Looking to embrace your inner Jurassic Park fantasy? Queue the music! The islands of Komodo in East Nusa Tenggara are home to the dinosaur-like Komodo Dragons. However if you’re thinking a Komodo Island tour is just for reptile lovers like myself, you’re completely mistaken!
The island of Komodo is a haven for travellers who are looking to escape the Bali bustle and try to hike a stunning landscape, swim with mantas and turtles, laze on a pink beach and sail on the calmest of oceans.
No time to Read the whole article – no worries, I’ve got you covered š Here are my TOP PICKS:
MOST REVIEWED DAY TOUR: 1-day Komodo Open Trip with Bintang Komodo (TOP DAY TOUR PICK)
MOST BOOKED DAY TOUR: Full-Day Komodo Speedboat Tour from Labuan Bajo
BEST PRIVATE MULTI-DAY TOUR (2 People): Private Komodo Islands boat tour (TOP PRIVATE MULTI-DAY TOUR PICK)
BEST PRIVATE MULTI-DAY TOUR (Small Group): Private 3 Day 2 Night small group tour
MOST RECENTLY REVIEWED PRIVATE MULTI-DAY TOUR: Private 4-Day Komodo Boat Trip incl Labuan Bajo attractions
#1 RANKED TOUR OPERATOR: Komodo boat tour private charter by Indonesia Juara
Perfect for ALL TRAVELLERS, the flora and fauna are Indonesia’s finest and as popularity increases for this coveted destination, there is a paramount need for more information about planning a Komodo Island boat trip to this island. Komodo tours have become a bucket-list-worthy experience and a need is present for information about which is the best boat tour to Komodo Island for you!
What I love even more about this incredible destination is that to tour Komodo, you have to travel by boat! Komodo island boat trips make for a lovely isolating adventure of seclusion, distance, and an ocean dip whenever you please.
This article covers how to choose a Komodo Island Boat tour which involves sleeping on the boat, there are however options that include one-day trips by boat from Labuan Bajo if you prefer to stay on land.
As there are a LARGE NUMBER of Komodo Island boat tours, this article outlines what factors you should consider when choosing a liveaboard/boat trip. Komodo Islands Indonesia is a powerhouse of a trip, BUT there’s a bit more to consider than just the price tag!
What to Consider when Choosing a Komodo Islands Boat Tour
1. Open or Private trip
2. Type of Boat: Standard/ Pinisi/ Yacht
3. Cabins: Private/shared/no cabin
4. Bathroom: Private/shared
5. Type of Toilet
6. Hot Water
7. Electricity
8. Air-conditioning
9. Maximum Capacity of the Boat
10. Lounging Deck
11. Allowing to Bringing aboard food/beverages
12. Destinations visited
13. Price of the Tour
I totally wish I had found an article like this before I toured Komodo Island because I spent more than a month figuring out all this information myself since it was my first live-aboard boat trip in Indonesia.
DISCLAIMER: Due to my budget (or lack thereof) if unfortunately not been able to test every single tour offered to the Komodo Islands, however, I’ve sourced information from guests’ first-hand experiences, TripAdvisor reviews, and MY OWN personal experiences. Images of the boat and interiors depicted are a combination of my own as well as images sent from the various tour companies (they have been enhanced for aesthetic purposes of the blog. I hope this helps to make your decision on your Komodo tour package.
Open versus Private Trip
OPEN: You’re on a trip with other people in a group you don’t know i.e.: sharing the same boat
PRIVATE: Exclusive boat for yourself and/or your group
Find me the BEST PRIVATE KOMODO TOURS (DAY AND MULTI DAY TRIPS)
Types of Boat
In research of tours to Indonesia’s Komodo islands, you’ll find several offerings but they do not always specify which type of boat is being used.
It is important to know the type of boat being used as this will give you an indication of the amenities and number of people, type of cabins, and size of the boat you’ll travel and sleep within. The types are listed below:
STANDARD BOAT: A smaller boat option with no air-conditioning and basic amenities (no hot water), no private cabins (usually 8 to 12 people excluding crew). This can be used for an open or private trip.
STANDARD BOAT WITH AC: A smaller boat option with basic amenities (no hot water) and only sharing cabins (usually 8 to 12 people excluding crew). This can be used for an open or private trip.
TRADITIONAL PINISI BOAT: Has private and shared cabin options. All cabins have air conditioning. It usually hosts between a minimum of 12 people and a maximum of 22 people. This can also be used for open or private trips.
LUXURY BOAT/ YACHTS: These are often used for private tours of small groups and will have every amenity you could ask for along with stunning dĆ©cor. I will not delve too much into this option as there are websites that have plenty of information about what is on offer on their own websites with this Komodo tour package – here are a few picks below to give you an idea.
Check price & Availability for Komodo Islands: Private 2-Day Tour with Phinisi Boat Stay
Cabins: Private/ Shared/ No cabin
This is super important when travelling to Komodo Dragon Islands, especially because, unlike a hotel, there’s a finite number of rooms and it’s not like you can just move to another if you’re unhappy. There is no front desk or concierge to ring if you need something urgently.
You need to know what you’re getting in your Komodo trip BEFORE you get on the boat.
The cabin options will depend on the type of boat that’s used, but generally, there are two (but sometimes three) options: private or shared cabins.
Private Cabins
I’m unfortunately no longer in the backpacking stage of my life (or fortunately? Lol I’m not sure), so my preference was a private cabin and private bathroom. On certain boats you will also find private cabins without a private bathroom, so you’ll need to make sure your Komodo package tour boat includes this.
Shared Cabins
Shared cabins are great if you’re travelling as a group or are keen to make friends and don’t mind sharing your space, but let me just say – space is a commodity on a boat!
If you’re a small backpack type-of-person it’ll be super easy to handle a shared cabin, but considering cabins are usually for a maximum of 4 or 6 people, that’s a lot of people!
Even if you’re an easy-going hostel frequenting traveller a shared cabin still is a lot smaller than most dormitories so it’s great if you’re with people you know already cause not everybody is considerate of other’s space.
#1 RANKED TOUR OPERATOR: Komodo boat tour private charter by Indonesia Juara
No Cabin
I’ve seen on a couple of Komodo tour packages (mainly the larger boats), that there is the option to sleep on deck! This is obviously an option for the very low-maintenance traveller that’s truly willing to embrace the ocean boat vibe! #decklife
It’s really a lovely option for the carefree traveller that doesn’t need the bells and whistles of an actual room and is simply happy embracing true boat life and sleeping below the stars.
The unfortunate downfall of this is that they obviously have nowhere to leave their belongings which obliviously has its security issues, nor have the option for any privacy.
Inside Cabin Amenities
Bathroom
On a boat, most bathroom amenities are basic unless you’re on a luxury yacht.
Private or Shared
Many people do have a preference for a private bathroom so this can be a major decision-maker in the Komodo boat tour choosing process.
The Pinisi boat will have a basic shower system, a sink with or without running water, and a toilet.
The bathroom is usually of the Asian style which we usually call a wet room.
A wet room is basically where the shower, toilet, and sink are all in the same space, and whilst showering your toilet will also get wet.
If you’re looking for a great bathroom then you’re definitely going to need to go the luxury or yacht option!
Toilet Type
An important question would be to ask if they have an Asian (squat) toilet or a western-style toilet.
The water on the boat also usually won’t be drinkable, so make sure you have drinking water to brush your teeth but this is often provided in your Komodo island tour packages.
Hot Water
So this is definitely a luxury to find on a boat. There is often no hot water on the standard boats, On the Pinisi there sometimes will be hot water, on the luxury boats there will be hot water.
Given the tropical nature and humidity of Indonesia, you definitely think that needing hot water wouldn’t be a necessity and it isn’t.
Although being out on the ocean, the cooler sea breeze is prevalent and after a long day of swimming, beach lounging, and hiking, it’s nice to come back to a warm shower but it really isn’t necessary.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: The Phinisi boat we had actually said that there wouldn’t be hot water and when we opened the shower and had warm water which was a welcome surprise – so moral of the story is: Keep your expectations low!
Air Conditioning
A nice plus for the tour to Komodo National Park is for the cabin to have air conditioning! The space is pretty small so it’s great to have some air circulation even if the windows are open, the breeze doesn’t always get in.
Even if it’s just a wall-mounted fan it’s a great bonus to have in a room and especially so if you’re in a shared cabin.
Electricity and Plug Points
In this digital age, most people can’t go without electricity for a day. As we need electricity to keep the lights on, charge our phones, cameras, power banks, etc.
The boat runs on a generator system and because of this, most boats will turn the electricity off during the day. The electricity will usually be on in the evenings to allow you to charge your devices and use the A/C or fans to sleep and use the light in the cabin etc.
We really did not need to use electricity at all during the day because we were out and when travelling between islands we were on the deck relaxing anyway.
Charging your items during the night works perfectly or you could take the time to completely unplug from the world.
CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY: Private 3-Day Tour with Boat & Hotel Stay
MOBILE NETWORK INSIGHT
When travelling through Komodo National Park, you will have phone signal access as there are many cellular towers. Certain mobile network providers work better in Komodo National Park. I recommend Telkomsel, as the Indosat network did not work in Labuan Bajo during my trip.
DELIVERY TO BALI HOTELS: 3G/4G Prepaid SIM Card by Javamifi
PICK UP AT JAKARTA AIRPORT: 3G/4G SIM Card for Indonesia by JavaMifi
Maximum Capacity of the Boat
Now you’re probably wondering why the heck would this have anything to do with why you should choose a Komodo boat trip?
Well, it matters for several reasons on your sailing Komodo trip.
Food
The more people you have on the boat trip to Komodo Island, the more mouths there are to feed.
Unfortunately, when sharing your accommodations with others (especially people you don’t know) not everyone is courteous to other people when it comes to food and portion sizes.
TRAVELIST INSIGHTS: I’ve heard of experiences on the larger boats where some guests actually did not have lunch or dinner on certain occasions due to guests earlier in the queue literally taking everything and not leaving enough for the others. It got so bad that people would have to queue up for dinner earlier than necessary to ensure they got a decent meal!
We all know that when a boat sets sail for the trip, there’s a limited amount of rations but they cater for ‘X’ number of guests.
PERSONAL OPINION: For me, that’s really sad to hear. I think when you’re on a shared trip, you need to be accountable for yourself and the amount you eat and not treat the dinner table as your free for all buffet unless everyone has had a chance to eat.
Activities
The other reason why the number of guests on board is something to consider is when you’re out on activities. When it’s not a private tour, you need to be accommodating of the others on your trips when you’re going out for activities.
You often have to wait for the group before you can go head etc. or wait for everyone to be ready before you can depart.
Not everyone also enjoys the same activities.
The trip is pretty diverse in the sense that there’s a bit of hiking, beach lounging, snorkelling, swimming, etc and not everyone enjoys this. So you might actually luck out when some people opt to stay on board for some activities whilst the other of the group gets a bit more attention.
It may be one of the reasons why you choose a private trip over an open trip.
In the same breath, it’s great to meet other people and share the magical experience with others, what’s also lovely is that it’s not only foreigners you’ll find on this trip.
Komodo islands are something that many locals still want to experience.
Lounging Deck
This was an absolute must for me!
An area with bean bags to relax and watch the sunset or lounge whilst travelling between islands is literally the epitome of boat living!
Not all Komodo tours have this area to chill whilst travelling.
I think it’s quintessential to the Komodo islands cruise experience. Sunset, some good music from a wireless Bluetooth speaker, and cold drink = perfect tropical vacay!
Allowances: Bringing onboard Alcohol and Snacks
Although one may think you simply have the right to do so, it’s highly recommended to ask first that you can bring on board your own alcohol or snacks.
Being that Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol is not consumed by the majority of the population.
As a level of respect, it’s only courteous to ask if you can bring alcohol on board.
In saying that DON’T GO OVERBOARD – LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY!
Drink in moderation and don’t be an annoyance or inconvenience to others if you are on a shared/open trip.
TRAVELIST TIP:Ā If you’re coming from Jakarta or Bali, don’t pack your alcohol with you. Thankfully the supermarkets in Labuan Bajo are well-stocked with alcoholic options! Stock up on a few beers or wine for the trip at Roxy-mart or the Indomaret, there are plenty of little supermarkets across from the port landing which you can use to buy last-minute items.
Destinations visited: Komodo Islands Must-See Attractions
These are the must-see attractions on your Komodo Islands Boat Tour, also check them out on the Komodo Island map to make sure it’s included in your Komodo island trip!
Komodo Spotting at Rinca Island
Rinca Island is also known as Komodo Dragon island and where you will find the conservation where the Komodo island dragons roam freely! As much as this is the main attraction of your Komodo trip, not everyone actually does this trip for the day Komodo dragon tour as you’ll see below, there are many other beautiful destinations on the trip.
Instagram-worthy Pink Beach
No, your eyes don’t deceive you, Komodo Island Pink beach is an actual thing! This is not photo-shopped! The sand of Komodo Island’s Pink Beach gets its hue from thousands of broken coral pieces, shells, and calcium carbonate materials left behind by foraminifera.
READ MORE ON: Pink Beach: Komodo Islandsā Most Photographed Pink Sand Beach
Jurassic Park views at Padar Island
This Padar Island view is your reward after a relatively steep walk, but gosh is it worth it. The walk usually starts at sunrise and reaching the top rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the unique rock formations of this Jurassic Park-esque type landscape!
READ MORE ON: Padar Island Hike: The most spectacular view on the Komodo Islands
Snorkelling with Manta Rays at Manta Point
Manta Rays, not to be confused with Sting Rays, are the gentle docile, and harmless floating creatures of the sea. Swimming with mantas was a bucket list activity that I never thought I’d ever had the opportunity to do. Depending on your season and time of day visiting will depend on how many you’re able to see.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: We visited during the month of October. At the time of our trip and time heading to manta point, we saw plenty of manta rays. Our guide said that this had been the most they had seen at one time all year. We visited between 2 and 3 pm in the afternoon. It was honestly one of the greatest experiences of my entire life. I hope that you get that same experience too.
Snorkelling and Lounging at Kanawa Island
A snorkelling delight and some more time for beaching
Breathtaking Colours and Views at Kelor Island
A short sand dune-ish walk to the top, but Wowza! The shades of blues and that mountain landscape are a wondrous feast for the eyes.
Snorkelling and Turtle spotting at Siaba
The place where you may be able to spot some elusive turtles! Unlike manta’s or Finding Nemo they don’t all swim together so seeing one or two is definitely a treat.
Flight of the Flying Foxes at Sunset from Kalong Island
I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like this in my entire life. At sunset, the flying foxes (which I confused for bats initially) leave the island to hunt for food. The evening starts with you seeing a few dots leave the island and gradually those few dots become hundreds, then thousands. It was absolutely beautiful. It’s an amazing sight to see along with the dusky pink sunset views.
Price of the Komodo Islands Boat tour
COVID 19: DISCLAIMER: In light of COVID-19, the Komodo Island boat tour package prices may have changed while the tourism industry and economy try to recover.
This one is something you’re unfortunately not going to get a straight answer on because it will COMPLETELY DEPEND on the boat and tour package you choose.
The price person can range anything from IDR 2 000 000 to IDR 15 000 000+ per person.
What I would suggest is being clear on what you are getting with your tour package, i.e.: the amenities listed above, Komodo National Park entrance fees, any other additional fees, etc.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: At the time of booking our trip which was a 3 day 2-night liveaboard Pinisi boat with a private cabin (for 2 people- double bed), private bathroom, 3 meals a day, drinking water, and drop off at the airport we paid IDR 4 500 000 per person. This excluded flights to Labuan Bajo and the Komodo National Park entry fees. This really was a bargain so it’s likely these prices have increased significantly.
SIDENOTE: We had priced this package from several providers and all pricing was along a similar line for what we were getting at the time.
Komodo Islands Boat Tour Recommendations
There will be many Komodo trips on offer. It will depend on whether you’re looking for a Komodo Island tour package, a trip from Labuan Bajo to Komodo island, a Komodo Flores tour, or Bali to Komodo tours etc. Regardless, the information above will help in choosing your Komodo Boat trips.
Komodo Liveaboard Tours
MOST RECENTLY REVIEWED: Komodo Islands: Private 2-Day Tour with Phinisi Boat Stay
HIGHEST RATED PRIVATE TOUR: 3-Day Komodo National Park Tour: Komodo Island and Rinca Island Trek
VIATOR BADGE OF EXCELLENCE: Komodo Island Private 3-Day Tour with Boat Stay
Luxury Komodo Tours
This is where you will find your Komodo cruise/ boat tours/ luxury private charters and overall glamourous sailing boat life:
Komodo Day Tour Recommendations
If you’re just looking for a Labuan Bajo Komodo tour for the day, then these are just as easy to find without too much decision-making with regards to the type of boat to choose. If you’re not keen to sleep on a boat, here’s a couple of well-rated and reviewed day trips to Komodo Island from Labuan Bajo:
MOST REVIEWED: One-day Komodo trip with Bintang Komodo Tours–
5-STAR RATED TOUR: Daily Trip Highlight Komodo Archipelago by Speed Boat
VIATOR BADGE OF EXCELLENCE: 1 Day Komodo Trip By Luxury Fast Boat Join Group–
IN NEED OF ACCOMMODATION PRIOR TO OR AFTER YOUR KOMODO TRIP? Check Agoda
>>READ MY FULL POST ON: Where to stay in Labuan Bajo: 20+ Seaview Hotels with the best views
Where Is Komodo Island
Komodo Islands are located in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. So I can reach Komodo from Flores and not travel to Labuan Bajo? Yes, there are several Flores Komodo tours but you will find it’s easier to find a Komodo island tour from Labuan Bajo.
How to get to Komodo Island
So you’re dying to see a Komodo dragon, but not sure how to get there? I recommend a Komodo boat trip from Labuan Bajo. Labuan Bajo is the seaside town from which most Komodo island tours depart. Check out the Komodo Islands map for location reference.
Flights to Komodo island are mainly from bigger cities like Jakarta, Bali, and Lombok. The is also an option to do a Lombok to Komodo boat trip. The Komodo island tour from Lombok however only leaves from a certain city so most find it easier to leave from Labuan Bajo if they’re flying in from Jakarta or Bali.
Bali to Komodo or Jakarta to Komodo
From Bali to Komodo Islands is an easy flight. I suggest flying from Bali to Komodo airport in Labuan Bajo. We flew from Jakarta and then to the Komodo islands from Bali as a transit. The Bali to Komodo island flight time is 1 hour. Can you do a Komodo tour from Bali? Yes. Try this tour to Komodo Island from Bali by Viator
Best Time to Visit Komodo Island
Komodo National Park tours take place mainly during the dry season in Indonesia which is April to November. We visited the Komodo National Park islands in October.
Komodo Island Weather
The weather of the Komodo Islands is slightly cooler than the humidity you’ll find in Java, Indonesia. Temperatures are still very warm, despite the ocean breeze. Light airy quick-dry clothing is recommended.
Komodo Islands Boat Tour FAQ
Visiting the Komodo Islands in Indonesia is a truly bucket list worthy experience for any traveller!
I hope that this guide has helped make the decision on which tour is for you, SO BOOK YOUR TOUR and let me know about how much of a great time you had!
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in the article have affiliate links, what this means is, if you click a link and make a purchase I may earn some money to buy a coffee (whoohoo!). Thanks for the support, Iād love to keep making this content freely available to all. As always opinions and thoughts remain my own.
READ MORE ABOUT THE KOMODO ISLANDS
22 Amazing Labuan Bajo Restaurants to Try for the Hungry Traveller
20 Labuan Bajo Hotels with Breathtaking Views for All Budgets & Travellers
If you’re looking to go Komodo dragon spotting, swim with manta rays, or bask in…
Paint your world Pink at Pink Beach Komodo Island
Thank you so much for sharing this post. I am planning to travel to Komodo Islands. Because I don’t know much information, your article has helped me a lot. All questions I can find answers in your post.
So glad to hear you found it useful š
Dear Kily, this is one of the best info web from Komodo island, absolutey extraordinary.
Living in a volcanic island on the other side of the planet, it has been very pleasant to read and enjoy the pictures and your comments.
I,m preparing my winter trip to Indonesia. I will keep you in mind
Best regards
Patricio
Dear Kaylini,
we’re a family of 4 from Portugal, preparing our visit in August. Can’t wait š
We want to thank you for your wonderful blog and for sharing your experience. This is SO useful for anyone preparing their visit!
One question though, is if you do recommend the Klook operator. We’re almost going ahead with it, but always good to hear from someone who already tried.
Thanks again !
Claudia & Jose
Hi, which company did you use for your 3D2N trip? š
Hi Kaylini, many thanks. Your post is well done, super detailed and very helpful !!!
However I remain confused about the islands referred to as Komodo Islands ? Is it Rinca Island, Komodo Island or both ? And which one is best to get a chance to observe Komodos ?
I am looking a 3D-2N open trip with a private cabin for a family of four. Should I expect the tour to visit both Rinca and Komodo (ie National Park) islands ?
And is there by chance a couple local travel agencies that you would recommend ? Which one did you use ?
Thank you !
Alex