The phinisi is the traditional two-masted sailing vessel of the Bugis and Makassar peoples of South Sulawesi, handcrafted from iron wood and teak and shaped by centuries of seafaring tradition across the Indonesian and Andaman seas. Chartering a phinisi in the Andaman Islands brings together two of South East Asia’s most compelling elements: a vessel of genuine heritage and an archipelago of extraordinary natural beauty. These are crewed vessels in the fullest sense, typically carrying a captain, first mate, cook, and deckhands who have spent their careers working aboard traditional craft. The Andaman Islands, accessible from Port Blair, sit at the western edge of the phinisi’s natural range. Rates for traditional phinisi charters across South East Asia run from around 20,000 to over 200,000 euros per week for the largest and most beautifully fitted vessels. Provisioning adds approximately 30 percent, covering food, fuel, and permit costs for the restricted areas of the archipelago. The sailing season runs from November to April, when the northeast monsoon creates ideal conditions for traditional sailing vessels moving between islands. Phinisi itineraries in the Andaman Islands typically anchor at Havelock Island’s sheltered eastern bay, explore the reef systems around Neil Island, and follow the outer edges of the Ritchie Archipelago toward Long Island and beyond. Cinque Island in the south, a protected marine reserve, is one of the purest snorkelling environments anywhere in the region. Barren Island with its active volcano is a dramatic offshore destination that few phinisi have reached and fewer passengers will ever forget.
