10 Best Komodo Island Tours: Make the Most of Your Komodo Trip
Our top picks for Komodo tours so you can make the most of your adventure!
The name 'Komodo Island' can be a bit misleading. While there is a Komodo Island, when people talk about 'Komodo,' they usually mean the UNESCO Komodo National Park—a gorgeous cluster of 29 islands in Indonesia with pink beaches, Komodo dragons, and some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world.
Most travellers explore Komodo National Park through island-hopping trips, which range from quick day tours to multi-day liveaboard adventures. Whether you're after a short and scenic trip or a full-on explorer’s experience, here are the best Komodo tours to check out!
Komodo Day Trips
If you only have one day, you can choose between a speedboat tour or a slow boat tour. Slow boats are much cheaper, but they only visit three islands per day, which isn’t the best use of your limited time. They also have questionable safety standards, and unfortunately, a few capsize each year.
So if you’re short on time, we highly recommend going with a speedboat—it’s faster, more stable, and much better for anyone prone to seasickness.
1. Komodo Day Trip with Perks: Six Islands in One Day
This is the #1 Komodo boat trip online for good reason - it packs all the Komodo highlights in and has some of the best crew in town.
Unlike slow boats, which only stop at three islands, this speedboat adventure covers six in a day. The crew times everything perfectly—getting you to Padar Island before the crowds and even arranging a rare lunch on Komodo Island itself. You’ll snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point, see the famous Komodo dragons, and explore some of the best coral reefs in the park. This Komodo Island tour also includes a stop at Rinca Island, where you can see more dragons in their natural habitat.
Plus, the crew is one of the most eco-conscious in Komodo, organising beach clean-ups in their spare time. Just bring enough cash for the Komodo National Park fees and book early—this trip sells out fast!
2. Most Stylish One Day Komodo Trip
Want to experience Komodo in style? This solar-powered catamaran is the way to go. You’ll hit all the highlights—Padar Island’s panoramic views, Pink Beach’s soft sands, and Komodo’s famous dragons—without the long travel times of traditional boats. With high-speed efficiency, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a spacious deck, this is perfect for those looking for a high-energy, stylish adventure in just one full day.
3. Private One-Day Trip with Custom Itinerary
Some of the best spots in Komodo—like Siaba Island (amazing for turtles) and Kalong Island (where you can see thousands of bats flying at sunset)—aren’t included in most one-day itineraries. If you want to visit these, you'll need a private speedboat. A private trip is also ideal if you’re traveling with kids, elderly parents, a larger group, or if you just want a more relaxed pace. Komodo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you only have one day, do it right!
4. One Day Diving Trips
Most people don’t realize that Komodo trips are either sightseeing or diving—rarely both. If you want to do both, it’s best to split them into separate days. Dive boats focus entirely on underwater sites and won’t take you to scenic spots like Padar Island or Pink Beach. So do your sightseeing first, then dedicate a day to diving—it’s worth it.
For diving, Manta Rhei is our top pick. This Belgian-run dive centre offers a seamless experience for certified divers, with three unforgettable dives at Komodo’s best sites. Expect manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, and vibrant coral walls. The guides are passionate, the gear is top-notch, and the 4:1 diver-to-guide ratio ensures a safe and personal experience. Bonus: they serve homemade meals and fresh Belgian waffles between dives—a small but brilliant touch.
Komodo Liveaboards
There are two main types of liveaboard trips in Komodo: join-in (open trips) and private trips. Open trips are usually either 3D2N (3 days, 2 nights) or 2D1N (2 days, 1 night), while private trips let you customise your itinerary and extend your trip if you want.
If you're travelling with a larger group, a private trip is a much better option since you’ll have more flexibility and comfort. We don’t recommend the 2D1N boat trips here because they use basic boats that don’t have a great safety record. If you want a liveaboard experience, go for a 3D2N Phinisi open trip or a private boat for a safer and more comfortable journey.
5. 3D2N Komodo Boat with Unique Padar Sunset
Travellers have been complaining in recent years about the crowds at Komodo National Park - in particular at Padar Island where there are queues at peak times. If you're concerned about that, this boat may be for you!
Most liveaboards visit Padar Island at sunrise, but this 3D2N Komodo Phinisi open trip lets you experience it at sunset—when the view is just as beautiful but without the crowds. It’s rare to find a truly unique itinerary in Komodo, and this one stands out. With a small group size (max 12 guests), this is perfect for adventure seekers who enjoy meeting like-minded travelers. You'll also get free drone footage of your trip!
6. Luxury 3D2N Komodo Cruise: Nicest Join-In Option
This luxury boat is hands down the nicest join-in boat in Komodo (and seriously well-priced too!). Think sleek modern design, spacious sun decks, and even a master suite with a private balcony and bathtub. The itinerary is packed with adventure, and the crew handles everything, from seamless transfers to drone photography. Meals are top-notch, drinks are always available, and the boat even has paddleboards and a karaoke lounge. It sells out quickly, so book early.
7. Best Value 3D2N Phinisi Boat
One of the best budget-friendly Phinisi boats in Komodo, with a great crew! Perfect for travellers who want to try a traditional Indonesian Phinisi boat, but on a budget!
The dorm rooms are well-priced, and while it’s pretty basic, the sea-view cabins and deck nets make up for it. The itinerary covers all the highlights—Kelor Island, Manjarite, Kalong, Padar Island at sunrise, Pink Beach, Rinca Island, and Komodo dragons—while giving you plenty of time to soak in the views. Plus, the crew captures pro-level drone and GoPro shots for you.
8. Most Popular 3D2N Boat
This is one of the most popular Phinisi liveaboards in Komodo, likely thanks to its epic huge windows with stunning ocean views. If you want to wake up to panoramic sea views and avoid the day-trip crowds, this 3-day, 2-night trip is a great choice. It balances adventure with relaxation—you’ll snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point, hike to incredible viewpoints, and see Komodo dragons up close, but there’s also plenty of time to chill on deck with a drink. Bonus: there’s a karaoke set onboard—because singing under a starry sky just hits different.
9. 5D4N Komodo + Wae Rebo Adventure
For those who want a real Komodo adventure, this 5D4N open trip combines two UNESCO sites—Komodo National Park and the iconic Wae Rebo village.
After three days of sailing around Komodo National Park, spotting manta rays, and trekking on Padar Island, you’ll venture to Wae Rebo village, a remote traditional village where time seems to stand still.
Sleeping in a traditional Mbaru Niang house and sharing meals with the Manggarai people makes this trip as much about cultural immersion as it is about adventure.
10. Luxury Private Boat with Marine Biologist
It's hard to find a combination of luxury, serious heart, and conservation (for real)—but this unique 4D3N luxury Komodo boat tour does all of that. It's perfect for travellers who want to see the true heart of Komodo National Park, in serious style.
Beyond visiting Komodo’s iconic spots, you’ll meet the Bajo tribe—the real-life water tribe that inspired Avatar: Way of the Water! And you'll also work with a marine biologist to monitor coral reefs. The private luxury boat features ensuite sea-view cabins, a jacuzzi, and even a floating trampoline. Expect private trekking, amazing meals (you'll never go hungry!), and movie nights under the stars, all personalised to your preferences.
This Komodo boat tour is one of the best ways to experience Flores Island in a deluxe setting while learning about conservation firsthand.
Bonus: Labuan Bajo Adventures (Beyond Komodo)
These aren't in Komodo Islands, but our fave hidden gems around Labuan Bajo. If you have a bit more time before you fly out and you want to see a side of Labuan Bajo that most travellers miss, you have to check these out.
11. Farm-to-Table Tribal Feast
Hidden just a short drive from Labuan Bajo town, this is one of our favourite experiences - rivalling the Komodo boat trip for us! This experience led by Kak Liz gives you a rare taste of local Flores tribal traditions. You’ll explore her lush garden, learn about medicinal herbs, and enjoy a meal cooked over a wood fire, all while connecting with the land and its people. There's a serious amount of heart here, and 99% of travellers will never get to experience this.
13. Rangko Cave
A hidden underground lake near Labuan Bajo with crystal-clear turquoise waters, Rangko Cave is an oasis of calm. Perfect for swimming and photography, it’s a peaceful escape from the bustle of Komodo. You can get a komodo tour package that combines this with Sylvia Hill or Batu Cermin Caves!
14. Sylvia Hill - Labuan Bajo’s Best Sunset Spot
This secret hilltop in Labuan Bajo offers panoramic views of the upside-down-looking hills, the sea, and surrounding islands. It’s rarely crowded, making it perfect for a quiet sunset moment. You can combine Sylvia Hill with Rangko Caves on a day trip!
15. Cunca Wulang Waterfalls
A short hike leads to these gorgeous waterfalls hidden in a lush forest. The crystal-clear waters and rock formations make it a fun place to swim and explore.
16. Melo Village
For a cultural deep dive, visit Melo Village to experience the traditional way of life of the Manggarai people. You might even get to witness the dramatic Caci dance, a martial arts performance unique to the region. You can get a private tour that combines Melo village with Cunca Wulang waterfalls!
Ready to book a Komodo boat trip?
👇 Check out the best boat tours in Komodo National Park here - from 1 to 4 days.
Komodo National Park Experiences FAQs
You can secure your booking by paying directly on the site. Since spots fill up quickly, we do not offer instalments—payment must be made in full at the time of booking.
However, your payment is not taken immediately when you request a spot. Your payment method will only be charged once your booking is confirmed, which typically happens within 24 hours. If your request isn’t confirmed, you won’t be charged.
Park fees are separate from your boat tour and change frequently, so always check before your trip.
- Foreigners: IDR 600K–650K ($40–$45) per person/day.
- Locals: IDR 300K–350K ($20–$25) per person/day.
💡 Important to know:
- Fees vary depending on the island and activities (e.g., diving costs more).
- Weekends are more expensive than weekdays.
- Cash only – No credit cards accepted. Bring enough IDR before heading out!
Yes, but you don’t need to pay separately for each island or activity. Your boat crew will collect the full Komodo Park fee in advance, which is why the price is given as a range. The total amount depends on the specific islands and activities included in your itinerary.
If you plan to bring a drone, there is an additional fee, and you’ll need to apply for a permit at least 3 days in advance (see details below).
Park fees will be paid in cash only. Note that there are no ATMs on Komodo Islands so you need to bring enough IDR before heading to the islands (i.e. before your boat trip starts).
Komodo National Park is in Indonesia, between Sumbawa and Flores. The closest town is Labuan Bajo (LBJ) on Flores Island. That’s where you’ll start your trip.
