Wildlife
Komodo Dragons
Walk among the world's largest lizards on their own terms, with a ranger-guided trek through Rinca or Komodo Island.
Private Charter Itinerary
Starter Charter
A 3-night introduction to Komodo National Park.
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Komodo
Route
3 Nights
Duration
62 NM
Distance
Apr to Sep
Season
The Journey
Komodo's Icons in 3 Nights
A first taste of Komodo National Park above and below the water on this 3-night starter charter. Snorkel or dive the Park's reefs and hike inland to encounter island wildlife.
This is a quick but fun-filled itinerary suited to groups short on time, or those wanting to sample a charter in a well-known area before venturing on a longer voyage off the beaten path. All cruises fall between one and three hours, taken during lunches or sunsets, so you revel in the passing scenery during daylight hours and miss nothing.
— Nikko Karki, Indo YachtsThree nights is enough for Komodo's headline moments: Padar at sunrise, Makassar Reef for mantas, Rinca for dragons. Most guests who do this come back for longer.
Dragons sun-soak on Rinca's shoreline, visible from the tender at anchor in the bay.
Experiences
Journey Highlights
3 nights. Three defining encounters in one of Indonesia's great national parks.
Marine Life
Manta Ray Encounters
Check dive in a sheltered bay over a flourishing reef where it is possible to swim with manta rays at their cleaning station.
Diving & Snorkeling
Park Reefs at Tatawa Besar
Colorful corals and reef fish at Tatawa Besar: an ideal first snorkel in calm, protected national park waters.
The Route
Labuan Bajo Roundtrip
- Day 1
Labuan Bajo
- Day 1
Tatawa Besar
- Day 1
Batu Monco, Komodo
- Day 2
Manta Point
- Day 2 to 3
Rinca Island
- Day 4
Labuan Bajo
Click to enlarge
Day by Day
The Charter
01
Day
Labuan Bajo, Tatawa Besar, Batu Monco
Board and Explore
Board the yacht and settle in as you cruise to Tatawa Besar Island, where colorful corals and reef fish make for fine snorkeling. At sunset, cruise to Batu Monco off Komodo Island to anchor.
Cruising
26 NM
Embark
Labuan Bajo
Highlight
Tatawa Besar Snorkel
02
Day
Batu Monco, Makassar Reef
Mantas at the Cleaning Station
Snorkel a sheltered bay over a flourishing reef where manta rays are often seen. Over lunch, cruise to Gili Lawa Island for a hike to a panoramic view of the area.
Cruising
10 NM
Activity
Reef Snorkel
Highlight
Manta Rays
03
Day
Makassar Reef, Rinca Island
Walking with Dragons
Snorkel the famous Makassar Reef, where another manta ray encounter is possible, then cruise to Rinca Island for a guided trek with Komodo dragons. Enjoy an evening beach BBQ.
Cruising
11 NM
Activity
Ranger-led Dragon Trek
Highlight
Beach BBQ
04
Day
Rinca, Labuan Bajo
Until Next Time
Enjoy a last look at Komodo's scenery as you cruise back to port for disembarkation and airport transfer.
Cruising
15 NM
Disembark
After Breakfast
Depart
Labuan Bajo
Your Charter Team
Guided by Those Who Know These Waters
Three nights is short, so the trip is about choosing well rather than fitting everything in. Dragons, mantas, a climb for the view, a quiet beach: most groups want two or three of those done properly, not all of them rushed. Tell us what your group would most regret missing, and we will build the short version around it.
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Recommended Yachts
Recommended for This Voyage
Yachts equipped for a focused three-night Komodo introduction: intimate layouts and the operations for dragons, manta snorkeling, and pink-sand beaches.
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View ItineraryFurther Reading
From the Journal
Dispatches from Indonesia's most extraordinary waters. Yacht features, expedition reports, and the stories behind our most memorable charters.
Practical Reading
Charter Guides
Everything you need to know before chartering in Indonesia. From costs and logistics to destination comparisons and packing lists.
BeginnersFirst-Time Charter Guide
What to expect on your first charter in Indonesia.
Read guide
LogisticsUltimate Guide to Komodo Dragons
How to reach Komodo and what to expect on arrival.
Read guide
InclusionsWhat's Included in a Charter
Crew, meals, equipment, and activities, all explained.
Read guide
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for the Starter Charter?
April through October offers calm seas and optimal visibility in Komodo National Park. Peak season runs June through August with the driest weather and the most reliable manta ray activity at cleaning stations.
Can the route be customized?
Yes. This sample itinerary is a starting point. Your crew adapts each day to conditions, your group's interests, and what they find on the water. More diving? Extra time at a beach? It's your charter.
What diving experience do I need?
Certified divers can explore the Park's reefs freely. First-timers can try Discovery Dives with a PADI instructor. Snorkelers are equally well catered for: manta rays often feed right at the surface and the shallow reefs are rich with life.
Is this suitable for families with children?
The short cruises, calm-water anchorages, and mix of above and below water activities make this an excellent family option. Most yachts welcome children aged 6 and above. Let us know your group's ages and we'll recommend the best fit.
Interested in This Itinerary?
Please get in touch to discuss planning your private charter.