What are the differences between a private catamaran and motor yacht charter in Bali?

A private catamaran charter in Bali offers superior stability due to its twin hulls, providing a smoother ride and more expansive deck space for relaxation, making it ideal for families or those prone to seasickness. A private motor yacht charter, conversely, prioritises speed and sleek design, allowing for quicker travel between destinations and a more luxurious, classic yachting experience, often with more sophisticated interior amenities.

Can I customise the itinerary for my Bali private cruise?

Yes, itinerary customisation is a primary advantage of booking a private charter. You can discuss your desired destinations, activities (e.g., snorkelling, sunbathing, specific beach visits), meal preferences, and duration with the charter company to create a bespoke journey tailored to your exact requirements.

What is typically included in a Bali private catamaran or motor yacht charter?

While specifics vary by vessel and package, most Bali private charters include a professional crew (captain and deckhands), fuel for the agreed itinerary, drinking water, and basic snorkelling equipment. Many also offer towels, light refreshments, and some form of insurance. Additional services like gourmet catering, alcoholic beverages, professional photography, or specific water sports equipment are often available as add-ons.

Motor yacht under way on the Badung Strait

Vessels & marinas

Two hulls, or one fast one.

The two classes most Bali charters actually run on. One is the steadiest platform on the water; the other is the quickest across the strait.

Send a dated enquiry

To Lembongan, by hull: 25–55min
Hot service aboard a cat: 8–12
Marinas both can lie at: 2
Blocks available: 4h·8h·24h

The catamaran is the steadiest platform for a seated meal under way. The motor yacht is the quickest crossing.

Both lie at Benoa and Serangan; neither at Sanur.
Catamaran draws less water — shallower approaches.
Motor yacht carries the professional galley.
Both run 4h, 8h and 24h blocks.

Catamaran or motor yacht

	Sailing catamaran	Motor yacht
Deck under way	Flat — two hulls	Level, but faster and firmer
To Lembongan	About 55 minutes	About 25 minutes
Draft	Shallow — reaches closer in	Deeper
Galley	3–4 burner stove, oven, fridge	Professional galley, separate prep
Best menu	Full hot Indonesian table, 8–12	Plated Western or degustation
Foredeck	Trampoline — the reason half-day guests pick it	Sun pads and a swim platform
Motion sickness	The better hull for it	Fine, but a firmer ride

Deck under way

Sailing catamaran: Flat — two hulls
Motor yacht: Level, but faster and firmer

To Lembongan

Sailing catamaran: About 55 minutes
Motor yacht: About 25 minutes

Draft

Sailing catamaran: Shallow — reaches closer in
Motor yacht: Deeper

Galley

Sailing catamaran: 3–4 burner stove, oven, fridge
Motor yacht: Professional galley, separate prep

Best menu

Sailing catamaran: Full hot Indonesian table, 8–12
Motor yacht: Plated Western or degustation

Foredeck

Sailing catamaran: Trampoline — the reason half-day guests pick it
Motor yacht: Sun pads and a swim platform

Motion sickness

Sailing catamaran: The better hull for it
Motor yacht: Fine, but a firmer ride

Neither is better. The catamaran wins a lazy day at anchor with a table; the motor yacht wins a day where crossing time is what you are buying back.

Where each one wins

Pick by the day, not the brochure

Tell the desk what the day is for and it will tell you which hull that day wants.

Sailing catamaran off an island shoreline

Take the catamaran

Half-days at Lembongan, families with young children, seated lunch under way, and anyone who has been seasick before.

Take the motor yacht

Full Penida days where the crossing is dead time, degustation dinners, and any block where the clock is tight.

Either, for a group

Capacity is set by the vessel's certificate, and seated dining always takes materially fewer guests than standing. The desk checks that before quoting.