Snorkeling in Labuan Bajo: Private Komodo Tour with Manta Rays

Snorkel three islands in one day without the tour groups

A private speedboat snorkeling tour from Labuan Bajo that visits Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Taka Makassar, and Manta Point over eight hours. You trek to panoramic viewpoints, encounter Komodo dragons on marked trails with a local ranger, and snorkel in coral gardens where manta rays glide past. The boat, guide, snorkeling gear, lunch and hotel pickup are included. The national park entry fee is paid on site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Padar Island1h · entry included
2. Pink Beach1h · entry included

Explore Komodo National Park highlights

• Trek Padar Island for panoramic views
• Trek Komodo Island to see dragons
• Enjoy lunch and relax
• Snorkel at Pink Beach
• Swim and snorkel at Taka Makassar
• Swim with manta rays at Manta Point
• Cruise back to Labuan Bajo

The experience

The day starts before sunrise so you reach Padar Island when the light is soft and the trails are cool. The trek up takes 20–30 minutes and rewards you with a view of three curved bays: white sand, black sand, and pink sand visible all at once. Most fitness levels manage it with short breaks along the way, and the early timing means you're off the island before the afternoon crowds arrive.

After Padar, a local ranger guides you on marked trails through Komodo or Rinca Island in search of the dragons themselves. You'll walk the wild landscape where these ancient creatures live, learning how they hunt and move through their habitat. Spotting one in the open is the moment most people come for. It's both thrilling and real, not a distant sighting through binoculars. Lunch happens after the trek, a chance to rest before the water portion of the day.

The snorkeling splits across three stops. Pink Beach has vibrant coral gardens and colorful reef fish in calm, clear water. The pink sand itself comes from crushed red coral mixed with white. Taka Makassar is a shallow sandbank with soft white sand and scattered corals where you float and look down at the reef. Manta Point is where the day's most memorable moment often happens. You're in the water when these massive, gentle rays glide past just below the surface. Your guide helps you spot them safely and stay respectful of their space. The private boat means you set the pace at each stop instead of following a schedule built for twenty people.

The return to Labuan Bajo happens in the late afternoon. If you have an evening flight, the driver can take you straight to the airport. Otherwise you go back to your hotel. Bottled water, snacks, snorkeling equipment, lunch and hotel transport are all included. The national park entry fee of 30 USD per person is paid on site when you arrive.

What’s included

• Private speedboat with air conditioning.
• snorkeling equipment.
• lunch box with accommodation for dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).
• bottled water and snacks.
• hotel pickup and return transport.
• local English-speaking guide for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (15 to 85 years) · Child (2 to 14 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bintang Komodo Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and keeps the group size at just your party, so you move at your own pace and ask questions without holding back a larger group. Book this if you want the snorkeling and the dragon trek in one day without the schedule pressure of a shared boat.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 14 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the trek on Padar Island actually take?

The trek up Padar Island's rugged trail takes about 20–30 minutes and is manageable for most fitness levels, especially with short breaks along the way. Sunrise or early morning is the best time, with cooler temperatures and soft light for photos.

Will I definitely see Komodo dragons on the island trek?

You trek through Komodo or Rinca Island on marked trails with a local ranger guide who knows where the dragons live and move. Spotting one in their natural habitat is the goal, but sightings depend on where the dragons are on any given day. Your guide will explain their behavior and habitat either way.

What's the snorkeling like at Pink Beach?

Pink Beach has clear, calm waters with vibrant coral gardens and colorful reef fish. The pink sand itself is created by crushed red coral mixed with white sand, and you might spot a sea turtle or two in the water. It's one of the most picture-perfect snorkeling stops in the area.

Can I really swim with manta rays at Manta Point?

At Manta Point you snorkel in clear water where manta rays often glide just below the surface. These gentle giants are completely harmless, and your guide will help you spot them safely and respectfully. It's one of the most unforgettable moments of the day when it happens.

What's included in the price, and what do I pay separately?

The tour includes the private speedboat, snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, snacks, and hotel pickup and return. The Komodo National Park entry fee of 30 USD per person is paid on site only when you arrive.

Does the guide speak English?

Yes, your dedicated guide speaks English and shares insights into the islands' wildlife and culture throughout the day.