Celebrate World Ocean Day with a Conservation-Led Silolona Sojourns Charter

Celebrate the oceans this World Ocean Day on June 8th and set sail with purpose by booking a trip with luxury Phinisi yacht charter pioneers and champions of conservation-driven tourism,  Silolona Sojourns. World Ocean Day promotes collective action for healthier oceans and encourages greater awareness of the vital role the ocean plays in sustaining our planet’s ecosystems. Silolona Sojourns has long recognised that protecting the environment in which they operate is not just a responsibility, but a vital part of doing business in today’s world. In honour of World Ocean Day, their unwavering commitment to safeguarding Indonesia’s pristine waters and supporting grassroots conservation initiatives stands as a powerful example of how companies can lead with purpose. By investing in the health of our oceans and the communities that depend on them, Silolona Sojourns is helping to ensure these extraordinary ecosystems endure for generations to come.

Photo credits: Silolona Sojourns

As a trailblazer in Indonesia’s yachting scene, founded in 2002 by the late Patti Seery, Silolona Sojourns has a well-documented ethos of eco-consciousness and community-minded practices. Their internal yacht broker team are appointed by Charter Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) as Green Practice ambassadors, and luxury travel designers and philanthropists Abercrombie and Kent have awarded Silolona Sojourns Green Status in Safety. 

Their commitment goes far beyond credentials, and further to these accreditations, they generously support marine biologists and NGOs in Indonesia by offering their boat for their conservation campaigns every single year. Most notably, Silolona has collaborated with Emmy Award-winning cinematographer, photographer and marine conservationist Shawn Heinrichs on multiple projects, including preservation of the Mantas and Leatherback Turtles of Indonesia, raising funding through documentary films and wildlife surveys. Silolona also works closely with Mark Erdmann of Conservation International on the conservation and monitoring of Indonesia’s famous Whale and Tiger Shark population. Two new species of fish were discovered during such trips and have been named after the ships - Ambyglyphidodon Silolona - and Patti Seery - Vanderhorstia pattiseery. 

Silolona is a proud supporter of the Misool Foundation, a charity leading impactful conservation initiatives—from empowering local communities to reduce plastic waste, to educating children about endangered marine ecosystems. They also back the Misool Manta Project, which gathers vital data to protect Manta Rays in Raja Ampat. In addition, Silolona is an official partner of ReShark, a global collective working to reintroduce endangered leopard sharks through the StAR Project, which includes hatching and raising pups in dedicated nurseries in collaboration with the Misool Foundation.

Guests at Silolona also help support Women in Ocean Science, an inspiring NGO founded by Madeline St Clair in Raja Ampat, dedicated to empowering women researchers and advancing marine science in the region. Through their stay, guests contribute to meaningful conservation efforts that uplift both the environment and local communities.

Photo credits: Silolona Sojourns

Silolona’s vessels, Silolona and Si Datu Bua, were both crafted from wood sourced directly from community owners. They worked with local villagers and ensured they were paid directly for their materials, and used traditional building techniques. The interior teak used on both yachts was recycled from old Dutch warehouses, and Si Datu Bua also features fully functional sails, unlike many phinisi boats that only feature sails for ornamental purposes. This not only reduces fuel costs but also significantly lowers the carbon footprint of their charters.

Onboard, guests can enjoy an equally sustainable experience. Silolona is committed to eliminating single-use plastics by providing guests with their own reusable water containers and using reef-friendly, natural and locally produced toiletries throughout their operations, and food is sourced locally. 

Silolona also provides opportunities for cultural enrichment and education, offering itineraries focused on engaging and giving back to the local communities on the islands they visit on each excursion. From learning about the ancient tribal weaving techniques practised by local mothers, to the invitation to observe ancient bronze drums used in marriage ceremonies - Silolona takes pride in giving guests the opportunity to meet and interact with the local people who inhabit the islands where Silolona ventures. 

For guests who are passionate about sustainability and marine conservation, Silolona Sojourns offers the perfect blend of barefoot luxury, eco-conscious travel and community-centered experiences. This World Ocean Day, Silolona Sojourns invites guests to let their travels support the environment they visit, especially the ocean.