Komodo Island Tour | 3 Day 2 Night Boat Trip Adventure
Are you dreaming of taking a Komodo Island tour?
Combine it with a boat trip for the ultimate family experience.
Komodo Island is situated in Indonesia and is filled with natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes. It is however best known for being the home of the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon. We combined our Komodo Island tour with a three day, two night boat trip making an already special journey, truly amazing!
Exploring the Komodo National Park on a traditional Indonesian liveaboard was an experience we’ll never forget. Among the many highlights, our kids loved snorkelling in the crystal clear waters, exploring pink beaches and seeing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.
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Komodo Island Tour: Overview
While day trips to Komodo Island are a good option if you are short of time, a multiday liveaboard tour is undoubtedly the best way to explore the pristine islands of the National Park.
Most operators have no age restrictions but it is worth checking before you book if you have young kids. You’ll usually find a choice of two, three or seven days offered as standard, but it is often possible to customise if you have a specific itinerary in mind.
There were many stops on the boat trip that gave us the opportunity to participate in wide range activities including hiking, world-class snorkelling, and a guided tour to see the majestic Komodo Dragons up close.
An unexpected highlight was the quality of the food which was prepared by our crew in the small galley kitchen. They used fresh ingredients (including fish they had caught) to produce delicious, traditional cuisine. Our itinerary covered some of the main highlights of the park but there is so much more if you have the time!
➡️1- Komodo Trip – Day 1: Labuan Bajo ~ Kelor Island ~ Kaaba Island ~ Kalong Island
➡️2- Komodo Trip – Day 2: Padar Island ~ Long Beach ~ Komodo Island ~ Pink Beach
➡️3 – Komodo Trip – Day 3: Mauwang Island ~ Kanawa Island ~ Labuan Bajo
Komodo Trip Day 1: Kelor, Kaaba, Kalong Islands & Strawberry Rock
Our journey began at Labuan Bajo harbour, where we boarded a two-cabin ‘luxury’ liveaboard. It’s worth noting that the term ‘luxury’ is subjective in this context and some might prefer to say that the boat was ‘comfortably rustic’!
We settled into our spacious cabins and had welcome drinks on the deck as we set sail.
Our first activity was a short hike to Kelor Island viewpoint before snorkelling around colourful corals with triggerfish and many urchins. Lunch was served on the boat while we sailed on to Kaaba Island for a drift snorkel over a lively coral reef. We then had some time to relax on the deck and soak up some sun before exploring the magnificent Strawberry Rock.
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As we relaxed on the deck watching the beautiful sunset, we witnessed thousands of fruit bats making their nightly flight from the mangroves on Kalong Island. While they were seeking out food on the neighbouring island, our dinner was served, followed by a family evening of card games and an early night.
Komodo Trip Day 2: Padar Island, Long Beach & Komodo Island
Our boat sailed overnight to our next destination, allowing us an early start on day two. At 04:30 we left the boat for a sunrise hike on Padar Island. The 800 steep steps were worth it for the dramatic landscapes and panoramic views of the jagged coastline, turquoise bays, and tri-coloured beaches (white, black and pink sand).
Along the way, we encountered various wildlife, from exotic birds to deer and monkeys.
Breakfast was served while we sailed to Long Beach on Padar Island. We then went for a morning snorkel at the pristine pink sand beach, enjoying the tranquil water before boarding and docking at Komodo Island.
A ranger guided our family along one of the many trails on Komodo Island, providing interesting facts about the dragons. We were fortunate to encounter ten Komodo Dragons, mostly stationary or fighting among themselves. They are massive, and despite having a poisonous bite, the guide only had a forked stick for protection.
The afternoon involved a second snorkel on Pantai Merah or Pink Beach. Once back on the boat, our kids did lots of diving, relaxing, reading and playing family games.
Komodo Trip Day 3: Mauwang Island, Manta Point & Kanawa Island
The Komodo Islands are renowned for their manta ray population, so the goal on our final day was to snorkel with them at Manta Point. We also swam in crystal clear water from the pink sand beaches, and our kids enjoyed their last dive bombs off the boat.
Kanawa Island was our last stop before returning to Labuan Bajo. Snorkelling here was like being in an aquarium with many colourful fish.
We had a truly unforgettable experience and will cherish the memories of our dragon encounters and the awe inspiring natural landscape of the Komodo National Park forever. As we pulled into the harbour in Labuan Bajo, we vowed we would return to explore further.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Komodo Island
The best time to visit Komodo Island is during the dry season, from April to November.
The weather is generally sunny and dry during these months, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking and wildlife spotting. The water clarity is also best for snorkelling and diving during this time.
However, peak tourist season falls between July and August, so consider visiting during the shoulder months of April, May, September, or October to avoid crowds.
We visited in late October and had perfect, warm, sunny weather with no rain. There appeared to be few crowds or boats. However, we would have liked to have seen more than one Manta ray, which are best seen from December to March.
Is A Komodo Island Tour Worth It?
The main attraction on Komodo Island is undoubtedly observing the endangered Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. However, our three-day, two-night boat tour allowed us to experience a unique family adventure. The extra days above a day trip meant we could immerse ourselves in Indonesia’s stunning beauty, rich biodiversity, and unique attractions.
Komodo National Park is far more than just a destination. We loved exploring the diverse ecosystems through jungle treks, snorkelling on the coral reefs, relaxing on pristine white and pink beaches and on a sunrise hike. The guided tour provided an insight into the island’s unique flora and fauna. Our kids especially enjoyed diving from the boat almost every time it stopped!
The opportunities for wildlife encounters and stunning scenery made the Komodo Island tour an ideal destination for both excitement and relaxation for our family. A Komodo Island tour is an opportunity for families to connect with nature and each other in a truly extraordinary setting.
Komodo Tour Tips
Here are a few tips to help your family have an amazing time on a Komodo boat trip.
1. Compare Boat Tours – After a a lot of research, we booked our tour with Komodo Blessing Adventure and were lucky with a friendly guide, good crew and comfortable boat. You can book your own adventure here, where you’ll find plenty of options to suit all budgets.
2. Packing List – Pack light, breathable clothing suitable for humid weather. Essentials include sunscreen, insect repellent, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes for island treks. Remember to bring swimwear and snorkelling gear.
3. Protect Your Valuables – Protect your belongings during boat trips and island visits. Consider bringing a waterproof bag or case for electronic devices and valuables, especially during water activities and beach visits. Alternatively, secure your luggage with a lock.
4. Follow Safety Guidelines – Listen to instructions and adhere to safety guidelines, particularly during wildlife encounters and water activities. Respect the natural environment and wildlife, maintain a safe distance from animals, and refrain from feeding or touching them. Not all guides are experienced; if you feel unsafe for your family, go with your gut instinct!
5. Respect The Environment – Practice responsible tourism by minimizing environmental impact during your visit to Komodo National Park. Dispose of waste properly, avoid single-use plastics, and leave no trace behind to help preserve this natural ecosystem.
FAQ: Komodo Boat Tour
Yes, Komodo Island is family-friendly. Children of any age can visit under adult supervision. However, families must adhere to safety advice, especially around Komodo dragons.
Yes, you can swim in the clear waters around Komodo Island. Be aware of strong currents and take guidance from guides to enjoy swimming with abundant fish and coral reefs.
No, you will require a boat to get to Komodo Island, and a permit is required to access the island as part of a guided tour. This is for the safety of visitors and the welfare of Komodo Dragon.
While it is possible to take a day trip to Komodo Island from Bali, the long journey by sea or air limits your time there. We recommend combining visiting Komodo with the surrounding islands and allowing several days.
The cost of a three-day, two-night Komodo Island boat tour ranges from $300 to $1000+ per person. It will vary depending on the time of year, tour duration, the type of boat, and the amenities included.
Final Thoughts | Komodo Island Tour
Our three-day, two-night boat trip to Komodo Island was a one of the most memorable family adventures of our family gap year . Taking a Komodo Island tour allowed us to fully appreciate the beauty of the island and gave us an insight into the fragile ecosystem that the Komodo Dragons are part of. We watched two beautiful sunsets from the deck of our boat and really can’t imagine a better way to explore this unique part of the world.
