underwater photos, you might want to invest in a waterproof camera/GoPro or waterproof housing to capture photos of the incredible marine life. It’s a good idea to bring a spare memory card; our cruises explore remote regions where memory cards cannot be purchased.
Charging Station
We have a charging station in the salon of each boat where cameras can be safely left. It’s also a great place to keep your equipment on hand for those instant wildlife moments: having your camera stored in your air-conditioned room can cause it to mist up when it’s brought out quickly to take a photo of a pod of dolphins or a breaching whale, leading you to missing the shot of a lifetime.
Reading Material and Reference Books
You’ll find reference books and paperback novels on board. However, books of your choice or an e-reader will come in handy for down hours.
Flying
Pack the essentials in your carry-on: medications, corrective lenses, spare underwear, cameras and documents. If your checked bag goes missing, it may take days to reach you in a remote anchorage — or not reach you at all. Never put valuables in checked luggage and keep copies of your tickets and the photo page of your passport.
A great many of our guests are in their sixties, seventies and beyond, and they tend to be among the ones who get the most out of a cruise. You don’t need to be an athlete. But these are working ships in remote places, so it’s worth being honest with yourself about what the days involve.
What a typical day asks of you
Cabins are on the lower deck and the stairs down to them are at a 60-degree angle and you’ll use them several times a day. There are rails on both sides to keep you steady and we do recommend you go down them backwards. Getting ashore means transferring from the ship into a tender and often stepping off that tender into shallow water onto a beach rather than a jetty. Snorkelling means getting in and out of the water, usually straight off the boat. Some itineraries include hikes — Komodo dragon trekking, early-morning birdwatching — over uneven ground.
Our crew will help you in and out of the tenders. They do it all day, every day, and they are very good at it — an arm to steady you getting aboard, a hand on the beach, and someone watching to make sure you’re alright. Don’t feel you have to manage alone, and don’t feel awkward about accepting a hand. It’s part of what they’re there for.
You are also never obliged to go ashore at all. If you’d rather stay aboard with a book while everyone else is off snorkelling or visiting a village that’s a perfectly good way to spend a morning and nobody will think twice.
Do talk to us
Every guest completes a medical questionnaire before travelling, and if you have a condition that might need special attention we ask you to tell us in writing when you book. That isn’t a formality. Our cruises visit genuinely remote regions where medical care beyond basic first aid is often not immediately available, and the more we know, the better we can look after you.
So do call or write before booking and describe your situation honestly. We’d far rather have a frank conversation now and put you on the right cruise than have you find yourself on the wrong one.
Getting to a boat in eastern Indonesia takes a little more planning than most holidays, so please make sure you talk with us before you book flights or hotels.
Getting to Indonesia
Bali and Jakarta are our international gateways, and most major carriers fly into both. Which one you want depends on which cruise you’re joining, so ask us before you book — the answer isn’t always the obvious one.
Getting to the boat
Almost every cruise starts somewhere other than Bali or Jakarta, which means a domestic flight. With the exception of our Orangutans & Dragons cruises, where some domestic flights are included, these aren’t part of the fare.
Our reservations team is happy to book domestic flights for you. This is a free service, but we do use a traditional travel agent, and we are required by law to charge 11% government tax, so the prices might not be what you see on Booking.com. If you do want to use an online agent and book directly by yourself, please confirm with us beforehand so we know you have the most suitable flights. We can also book hotels in our embarkation ports for guests coming in the day before departure.
Transfers
Once you land at your embarkation port, we take over. You will be met at the airport by our people and either taken straight to the boat or to your hotel. For trips where guests have arrived the day before departure, we will pick you up after breakfast on departure day and take you straight to the boat.
Where to stay either side of your cruise
Transit hotels aren’t included in the fare, but we can make recommendations and book on your behalf if you would like us to. We do not get preferential rates.
For our Komodo & Beyond trips, it is recommended that you fly into Bali at least the day before the trip. You can fly to Komodo (Labuan Bajo) on the day of departure around 8am.
For other trips, we do require our guests to arrive a day before the departure date to avoid any potential delays that late flights can cause. Domestic flights within Indonesia are delayed often enough that a same-day connection to the boat is a gamble, and the boat cannot wait.
Please ensure that all necessary travel documents are valid, effective and in your possession. Passports are required for all participants and MUST be valid for at least SIX MONTHS after your date of return by Indonesian law.
Most foreign nationals can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival WHICH IS PRICED AT US$35 (or equivalent) and can be purchased at the airport. Citizens of a small number of countries do not enjoy this privilege and have to apply for visa in the country of origin or elsewhere outside of Indonesia prior to arrival. Please check the Indonesian immigration website to see if you qualify. Click this link to visit the site.
There are no longer any travel restrictions surrounding Covid-19 and proof of vaccination is no longer required. All our crew and on-board staff are fully vaccinated.
Please download the customs form from the Indonesian government website inside 72 hours of arrival. Take a screen shot or print the QR code to present to the customs officials. This will save you time and hassle. Click this link for the form.
We recommend that all our passengers double-check on the requirements as they are in force at the time of their arrival. Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements.
For full information on what you need to enter Indonesia, click this link.
Important notes on pricing, safety standards, and booking policies.
Yes, and a good number of our guests do.
There’s something about a small boat that makes solo travel easy. You’re sharing meals, tenders and snorkelling stops with the same small group of people for a week or more, and by the second day nobody is a stranger. Our tour leaders keep an eye out for anyone who’d rather not be left to their own devices, and our crew will have you talking whether you planned to or not. Equally, if you want to take a book to the top deck and not speak to a soul all afternoon, that’s an entirely reasonable way to spend a day at sea and nobody will think anything of it.
For solo travellers we offer two options:
We cannot guarantee a solo cabin, but we will do our best. If you’re weighing it up, do just get in touch and ask which cruises have solo travellers already booked. We’re happy to tell you.
All pricing on the website is in US dollars and is per person based on twin share.
Single Supplement
Solo travellers can either share a twin cabin at the standard fare or take a cabin alone for a 75% supplement. See “Can I travel alone?” above for how the sharing arrangement works.
Inclusions
Not Included
* We are happy to book domestic air tickets on your behalf.
Yes, and it’s one of our favourite ways to see a boat filled. Extended families, groups of friends, birthday trips, small clubs with a shared interest in birds or history — all of it works well on a pinisi.
Booking several cabins is no different from booking one. Tell us how many cabins you need and who’s sharing with whom, and our reservations team will hold them together. There are no discounts for groups and the 25% deposit will be based on full group numbers.
One thing worth saying plainly: if you’re booking as a group, tell us at the time of booking that you want to stay together.
If you’d like the whole boat to yourselves, that’s a charter, and it works differently — you set the dates, and we’ll build the route around what your group actually wants to do. Have a look at our charters page, or just write to us and we’ll talk it through.
Plans change, and we’d rather you knew where you stand before you book than after.
To cancel, write to us at info@seatrekbali.com. The date we receive your written notice is the date we work from, and cancellation fees apply per person as follows:
If you’d rather not lose the trip altogether, your booking is transferable: find someone to take your place at the same fare and the cruise is theirs. We’re happy to help with the paperwork.
Two things to be aware of. Once a cruise has begun, we can’t refund any unused portion of it. And if we’ve already paid costs on your behalf that we can’t recover, a change fee may apply.
This is also why we ask every guest to carry travel insurance, and why we’d encourage you to take a policy that covers cancellation and interruption as well as medical. It’s the one thing that turns a cancelled trip from a loss into an inconvenience.
Tipping: It is customary to tip the crew in the cruising industry. It is a time-honoured tradition on sailing vessels of the world to tip the crew at the end of a voyage. This is, of course, if you have been satisfied with their services. The amount you choose to tip is up to you. On your final night onboard, you will have the opportunity to discreetly add the tipping envelops provided in your cruise bag to the collecting basket or large envelope for crew tips and tour leader tips.
How it Works
Tipping happens at the end of the trip, and tipping envelopes are provided in your cruise bag, one labelled “Crew” and one labelled “Tour Leader”. There are no cabin numbers printed on the envelopes, and what you give is up to you.
Because our guests come from many different countries with different attitudes and expectations around tipping and gratuities, we do want to stress that it is discretionary, and you can tip as little or as much as you are comfortable with.
Suggested tipping amounts are:
Boat and Passenger Safety
Both of our boats are certified to the highest of Indonesian maritime standards with navigation and safety equipment in abundance: ship to shore radio, satellite phones, and radar. We have plenty of inflatable lifeboats and lifejackets for all both in the rooms and up on the top deck and fire extinguishers are found in multiple locations across the boat. All our crew are certified to the exacting standards of the Indonesian maritime code, and a full safety briefing is given on day 1 of each cruise to let all guests know of what to do in the event of an emergency.
Health Requirements and Medical Care
Our trips have varying levels of demands and fitness requirements depending on the specific itinerary and optional activities. To participate, you must complete our medical questionnaire. Medical care beyond basic first aid, due to the sometimes-remote regions visited, is often not immediately available If you have a physical, dietary, or any other condition for which you may require special attention, please inform us in writing when the booking is made. SeaTrek assumes no responsibility for any medical care provided to you.
Seasickness: Even if you think that your stomach is rock-solid, a squall could turn up and make you feel sick. Sea-sickness tablets are provided on board but you may have a preferred brand, in which case bring your own.
First Aid
All our tour leaders and crew are first aid trained, and undergo refresher courses every year. There is a comprehensive wilderness first aid kit on board but remember to bring any personal medications. We also have a defibrillator on board.
Insurance & Liability
We require all passengers to sign a strict and comprehensive liability release, and for scuba divers (in the case where we do arrange diving with a third party – Scuba is not available onboard SeaTrek’s boats) to sign an additional declaration of their good physical condition. Copies of these liability releases can be sent on request. Our cruise price does not include travel insurance, and we strongly recommend all guests must have a comprehensive policy that covers medical with an emergency evacuation policy (Medivac). We also strongly urge our guests to purchase a comprehensive insurance policy that covers trip cancellation and interruption insurance. SeaTrek does not provide cover, nor do we have a preferred broker.
Vaccinations and Disease Prevention
We do not mandate any vaccinations on board. Coming to the tropics can be risky, so talk to your GP about any requirements you may need or ask us at SeaTrek for our experiences before coming.
Reservations
You may reserve space on one of our cruises by email on info@seatrekbali.com, online at www.seatrekbali.com. Your booking is not final until you receive a confirmation from us.
Deposits and Final Payment
A deposit of twenty five percent (25%) per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to departure. If your booking is made within ninety (90) days of departure, the entire cruise cost must be paid at the time of booking. Payments can be made by wire transfer or by credit card, although a credit card surcharge of 5% will be applied. If you pay your deposit by wire, we will confirm your reservation once your payment has cleared the bank.
Cancellations by You and Refunds
To cancel your booking, you must submit your request to us in writing by email at info@seatrekbali.com. Cancellation fees will be applied per person according to the following schedule, based on the date we receive your written notification.
Your trip/cruise is transferable should you provide an alternate participant at the same fare. No refunds will apply to unused portions of a trip once the tour begins. If SeaTrek has un-reimbursed payments on your behalf once we confirm your trip, a change fee may be imposed.
Travel Insurance
The cruise price does not include travel or trip insurance, so we strongly encourage you to purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and we mandate our clients to have a travel & medical insurance policy with an emergency evacuation policy.
Cancellations or Changes by Us and Flexibility
We reserve the right to cancel, alter or modify any trip without prior notice for the safety and/or comfort of clients due to local circumstances or events. This includes moving guests from one boat to another prior to the trip to optimise passenger numbers. On very rare occasions that a trip cancellation may occur, we will offer you either an alternative cruise or a full refund. We will also assist with any re-ticketing costs that arise from scheduling changes. This will constitute full settlement of claims you may have arising out of our cancellation.
Force Majeure
SeaTrek will not be deemed in breach of this agreement by reason of delay in performance or non-performance of any of its obligations under this agreement to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any Force Majeure. “Force Majeure” means any circumstances beyond the reasonable control of SeaTrek.
Pre-Departure Documentation
Please read all trip-related documents as soon as you receive them. It is your responsibility to contact us if any information is incorrect. SeaTrek will provide this agreement, a waiver of liability and assumption of risk agreement and a medical questionnaire to be signed and returned, in addition to your booking confirmation and travel information.
Itineraries & Flexibility
Every effort will be made to carry out our cruise itinerary as planned; however, our itineraries are subject to change at the captain’s discretion. When touring at sea, weather, currents, and even harbour masters don’t always co-operate with our planned itinerary, which sometimes make our planned schedules challenging or even impossible to carry out. For that reason, our written itineraries must be approached with reasonable flexibility. We reserve the right to make alterations due to circumstances beyond our control and/or other factors, in the best interests of all. It’s all part of the adventure.
Information on pricing, safety, and our booking policies.
On SeaTrek, you will see a wide variety of cultures, landscapes and flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else on earth, and all from the decks of our UNESCO-listed, traditional, wooden Indonesian pinisi ships.
Think Komodo dragons, whale sharks, sea turtles, amazing corals and underwater life, dolphins and whales, monkeys, giant bats and orangutans. You will also come face to face with many of the myriad cultures that are present in Indonesia and learn about their ways of life and their traditions.
To better prepare yourselves for your journey, we have placed various resources at your
fingertips to help you get a better grasp of what lies ahead. We have many books on board our vessels on various topics related to our journeys, but to help you get better prepared we have an extensive reading list to help bring you up to speed on all the history, culture and wildlife you will encounter along the way.
Also check out our website blogs, which cover everything from to one-of-a-kind cultural events, daily island adventures, historical accounts, animal encounters, and even recipes to take home. You may also be interested to read about us in features that have appeared in local and international publications. If video is your thing, then please visit our YouTube channel to view some of the short clips we have about our journeys and the special events that we have encountered along our routes.
We cruise all the year round, with us only taking the boats out of the water in March for three weeks for their annual safety inspections.
April through September is the ‘dry season’ in the central and southern parts of Indonesia and the weather and seas are settled and relatively calm. During this time, we cover the Komodo & Beyond routes, where ships can operate in the lee of the islands and enjoy protection from wind and swell.
Come October, we begin our passage further east from Maumere in Flores back up to Raja Ampat via the Banda Islands. As the trade winds and monsoons turn, we head to the north and east of the archipelago and into the Maluku and Papua regions – home to the Spice Islands and the wondrous biodiverse region of Raja Ampat. This is the time of year that features our 10-day Raja Ampat cruises right through to our 12- to 16-day expert led cruises, which offer much more substantial cruising itineraries.
Offering many of the creature comforts of the modern world, our two wooden pinisi ships, Ombak Putih and Katharina, are part of a beautiful, centuries-old maritime tradition of hand-crafted boat building now classified as a UNESCO cultural heritage. Built by the highly skilled seafaring peoples of Sulawesi, using hand tools and traditional methods of construction, the design of these gaff-rigged ketches has been adapted and passed down from father to son for centuries.
All cabins are on the lower deck and are the same in basic style and décor. Both boats were extensively renovated in 2015 with stylish new interiors that highlight the natural woods of the original pinisi design. New teak decks added in 2019. Each cabin is about 9sqm (97 square feet) and has either a double bed (200 x 160cm) or two twin bunks (200 x 90cm), one atop the other. Two cabins have one double bed and a single bunk designed for families. Each cabin has its own private en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet and sink. They are also individually air-conditioned. Ombak Putih cabins have a porthole, while Katharina has skylights above letting in natural light. There is also plenty of storage space and lots of power points and USB chargers.
What kind of power sockets are in the cabins?
All our on-board staff are Indonesian and hail from a wide array of the cultures and ethnic groups of the archipelago. The Ombak Putih is crewed by a team of 15 and Katharina by one of 14. These consist of your captain, first and second officers, engineers, steering hands, chefs, galley staff, and stewards. Our crews live on the boat year-round, and as such it is their home, and we encourage our crew and guests to mix whenever possible. They are also super friendly and helpful and will assist you in anything you need.
They are all family men and women, and they are great with kids. Both boat’s crews are all highly musical and the band will regale you with folk songs of their homeland at least a couple of times during the trip. An experience that will have you dancing into the night. Our tour leaders are all highly experienced in the ways of the sea and the islands we visit. They all speak English very well and are on hand to look after you and ensure you have a very good time.
Indonesia through Indonesian Eyes is our motto, and with this combination of crew and tour leaders you will have quite the immersive Indonesian experience.
Our chefs and their galley teams will be preparing for you a wide array of dishes from all around the world, including Asian, Western, and all manner of world cuisines, as well as of course Indonesian. Dinner and lunch are served buffet style and breakfast is a la carte with a wide range of cereals, pastries as well as eggs any style, pancakes, sausage and bacon. All drinks are readily accessible from the fridge in the salon with complimentary soft drinks and juices, a wide array of teas, instant coffee and an espresso machine serving as much free coffee as you can drink. Alcohol is charged for, but at basically cost price. It’s self-serve using the honesty system – take what you need and just place a mark in the book next to your cabin number. For cocktails, simply ask your friendly steward to mix up your favourite tipple. We can cater to special requests for dietary requirements such as vegetarian, halal, kosher, children’s fare, low fat dishes, allergies, etc. However, we must be notified in advance of any special dietary needs so we can make arrangements.
We have a good selection of basic spirits, local lager and wines on board the boat, all at very reasonable prices. If you do want to bring a bottle of duty free top shelf for the ride, you are most welcome. The allowance for Indonesia is 2 x 700ml per person, regardless of type. You can travel with it domestically in the cabin as long as the bottle cap’s seal is not broken. When on board, give the bottle to the head steward and they will look after it for you.
Snorkelling Gear
Snorkels, masks & fins in all sizes are provided onboard. If you are an avid snorkeller, you may prefer to bring your own mask & snorkel. We do have equipment for children, but for smaller kids (under 10) you may want to buy a mask that fits them perfectly prior to joining.
Water Toys
We have paddle boards and kayaks on board for guest use whenever we are at anchor.
Clothing
The tropical climate means you can safely leave all of your warm weather gear at home. Bring cool cottons, T-shirts and shorts. We cruise during the dry season in each of the regions that we visit but rain is always a possibility so bring a lightweight waterproof jacket; it can sometimes be a bit windy on the boat and this will also help keep you warm. Likewise, a lightweight fleece could be useful for pre-dawn trekking or if there is a cool wind on the boat, even if you don’t need it onboard it will be useful for the plane. SeaTrek is respectful of the local cultures and customs so bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees for village visits. Finally, you might want to bring at least one smart-casual outfit for sunset cocktails and evening meals on the boat. Ladies: beach throw overs, kaftans and sarongs are always useful; choose fabrics that dry easily. Also, bring a lightweight sundress or two – the boat offers a great setting for a photo shoot, live it up!
Sun Protection
You’ll be spending plenty of time out in the warm tropical sun, so be sure to pack high SPF reef safe sunscreen. We also have reef safe sunscreen on board so don’t be worries if you forget. Remember to bring you snorkeling rash guard also.
Cover-ups, sarongs, sun shirts, and other such clothing will ensure that you come back from your trip with just happy memories and photographs and not a sunburn. Just in case you fail to avoid getting sunburnt, bring an aloe-based lotion to soothe burned skin. A good hat is essential,l and a wide brimmed hat or cap will keep the sun off your face and neck. Sunglasses keep your eyes protected and add a little glam to your photos, and a strap to hold your glasses can be a good idea on more active adventures.
Footwear
Pack comfortable trainers, trekking sandals, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for hikes and walks – although the boots are not necessary for non-specialised trips such as those for serious bird watchers. Bring socks to wear inside your walking shoes to avoid getting blisters. Many travellers appreciate the added stability of a walking stick or hiking pole and lightweight telescopic poles are easy to pack. You might also want waterproof sandals or reef shoes for wet landings and water activities. Flip-flops are great for the beach. Note: standard practice is to go barefoot on the boat.
Bags
A day-backpack is essential on day hikes to carry things such as your water bottle, camera, binoculars, and rain jacket. SeaTrek provides each guest with a small linin backpack and a SeaTrek-branded metal water bottle, which can be refilled as often as required and makes a nice souvenir to take home and reduces plastic use onboard. A waterproof wet/dry bag is a good idea for your phone, camera, etc.
Swimwear
Don’t forget your swimsuit/ bikini/ shorts/ trunks/ Speedos —and preferably more than just one swimsuit, so that one or two can be drying while you are wearing another. Luckily, swimsuits and/or swim trunks don’t take up too much space in your luggage. The water is warm, but a rash guard (or a thin wetsuit) will protect you from the sun, abrasions and possible jellyfish stings.
Skin & Hair Protection
It’s important that you take good care of your skin and hair, if you are so inclined. The sun, seawater and salty air may be beautiful to experience but it can be tough on your body and will wreak havoc on your locks. Bring moisturising lotion to soothe skin parched by the sun and the saltwater; bring a leave-in conditioner to de-tangle your hair with ease because the water, mask, and hair-ties will leave it in knots. Also consider bringing a scarf or headband to hold back unruly hair, or hair-ties/pins to keep your hair off your face and therefore prevent water seeping into your mask. Note: Your cabin is outfitted with towels, shampoo, conditioner and bodywash.
Camera Equipment
If you are photo enthusiast, bring all of the camera and video equipment that you will use as you can expect exceptional opportunities for photography. If you prefer the ease of a point & shoot camera or your phone, just bring that. If you want to take underwater photos, you might want to invest in a waterproof camera/GoPro or waterproof housing to capture photos of the incredible marine life. It’s a good idea to bring a spare memory card; our cruises explore remote regions where memory cards cannot be purchased.
Charging Station
We have a charging station in the salon of each boat where cameras can be safely left. It’s also a great place to keep your equipment on hand for those instant wildlife moments: having your camera stored in your air-conditioned room can cause it to mist up when it’s brought out quickly to take a photo or a pod of dolphins or a breaching whale, leading you to missing the shot of a lifetime.
Reading Material and Reference Books
You’ll find reference books and paperback novels on board. However, books of your choice or an e-reader will come in handy for down hours.
All pricing on the website is in US dollars and is per person based on twin share.
Single Supplement
For the single traveller who wants to secure their own cabin we do charge a 75% supplement. If you are a single traveller and don’t mind sharing a twin cabin with another person of the same gender, then this fee will not apply and you just pay the regular ticket price for a guaranteed spot on the boat. If we cannot find you a roommate, then you will get the cabin to yourself at no extra cost.
Inclusions
Not Included
** We are happy to book domestic air tickets on your behalf.
Tipping: It is customary to tip the crew in the cruising industry. It is a time-honoured tradition on sailing vessels of the world to tip the crew at the end of a voyage. This is, of course, if you have been satisfied with their services. The amount you choose to tip is up to you. On your final night onboard, you will have the opportunity to discreetly add the tipping envelops provided in your cruise bag to the collecting basket or large envelope for crew tips and tour leader tips.
How it Works
Tipping happens at the end of the trip, and tipping envelopes are provided in your cruise bag, one labelled “Crew” and one labelled “Tour Leader”. There are no cabin numbers printed on the envelopes, and what you give is up to you.
Because our guests come from many different countries with different attitudes and expectations around tipping and gratuities, we do want to stress that it is discretionary, and you can tip as little or as much as you are comfortable with.
Suggested tipping amounts are:
Since the company’s beginning, both Ombak Putih and Katharina has welcomed families on board with open arms. In that time, we have hosted a great number of children onboard, and they have enjoyed the cruises immensely. The opportunities and experiences for nature, culture and the great outdoors that we offer on our cruises provide more in one week for a child’s education and outlook on life that than any school can teach in the classroom.
During school holidays, Jun through August and December through January, children are very welcome on board.
It’s not an easy road trying to please all our guests, but all we can do is try our best to
accommodate everyone, so in the interests of openness and honesty we would like our guests with children to consider the following simple rules and recommendations regarding boat safety and the comfort of other passengers.
Many of us have kids and know how difficult it can be at times to keep their youthful exuberances under control, especially when on holidays. But there are times and places to be wild, and times and places to not. While we love for kids to have a good time, our boats are not big and it’s very easy to disrupt or disturb other people who are trying to relax or simply enjoy the world go by. With this in mind we ask that you talk to your kids about keeping their noise and youthful energy to a minimum on board. When we get to shore, they can run around to their hearts’ content.
Please be aware of the potential dangers that surround us on the ships and in the tropical environments, both on land and on water that we cruise through. When on land or in the water, please try to get your children to refrain from getting too close to animals or straying off the path. Ours are working ships and have many potential hazards, so please let your kids know to be careful when moving around. Both boats have been built with child-safety in mind, and to this day they still have a clean bill of accident-free cruises, but to keep things this way we need the attention of parents, and it is of utmost importance for them to be vigilante and to watch their children at all times. For your peace of mind and added safety, the side railings on both ships have been built higher than on normal traditional Pinisi’s, and we advise you keep a close eye out in the lounge area, especially where the stairs to the cabins can be steep.
While our crews are great with kids and will show them all a fun time, please try to not let your children get in the way of the crews going about their daily duties, as this reduces productivity and will slow down how we go about our cruise. When the work is over and it comes time for play, our crews will be more than happy to entertain your kids all they like.
Small babies and toddlers like to cry, so we do have a policy of not allowing children under four on board our FIT cruises.
We know that kids get bored and frustrated so we’d like to help keep them occupied during the day. We have many games and activities on board, but if there’s a particular board game or activity they like, just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate. We don’t have electronic games on board, but most kids have their own. We do not have Internet on board, so online gaming will not be possible.
Families and the Triple Cabins
Each boat has two ‘triple’ cabins consisting of a double bed below and a full size single bunk above, which we reserve for families with one child or three so that parents can share with their one child or that the three kids can share together. For the third child we charge only 50% of the full fare. Our rule of thumb is that the child must be 12 or under, but we will look at each on a case-by-case basis.
The short answer is no – nor do we intend to ever get it. It is our aim to take you away from the modern world and put you in the moment. We like to think of this as a positive. With the need to be online 24/7 becoming an all-encompassing factor of modern living, being able to go to a place that is off the grid will only become more of a luxury as we march forward into a digital future.
With that in mind, our boats will be one of those digital-free oases where you can truly switch off and enjoy the natural world around you, free from any outside distraction. For those who have the luxury of switching off, it will be a beautiful experience, we assure you. However, with the realities of technology being what they are, it’s not that simple for some to live offline, and there is the option for a intermittent connection through the purchasing of a local SIM card with a 3G or 4G connection for your phone or device here in Indonesia.
There are cell towers all over the country, and we will come into range of these from time to time, allowing for the sending and receiving of SMS and small emails. This is by no means guaranteed, and we can sometimes be off the grid for up to 2 or 3 days at a time, particularly in the far east or north of the country. You can purchase a local SIM card at the airport upon arrival in Indonesia prior from any one of a vast number of cell phone stores that line the streets of Bali and load it up with some credit to your trip. The store staff will be only too happy to help.
Note: If you run a business that requires you to be constantly online, or simply cannot be without a regular connection for staying in touch with friends and family, then a SeaTrek cruise may not be the best match for you.
International Flights
Bali and Jakarta are our two international entry points into Indonesia with many international carriers flying into both. Check with us before booking your flights so we can best advise which is the best airport for you to start your particular cruise from.
Domestic Flights – What can I Carry?
With the exception of our Orangutans & Dragons cruises, domestic flights are not included. However, our reservations team can assist in booking these on your behalf. If you are booking your own flights, please check in with us to make sure that you will be in the right place at the right time before you book your flights. Essential items should be packed in your carry-on luggage. Medications, corrective lenses, spare underwear, cameras and documents should not be checked in case your bag does not arrive with you. Never place valuables in checked luggage. We suggest you make copies of your tickets and the photo page of your passport.
Please ensure that all necessary travel documents are valid, effective and in your possession. Passports are required for all participants and MUST be valid for at least SIX MONTHS after your date of return by Indonesian law.
Most foreign nationals can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival WHICH IS PRICED AT US$35 (or equivalent) and can be purchased at the airport. Citizens of a small number of countries do not enjoy this privilege and have to apply for visa in the country of origin or elsewhere outside of Indonesia prior to arrival. Please check the Indonesian immigration website to see if you qualify. Click this link to visit the site.
There are no longer any travel restrictions surrounding Covid-19 and proof of vaccination is no longer required. All our crew and on-board staff are fully vaccinated.
Please download the customs form from the Indonesian government website inside 72 hours of arrival. Take a screen shot or print the QR code to present to the customs officials. This will save you time and hassle. Click this link for the form.
We recommend that all our passengers double-check on the requirements as they are in force at the time of their arrival. Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements.
For full information on what you need to enter Indonesia, click this link.
Boat and Passenger Safety
Both of our boats are certified to the highest of Indonesian maritime standards with navigation and safety equipment in abundance: ship to shore radio, satellite phones, and radar. We have plenty of inflatable lifeboats and lifejackets for all both in the rooms and up on the top deck and fire extinguishers are found in multiple locations across the boat. All our crew are certified to the exacting standards of the Indonesian maritime code, and a full safety briefing is given on day 1 of each cruise to let all guests know of what to do in the event of an emergency.
Health Requirements and Medical Care
Our trips have varying levels of demands and fitness requirements depending on the specific itinerary and optional activities. To participate, you must complete our medical questionnaire. Medical care beyond basic first aid, due to the sometimes-remote regions visited, is often not immediately available If you have a physical, dietary, or any other condition for which you may require special attention, please inform us in writing when the booking is made. SeaTrek assumes no responsibility for any medical care provided to you.
Seasickness: Even if you think that your stomach is rock-solid, a squall could turn up and make you feel sick. Sea-sickness tablets are provided on board but you may have a preferred brand, in which case bring your own.
First Aid
All our tour leaders and crew are first aid trained, and undergo refresher courses every year. There is a comprehensive wilderness first aid kit on board but remember to bring any personal medications. We also have a defibrillator on board.
Insurance & Liability
We require all passengers to sign a strict and comprehensive liability release, and for scuba divers (in the case where we do arrange diving with a third party – Scuba is not available onboard SeaTrek’s boats) to sign an additional declaration of their good physical condition. Copies of these liability releases can be sent on request. Our cruise price does not include travel insurance, and we strongly recommend all guests must have a comprehensive policy that covers medical with an emergency evacuation policy (Medivac). We also strongly urge our guests to purchase a comprehensive insurance policy that covers trip cancellation and interruption insurance. SeaTrek does not provide cover, nor do we have a preferred broker.
Vaccinations and Disease Prevention
We do not mandate any vaccinations on board. Coming to the tropics can be risky, so talk to your GP about any requirements you may need or ask us at SeaTrek for our experiences before coming.
Reservations
You may reserve space on one of our cruises by email on info@seatrekbali.com, online at www.seatrekbali.com. Your booking is not final until you receive a confirmation from us.
Deposits and Final Payment
A deposit of twenty five percent (25%) per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to departure. If your booking is made within ninety (90) days of departure, the entire cruise cost must be paid at the time of booking. Payments can be made by wire transfer or by credit card, although a credit card surcharge of 5% will be apply. If you pay your deposit by wire, we will confirm your reservation once your payment has cleared the bank.
Cancellations by You and Refunds
To cancel your booking, you must submit your request to us in writing by email at info@seatrekbali.com. Cancellation fees will be applied per person according to the following schedule, based on the date we receive your written notification.
Your trip/cruise is transferable should you provide an alternate participant at the same fare. No refunds will apply to unused portions of a trip once the tour begins. If SeaTrek has un-reimbursed payments on your behalf once we confirm your trip, a change fee may be imposed.
Travel Insurance
The cruise price does not include travel or trip insurance, so we strongly encourage you to purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and we mandate our clients to have a travel & medical insurance policy with an emergency evacuation policy.
Cancellations or Changes by Us and Flexibility
We reserve the right to cancel, alter or modify any trip without prior notice for the safety and/or comfort of clients due to local circumstances or events. This includes moving guests from one boat to another prior to the trip to optimise passenger numbers. On very rare occasions that a trip cancellation may occur, we will offer you either an alternative cruise or a full refund. We will also assist with any re-ticketing costs that arise from scheduling changes. This will constitute full settlement of claims you may have arising out of our cancellation.
Force Majeure
SeaTrek will not be deemed in breach of this agreement by reason of delay in performance or non-performance of any of its obligations under this agreement to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any Force Majeure. “Force Majeure” means any circumstances beyond the reasonable control of SeaTrek.
Pre-Departure Documentation
Please read all trip-related documents as soon as you receive them. It is your responsibility to contact us if any information is incorrect. SeaTrek will provide this agreement, a waiver of liability and assumption of risk agreement and a medical questionnaire to be signed and returned, in addition to your booking confirmation and travel information.
Itineraries & Flexibility
Every effort will be made to carry out our cruise itinerary as planned; however, our itineraries are subject to change at the captain’s discretion. When touring at sea, weather, currents, and even harbour masters don’t always co-operate with our planned itinerary, which sometimes make our planned schedules challenging or even impossible to carry out. For that reason, our written itineraries must be approached with reasonable flexibility. We reserve the right to make alterations due to circumstances beyond our control and/or other factors, in the best interests of all. It’s all part of the adventure.