Vela

A) Commonly Asked Questions

General Information

Is Vela a sailboat?
What do I need to bring for my vacation?
Can I travel on board Vela with a maid or private personnel?
Is there a minimum age for taking children on board Vela?
Can we bring our pet on board ?
Is there WiFi on board ?
Is cell phone network available during the trip ?
Do I have to worry about seasickness?
Charter Conditions & Requirements

What is the minimum night on board Vela? Does my charter need to be a week long?
What is the recommended duration of a charter?
Can I choose which day of the week I begin and end the charter?
How many passengers can stay on board?
What will my itinerary be? Can I charter a custom itinerary?
Do I require a specific visa to travel on board Vela?
Where can Vela pick us up from? Is it possible to depart from Bali?
What will the weather be like for my chosen yacht charter? What to do in case of bad weather? Can I cancel or reschedule in case of bad weather?

Rates & Booking

Do you offer trips sold by the cabin?
How much does it cost to charter Vela?
Are there any hidden fees / what is included in the nightly rate?
Are massages and wellness treatments included within the charter price?
What type of payment do you accept?
What are the payment terms?
Do I have to tip the captain/crew, and if so what’s the normal amount?
B) Experiences: Activities & Food

What if I don’t have any diving certification?
What activities are offered on board Vela?
What activities are offered on board Vela for children?
How does the crew know about my cooking preferences, allergies and other wishes?
What type of food and drinks will be served onboard?
C) Safety

What kind of quality control is done to ensure navigation safety?
Do I need to subscribe to any particular insurance coverage prior to boarding Vela ?
In case of a medical emergency, what kind of dispositions/arrangements do you have in place?
*If a question is not listed above, please contact us via WA and we will provide you with the answer.

A) Commonly asked questions

General Information

Is Vela a sailboat?
Yes, unlike other phinisis cruising the Indonesian archipelago, Vela has fully functional sails and can sail up to 6 knots without use of the engine. With that said, for the comfort of our guests and to offer more time for activities while at anchor, we mostly use Vela’s 890hp engine while at sea to limit the length of crossings.

What do I need to bring for my vacation?
We suggest you bring sunglasses, hats, bathing suits and closed shoes for island trekking and excursions.

We provide complimentary Vela SPF 30 reef safe sunscreen on board and our pop up boutique sells a variety of locally made sun hats.

For certified divers, a copy of your scuba license and diving log is required.

Can I travel on board Vela with a maid or private personnel?
We can accommodate maids and private personnel. However, kindly note that Vela is unable to accommodate more than 12 adults on board including maids and personnel (excluding crew).

Is there a minimum age for taking children on board Vela?
There is no minimum age for taking children on board Vela.

Can we bring our pet on board ?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on board.

Is there WiFi on board ?
Yes, WiFi is complimentary on board when available. Vela is currently one of the very few yachts in Indonesia equipped with Starlink by SpaceX.

Kindly note that when sailing in remote areas of the archipelago we cannot guarantee internet coverage.

Is cell phone network available during the trip ?
Yes, cell phone network is available on board while in range of the harbor or certain villages.

Kindly note that when sailing in remote areas of the archipelago we cannot guarantee cell phone network availability. We can tailor itineraries in order to remain within range of telecommunication antennas, or ensure that we will be close to an antenna on a given day if needed. Thank you for communicating any such preferences with us ahead of your charter and we will ensure that your itinerary is adapted.

Do I have to worry about seasickness?
While Vela is considered quite stable for a phinisi boat, weather conditions are unpredictable. We provide sea sickness pills on board if needed and will make sure to mitigate poor sea conditions by adapting the itinerary when possible.

Our captain and his team constantly keep an eye on maritime and weather forecasts so as to assure safe crossing and limit discomfort associated with seasickness, but guests who are particularly sensitive may occasionally feel uneasy during crossings. Luckily, we try to minimize hours at sea during crossings and may postpone a crossing if the weather is deemed unfavorable.

Charter Conditions & Requirements

What is the minimum night on board Vela? Does my charter need to be a week long?
The minimum number of nights on board is determined by the charter that you wish to book.

A charter in Komodo requires a minimum of 4 nights; Alor & Maumere a minimum of 6-nights; Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands a minimum of 6 nights.

We are able to accommodate shorter trips and tailor-made itineraries upon request, though additional fees may apply.

What is the recommended duration of a charter?
No two itineraries on board Vela are the same, as our team creates bespoke itineraries for each charter based on a variety of factors such as our guests’ preferences, how crowded some anchorages may be, and weather conditions. Our most popular charters are 5D/4N Journey to Komodo and 8D/7N Exploring North Raja Ampat.

Journey to Komodo starts in Labuan Bajo, Flores, and takes you on an adventure around the Komodo national park. Dive or snorkel with manta rays in Batu Moncho, drop anchor off the coast of mythical Komodo Island, enjoy stunning sunsets from the top of Padar’s hills, and observe the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat on Rinca Island.

Explore Raja Ampat, which starts in Sorong, West Papua, takes you on the expedition of a lifetime in the northern part of Raja Ampat marine park. You will first sail to Waisai, in the south of Waigeo island, weaving through turquoise waters and discovering quaint local villages, before crossing the equator and heading north to Wayag, a unique archipelago of limestone formations jutting out of the ocean. You will then set sail towards the calm waters of Wofoh island, where you may relax on pristine white sand beaches or partake in a variety of watersports. Vela will then head to Piaynemo, a small island offering sublime vistas and sublime coral gardens, before ending the journey in Cape Kri, a verdant peninsula known for having one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on the planet.

Can I choose which day of the week I begin and end the charter?
Depending on availability, you are welcome to begin your trip whenever you please.

How many passengers can stay on board?
Vela’s two suites located on the main and bridge decks and four below-deck staterooms can accommodate up to 12 guests and two young children (under the age of 10).

What will my itinerary be? Can I charter a custom itinerary?
We currently offer trips in Komodo, Raja Ampat, Spice Islands and Alor and Wakatobi. These carefully crafted trips are offered year round and itineraries depend on the season.

You may refer to our calendar on: https://www.sailvela.com/rates, to check Vela’s sailing schedule.

Vela is well suited to offer bespoke journeys and tailor-made experiences. Kindly note that these itineraries are provided as a source of inspiration for your voyage of discovery across the Indonesian archipelago.

Prior to the start of your adventure, our team will reach out to discuss the planned route and its different segments to ensure a truly bespoke experience both on land and at sea. Each proposed itinerary we prepare is designed around the specific requests and suggestions we receive from you, combined with our extensive knowledge in the particular region you will be cruising in Indonesia. All of our itineraries are very flexible to give you the most personalized and rewarding luxury adventure.

During your expedition, our experienced Cruise Director and Activities Manager will review with you the daily schedule to adapt the journey to your specific needs and wishes as well as tailor the itinerary to better suit the conditions or locations.

Occasionally, due to weather, tides & currents, poor visibility underwater or other factors beyond our control, we may have to alter the itinerary at short notice.

Do I require a specific visa to travel on board Vela?
All foreign travelers to Indonesia require at least six months remaining on their passport, as well as one full clean page for the visa upon arrival stamp. Guests will be denied access to board the plane in their departing country if this is not adhered to.

Furthermore, depending on your citizenship, Indonesian immigration authorities may require certain passport holders to apply for a visa prior to arrival.

Guests can save time at immigration in Bali if they buy their Visa On Arrival (B1) beforehand online. This way the guests can just head directly to the automated gates at the airport which will save them some time at immigration since they won’t have to queue to buy their visas.

Where can Vela pick us up from? Is it possible to depart from Bali?
Our private charters usually depart from Labuan Bajo (Flores), Sorong (Papua) and Ambon (Maluku). However, we are happy to accommodate individual requests to suit your itinerary. Please contact our reservations team for enquiries at info@sailvela.com.

What will the weather be like for my chosen yacht charter? What to do in case of bad weather? Can I cancel or reschedule in case of bad weather?
Vela’s cruising calendar was set up so as to limit the impact of the rainy season on your journey.

Please keep in mind that Vela sails around the equator and thereby is subject to fluctuating weather conditions.

In case of bad weather, it is often possible to change your itinerary and head towards the sun. Other times, due to tides and currents, poor underwater visibility or other factors beyond our control, we may have to alter the itinerary at short notice. We will always discuss the benefits of the available alternatives with you before making a final decision on the day.

Your safety is our priority, the Captain and Cruise Director have the final word on all activities while onboard Vela.

Rates & Booking

Do you offer trips sold by the cabin?
Unfortunately, Vela is only available for private charter bookings at this time. We may open individual cabin bookings in the future – stay tuned for announcements on our Instagram page.

How much does it cost to charter Vela?
Vela is currently available for private charter, accommodating up to 12 guests and 2 young children in 6 cabins and suites.
Please refer to https://www.sailvela.com/rates for more details.

Are there any hidden fees / what is included in the nightly rate?
Our rate is inclusive of all meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, full crew of 18 members, fuel, diving for certified divers, harbor and park fees, transfers to and from local airports, and activities throughout the trip.
The charter fee excludes gratuity at the discretion of the guests, alcohol and PADI diving certifications.

Are massages and wellness treatments included within the charter price?
Massages and wellness treatments are complimentary and may be taken from the privacy and comfort of your cabin, on Vela’s upper deck at early or late hours of the day, or on the shore of a hidden beach with the gentle sound of the waves in the background.

Kindly note that wellness treatments are complimentary up to 4 hours of treatment a day.

What method of payment do you accept?
We accept bank transfers and credit cards to secure reservations, all transaction fees are borne by the client. Once on board, additional expenses such as alcohol, PADI certifications and gratuity at the discretion of the guests may be paid by credit card or cash at the end of the charter.

What are the payment terms?
We require a 30% deposit payment at the time of booking to confirm the charter reservation. The remaining balance must be paid 90 days prior to the charter departure date.

Alternatively, we can also accept a 50% deposit payment at the time of booking, in which case the 50% balance may be paid 60 days prior to the charter departure date.

Do I have to tip the captain/crew, and if so what’s the normal amount?
End of trip tips and gratuity are not included in your charter fee. Our crew does not take gratuities for granted and work hard to deliver outstanding service for all our guests. A 10% gratuity for excellent service is customary in the luxury charter industry in Indonesia, though it remains at the sole discretion of the guests.

B) Experiences – Activities & Food

What if I don’t have any diving certification?
If you do not possess an internationally recognized diving certification (PADI, SSI, FFESSM), PADI courses are offered on board Vela with our certified dive instructor. Kindly note that, while diving is included in the charter fee, PADI classes are subject to an additional fee.

If you do not wish to obtain your certification during your trip, our dive instructor will be happy to organize complimentary discovery dives for you and your party.

What activities are offered on board Vela?
Vela offers a variety of activities including: Excursions / trekking, Diving, Snorkeling, Paddle boarding, Surfing, Jet-skiing, Seabobs, Kayaking, Water-skiing and wakeboarding, Fishing, Massages and other spa treatments, Outdoor gym with TRX, free weights and adjustable bench, kettlebells, resistance bands and more, Movie screenings under the stars…

What activities are offered on board Vela for children?
From nature walks to treasure hunts, Vela’s offerings are suited for the whole family.

With their feet on Vela’s deck or in the sand, young sailors will be able to participate in a variety of activities such as treasure hunts, introduction to diving (10 years old and above) board games and more.

Enjoy a host of activities together, or relax while children participate in nature discovery, creative arts or sports under the supervision of our crew members.

How does the crew know about my cooking preferences, allergies and other wishes?
After confirming your charter on board Vela, our team will contact you to plan your journey ahead of your departure.

We will ensure that all preferences and wishes are taken into account and our dedicated team will go above and beyond to make your stay memorable.

Please do not hesitate to inform us ahead of time if you wish to celebrate an important event and would like us to organize something special for you.

Each of our service crew members understands the importance of providing highly personalized service and will be delighted to arrange special requests and/or celebrations.

What type of food and drinks will be served onboard?
Using fresh ingredients sourced from local markets and fishermen, our executive chef and his team reinterpret local and Western favorites as guests are invited to explore the archipelago’s rich and eclectic culinary diversity.

Browse through our extensive selection of wine and champagne or let our resident mixologists craft a tailor-made cocktail using exotic fruit and local herbs. From top shelf liquor to natural wine and locally-produced arak, our bar and cellar are fully stocked for the perfect sunset tipple.

Our team can cater for dietary restrictions and menus may be tailored upon request to accommodate personal preferences.

C) Safety

What kind of quality control is done to ensure navigation safety?
Safety is paramount and Vela’s entire team is trained to respond to all kinds of emergency scenarios. Our engineering crew members and navigation officers have decades of experience sailing in Indonesia, and are supported by a knowledgeable and responsive team on shore.

Vela’s logbook is monitored permanently to ensure that the boat’s machinery runs smoothly and spare parts are replaced according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Vela is inspected at a dry dock once a year and all safety certificates are kept up to date.

Vela is equipped with the latest GPS and communication systems to ensure that the boat’s position is known and the navigation crew remains in frequent communication with coastal authorities. Maritime and weather conditions are constantly monitored and the captain has the authority to update itineraries to ensure the safety of the boat and its guests.

Vela is also equipped with two life rafts, each with a capacity of 25 passengers, 35 life jackets, 4 ring buoys, as well as a satellite phone for any emergency calls. The boat also boasts 2 hydrants with adapted fire hoses and 2 automatic extinction systems by Pyrogen for the kitchen and the engine room. Vela also has medical grade oxygen available in the event of a diving accident.

If you have any further questions regarding Vela’s safety measures and equipment, please feel free to contact our team at info@sailvela.com .

Do I need to subscribe to any particular insurance coverage prior to boarding Vela?
We recommend our guests to subscribe to a travel insurance.

All guests who plan to dive will need to subscribe to a diving insurance such as DAN and provide us with a copy of the document ahead of the charter start date.

In case of a medical emergency, what kind of dispositions/arrangements do you have in place?
The crew is trained to address minor medical emergencies and advanced medical kits are stored on board. In the event of a major emergency, the boat will be redirected towards the nearest hospital or airport. We recommend subscribing to a travel insurance that covers all activities you may partake in during your trip, as well as medical evacuation and repatriation.