HomeBoatsLabuan Bajo: Komodo Islands Tour with Luxury Open Deck Boat

Labuan Bajo: Komodo Islands Tour with Luxury Open Deck Boat

4.5 (22 verified reviews)

About This Experience

A twelve-hour day on an open-deck boat, and the extra hours go somewhere specific: this itinerary keeps you out past the point where the standard day trips have turned for home, so the last stop is Kalong Island at dusk rather than a harbour arrival in daylight.

The daytime run is the familiar one — the Padar ridge, Pink Beach, and Komodo Island with a local guide — but the boat is the point. An open deck with shade, a crew serving continental breakfast, lunch and an afternoon coffee, towels and yukata provided, and space to actually sit down between stops.

The day closes at Kalong Island, where thousands of flying foxes lift out of the mangroves against the sunset. It is the one part of the Komodo day that a fast boat cannot deliver, because it only happens once the light goes.

Highlights

  • Watch thousands of flying foxes leave the Kalong Island mangroves at sunset
  • Climb Padar Island for the panorama over its three bays
  • See wild Komodo dragons on Komodo Island with a local guide
  • Swim and snorkel at Pink Beach
  • Eat continental breakfast, lunch and an afternoon coffee served on an open deck

What's Included

  • ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • ✓ Luxury open-deck boat with crew
  • ✓ Continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee and snacks
  • ✓ Snorkelling gear
  • ✓ Towel and yukata
  • ✓ Local guide
  • ✓ Photo documentation

Not Included

  • Komodo National Park entry permit, ranger and conservation fees — excluded from the ticket price and booked separately through the park's SiOra system
  • Tips for the crew
  • Personal expenses

What to Bring

  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses and a hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Camera
  • A light layer for the sail home
  • Rupiah in cash for park and ranger fees

Good to Know & Caveats

  • This is a twelve-hour day that finishes after dark — the sunset at Kalong Island is the last stop, not an optional extra.
  • The trip involves a hill climb on Padar and snorkelling from the boat in open water.
  • The itinerary may be adjusted for weather and safety.
  • Manta ray and turtle sightings are never guaranteed and depend on weather, water temperature and luck.
  • Touching or removing plants and marine life is prohibited throughout the park.
  • Since 1 April 2026 Komodo National Park runs a 1,000-visitor daily quota and every entry must be pre-booked through the government's SiOra system two to three days ahead. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable — ask the operator whether they book it for you or whether you arrange it yourself.

Not Suitable For

  • Non-swimmers
  • Travellers prone to seasickness

Meeting Point

Hotel pickup in Labuan Bajo, then boarding at the town harbour.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.5/5 by 22 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

Jeck was a really great guide, the tour was amazing and i recommand everyone to do it 👍

— Noha, August

★★★★★ ★★★★★ It was a truly wonderful day that I will never forget. Of course, 5 stars, full marks. They picked me up at the hotel at 5:15 AM and we departed at 6:00 AM. We arrived at Padar Island at 9:30 and enjoyed trekking. At the top, the guide took lots of photos according to my wishes. When we returned to the boat, there was cold, delicious cola waiting for us, which was a real treat for our tired bodies. We arrived at Pink Beach at 12:00 PM. All the snorkeling equipment was also provided. At 1:30 pm, a lavish meal was prepared. It looked and tasted great, and it was the best reward for our tired bodies. We went to Komodo National Park at 3:15 PM. The guide changed to a park guide, and while we safely observed the Komodo dragons, we also had explanations about photography and their ecology. When we returned to the ship at 4:30 PM, beautiful non-alcoholic cocktails were waiting for us. At 5:30 PM, we enjoyed cream buns, chocolate brownies, matcha cake, fruit, and even cold tea while watching the sunset on the deck. Around 6:30 PM, after the sun had set, a large flock of bats also appeared. Although it was not mentioned in the excursion description, we were able to see an unexpected and wonderful sight. We arrived at the harbor in Labuan Bajo at 8:00 PM and were taken to the hotel. It was a long day from 5:15 AM to 8 PM, but the guide, the cooks, and the ship's staff did not show any signs of fatigue until the end and did their best to accommodate us. I think it was precisely because we were a small group of eight that they were able to respond to our requests in such detail. For those who are going to participate, trekking sneakers, a sun umbrella, and sunscreen are recommended. Getting on and off the boat can be difficult in some places, so I think it's suitable for people who are in reasonably good physical shape and are comfortable with walking. Everyone who participated with me was also very kind and was happy to help me, even though I don't speak much English. I am truly happy to have spent time with the staff and everyone who participated. Thank you for the excellent hospitality and memories that will last a lifetime.

— NOZOMU, August

Everything was amazing from A to Z! The organization was excellent, the whole crew was incredibly kind and professional, the excursions were fantastic, the atmosphere was great, and the food was delicious. Honestly, the experience was even better than I expected. We had such a wonderful time and created unforgettable memories. Thank you to the entire team for making this trip so special! 🥰🚤✨🙏

— Sarah, June 13

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an open-deck boat actually mean?

A wooden boat with a large shaded upper deck laid out for sitting and lying down rather than rows of seats, and a crew cooking on board. It is slower than a speedboat and reaches fewer stops in a day, but there is somewhere comfortable to be between them — which over a twelve-hour trip is what most guests end up valuing.

Why is this trip twelve hours when other day tours are eight?

Because it stays out for the sunset. The daytime itinerary is much the same as a standard day trip, but instead of returning to Labuan Bajo in the afternoon the boat carries on to Kalong Island and waits for dusk, when the flying-fox colony lifts out of the mangroves. That happens on nature's schedule, so the day ends after dark.

Are the flying foxes there every night?

The colony roosts on Kalong Island year-round and the evening exodus is a nightly event, so it is one of the more dependable wildlife sightings in the park — far more so than the manta rays. Heavy rain or rough water can shorten the wait, and the boat's position relative to the mangroves varies with the tide.

Are meals included?

Yes — continental breakfast, lunch and an afternoon coffee with snacks, all prepared and served on board. Snorkelling gear, a towel and a yukata are provided too. The park entry permit and ranger fees are the main exclusion, along with tips and personal spending.

Is this a good option for a first Komodo trip?

It is a strong one if you have a single day and want the day to feel like a day out rather than a schedule. You get the three headline stops plus the sunset, and you are not being rushed between them. If your priority is fitting the maximum number of stops in — Manta Point and Taka Makassar included — a speedboat itinerary covers more ground in less time.