Komodo & Padar: Early Speedboat Tour with Dragons & Snorkeling

Summary

Padar sunrise climb, Komodo dragons up close, pink beach swim and manta rays

You’ll catch Komodo’s wild side before most travelers even wake up: climb Padar at sunrise with a local guide, see real Komodo dragons up close with park rangers, swim at Pink Beach, then snorkel with mantas and turtles before heading back to Labuan Bajo in time for your flight or sunset drinks.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d be awake and squinting at 5:15 AM in Labuan Bajo, but there I was — shoes still half-tied, clutching my coffee like a lifeline when our driver waved from the lobby. The streets were quiet except for a few sleepy dogs and that thick, salty smell you only get by the harbor. Our group shuffled onto the speedboat just as the sky started to lighten — the crew joked about “Komodo coffee” (which is apparently just strong enough to wake dragons) and handed out bottled water. I liked how they actually seemed to know everyone’s names by the end of the first crossing.

The ride out to Padar Island was louder than I expected — not just the engine, but wind whipping past and someone’s playlist leaking through tinny speakers. By the time we docked, the sun had really started to show off. Climbing those 815 steps was no joke (I stopped more than once pretending to take photos), but nobody rushed us. Our guide, Agus, pointed out which hills looked best in early light for pictures — he even offered to take a few so we could all be in them together. At the top, it felt like every bit of sweat was worth it. That view is still stuck in my head: three beaches curving around each other like paint swirls — white, pink, black — and this weird hush except for camera shutters and someone quietly eating an orange.

Pink Beach looked almost unreal up close — softer sand than I expected and water so clear you could see your own feet kicking below. We floated around or just lay back on towels (bring your own; I forgot mine and used a shirt). After that came Komodo Island itself — there’s this moment when you realize you’re actually walking where those giant lizards live. The rangers were calm but watchful; one of them laughed when I asked if they ever get bored (“Never,” he said). We saw two dragons lumbering near some trees; their skin looked ancient up close, all rough scales and flickering tongues. Lunch was simple but good — rice, veggies, chicken — eaten on a bench under noisy birds.

I didn’t expect snorkeling at Manta Point to be so peaceful after all that adrenaline; drifting above these huge rays gliding below makes everything else go quiet for a bit. Siaba Island was our last stop — turtles everywhere if you look long enough (and yeah, my mask kept fogging up). On the way back to Labuan Bajo around 4 PM, everyone was sunburned and happy-tired. If you’ve got a flight later that afternoon they’ll even hold your bag in the shuttle car so you don’t have to stress about timing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Komodo National Park speedboat tour

• Hotel pick-up at 5:30 AM
• Transfer to harbor and check-in
• Speedboat departs Labuan Bajo before 6:00 AM
• Travel 60 minutes to Padar Island
• Climb 815 steps to Padar viewpoint
• Travel 10 minutes to Pink Beach
• Relax and swim at Pink Beach
• Travel 20 minutes to Komodo Island
• Guided trek to see Komodo dragons
• Lunch break
• Travel 25 minutes to Taka Makasar sandbar
• Relax and sunbathe at Taka Makasar
• Travel 5 minutes to Manta Point
• Snorkel and watch manta rays
• Travel 15 minutes to Siaba Island
• Snorkel with sea turtles and explore coral
• Return to Labuan Bajo (60 minutes)
• Driver transfer to hotel or airport

Top questions

What time does the Komodo speedboat tour start?

The tour includes hotel pickup starting at 5:25 AM in Labuan Bajo, with speedboat departure by 6:00 AM.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Labuan Bajo?

Yes, an Indonesian lunch box with rice, vegetables, egg and chicken is provided; vegetarian or vegan options are available if requested.

How many people are on each speedboat?

The boats fit between 7 and 17 guests depending on bookings; even if only one person books, the tour runs as scheduled.

Do I need to bring my own towel or breakfast?

Yes—breakfast and towels are not provided so you'll need to bring your own for this Komodo day trip.

Can I store luggage during the tour if I have an afternoon flight?

Yes—your luggage can be kept safely in the shuttle car while you're on tour until you return for your transfer.

How difficult is the hike up Padar Island?

The hike involves about 815 concrete steps; it's manageable at your own pace but requires moderate fitness.

Will we see Komodo dragons on this group tour?

You’ll join a guided trek with park rangers on Komodo Island where sightings of dragons are very likely.

Are snorkeling fins included? How do I get them?

Fins are provided based on shoe size—just let them know your size when booking so they're ready for you onboard.

When does this Komodo day trip return to Labuan Bajo?

You arrive back at Labuan Bajo harbor around 4:00 PM—ideal if catching an evening flight or ferry.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Labuan Bajo, all speedboat transfers between islands with friendly local crew, entry fees for trekking with park rangers on Komodo Island, use of snorkeling fins (just give your shoe size when booking), mineral water plus soft drinks and fruit snacks along the way. A simple Indonesian lunch box is served midday—with vegetarian or vegan options available if you mention it ahead—and after returning by 4 PM you'll have shuttle service back to your hotel or straight to the airport if needed.