Upon our morning arrival at the Labuan Bajo Airport, we are met by our guide and transferred to the sea port (approximately 15 minutes). We then embark on our exciting fast boat tour through Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We first make our way to Komodo Island (approximately 2- to 2.5-hour boat trip), enjoying the incredible scenery of ocean and islands en route. Once we arrive on Komodo Island, we’ll walk with the local ranger to Banu Nggulung, the former feeding ground, to search for dragons. This walk is about 2 kilometers total (1.5 hours approximately). Komodo dragons are a species of ancient reptile believed to have existed for millions of years. These creatures can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 150 pounds.

After our komodo experience, we head back to the boat and continue on to Pink Beach, named for its pink-tinted sand and one of the park’s most famous attractions. The color comes from tiny fragments of red coral mixed with white sand, creating a unique and stunning shoreline. Option here to swim, snorkel, or just relax on the beach.

Lunch will be a provided lunch box pack.

From Pink Beach, we boat on to Taka Makassar, a tiny island in Komodo National Park (about 30 minutes travel time). This white and pink sand island has a lovely crescent shape, and we can spend our time relaxing or beach combing.

We next have a short boat trip to Manta Point, a favourite place for spotting manta rays. Though not guaranteed, encounters with mantas here are frequent. If we’re lucky, we may see them in the shallow water.

Our final stop by boat will be Kanawa Island (another 30 to 40 minutes), a small island that is a lovely place for swimming and snorkeling. After our experience, we are driven by boat back to the port and transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Bintang Hotel, Flores (1 night) (L)

After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport in time for our departure flight. (B)

Upon arriving at Labuan Bajo Airport in the morning, our guide will greet us. We will then head to the sea port by private transfer, a short 15-minute drive away.

Once aboard our boat and home for the next few days, we will first cruise to Rinca Island (approximately 2.5 hours), one of the few islands in the world where you can see komodo dragons. Rinca is home to an estimated population of around 1,300 dragons. It is also possible to spot buffalo, pigs, deer, monkeys and a wide variety of bird life here.

Time and weather permitting, we will stop at Kelor Island for snorkeling on the way to Rinca.

Upon arrival at Rinca Island, our guide will arrange our tickets at the front office on the jetty of the island. We then proceed to the briefing spot, where we will have a briefing from the ranger about Rinca’s wildlife and trails. Together with our guide and forestry ranger, we will walk on the recently built board walk to see the local nature and wildlife. Please note that wildlife watching must be done from the boardwalk and you are not allowed to explore beyond the boardwalk.

Afterwards, we cruise on to the small mangrove island of Kalang, where a natural spectacle takes place every evening at dusk: thousands of flying foxes swarm out to look for fruits on Flores and Rinca Island.

We then move on to beautiful Padar Island, where we overnight.

Overnight: Liveaboard boat (2 nights) (L, D)

This morning, an early start as we enjoy stunning Padar Island, home to the most iconic viewpoint in Komodo National Park. After a short hike, we get a spectacular view over the Komodo archipelago and surrounding waters from the highest point on the island.

We return to our boat and sail on to Komodo Island (approximately 2- to 2.5-hour journey). Upon arrival, a ranger will lead you on an exhilarating trek to the Banunggulung area on Komodo Island, with chances to spot komodo dragons in their natural habitat, engaging in their daily activities.

We then continue on to famous Pink Beach, with pink-tinged sand, for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. Komodo National park is renowned for its incredible marine diversity, featuring more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral reef, and a variety of marine mammals and sea turtles.

From Pink Beach, we head to Manta Point to search for manta rays. Manta rays in Komodo National Park can have wingspans of up to 7 meters, and sightings at Manta Point are common, though not guaranteed.

Finally, we head to Siaba Besar Island, east of Komodo Island, near which we overnight. (B, L, D)

Today, we cruise to Sebayur Island and Kanawa Island. Both offer lovely beaches with great snorkeling opportunities a short swim from shore.

After our final stops, we are dropped back at the Labuan Bajo port. From here, we are transferred to the airport in time for our onward flight. (B)