Komodo National Park Kayak and Liveaboard

Description

Join us on an extraordinary journey to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park, in Indonesia’s Sunda Islands. Our deluxe liveaboard will be your floating home, setting the stage for an exhilarating exploration where each day brings a unique perspective of the park’s stunning natural beauty and diverse marine life.
The most remarkable inhabitant of Komodo National Park is Varanus komodoensis, commonly known as the Komodo Dragon, existing no where else in the world. As well as hosting giant lizards, the Komodo National Park and surrounding islands are some of Indonesia’s most dramatic landscapes with stark, rugged hillsides contrasting with brilliant white sandy beaches and thriving coral seas.
For kayakers, the irregular coastline is ripe for exploration, with bays, beaches and inlets separated by headlands and sheer cliﬀs falling vertically into the surrounding seas. The rich coral reefs of Komodo host a great diversity of species, attracting sea turtles, whales, dolphins and thousands of colourful reef fish. We explore our surroundings by kayak, snorkelling, scuba diving and island walks, returning to the liveaboard for delicious meals and relaxation.
We ensure a personalised experience with expert-guided sea kayaking and quality equipment. For experienced divers, our charter is also fully equipped for advanced scuba diving.
This trip is more than just a holiday; it’s a journey into the rich cultural and natural tapestry of the Sunda Islands, offering a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Trip Name

Komodo National Park Kayak and Liveaboard

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 47 meter Passenger Capacity: 16 Built: 2022 Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey aboard the 47 metre Indo Master. Built in 2022, Indo Master was constructed on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and handcrafted from ironwood and teak, which is traditional to the area. The nine guest cabins consist of four doubles, four twins and one family suite with two double beds. All cabins have private ensuite bathrooms with hot water and air conditioning. Welcoming a maximum of 16 guests per cruise ensures that there is ample space to relax on board. Guests can enjoy the spacious, air-conditioned saloon for meals and briefings, a cocktail bar and a sundeck. The vessel also benefits from two high-powered Zodiacs, kayaks, laundry and massage services.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1: Arrive Labuan Bajo.

Our group hotel offers an airport to hotel transfer, about a five minute drive. Room check in is from 3pm. The rest of the day is at your own leisure until a group dinner with your kayak guide at a local restaurant. D/ MERUORAH KOMODO LABUAN BAJO (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

Day 2 - Day 2: Transfer to the liveaboard and begin the adventure.

Breakfast is included at the hotel and the morning is at your own leisure until a 12.30pm pick up for the transfer to our liveaboard (the exact time will be confirmed by your kayak guide). We recommend eating a light lunch prior to the pick up. On boarding Indo Master, there will be crew introductions and a ship and kayak safety orientation. We begin the adventure and head southward to Kalong Island for an introductory paddle, refresher dive and/or snorkel, time permitting. At sunset we gather on the deck of Indo Master to watch the bats flying overhead, followed by an amazing array of stars in the night sky and a welcome dinner. Please note, lunch is not included today. B • D / ON LIVE ABOARD

Day 3 - Day 3: Explore the islands by kayak, snorkel and diving.

Today we have an early sail to Rinca Island where we transfer by dinghy to the shore at Loh Buaya. We’ll be welcomed by rangers at the little pier and taken to the national park office for instructions. Guided by a ranger, our walk will last between 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the circuit chosen. Komodo dragons are commonly seen close to the ranger’s station and along the circuit. After our time observing the Komodo dragons, we head back to Indo Master and cool off with a refreshing swim and a cool drink. Our kayaking outing may take place in Loh Buaya Bay where we have fun weaving our way throughout the mangrove channels. Conditions allowing, we sail to Pulau Padar, the third largest island in Komodo National Park, for our overnight anchorage. B • L • D / ON LIVE ABOARD

Day 4 - Day 4: Explore the islands by kayak, snorkel and diving.

An early morning start is a reward for those wanting to see the sunrise from the top of Padar island, accompanied by magnificent views over the archipelago. Breakfast is followed by a swim or snorkel before our kayak outings along the west of Rinca Bay and/or Padar Island. While kayaking, paddlers may be rewarded with the sight of turtles as they rise to the surface for a breath of air. After lunch, divers and snorkellers can explore the Secret Garden, a site with a large variety of soft corals and huge numbers of reef fish. Return to Indo Master for relaxation as we sail to Komodo Island. B • L • D / ON LIVE ABOARD

Day 5 - Day 5: Explore the islands by kayak, snorkel and diving.

We’ll aim for a second dragon trek on Komodo Island this morning. Afterwards, our kayak outings will encompass Loh Lawi, located just south of Komodo Village. On approach to the village, we usually encounter kids playing in the water and adults working on their moored boats. All houses in the village are built on stilts to protect against tides, to catch a cooling breeze and for Komodo dragons to walk freely under, rather than into kitchens to steal food! A walk around the village is a great way to observe life on the island and there’s also the opportunity to buy handcrafted souvenirs on our visit. Back on board, Indo Master anchors or moors at Pulau Siabah while we take to the water and explore Makassar Reef, the famous manta ray cleaning and feeding station. This is a rewarding site where we hope to see manta rays or eagle rays gathering on the surface to be cleaned by small fish, a fantastic display of mutualism, a partnership in which both individuals benefit. We anchor off Central Komodo tonight. B • L • D / ON LIVE ABOARD

Day 6 - Day 6: Explore the islands by kayak, snorkel and diving.

Today’s paddle explorations centre around Siaba Besar Island, located east of Komodo Island. A highlight is the stunning snorkel and dive site on a reef 4-6 meters deep with a massive coral garden and abundant marine life. The nickname of the site is Turtle City and we’re bound to spot Green and Hawksbill turtles. Indo Master will then sail north-west and moor in Gili Lawa Laut, facing Crystal Beach, known for the clarity of its waters. B • L • D / ON LIVE ABOARD

Day 7 - Day 7: Explore the islands by kayak, snorkel and diving.

Early risers may like to climb Gili Lawa’s main view point to enjoy the sunrise over the Komodo archipelago (subject to the island being open for trekking). We’ll enjoy a day of exploration around Gili Lawa Darat and Gili Lawa Laut, known for the varied sea life and stunning coral gardens. Anchorage tonight is at Sebayur Kecil. B • L • D / ON LIVE ABOARD

Day 8 - Day 8: Explore the islands by kayak, snorkel and diving.

Today is the last full day aboard Indo Master and we’ll make the most of it with an exploration of Sebayur Kecil Island, with it’s beautiful beaches, clear warm water and short easy treks across the island. Tonight we enjoy a beach BBQ, underneath a blanket of stars. B • L • D / ON LIVE ABOARD

Day 9 - Day 9: Return to Labuan Bajo. Transfer to airport. Trip concludes.

We arrive back in Labuan Bajo early this morning. After farewelling the crew, guests disembark around 10am for a transfer to Komodo airport. If flying out today, please choose a departure time from 1pm onwards. End of trip arrangements. B / NO ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED

Day 10 - Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Kayaking, snorkelling, and diving through Komodo National Park’s reefs, mangroves, and islands
Close encounters with Komodo dragons on Rinca and Komodo Islands
Manta ray cleaning stations, turtle-rich reefs, and a liveaboard journey through iconic Indonesian seascapes