Cruising to Komodo

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Flores - Komodo - Gili Banta - Sangeang - Satonda - Saleh Bay - Sebayur - Rinca - Flores
Duration:
9 days / 8 nights
Price:
from £ 4,550.- per person (excluding flights)

We've partnered with SeaTrek, a small company in Indonesia offering unique cruises aboard traditional Indonesian phinisi boats. During this week-long sailing adventure, you will explore remote nooks of Indonesian islands, otherwise unreachable by land. You'll pass through spectacular volcanic landscapes, snorkel amongst colourful reefs, visit traditional island villages and enjoy a starlit barbeque on a deserted beach. The journey is a round-trip from the untamed island of Flores, through the Komodo National Park where you can swim with whale sharks and get close (but not too close....) to the famous Komodo Dragons. You’ll sail onboard a beautifully crafted phinisi boat, with comfortable en-suite cabins and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the sun and the sweeping sea views. With many exciting activities led by the experienced local guides, this epic journey is sure to be a memorable one.

2026 departure dates: 11 April, 22 April, 29 April, 10 May, 21 May, 01 June, 13 June, 24 June, 06 July, 18 July, 29 July, 09 August, 20 August.
Dedicated family cruise departure dates: 29 July, 09 August

All meals during the cruise, tea, coffee, bottled water, snacks, soft drinks, limited local beer and wine with dinner, limited laundry services, use of snorkeling gear, programmed shore excursion entrance fees, experienced cruise director. Transfer to and from the ship in all harbors, with the exception of Benoa Harbor, Bali.

Days 1 – 2 – Welcome onboard, snorkelling & dragon spotting

This morning you’ll take an early flight from Bali to Flores, where you will be met by your tour leader and taken to your boat. You can relax on the sun deck and get used to life onboard as you sail to a coral restoration project – your first snorkelling experience of the trip.

During the first two days of the journey there will be plenty of opportunity to don your snorkel mask and explore the impressive underwater world. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles who hangout amidst the pristine coral reefs. And if you’ve been dreaming of seeing manta rays, this is just the place as these giants come here to feed. You will also go ashore on Komodo Island in search of the legendary Komodo dragon. The world’s largest lizard, they can grow up to 3 metres long and weigh up to 70kg!

Days 3 – 4 – Pink beach & crater lake

You’ll wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a ‘pink beach’ (intrigued?) You’ll spend the morning here, swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkelling. After lunch back on board you’ll visit a small village on the east coast of Sumbawa, where you’ll gain an insight into the local culture, as well as the boat-making techniques which form an important part of the community. In the evening, return to the beach for a feet-in-the-sand BBQ. Enjoy a feast under a star-filled sky.

The next day, spend time on an uninhabited volcanic island, with a sunken crater lake in its centre. The locals believe that the water of the lake can extend your life and that the nearby trees can fulfil wishes…..worth a try at least! You’ll have time to swim, kayak and paddleboard on the lake. Then as the sun sets you can sit on deck with a cold beer and watch as thousands of bats fly from the island to feed on the mainland.

Days 5 – 6 – Swimming with whale sharks & village visit

Another day, another incredible wildlife encounter! Today, you will have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks. We can’t make any promises, but these gentle giants of the sea have long congregated here, so fingers crossed. Back on dry land, visit Labuan Aji village on the island of Moyo, meet the inhabitants and learn about local life. Of course, there will be plenty of time during these days to swim and snorkel.

Days 7 – 8 – Underwater exploration & Rinca island trek

Continue your exploration of the underwater world, with a unique snorkelling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals. You’ll see an abundance of very interesting invertebrates. You will also go drift snorkelling in one of the best coral reefs in the Komodo National Park.

A stop will be made on Rinca Island, home to a huge variety of animals including monkeys, wild buffalo, deer and Komodo Dragons. The ranger will lead you to one of the best viewing points on the island, where you’ll look out over the incredible landscape and deep blue sea beyond it.

Day 9 – Tribal Flores & depart

After breakfast, disembark at the port of Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores and take a scenic drive to Melo Village. The locals will wow you with a skilful bamboo pole jumping game and impress you with a traditional Caci dance performance. After lunch back on the boat, say farewell to the crew and your fellow shipmates. From here you can set off to explore the volcanoes and tribal cultures of Flores, or simply fly back to the comforts of Bali for a relaxing end to your Indonesian adventure.

Please note…

The plan described above gives a good idea of the route but it is subject to change, dependent upon weather, delays and local factors.

The cancellation conditions for this bite-sized trip differ from our usual terms and conditions, and are as follows; more than 90 days before cruise departure = 25% charge / 90-61 days before cruise departure = 50% charge / 60 days or less before cruise departure = non-refundable. We’d recommend buying some travel insurance early on to cover this.