Our Ships

OMBAK PUTIH & KATHARINA

Our Ships

OMBAK PUTIH & KATHARINA

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Phinisi drawing
Ombak Putih sails up
Ombak Putih around Komodo area
Katharina sails up with a sunset background

THE LEGACY

Where Heritage Meets the Sea

Long before Indonesia was on any travel map, Konjo boatbuilders of Sulawesi were shaping ships that crossed oceans. Bugis sailors knew how to read stars, wind, and current the way farmers read fields. Out of this heritage came the Pinisi, carved plank by plank, with knowledge passed from father to son.

For over 30 years, our ships, Ombak Putih and Katharina have been exploring eastern Indonesia. They are not floating hotels, they are living stories and when you step aboard, you become part of their journey.

More than Just a Boat

PINISI HERITAGE

The Pinisi is more than just a boat. It is a UNESCO-recognized tradition. Each one is shaped with hand tools, wooden dowels, and saltwater knowledge passed through generations.

SeaTrek’s ships were crafted in this way. Their bones are timber. Their hearts are sail. They are tended by sailors whose fathers and grandfathers built and sailed the same way.

When the sails rise and the wind takes over, you’ll understand; this is how Indonesia was meant to be traveled.

Phinisi illustration

Explore Our Ships

Although our ships are traditional sailing vessels, the nature of our routes means we cannot rely on the wind alone. To keep our journeys smooth and on schedule, we mostly motor — especially when the winds run against our course. But whenever the breeze is right and the telltales fly, the crew raises the sails and the ship slips forward in the way these boats were meant to travel. These moments, when canvas fills, is a reminder of Indonesia’s long, proud tradition of sailing the archipelago.

Ship Steerwheel
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SeaTrek Ombak Putih full seven sails up.

Led by Captain Jufri, with a crew of 14, Ombak Putih means ‘White Wave’ in the Indonesian language. At 42 metres long, she is the larger of our two ships, providing accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 comfortable cabins.

SeaTrek's Katharina sails up by Paul Thompson

Led by Captain Jefri and operated by a crew of 12, the 38-metre Katharina sits low in the water, making her a most beautiful looking boat. Accommodating 12 guests in six cabins, she offers a more intimate experience.

Cruise with SeaTrek

SeaTrek both boats Katharina and Ombak Putih

Discover the untamed side of Indonesia in the eastern half of the archipelago, where wild encounters meet shared family memories in the most welcoming way.

jumping off the bow

From private holidays with family to inspiring trips for special-interest groups, we offer many charter options, following our itineraries or new ones to suit your needs.

Ombak Putih at the Volcano Village Lembata

Embark on an extraordinary adventure where you can choose two cruises back-to-back, opening up a whole host of options to enhance your Indonesian experience.

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Life Aboard

Aboard our Ships, life moves with the rhythm of the waves unhurried, open, and full of quiet wonder. Mornings begin with the sound of the sea against the hull and the scent of fresh coffee drifting across the deck. Days are spent exploring remote islands, sharing meals beneath the sails, or simply lying back as the horizon changes color. Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, life on board invites you to slow down, connect, and feel the ocean’s timeless pulse.

What They Say About Our Ship?

“The Katharina is a beautiful, well-maintained vessel, run seamlessly by an outstanding team.”

“The boat – The Katharina -was perfect. Cabins were small but you only spent time asleep in them. There was enough space for all personal belongings and all essentials were provided.”

“The boat is a beautiful Indonesian Pinisi boat lovingly refitted for cruising.”

“We chartered the SV Katharina and crew for a family holiday in June 2023. It was the holiday of a lifetime.”

“The classically beautiful boat is very comfortable and well equipped with private air-conditioned cabins, shaded outdoor eating space and spacious indoor lounge.”

“The boat is beautiful, well kept and has everything you could need. The cabins are air conditioned, well appointed with shower etc.”

“Ombak Putih is a beautiful boat with plenty of space to move around and find a quiet corner if you wish to. Really well kitted out to ensure a very comfortable stay. The cabins aren’t huge but there is plenty of storage and there’s always lots of hot water for showers.”

“The company has two vessels and we’ve been on both. The Ombak Putih is the larger (12cabins) and more deck space but the Katarina (6 cabins) has its own charm.”

“With We have travelled on both Ombak Putih and Katharina, they are beautiful traditionally built Phinisi sailing boats that provide small well equipped, air conditioned cabins, plenty of deck and indoor seating, great food and friendly helpful crew.”

Our honeymoon aboard the Ombak Putih was incredible and an experience we will never forget. It was great to see the incredible landscape and coral reefs, but also connecting with the awesome fellow guests- and most travelers aboard were repeat bookers (which says a lot)!