Located to the east of Bali and Lombok, Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the legendary endemic Komodo dragon and one of the most sought-after cruising grounds in Indonesia. Set against a dramatic backdrop of savannah hills, volcanic islands, and cerulean seas, this region promises adventure both above and below the waterline. From remote anchorages and drift dives to encounters with rare wildlife and ancient local lore, Komodo and Sumbawa offer an unforgettable voyage into the wild heart of Indonesia.
Day 1 begins as you are met at Labuan Bajo airport by the yacht’s crew and transferred to the harbour, a 15–minute drive. Once you have settled in onboard, the yacht will depart Labuan Bajo and cruise to the outskirts of the National Park while you enjoy lunch on deck. If time allows, go snorkelling or try a check dive before you watch sunset. Dinner will be served under the stars.
Day 2 will anchor you on the northwestern edge of Komodo, near the Gili Lawa islands. These two islands are home to Komodo's most famous underwater sites, including Castle Rock, Shotgun, The Passage and Lighthouse. Pitch up on a stretch of golden sand between underwater pursuits. A steep trek will reward you with stunning vistas over the surrounding islands, stretching into the distance.
Day 3 will continue to Gili Banta. This paradisiac island is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning marine life, and today, you can play castaway on this uninhabited isle. A leisurely afternoon here can be spent exploring the island or reclining under an umbrella, or perhaps checking out some of the snorkel and dive sites in the local area.
Day 4 will begin with the active volcano of Sangeang Api, off the coast of Sumbawa, coming into sight. At this spot, a unique underwater phenomenon is experienced – the black sand slopes bubble with escaping gas alongside a rainbow of soft coral. Head to shore to Wera Village to see how locals build traditional “phinisi” boats with techniques unchanged for generations.
Day 5 will take you into Saleh Bay, where the main objective is to seek an encounter with whale sharks. The local squid fishermen here have noticed an increase of these gentle giants visiting their grounds to feed on the small fry that escapes the squid nets. The best chance of sighting whale sharks is very early in the morning, so you will depart on the tender before dawn in hopes of an encounter with these creatures.
Day 6 will begin as the yacht arrives at Moyo. Moyo Island is a pristine national park edged with flourishing tropical reefs, with a lush jungle interior home to macaques, wild cattle, wild pigs, barking deer and all manner of bird species. Here, you may visit a village that is home to a Bajo tribe (known as sea gypsies) and witness traditional music and dance performances, or trek to beautiful waterfalls hidden at the island’s forested heart.
Day 7 will continue with a visit to Satonda Island. The saltwater crater lake of Satonda was created by the great Mt Tambora volcano that erupted in 1815 – one of the biggest eruptions in history — and a truly magnificent sight. Here, you can swim or try watersports on the mirror still crater lake. At sunset, look out for flocks of fruit bats.
Day 8 brings you eastward once more to the remote shores of Gili Banta. Celebrated for its pristine coastline and rich underwater life, this untouched island invites you to fully unwind. Spend the day strolling its deserted beaches, lounging in the shade, or exploring nearby reefs that offer excellent opportunities for both snorkelling and diving.
Day 9 leads you to the northwestern reaches of Komodo, where the yacht will anchor near the Gili Lawa islands. These twin isles are renowned for their world-class dive spots such as Castle Rock, Shotgun, The Passage, and Lighthouse. Between aquatic adventures, unwind on a stretch of golden sand. For those eager to explore on foot, a rewarding hike unveils sweeping views across the island-studded seascape.
Day 10 brings you to the striking west skyline of Komodo Island, dominated by Ara Mountain, while the ancient volcanic cones of Ntodo Klea stand out in the east. In between the dark green highlands lie wild Lontar palms and the Zizipus savanna of Loh Liang and Loh Kalo. Enjoy snorkelling or diving at sites such as Batu Bolong, where damselfish, surgeonfish and rainbow runners school in abundance.
Day 11 takes you to the picturesque island of Padar, nestled between Rinca and Komodo in the central region of the national park. A sheltered bay on the southeast side of the island makes for a beautiful anchorage in the shadow of dramatic craggy peaks. Central Komodo’s nutrient-rich waters attract shoals of schooling fish on current-swept walls renowned as some of the best coral reefs in Indonesia. This bay is a wonderful spot to try watersports, relax on the beach or take a tender cruise into the mangroves.
Day 12 offers a chance to visit a Manta cleaning station. Swim surrounded by Manta rays as they circle you in an underwater ballet. This area offers one of the most active underwater landscapes in Komodo with vibrant soft and hard coral gardens home to large numbers of fish. Spend the afternoon beach combing or cruising mangroves and hidden coves on the tender, or relax onboard in the sunshine.
Lesser known than neighboring Komodo Island, Rinca is an excellent place to observe Komodo dragons, as well as the monkey population and an array of birdlife. Day 13 begins with a guided walk through the park alongside a ranger, offering the chance to encounter the island’s iconic dragons. As the day continues, enjoy a dive at nearby sites between Komodo and Flores, such as Tatawa Besar and Kecil, or simply unwind on a beach scattered with shells.
Day 14 marks your return to Labuan Bajo port. After breakfast on deck, your crew will assist you in disembarking and transfer you to the airport to catch your flight home.
