Snorkeling Komodo National Park: Manta Rays & Pink Beach

Snorkel three islands and hunt manta rays in Komodo's clearest waters

A small group snorkeling tour from Labuan Bajo explores Komodo National Park by fast boat, with stops at Padar Island for a 20–30 minute trek to panoramic views, Pink Beach for reef snorkeling, and Manta Point where you enter the water to watch manta rays glide past. The tour includes a guide in English, snorkeling equipment, lunch and hotel pickup, running about 10 hours from early morning to late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Padar Island1h 30m · entry included
2. Pink Beach1h · entry included
3. Komodo National Park2h · entry included

Explore Komodo National Park highlights

• Pickup from hotel in Labuan Bajo
• Board speed boat at harbor
• Trek Padar Island for panoramic views
• Snorkel at Pink Beach
• Trek to see Komodo dragons with ranger
• Lunch break
• Swim and snorkel at Taka Makassar sandbank
• Snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point
• Snorkel and swim at Siaba Island
• Cruise back to Labuan Bajo
• Drop off at hotel or airport

The experience

The boat leaves Labuan Bajo early, picking you up from your hotel and heading straight to the harbor. Once aboard the fast boat, you're headed into Komodo National Park with a small group: fewer people means more time at each stop and a guide who can actually talk to you instead of shouting over a crowd. The first stop is Padar Island, where you trek up a short rugged trail (20–30 minutes, manageable for most fitness levels) to reach one of Indonesia's most photographed views: three curved bays with beaches in white, black, and pink sand spreading out below you. Early morning light is soft and perfect for photos, and the cooler temperatures make the climb easier.

Pink Beach is where the snorkeling begins. The sand here is genuinely pink, crushed red coral mixed with white, and the water is clear and calm enough that you can see the reef gardens below the surface. You'll swim among colorful reef fish and soft corals, and turtles show up often enough that spotting one is a real possibility, not a sales pitch. After Pink Beach, the boat takes you to Taka Makassar, a sandbank in shallow crystal-clear water where you can snorkel or float, then to Manta Point. This is the moment most people come for: you enter the water and wait for the manta rays. They're harmless and your guide will help you spot them safely, but seeing one glide past you underwater is the kind of thing you tell people about for years.

The day includes a trek to see Komodo dragons on Komodo or Rinca Island with a local ranger who knows where to find them and what to watch for. After that comes lunch, simple but real food, and a final snorkeling stop at Siaba Island (also called Turtle Point) where the water is full of reef fish and more chances to see turtles. The boat heads back to Labuan Bajo in the late afternoon, and your guide can drop you at your hotel or straight to the airport if you have an evening flight. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, snacks and lunch are all included. You bring your own camera and a moderate level of fitness.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• lunch.
• English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and return transport.
• fast boat access to Komodo National Park.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to7h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 10 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 25

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 138

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bintang Komodo Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the pace relaxed and let your guide actually talk to you instead of managing a crowd, which matters on a 10-hour day with multiple snorkeling stops and a trek. If you're comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity (the Padar Island hike is short but uphill), and you want to see manta rays and turtles in the water rather than just read about them, this tour delivers both.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (2 to 10 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.

What's the trek on Padar Island actually like?

Padar Island's trail is a short hike up rugged terrain that takes 20–30 minutes and is manageable for most fitness levels, especially with short breaks. The payoff is a panoramic view of three curved bays with beaches in white, black, and pink sand: one of the most iconic views in Indonesia. Early morning is the best time to go for cooler temperatures and soft light for photos.

Will I actually see manta rays, or is that just marketing?

Manta Point is a real snorkeling spot where manta rays do appear, though sightings are never guaranteed in nature. When they're there, you enter the water and your guide helps you spot them as they glide past. They're completely harmless, and your guide will make sure you watch them safely and respectfully.

What's included in the snorkeling equipment?

The tour provides snorkeling equipment for use during the day. You'll have what you need to snorkel at Pink Beach, Taka Makassar, Manta Point, and Siaba Island.

How long is the full day, and what time does it start?

The tour runs about 10 hours from early morning pickup at your hotel through the late afternoon return to Labuan Bajo. You'll start before sunrise to reach Padar Island when the light is best and crowds are smallest.

What happens if I want to bring a drone?

If you want to use a drone, you need to buy a drone ticket at least 3 days before the trip. This is separate from the tour booking.

Is lunch included, and what about water and snacks?

Lunch is included as part of the tour, along with bottled water and snacks throughout the day. The lunch is simple but real food, served after the Komodo dragon trek when you have time to relax and recharge.