Your focused tour of the small group of islands and atolls around Komodo includes a ranger-led trek through the Komodo National Park in search of the famous Komodo Dragons, and visits to local villages, as well as ample time for snorkeling and viewing the kaleidoscopic beauty of the underwater world. Unlimited use of the stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaks onboard will add yet another dimension to your nature explorations. The cruise also includes a ranger-led trek through the park looking for an encounter with the prehistoric Komodo Dragons. The Komodo National Park archipelago is not only home to the dragons but also to an incredible diversity of marine life found in the rich, current-swept reefs and the surrounding open water.
Highlights
Snorkel at the small island of Pulau Pempe
Enjoy a nature trek in search of Komodo dragons on Rinca Island
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After arriving at Labuan Bajo Airport, travel by private bus into the interior of the island, taking a winding road uphill to the village of Melo. Here, local ‘strongmen’ will perform the ‘Caci,’ a ritual whip-fight between two rivals in which the players, each armed with a rattan shield and a whip, will try to hit each other while dancing to the rhythm of traditional acoustic instruments. The men of Western Flores are famous for this test of daring and skill, requiring lightning quick moves to dodge the infliction of a wound. The winner is loudly applauded and cheered by the village. Besides this, the cultural group will also showcase other traditional dances. After your visit to Melo, return to Labuan Bajo where you will get the first glimpse of your beautiful boat, Katharina and you will head off out into the beautiful waters of the Komodo National Park, stopping along the way for some snorkeling at a small island of Pulau Pempe, before settling in for sunset with a cocktail as thousands of flying foxes head out from their mangrove forest homes to head to the mainland to feed. Then head off to Rinca Island for a quiet night at anchor.
Today, wake up before dawn and visit the ranger station of Loh Buaya on Rinca Island from where you will head off on a ranger-led nature trek in search of Komodo dragons, which are indigenous to this small group of islands. Hopefully, the ranger will be able to show you the dens and nests of the dragons. Rinca is also well known for its diverse wildlife, so you may spot monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer as well. From the top of the hills, the scenery is breathtaking. After your trek, move on to a fantastic snorkeling spot at Turtle Point at Siaba Besar Island – with over 1,000 species of fish in the waters of the national park, there is much more to this wildlife reserve than just dragons. Head to the famous Pink beach for more snorkeling, and after dinner head to Loh Liang, where you will spend the night at anchor, floating beneath the Milky Way.
Today visit the famous Komodo Island, one of approximately 80 islands that make up the Komodo National Park. Go ashore at the ranger station in Loh Liang for another early morning ranger-led trek through the park searching for yet more Komodo dragons. In this savannah-like setting of dry, rugged landscape, you will encounter, at a safe distance, these awe-inspiring dragons – Indonesia’s living dinosaurs and the largest species of lizard on Earth – in their natural habitat. You may also spot deer, wild boar, sulphur-crested cockatoos, butterflies, rare orchids and jungle chickens among the strangler-fig trees and the distinctive lontar palms. Back aboard Katharina cross over to Makassar reef where you might find a school of manta rays and go snorkeling with these mighty beasts. Back on Katharina have lunch as you head to the island of Gili Lawa Darat for an afternoon of snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and at sunset, you can climb to the top of the island to enjoy the day’s end. Then move to Mesa Island.
This morning visit the island of Mesa to meet a settlement of ‘sea-gypsies,’ the Bajao people. Originally from Sulawesi and formerly fully nomadic, living on their boats, the Bajao nowadays often occupy more permanent settlements, building their homes on stilts over the sea. At Mesa you will get a glimpse of how the Bajao have adapted to life in a static village. Nevertheless, still being so close to the water, the tribe’s dependence on the sea is not lost. Their children are introduced to the sea at a young age and grow accustomed to living and playing within the ocean environment. After a stroll through the village cruise onwards to the island of Sabalon, where you will be treated to a quintessential experience and a highlight for many guests - on this deserted island with your feet in the sand, under the breathtaking expanse of an Indonesian star-studded night sky, the crew will build a bonfire and prepare a beach barbecue as a final celebration of our memorable voyage. Late in the evening Katharina will cruise back towards Labuan Bajo and anchor off Biddadari Island.
Day 5: Biddadari Island | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After a final early morning dip off Biddadari Island, bid your sad farewells to the crew of The Katharina, disembarking the boat at the end of your wonderful waterborne experience. Time permitting visit the market or wander around the center of Labuan Bajo before seeing everyone off to their next destination. It will be hard to believe that it’s all over but please rest assured, the gentle sway of the ocean currents may stay with you for quite a while yet.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,100
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Cabin Deck
Cabin Deck. Spacious, air-conditioned twin-share cabins with twin bunks or double beds. Private bathroom with toilet, washbasin, and hot shower.
Notes
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.75 times the published rate.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
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32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.