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Kayak, Snorkel, and Explore the Komodo National Park in Indonesia

9 days | Moderate | 5.00
From $5,635 ()
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Some places unfold best when you slow down, and Komodo is one of them. I travel through this remote corner of Indonesia by kayak and liveaboard, moving between islands where reefs sit just below the surface and volcanic hills rise straight from the sea. Each day is shaped by paddling, snorkeling stops, and time ashore where wildlife and conditions guide the plan. Evenings are spent back on board with good food and quiet anchorages, letting the pace of the place set the tone rather than the clock.

Devin
Devin

Adventure Highlights

  • Island hopping by kayak: Paddle along remote coastlines and into quiet bays that are only accessible by sea kayak
  • Liveaboard access to remote islands: Travel and sleep on board, reaching quiet anchorages and islands that day trips can’t access
  • Komodo dragons up close: A guided walk on Rinca Island lets us observe Komodo dragons in their natural habitat
Duration
9 days
Season
July through August
Group size
Up to 16 people
Accommodation
Comfort, Luxury: Expedition liveaboard & hotel
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness required, at least some kayaking experience required
What's included
Guide, lodging, almost all meals & non-alcoholic drinks, national park entry fees, airport transfers, and more

The adventure, day by day

This nine-day journey blends sea kayaking, snorkeling, island exploration, and life on board to showcase the best of Komodo National Park. We start in Labuan Bajo, board a comfortable expedition liveaboard, and navigate a tapestry of islands where coral reefs, sheltered bays, and volcanic terrain meet. Each day we paddle varied coastlines, discover marine life beneath the surface, and take short guided walks ashore, including an encounter with Komodo dragons. Evenings are spent anchored in quiet waters with meals and rest on board.

Day 1: Arrival
Komodo islands

Arrival in Labuan Bajo. Our group hotel offers an airport to hotel transfer, about a five minute drive. Room check in is from 3 pm. The rest of the day is at your own leisure until a group dinner with your kayak guide at a local restaurant.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo

Day 2: Liveaboard
Happy adventurers in Indonesia

Breakfast is included at the hotel, with free time until a midday transfer to the liveaboard. After boarding, we meet the crew, complete safety briefings, and begin our journey south with an introductory paddle and snorkel or dive if time allows. We end the day anchored near Kalong Island, watching bats at sunset before a welcome dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Indo Master liveaboard

Day 3: Komodo dragons and mangroves
Kayaking among mangroves

We sail early to Rinca Island and transfer ashore by dinghy at Loh Buaya for a ranger-led walk to observe Komodo dragons. After returning to the liveaboard for a swim and refreshments, we kayak through the mangrove channels of Loh Buaya Bay. If conditions allow, we continue sailing to Padar Island for our overnight anchorage.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Indo Master liveaboard

Day 4: Padar viewpoints
Hiking the islands

We start early with an optional sunrise hike on Padar Island, followed by breakfast and time to swim or snorkel. We kayak along the western shores of Rinca Bay and Padar Island, with chances to spot turtles along the way. After lunch, we snorkel or dive at Secret Garden, known for its soft corals and abundant reef fish, then return to the liveaboard and sail toward Komodo Island.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Indo Master Liveaboard

Day 5: Village life and manta encounters
Kayaking with kids

We start with a second ranger-led walk on Komodo Island, then kayak south past Komodo Village and its stilt houses, with time to explore ashore. In the afternoon, we snorkel or dive at Makassar Reef, a manta ray cleaning station, before anchoring off central Komodo for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Indo Master Liveaboard

Day 6: Turtle city
Turtle in the sea

We kayak around Siaba Besar Island, with time to snorkel or dive at Turtle City, a shallow reef known for its coral gardens and frequent sightings of green and hawksbill turtles. In the afternoon, we sail northwest and moor at Gili Lawa Laut, overlooking Crystal Beach and its famously clear waters.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Indo Master Liveaboard

Day 7: Gili Lawa
Relaxing on beach

We start the day with an optional sunrise hike on Gili Lawa’s main viewpoint, conditions permitting. The rest of the day is spent exploring around Gili Lawa Darat and Gili Lawa Laut by kayak, snorkel, or dive, with time on varied reefs and coral gardens. We anchor for the night at Sebayur Kecil.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Indo Master Liveaboard

Day 8: Sebayur Kecil
Kayaking in sea mist

We spend our final full day exploring Sebayur Kecil Island, with time for kayaking, swimming, and short walks across the island. In the evening, we enjoy a beach barbecue under the stars before returning on board for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Indo Master Liveaboard

Day 9: Departure
Leaving the Komodo national park

We return to Labuan Bajo in the morning, disembark the liveaboard, and conclude the trip.

Meals: Breakfast

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Lodging & food

Adventure, packed to go

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Devin
5.00
Devin
With a passion for connecting people to nature and promoting sustainable travel, Devin is a dedicated sea kayak guide. He brings a wealth of experience from leading expeditions in Alaska, Norway, Patagonia, Baja, the San Juan Islands, and British Columbia. For SSV, Devin has guided trips in Svalbard, Fiji, Indonesia, and Melanesia. A Colorado native, his diverse background includes working as a PADI Dive Master, a commercial fisherman in the Bering Sea, and with the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, all of which contribute to his deep knowledge and expertise.
Daniel
5.00
Daniel
Hailing from the Blue Mountains (Australia), Daniel has always been drawn to the beauty of wild places. With more than a decade of guiding sea kayak trips, he has led expeditions from the icy regions of Antarctica, Greenland and the high Arctic, to the tropical waters of Fiji, Raja Ampat and northern Queensland.
Elijah
5.00
Elijah
Elijah is driven by the thrill of taking adventurers to iconic and remote destinations by sea kayak. His contagious enthusiasm for adventure is clear: “There’s something indescribable about experiencing these hidden wonders from a kayak. It’s wild, surreal—and too good to be true!” Having led expeditions from Ningaloo to the Antarctic Peninsula, Elijah's travels span the globe, with more thrilling adventures on the horizon. With qualifications including WFA and PA Sea Guide, Elijah is dedicated to ensuring everyone has a wicked time on the water!

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (2 reviews)
J
Jennifer D

Is it possible to give 6 stars? There is no possible way to pick out one single highlight of this trip, as there were so many, every day. Of course the location is amazing, but the experience of seeing it all from sea level, with our brilliant guides made it all the more astounding.

P
Paul D

Excellent trip, Well organised , great guides, Wonderful experience. The local were very friendly and helpful

5.00(2 reviews)
J
Jennifer D

Is it possible to give 6 stars? There is no possible way to pick out one single highlight of this trip, as there were so many, every day. Of course the location is amazing, but the experience of seeing it all from sea level, with our brilliant guides made it all the more astounding.

P
Paul D

Excellent trip, Well organised , great guides, Wonderful experience. The local were very friendly and helpful

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced western kayaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 9-day Komodo liveaboard adventure with snorkeling, kayaking, and diving in Indonesia
      • Accommodation for 8 nights:
        • 1 night in a Labuan Bajo hotel (double occupancy)
        • 7 nights aboard the Indo Master boat (double occupancy)
      • All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9 (excluding lunch on Day 2)
      • Non-alcoholic drinks while onboard
      • Transfer from hotel to boat on Day 2 and boat to airport on Day 9
      • Komodo National Park entry fee
      • Marine fees
      • Double expedition kayaks with paddles
      • Linen including cabin towels
      • Life jackets, masks, snorkels, and safety equipment

    Add-ons:

      • Cabin upgrades (possible upgrade to superior/premium cabins) — available to add at checkout
      • Single expedition kayak with paddles — available to add at checkout
      • Dive package — available to arrange, leave us a note if interested

    Not included:

      • Transportation and airfares to and from Indonesia
      • Lunch on Day 2
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Indonesian visa
      • Dive package
      • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • The best thing about kayaking in Komodo National Park is that it rewards steady effort rather than peak performance. 

    This trip is suited to travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable spending several hours a day paddling at a relaxed pace. Some kayaking experience is required. Snorkeling and short walks ashore are optional, and there is time each day to rest on board. As long as you’re generally active and enjoy being on the water, you’ll be well prepared for this adventure.

  • The liveaboard is fully equipped for scuba diving, with a divemaster, rental gear, and two dive tenders on board. Divers must hold PADI Advanced Open Water certification, have at least 50 logged dives, and carry dive-specific insurance, as conditions around Komodo can include strong currents.

    Diving is optional and available at an additional cost, please let us know before booking if it’s something you’d wish to do.

  • Clothing:

      • One to two long-sleeve lightweight synthetic shirts
      • Two to three T-shirts
      • Lycra sun top for snorkeling
      • One pair of lightweight full-length trousers and a long-sleeve shirt for evenings
      • Two pairs of shorts and swimwear
      • Sarong for beach and boat use

    Footwear:

      •  Reef shoes for paddling or sturdy sandals that secure firmly
      •  Running shoes and socks for island walks

    Water & day gear:

      • Double-walled drink bottle, 750 ml or larger
      • Small dry bag for sunscreen, glasses, and electronics
      • Compact fold-up day pack for hikes and shore excursions

    Snorkeling & diving:

      • Snorkeling gear is available to hire, or bring your own for best fit
      • Scuba dive gear is available on board, or bring personal equipment if preferred

    Health & first aid:

      • Band-aid strips for minor cuts and blisters
      • Insect repellent containing DEET
      • Mild anti-nausea medication if you are prone to seasickness
      • Antiseptic soap or liquid hand wash.
      • Betadine or equivalent for scratches
      • Electrolyte tablets to stay hydrated
      • Antihistamine for allergic reactions
      • Talcum powder to help prevent saltwater rash

    Sun & personal protection:

      • Wide-brimmed hat for sun exposure
      • Lightweight scarf, ideally silk or similar fabric
      • Sunglasses with a retaining cord
      • Lightweight rain jacket or spray jacket

    Essentials & electronics:

      • Toiletries
      • Headlamp or small torch with batteries
      • Phone and device chargers

    Optional extras:

      • Cycling gloves to help prevent blisters while kayaking
  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Komodo liveaboard group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. 
      • It takes a minimum of 10 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 16 participants.

    Komodo liveaboard can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Komodo liveaboard adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • A single occupancy cabin is not available on this Komodo liveaboard adventure due to limited availability on the liveaboard.

  • The starting point of your Komodo liveaboard adventure is Labuan Bajo. To get there, most people fly into Labuan Bajo Komodo Airport (LBJ). From there, you can use a shuttle service, private pickups, or take a taxi to the hotel in Labuan Bajo.

    You will meet your guide and your team for a group dinner in a local restaurant on Day 1.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
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