Komodo Islands: 3D2N Sailing Tour with Snorkeling & Padar Sunrise

Summary

Sail Komodo’s wild islands, see dragons, sunrise hikes & pink sands

You’ll sail from Labuan Bajo across Komodo’s wild islands, trek up steep hills for sunrise views on Padar, spot real Komodo dragons with a local guide, swim above coral gardens and drift alongside manta rays. Meals are cooked fresh onboard and nights are spent falling asleep to gentle waves—expect surprises, quiet moments, and more salt in your hair than you thought possible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and Island Trekking

• Pick up from hotel/airport
• Start sailing trip
• Arrive at Kelor Island, trek and view
• Lunch on the boat
• Short trekking, see Komodo dragon
• Visit Kalong Island, see bats and sunset
• Dinner and free time

Day 2 — Sunrise Trek and Snorkelling

• Wake up early
• Trek Padar Island, enjoy sunrise
• Breakfast on the boat
• Visit Long Beach (Pink Sand)
• Snorkelling at Gusung Island / Taka Makassar
• Lunch on the boat
• Snorkelling with manta rays at Manta Point
• Dinner and free time

Day 3 — Island Sunrise and Return

• Wake up early
• Enjoy sunrise at Kanawa Island
• Breakfast on the boat
• Snorkelling and enjoy Kanawa Island
• Return to the boat
• Lunch on the boat
• Arrive at Labuan Bajo Harbour

Top questions

How long is the Komodo sailing tour from Labuan Bajo?

The sailing tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights, starting Friday morning and ending Sunday around noon.

Is pickup included for this Komodo Islands tour?

Yes, pickup from hotels or Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo is included before departure.

Are meals provided during the sailing trip?

All meals are included: breakfast, lunch, dinner plus unlimited mineral water, coffee, tea & juice.

Will I see Komodo dragons on this trip?

Yes, there’s a guided walk to see Komodo dragons as part of the itinerary.

What activities are included besides sailing?

Trekking (Kelor & Padar Islands), snorkeling (Gusung/Taka Makassar & Manta Point), beach visits & wildlife watching.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided for all guests during island stops.

Do cabins have air conditioning?

Yes, cabins are shared and equipped with AC for comfort during overnight stays.

Are entrance fees to parks included?

The local entrance fee is included; foreign visitor fees are extra and paid separately onsite.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from your hotel or airport in Labuan Bajo straight to the harbor where you board a traditional phinisi boat for two nights—with all meals freshly prepared onboard plus unlimited drinks like coffee or juice. You’ll get snorkeling gear, towels, AC cabin accommodation, guided tours at each stop including Komodo dragon viewing hikes—and even photo/video packages so you don’t have to worry about missing any moments along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the salt in the air at Labuan Bajo harbor—kind of sharp, almost metallic. Our guide, Adi, waved us over with this huge grin and before I knew it we were shuffling onto the wooden phinisi boat with our backpacks. The cabins were smaller than I’d pictured but honestly I was too distracted by the water—a weird shade between turquoise and navy. We set off right away. By the time we reached Kelor Island for that first trek, my shirt was already sticking to my back. The climb was steeper than it looks in photos (no one tells you that), but the view… well, I just sat down at the top and let my legs dangle over the edge. Lunch tasted better than expected—simple rice and fish but maybe it’s just everything tastes stronger out here.

I didn’t really believe we’d see Komodo dragons until we actually did—one lumbered out while we were walking behind a ranger on Rinca (I think?), its tongue flicking like it was testing us. Someone in our group whispered “Jurassic Park” and yeah, it felt like that for a second. Later at Kalong Island there were thousands of bats flying overhead at sunset—like a living cloud. Dinner was served on deck under these old string lights; everyone got quiet for a bit except Adi who kept telling stories about growing up nearby. Sleeping on the boat is weirdly peaceful—the engine hum fades after a while and all you hear is water slapping against wood.

The next morning started way too early (Adi knocked on our door at 4:30am) but hiking up Padar Island in the dark was worth every sleepy step. The sun came up behind three jagged hills and suddenly all those Instagram shots made sense—except it’s windier and your hair gets everywhere. At Long Beach I tried to scoop some of that pink sand into my hand but most of it slipped through my fingers; Li laughed when I tried to say “terima kasih” properly (probably butchered it). Snorkeling at Manta Point later—I saw two manta rays glide past so close I swear one looked me right in the eye. Still gives me chills thinking about it.