How to Find the Best Komodo Island Boat Tour
Feeling overwhelmed by all the options for Komodo Island Boat tours? We’ve gathered some essential tips we wish we had known before, so you can save time and fully enjoy every moment of this mesmerizing adventure.
HOW MANY DAYS |
1 to 3
BEST TIME TO VISIT | April to October
BOOK TOUR | eastiopia x eastnesiatrip
TOP THINGS TO SEE |
Rinca Island,
Manta Point, Pink Beach, Padar Island
HOW TO PLAN YOUR VISIT?
Before diving into the details of the Komodo Islands Boat Tour, here’s some essential info you should know. Most boat tours depart from the port in Labuan Bajo, located on Flores Island. We’ve therefore written an article that covers the best times to visit, accommodation options, transportation, and dining spots in this town to help you plan your trip efficiently.
READ | Your Guide to Exploring Labuan Bajo: Gateway to Komodo Islands
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WHAT WAS IMPORTANT TO US?
You’ll find plenty of companies and tour operators offering Komodo Island tours all over Indonesia’s popular tourist spots. We suggest being cautious when booking through third-party operators. We’ve heard from other travelers about tours that didn’t match up to expectations—overbooked boats, not enough food, or lacking proper safety measures. That’s why we decided to book directly with the tour company to make sure everything was as promised.
While the price mattered, our top concern was safety. Since we’d be out on the open sea, we wanted to be sure about the boat’s condition, the company’s registration, and their safety procedures. This is especially important in places where rules might not always be tightly enforced, or tours may not be fully certified. We wanted a reputable, safe experience without taking unnecessary risks.
HOW TO CHOOSE A KOMODO ISLAND BOAT TOUR?
Duration and Itinerary
Tour options range from single-day trips to extended multi-day adventures, letting you tailor your experience based on your interests and available time. Some tours emphasize activities like hiking, snorkeling, or diving, while longer excursions often include extra stops, such as Siaba and Kanawa Islands for snorkeling or Saleh Bay for whale shark encounters.
Safety
The boat’s condition, the availability of sufficient life jackets in good condition, adherence to safety regulations, and having licensed guides are crucial safety factors to consider. While most operators will claim compliance with these standards, it can be difficult to verify when booking through resellers until you’re actually on board.
Boat and Group Size
Make sure to confirm the boat’s capacity in advance, as some tours may have over 20 people on board, potentially exceeding the maximum limit.
Inclusions
Some tours include the National Park fee, while others do not. Be sure to check how many meals, snacks, and drinks are included during your trip. Additionally, verify if snorkelling gear is provided.
Costs: What to consider?
The price you will pay depends on the length and comfort you add to your tour.
Specifications to consider are as follows:
Open (shared) or Private trip
Type of Boat: Speedboat, Phinisi, Yacht
Cabins: private, shared, open deck
Bathroom: private, shared
Toilette type: Western or Asian (squatting toilet)
Air-conditioning
Maximum Capacity of the Boat
Lounging Deck (with or without shade & ammenities)
Destinations
OUR EXPERIENCE
This isn’t a sponsored recommendation; it was simply an unforgettable experience for us. We spent hours searching for the right company that met all our needs, and we want to save you the hassle so you can have the same amazing experience we did!
The company we chose was eastiopia x eastnesiatrip, they have a website, an Instagram account, WhatsApp Business Account and a rating of 4.9 on Google Maps. When we reached out to the company, they provided us with a Google Sheets document that detailed the cabin types, capacities, and booking status. This allowed us to confirm that they weren’t overbooking.
Their website features pictures of the boat, a sample menu, and the itinerary, with this information available for all the tours they offer. It provides a clear and accurate picture of what to expect, and our tour was described in detail exactly as it turned out, with no unpleasant surprises.
Our Phinisi, a traditional Indonesian wooden sailing vessel, had a maximum capacity of 12 guests and 5 crew members, including a guide, a technician, the captain and two cooks. There was a shared bathroom for up to 8 people, as well as two rooms with private bathrooms. All cabins were air-conditioned. Since we booked fairly late, we secured the last available spot, which meant we shared a cabin (for 4 people) and used the shared Western-style bathroom. Everything was kept very clean, so we did not have any issues with sharing bathrooms.
You’re allowed to bring your own food on board, but there was more than enough delicious food provided—so much so that we always had leftovers. Snacks and water were available throughout the day. They didn’t ask about allergies, so if you have any, it’s a good idea to mention them beforehand. Meals were served buffet-style, with a variety of vegetarian, vegan, seafood, and chicken options.
INCLUDES:
GoPro videos and pictures
Photography
Drone videos and photos
WI-FI (don’t expect perfect coverage)
Snorkeling set and fins
Life-Jackets
Pick-up and Drop-off at your hotel
FOOD INCLUDED:
Water and tea
Fruit juice or sodas with every meal
Snacks: fruits, chips, crackers
Day 1: lunch, dinner and snacks
Day 2: breakfast, lunch and snacks
EXCLUDES:
National Park Entrance (550.000 Rp for foreigners)
TOUR BUDGET
We choose a budget-friendly tour company and these are the prices per person for their 2-days 1-night tour:
Shared Room (4 PAX) double bunk beds and shared bathroom: 2M Rp | €119 | US$122
Superior Room (2 PAX) two individual bunk beds and shared bathroom: 2.25M Rp | €134 | US$137
Deluxe Room (2 PAX) double bed with shared bathroom: 2.75M Rp | €164 | US$167
Master Room (2 PAX) with private bathroom: 3.5M Rp | €208 | US$213
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HOW MANY DAYS?
There are options ranging from day trips to multi-day adventures, like the 4D/3N tour from Lombok to Labuan Bajo. The 2D/1N tour lets you experience many highlights at a more relaxed pace, while enjoying the Phinisi experience. If you’re short on time, a speedboat tour covers the same destinations in one day but at a faster pace. Another popular option to consider is the 3D/2N experience.
It’s best to arrive a day before your tour if already booked, or two days earlier if arranging it on-site. If you have some extra time, check out our guide on how to explore Flores further.
READ | Your Guide to Exploring Labuan Bajo: Gateway to Komodo Islands
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1: Kelor Island, Rinca Island, Kalong Island
Kelor Island: We hiked to the viewpoint, which was a steep and slippery 10-minute trek. Some people in our group couldn’t make it to the top. In our opinion, the best view was actually about halfway up, not at the summit. Afterwards, we had time to swim and relax at the beach. We spotted several black-tip reef sharks along the coast, swimming around us. They are non-aggressive toward humans, so there’s no need to to worry.
Rinca Island: At Komodo National Park, we had the option to choose from three hike difficulty levels: easy, medium, and difficult. Our group opted for the medium-level hike. We were accompanied by two rangers and our guide. The trail was mostly exposed to the sun and it was very hot, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a cap, and stay hydrated. The path can be slippery at times, so hiking shoes are recommended, though it is generally flat. During the hike, we spotted five Komodo dragons. They were simply hiding from the sun under the trees..
Kalong Island: For sunset, we stayed on the boat and watched as giant fruit bats soared above us. It was an incredible sight and an unforgettable experience.
DAY 2: Padar Island, Pink Beach, Taka Makassar, Manta Point
Padar Island: For sunrise, we began the hike on Padar Island. The top section was a bit tricky without steps, but it's optional to go up there and doesn't necessarily offer the best view. The island was very crowded, with people having to wait their turn to take the next step as they climbed. Most visitors are there for the Instagram photo, so if you’re into it, feel free to wear something nice for the picture.
Pink Beach: We took a few group and individual photos here before enjoying some free time for snorkeling. The current was strong, so we had to stay cautious and avoid swimming too far. We saw some beautiful corals and fish, but not as big and diverse as at the next stop..
Taka Makassar: Here, we had the chance to snorkel and relax on the beach. We were lucky enough to spot two turtles. The area is filled with vibrant coral and fish, making it a great place to explore.
Manta Point: After seeing the dragons, this was our second big highlight. We spotted five manta rays and had the chance to swim alongside them for a while.
PACKING LIST: WHAT TO BRING ABOARD?
The smartest thing to do is to store your luggage at your accommodation in Labuan Bajo and take only a small backpack with you.
Bring sturdy shoes for the hikes at Padar Island and Komodo National Park. We think that sporty outfits are not necessary for this hikes, but you should bring light and breathable clothing with you.
Ear Plugs
Hand Soap & Shampoo
Hiking Shoes / trekking sandals
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Swimwear
Flip Flops
Pajamas
Sunscreen & mosquito spray
Book / card games
Travel Towel
Sea Sickness Pills
WARNING FOR MENSTRUATORS!
During our tour, Ingrid had an unexpected concern. On the boat, some of the Indonesian women started saying that menstruating women shouldn’t visit the island because they’re considered easy prey for the Komodo dragons. Apparently, the dragons can smell their prey from up to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away, which certainly didn’t help ease her nerves. After some research, she decided to ask the guide directly if she needed to stay on the boat. He reassured her that with the rangers, we would be safe, and everything turned out fine. However, if you’re concerned, especially if you’re not using a menstrual cup, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your guide and make an informed decision based on your comfort level.
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