What to Expect on a 3 Day Komodo Boat Trip

Here's a quick summary of what a typical 3-day Komodo boat trip is like:

Day 1: Snorkel and swim with manta rays

Day 2: Catch the sunrise with a hike on Padar Island, then hit pink beach, see Komodo dragons, and watch a spectacular bat exodus at sunset.

Day 3: Enjoy a short hike for panoramic views of the islands before heading back to Labuan Bajo

This is a sample, so always double-check your specific boat's itinerary. Please note that weather can be unpredictable in Komodo, so be flexible - any changes will be for your safety.

Tip: If you value flexibility and privacy, a private charter is the way to go. You’ll have the boat all to yourself and can customise the itinerary to your liking!

The 3 day 2 night komodo boat trip is jam packed with activities such as a trek with Komodo dragons (either at Komodo island or Rinca island), a few snorkelling trips and some other viewpoint hikes (such as the iconic view atop Padar island). All the activities mentioned in your itinerary will be included in the price!

Note that the Komodo island park fees will not be included in the price, and will need to be paid separately in cash.

All meals are included on the boat trip (buffet style - 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners). Beverages like beer are extra and can be purchased onboard. Just make sure to bring cash!

Tip: If you love to snack, we recommend buying some Indonesian snacks in Labuan Bajo before boarding.

Your boat trip includes accommodation, with options to suit your needs and budget. Some boats feature a mix of shared dorm-style rooms and private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, while others offer only private rooms. For larger groups, consider boats that have family rooms that can accommodate up to four guests.

Tip: Bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper! Certain rooms are nearer to the boat's electricity generator which remains on through the night.

Most 3-day Komodo boat trips have a local photographer onboard! These photographers join your hikes, hang out at Pink Beach, and basically document the entire trip.

So if you want your pictures taken, don't be shy, just ask them nicely! They are super friendly and take really good photos using professional DSLRs. They will typically send you a Google Drive link a couple of weeks after so you can download all the amazing photos!

Most boats will pick you up at 9am from your hotel in Labuan Bajo – the gateway to Komodo National Park. After arriving at the harbour, you'll take a small boat to the main boat that you'll be calling home for the next three days. After settling in and a quick safety briefing, you’ll set sail at 10am towards your first stop.

Tip: If you have a big luggage, leave it at the hotel and bring a small bag that can fit all your necessities for three days. The rooms onboard are not big!

Your first taste of Komodo’s underwater world! Your first stop is Kanawa Island, where you'll snorkel in the stunning turquoise waters and see vibrant coral reefs teeming with lots of colourful fish.

Snorkelling with giant manta rays is a truly humbling experience. The waters at Manta Point are colder, which is what the gentle mantas like, and during manta season, you'll be able to swim with many mantas around you.

Manta season is rainy season (from December to March) because the waters are colder and currents stronger. Please note that seeing mantas is not guaranteed, especially during the warmer months from July - September.

Tip: If you get cold easily, wear a long-sleeved rash guard!

This unique island isn't actually an island, it's a tiny sandbar shaped like a drop. It's known for its crystal clear waters, and if you look closely, you'll notice that the white sand looks a little pinkish.

The highlight of your Komodo Islands boat trip begins! We'll set off early (around 5 am) so we can catch the sunrise at Padar Island - the most iconic viewpoint in Komodo National Park. The hike itself is fairly easy and takes about 45 minutes, but be sure to wear proper shoes for the terrain.

The view? Totally worth it! You'll see incredible panoramic views of the islands.

Tip: Remember to apply sunscreen! It might be dark when you wake up, but the sun gets strong quickly once it rises.

See for yourself if the famed pink beach is really pink - and yes, it is! The sand is tinged a soft pink because of tiny red coral fragments, and its unlike any beach you’ve seen before.

To see the pinkest part of the beach, venture to the far end of the beach where travellers don't go, and you'll see it in a dark pink hue.

Tip: Cool off with a refreshing drink! There's a row of stalls selling drinks like fresh coconuts, perfect for a hot beach day. Just remember to bring cash.

Get ready to come face-to-face (safely, of course) with the legendary Komodo dragons. Depending on your specific itinerary, you'll visit either Komodo Island or Rinca Island to see these prehistoric giants in their natural habitat.

Don't worry, experienced park rangers will be by your side the entire time, guiding you on the trails and helping you spot these amazing creatures from a safe distance. The rangers will even help you capture some cool photos that create the illusion of being super close to the dragons!

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience at Kalong Island. Here, you'll see the exodus of thousands of bats at sunset and it's such a otherworldly sight. First you'll see just a handful of bats fly out, and before long, the entire orange sky is filled with bats gracefully flying out. It's a truly awe-inspiring spectacle that's amazing no matter how many times we've seen it.

Your last day lets you soak up the beauty of Komodo National Park one last time with a hike on Kelor Island. This hike is shorter than Padar Island, but it's much steeper, so be careful! The panoramic views on top are beautiful and totally worth it if you're willing to break a sweat. There are some stalls at the foot of the hill if you'd like to buy some drinks after your mini hike.

Depending on the itinerary, you might be able to do one last snorkel nearby Kelor Island before heading back to the mainland.

And just like that, your 3 day adventure exploring the Komodo Islands has ended. You’ll arrive back in Labuan Bajo by late morning or early afternoon, with memories that will last a lifetime.

Tip: Consider tipping your guide/boat crew if you felt their service was good!

Based on departure date: Most 3-day Komodo boat trips only depart on Fridays. There are a handful of boats that depart on Mondays, but that's usually the exception. If dates are an important factor, consider chartering a private boat instead because they are more flexible.

Based on quality: If you're looking for a quality boat, go for boats that have a natural wood finish and are not painted over in white. While the white paint gives a modern and clean look, traditional phinisis that keep the natural ironwood finish tend to be of better build quality because ironwood is expensive, and owners prefer to showcase its natural beauty.

Ready to book your perfect Komodo boat? Check out all our Komodo boat trips!

The good thing about speedboats is that they are super fast, which means you'll get to the different islands in Komodo National Park way faster.

A one-day speedboat actually covers most of the destinations that the 3 day boats do, just that the itinerary is rather packed.

The only difference in itinerary is that on a one-day speedboat, you don't get to see the exodus of bats at Kalong Island. If you really want to see Kalong Island on a one-day trip, you can charter a private speedboat. And of course, doing a one-day speedboat means you don't get the full experience of living on a boat, which we think makes a Komodo Islands boat trip so amazing.

Wi-Fi isn't available onboard and general phone service is pretty spotty throughout Komodo National Park. Take this as a digital detox to unplug and unwind! Relax on the deck, soak up the stunning scenery, and be present. It's the perfect opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature!

Tip: Bring a book or cards for some classic entertainment options for the journey.

Wondering how to get to the Komodo Islands, when's the best time to go, about national park fees, if drones are allowed, what else is there to do in Labuan Bajo?

We got you covered! Check out: How To Get to the Komodo Islands, Cheat Sheet to Planning a Trip to Komodo Islands and 11 Cool Things To Do in Labuan Bajo.