Are you planning an exciting adventure-filled trip to the Komodo Islands? The vibrant culture, inspiring scenery and untouched natural environment make these islands a must-visit destination in Indonesia. Padar Island, Pink Beach, Sunsets watching the flying foxes at Kalong and obviously seeing the infamous Komodo dragons at Rinca and Komodo Islands, not forgetting the opportunity to swim with manta rays and turtles! This is the ultimate adventure-packed trip! If you’re looking for the best Komodo Island tours available to get more out of your visit, then this blog post is for you!
TOP KOMODO TOURS – #1 PICKS
MOST REVIEWED OPEN DAY TOUR: One-day Komodo Trip with Bintang Komodo Tours
MOST BOOKED OPEN DAY TOUR: Komodo Full Day Speedboat Tour from Labuan Bajo
MOST RECENTLY REVIEWED PRIVATE LIVEABOARD TOUR: Private 3-Day Tour with Boat & Hotel Stay
MOST AFFORDABLE SMALL GROUP PRIVATE LIVEABOARD TOUR: Komodo Island Private small group liveaboard tour
TOURS CAN BE CATEGORIZED AS FOLLOWS:
OPEN/ PUBLIC (joining others on a trip) OR
PRIVATE (yourself and your group) as well as
DAY TRIPS (Komodo Island tours from Labuan Bajo for the day) OR
MULTIDAY LIVEABOARD TRIP (sleeping aboard the ship)
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR MORE KOMODO ISLANDS INFO, READ THESE:
How to Choose the Best Komodo Island Boat Tour: Everything to Consider + My Recommendations
Planning a Perfect Komodo Trip: Your Guide to the Komodo Islands
20 Best Things to Do in Labuan Bajo: Island Hopping, Dragons and More – Your 2023 Ultimate Guide
Where to stay in Labuan Bajo: 20+ Seaview Hotels with the best views
BEST DAY TRIP KOMODO ISLAND TOURS
1. One Day Komodo Trip with Bintang Komodo
#1 PICK – OPEN DAY TRIP
1 DAY KOMODO TRIP WITH BINTANG KOMODO
5 STAR RATED + MOST REVIEWED + VIATOR BADGE OF EXCELLENCE
Visit Komodo Island, Padar Island & Pink Beach
Snorkelling @ Makassar, Manta Point & Kanawa Island
Inclusions: Lunch, English Speaking Guide, Bottled Water & Snorkelling Equipment
Air-conditioned Vehicle Hotel Pick up and Drop off
Open/ Join in Trip (Not Private)
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Bintang Komodo! Explore the islands of the Komodo National Park and see rare Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.
Visit at least three islands, take incredible hikes across Padar Island’s volcanic landscapes, and swim and snorkel in unforgettable locations like Manta Point and Pink Beach.
With hassle-free transportation from your Labuan Bajo Hotel, you can relax and focus on enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime trip! This is definitely one of the Best Komodo Tours.
PRO’S:
- 5 star rated tour
- 233 Reviews on Viator
- Open trip therefore the opportunity to meet new people
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
CON’S:
- 5:30 AM start time (you might not be an early riser 😉 )
- Single Komodo Island day trips can feel rushed and cramped
- Group trips are less individualised
- Not wheelchair or pregnant women-friendly (as per organisers)
2. One-Day Private Komodo Boat Tours
#1 PICK – PRIVATE DAY TRIP
1 Day Private Fast Boat Komodo Trip by Flores Fantastic Tours
5 STAR RATED + VIATOR BADGE OF EXCELLENCE
Private Trip (no minimum persons, but 5 persons maximum)
Professional Tour Guide– (German, Spanish, Japanese & French also available)
Rub shoulders with Komodo Dragons at Komodo Island
Get the ultimate Instagram shots at Pink Beach
Summit the most beautiful landscape and enjoy panoramic views at Padar island
Inclusions: Fast boat, Packed Lunch, bottled water and Snorkelling equipment
Adventure seekers rejoice! Komodo National Park is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of a hidden corner of the world. With only one day, you can visit all the top spots in this paradise and unleash your inner explorer.
Choose from hikes to breathtaking landscapes like the summit of Padar or trekking activities on Rinca and Komodo Island on your Komodo Island trip, home of the ancient Komodo dragon.
Other fabulous spots include swimming and snorkelling at Pink Beach, known for its pink and white sand beaches, and Manta Point, where you can catch a glimpse of magnificent manta rays or visit Taka Makassar and Kanawa Island.
With their crystal sandy beach and dazzling blue seawater, these islands offer beauty beyond measure. Booking a private Komodo Islands boat tour is the perfect way to make the most out of your day and see some incredible sights in this beautiful corner of Indonesia.
PRO’S:
- 5-star rated tour
- 37 Reviews on Viator
- Private tours allow for customization of the trip
- Private Airconditioned car for Hotel Pick up and Drop off
- English Speaking Guide (German, Spanish, Japanese and French Speaking Guides also available)
- Snorkelling equipment included (mask and snorkel, fins & life jacket)
CON’S:
- 5:00 AM start time
- A single-day trip can feel rushed
- Komodo National Park fees are not included (for local or foreign tourists)
- Ranger fees are not included for KNP and Padar island
- Not wheelchair accessible
3. Private Full-Day Komodo National Park Tours
#2 PICK – PRIVATE DAY TRIP
Private Full-Day Komodo National Park Tour
Private Trip (minimum 4 persons required)
Trek to the summit of Padar Island for amazing panoramic shots
Meet the biggest lizards on Earth at Komodo National Park
Snorkel with mantas and turtles
Enjoy the amazing waters and sand of Pink Beach
Hop on board a speedboat and embark on an incredible journey around the stunning Komodo National Park. If you’re looking for a memorable, private full-day experience, this is the one!
From breathtaking views at Padar Island to vibrant sands at Pink Beach and trekking on Komodo Island, you can explore places that look straight out of a postcard. Plus, you get a boxed lunch and snorkelling gear thrown in – what’s not to love?
Learn about endangered species like the Komodo dragon and see why it’s been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site while basking in the beauty of this untouched paradise. You won’t find a better Komodo island cruise anywhere else!
PRO’S:
- Speedboat transport throughout the tour
- A/C Vehicle hotel pick up and drop off
- Private Trip therefore can individualise trip
- Includes KNP entry fees for KITAS and Domestic tourists
- Includes Bottled water, Lunch and Snorkelling gear
CON’S
- Requires a minimum of 4 people
- Start Time 6:00 AM
- unsuitable for those aged 10 and under and 75 and over
- Excludes entry fees for foreign tourists
- Excludes entry fees for a weekend surcharge
4. 1-Day Group Komodo Trip By Luxury Fast Boat by Flores Fantastic Tours
#2 PICK – OPEN DAY TRIP
Private Full Day Komodo National Park Tour WITH FLORES FANTASTIC TOURS
VIATOR BADGE OF EXCELLENCE
Zip around Komodo National Park on a high-powered luxury fast boat
Snorkel with manta rays and hike to see Komodo dragons
Stay fueled with a boxed lunch, snacks, fruit, water, and coffee
All snorkelling gear is included, and a guide can assist with snorkelling
Join these guided tours to Komodo Island National Park for thrilling exploration and unforgettable scenes. You’ll speed along the water on a powerful fast boat, giving you more time to enjoy the sights.
Snorkel at Manta Point and explore the underwater world with manta rays, take a hike and see amazing Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, admire the stunning views from Padar Island and relax on Taka Makassar Island.
Your package includes lunch and soft drinks throughout your journey but remember to bring cash for the KNP entrance fees. Feel free to grab any snorkelling gear you need as this is all included in your Komodo island tour package. With so much to do and explore, join an exciting guided tour to Komodo Island!
PRO’S:
- 4.5 Star Rating
- 36 Reviews
- Luxury Speedboat transport throughout the tour
- A/C Vehicle hotel pick up and drop off
- Packed Lunch and bottled water included
- All snorkelling gear included
- You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
CON’S
- Maximum of 40 people on a boat
- Start Time 5:30 AM
- unsuitable for those aged 10 and under and 75 and over
- Excludes entry fees for foreign tourists
- Excludes entry fees for weekend surcharge
5. Speedboat Komodo Tours from Labuan Bajo
#3 PICK – OPEN DAY TRIP
Komodo Full Day Speedboat Tour from Labuan Bajo
OVER 900+ TOURS BOOKED
Ride the comfortable speedboat to visit the 6 most popular spots in Komodo National Park!
Hike to the top of Padar Island, snorkel with mantas and spot the famous Komodo dragons
Everything you need including lunch, snorkelling equipment and floaties are available on board
Hassle-free experience with hotel pick up and drop off included
Minimum 2 persons required
PRO’S:
- 4.6 Star Rating tour
- 37 Reviews on Klook
- Airconditioned Speed Boat for tour
- A/C Vehicle hotel pick up and drop off
- Packed Lunch, Snacks and bottled water included
- All snorkelling gear included
- English and Bahasa Indonesia Speaking Guide
CON’S
- Start Time 5:30 AM
- unsuitable for those aged 10 and under and 75 and over
- Excludes entry fees for foreign tourists
- Excludes Ranger Fees
- Can feel quite rushed in order to visit 6 places
- The boat can be full depending on group size
BEST MULTIDAY KOMODO ISLAND TOURS
1. Private Komodo Island 3-Day Tour with Boat & Hotel Stay
#1 PICK – PRIVATE 3 DAY 2 NIGHT TRIP
Private Komodo 3 Day Tour with Boat & Hotel Stay
Private Tour
Includes 1-night hotel stay
Day 1: Check out the Komodos at Rinca Island & Snorkel at Bidadari Island, Then hike to the epic summit of Padar Island
Day 2: Visit the wild Komodos at Komodo Island, then visit the instaworthy Pink Beach and go snorkelling in the crystal waters of Kanawa island, followed by an incredible sunset scene of the Kalong island nightly Flying Fox migration
Day 3: Visit the Mirror Caves of Labuan Bajo and if time allows also check out Rangko cave before your departure flight
Komodo National Park offers a unique three-day excursion on a private boat. Cruising on your Komodo Island boat trip is the only way to come face-to-face with the world-famous Komodo dragon.
Enjoy thrilling snorkelling experiences around Bidadari and Kanawa Islands, before heading to Rinca Island, home of the captivating dragons. Follow up with an exploration of Pink Beach’s shimmering sands, before settling onto the boat to spend the night under the stars.
On day two, trek around Komodo Island, take in breathtaking views and remarkable wildlife before feasting on a delicious dinner – all part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore this magical place! Don’t miss out – book your tour to Komodo National Park now!
PRO’S:
- 4.6 Star Rating
- 10 Reviews
- Accommodation on the boat and at a comfortable beach hotel
- Conservation fee at Komodo National Park
- Private Boat Charter
- Meals and snorkelling equipment included
- English speaking guide
CON’S
- The hotel cannot be chosen
- Excludes hotel to Labuan Bajo airport transfers
- Excludes entry fees for foreign tourists
- Excludes entry fees for a weekend surcharge
3D2N Open Sailing Komodo Island Liveaboard (Friday to Sunday)
#1 PICK – OPEN 3 DAY 2 NIGHT LIVEABOARD TRIP
3D2N Open Sailing Komodo Liveaboard (Friday to Sunday)
VIATOR BADGE OF EXCELLENCE
No minimum paricipants needed
Open/ Join in Liveaboard Tour
AC shared Cabin – Private Cabins available on request
Day 1: Arrive at Kelor Island, Trekking to the summit and enjoy the views, short trekking on Rinca Island to the Komodo Dragons, followed by Kalong Island to see the flying foxes and take in the sunset
Day 2: Enjoy the sunrise whilst trekking to the Padar Island summit, then see the pink sands of Pink Beach and finally get some snorkelling in at Makassar and Manta Point
Day 3: Snorkel your heart out and enjoy the exotic fish at Kanawa island
This is an open or join-in liveaboard trip to the Komodo National Park in Labuan Bajo. This means that you can meet and interact with new fellow travellers and share this incredible experience. This is very similar to the private trip in terms of destinations covered but it must also be known that the schedule may not be flexible to ensure participants’ needs are met as per the itinerary.
PRO’S:
- 5 Star Rating
- Transfer from Hotel/Airport to Labuan Bajo Harbour
- Living on Board a Traditional Phinisi Boat
- All Meals During Trip
- Unlimited mineral Water, tea, coffee, juice
- Snorkelling Equipment
- Entrance fee to Komodo National Park for local Indonesian tourists
CON’S
- Excludes entry fees for foreign tourists
- Excludes entry fees for weekend surcharge
- Excludes Flight Ticket / Hotel in Labuan Bajo
2. Komodo Private tour 3 Days 2 Night Liveaboard Boat Tour
#2 PICK – PRIVATE 3 DAY 2 NIGHT TRIP
Komodo Private tour 3 Days 2 Night Liveaboard Boat Tour
VIATOR BADGE OF EXCELLENCE
Minimum 6 People; Maximum 10 People
Private Liveaboard Tour
Includes 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Day 1: Labuan Bajo to Kelor Island then Manjerite Island and then Kalong Island for sunset flying fox scene
Day 2: Trek to the Padar Island summit, then visit the Komodo Dragons at Komodo Island, then see the pink sands of Pink Beach and finally see how the local sea gypsies live at Komodo village
Day 3: Snorkel your heart out and sees the Manta rays at Manta Point, enjoy the exotic fish at Sabolo & Kanawa island followed by Bidadari island
PRO’S:
- 4.5 Star Rating
- 20 Reviews
- Reasonably priced private tour
- Clean and comfortable private boat
- Meals and snorkelling equipment included
- Certified English-speaking guide
CON’S
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Excludes hotel-airport transfers
- Excludes entry fees for foreign tourists
- Excludes entry fees for a weekend surcharge
3. Private boat trip Komodo 2 or more people for 3 days 2 nights
#3 PICK – PRIVATE 3 DAY 2 NIGHT LIVEABOARD TRIP
Private boat trip Komodo 2 or more people for 3 days 2 nights by bintang komodo tours
Minimum 2 People; Maximum 10 People
2 nights in Air-conditioned Cabin Boat
Includes 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Day 1: 3 stops Kelor, Rinca and Kalong Island
Day 2: 3 Stops – Padar, Komodo Island and Pink Beach
Day 3: Get your snorkel on at Kanawa, Makassar, Siaba and Manta Point
Escape on this 3-day excursion to the Komodo Islands and explore a world of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exciting activities.
Board your private vessel for an adventure around Kelor, Rinca, Kalong Padar Punya and Kanawa islands where you’ll have plenty of time to snorkelling with manta rays or swim alongside sea turtles! The real highlight will be seeing Komodo dragons up close and many other species including flying foxes in their natural habitat.
PRO’S:
- 4 Star Rating
- 22 Reviews
- Clean and comfortable private boat
- Private trip = personalized experience
- Meals and snorkelling equipment included
- Certified English-speaking guide
- AC vehicle hotel/airport transfer included
CON’S
- Requires a minimum of 2 people
- Excludes entry fees for foreign tourists
- Excludes entry fees for a weekend surcharge
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
4. Private tour 4 days 3 nights Komodo on boat, waterfall and Rangko cave
#4 PICK – PRIVATE 4 DAY 2 NIGHT TRIP
4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS KOMODO LIVEABOARD PRIVATE BOAT TRIP
No minimum number of persons is required; but a maximum of 10 People
2 nights in Air-conditioned Cabin Boat
Includes 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Day 1: Kelor Island Snorkeling and sightseeing then head to Rinca Island to see Komodo dragons and hiking. Finally head to Kalong Island to experience a magical sunset with where thousands of flying foxes take to the skies
Day 2: Take in the panoramas after you summit Padar Island, Check out the ancient Komodo Dragons at Komodo Island and last bask in the pinks sands of Pink Beach
Day 3: Swim with Mantas, turtles and the most colourful fish of the Labuan Bajo seas at Kanawa, Makassar, Siaba and Manta Point and head back to LB
Day 4: After breakfast, go trekking to see a beautiful waterfall, where you can swim and jump. Then take a drive to Rangko village, where you’ll hop on a fishing boat, that will take you to see the beautiful Rangko Cave
Get ready for a 4-day adventure of a lifetime in Indonesia’s famous Komodo Islands! Spend your days aboard an exclusive private tour boat, exploring lush rainforests and pristine beaches.
Immerse yourself in island life with visits to Kelor, Rinca, Padar and Kanawa; take part in thrilling hikes or snorkel the waters filled with breathtaking marine life while soaking up some sun on glorious beaches. Enjoy special stops at Cunca Wulang Waterfall and the mysterious Rangko Cave before you marvel at Kalong Island – home to thousands of flying foxes!
PRO’S:
- 4 Star Rating
- 12 Reviews
- Coffee & Tea onboard included
- All meals on board the boat are included
- All snorkelling equipment is included
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- AC transport to Rangko village
- Includes the wooden boat to Rangko Cave
- AC transport for airport/hotel transfer included
CON’S
- Excludes last night’s hotel accommodation
- Entry fees to Komodo National Park excluded
- Excludes entry fees for a weekend surcharge
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- Excludes entrance fees to Waterfall and Rangko cave
Komodo National Park Fees
There have been a lot of discrepancies when it comes to the additional fees needed to visit Komodo National Park. Even when doing my own research, I’ve come across various figures and Im honestly not 100% sure whether all are necessary, but regardless I’ll list them below:
| Pricing in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) | Weekday (Monday to Thursday) | Weekend (Friday to Sunday + Public Holidays) |
| Entrance Fee | 150 000 IDR | 225 000 IDR |
| Government Tax | 100 000 IDR | 100 000 IDR |
| Rangers Fee Komodo Island | 80 000 IDR | 80 000 IDR |
| Rangers Fee Rinca Island | 80 000 IDR | 80 000 IDR |
| Wildlife Fee | 5 000 IDR | 5 000 IDR |
| Hiking Fee | 5 000 IDR | 5 000 IDR |
| Diving Fee | 25 000 IDR | 25 000 IDR |
| Snorkelling Fee | 65 000 IDR | 65 000 IDR |
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL KOMODO NATIONAL PARK FEES MUST BE PAID IN CASH TO THE KOMODO NATIONAL PARK TICKET OFFICE
What I can say from all my research and discussion with tour providers is that the fees will be between IDR 450 000 IDR to 600 000 IDR per person per day (depending on the number of people on the boat), This is in addition to your Komodo Tour package. There still is currently no fixed information on the Komodo National Park Website.
Drone Usage at Komodo National Park
When I visited the Komodo National Park, Drone use was not permitted on Komodo Island, Rinca Island and Padar Island – I can’t find information on whether this has changed but due to the wildlife present I still don’t think it is permitted (you’ll have to double check with your own tour provider).
I recently found information from a tour agent that there is a drone use fee: “Drone usage in KNP is Required to purchase a ticket at the National Park Office in Labuan Bajo. You have to buy a drone ticket 3 days prior to the trip. The cost of the ticket is 1 000 000 IDR” So this amount will be in addition to your Komodo tour packages.
Best time to visit the Komodo Islands
The best time to visit Komodo National Park in Indonesia depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for warm temperatures, sunny skies, and less rain then the dry season (May-October) is ideal.
However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and are willing to brave some showers then the wet season/rainy season (November-April) may be more suitable.
The water is usually calmer and clearer during the dry season, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
But if you’re more interested in wildlife spotting then the wet season may be better as many species are more active during this time.
TRAVELIST TIP: We visited in October which was the best of both worlds for snorkelling and wildlife spotting. I would likely suggest visiting Komodo Island before October though for the most ideal experience.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Komodo Islands
1. When booking a tour, be extremely thorough in knowing what your itinerary is and what is included/ excluded. Whether you are on an open or private trip it’s essential to ensure you bring along the relevant cash, and items needed for your trip and aren’t surprised by any hidden costs or lack of equipment
2. Insect Repellent is a must! In Labuan Bajo I was extremely surprised at the number of mosquitos, this isn’t so much on the open waters, but if you head on land, be sure to coat yourself to prevent mosquito bites etc.
3. If you’re pressed for time Komodo Island day tours are a great way to see the popular spots of the Komodo Islands, however, it can feel incredibly rushed and super tiring. I highly recommend the multiday liveaboard Komodo islands tour to really see the unique destination at an easy pace and the experience of cruising and island hopping on a boat is pretty epic too.
4. If you’re on a day trip, bring along a towel and change of clothes, it gets hot and you’ll defs be up to jump into the waters to cool down and see some amazing creatures in the ocean
5. Bring along Cash (in local currency Indonesian Rupiah) – for your komodo national Park entrance fees and if you’re looking to buy additional snacks/drinks on some of the beaches/ snorkelling islands you’ll need to pay in cash as there aren’t any ATMs in Komodo National Park
6. Dietary requirements: in a number of tours I’ve seen they don’t cater for vegetarian or vegan options. In this regard, you may want to stock up on your own food/snacks to ensure you don’t go hungry. On our tour, however, there were a number of vegetable dishes, so even if you just ate rice and a vegetable dish you wouldn’t go hungry.
7. Sailing and Boat trips require good weather. You’ll see on a number of tour provider websites that tours can be amended or cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Please check with your tour provider what their refund/rescheduling policies are to avoid any nasty surprises.
8. Day trips to Komodo Island also usually involve getting a packed lunch – I’ve seen on a number of reviews that many people have not been impressed with their packed lunch. On the liveaboard trips – all food was actually made fresh on the boat or caught (seafood) whilst we were on our excursion). Again I strongly suggest when in Labuan Bajo make sure to visit the mini marts/ supermarket to bring along your own food/snacks if you are a picky eater or want your own bits to snack on – we did
9. Certain tours may involve a one-night stay at a hotel either during or prior or after your trip. Check with your tour provider whether this is included.
TRAVELIST TIP: Our trip began at 8 am on a Friday – unfortunately there were no flights early enough to reach Labuan Bajo prior to the tour so we had to fly in on Thursday and stay one night before the multiday liveaboard tour. There are plenty of hotels in Labuan Bajo and they also have incredibly gorgeous sea views. >> Check out my post on the Best Seview Hotels in Labuan Bajo if you need a hotel stay during your trip
