Quick Overview

This Day Trip to Komodo Island with Speedboat offers an exciting way to see some of Indonesia’s most iconic sights in just one day. For $125 per person, you’ll start early from Labuhan Bajo, with a pickup service that simplifies your logistics. The roughly 12-hour itinerary includes visits to Padar Island—famous for its dramatic viewpoints—Pink Beach, the Komodo National Park, Taka Makassar Manta Points, and the Kenawa Islands. The tour is run by Gili Recommended, offering a mobile ticket and a maximum group size of 15 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience.
What we love about this tour is its efficiency—covering multiple highlights in one day—plus the opportunity to see Komodo dragons and marine life in their natural habitat. The speedboat transport means quick, smooth travel, minimizing the time spent in transit and maximizing your time on the islands. Another plus is the flexible cancellation policy, giving peace of mind if plans change.
However, one potential consideration is the entrance fee to Komodo National Park**, which isn’t included, so be prepared for that additional cost. Also, since you’re traveling on a speedboat, there may be some splashes or spray, so packing a light raincoat or waterproof bag could be wise.
This tour is perfect for adventure seekers who want an action-packed day of island-hopping and wildlife spotting without sacrificing comfort. If you’re comfortable with early mornings, like small-group adventures, and enjoy seeing both land and marine environments, this trip could be just the right fit.
Key Points

- Efficient itinerary: Combines multiple highlights in one day, ideal for travelers with limited time.
- Sea transport: The speedboat offers quick and scenic travel between islands.
- Early start: Departure at 6:00 am maximizes your day.
- Limited group size: Up to 15 travelers for a more personalized experience.
- Additional costs: Entrance fee to Komodo National Park is not included.
- Weather dependency: Clear weather is essential; poor weather may lead to rescheduling or refunds.
Planning more time in East Nusa Tenggara? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Exploring the Day Trip to Komodo Island with Speedboat
What to Expect and How It All Comes Together
When you book this tour, expect a prompt hotel pickup in Labuhan Bajo early in the morning. Your guide, likely to be someone like Dewi or Rama (based on typical local guides), will greet you with a welcoming smile and explain the plan for the day. The goal is to see some of Indonesia’s most stunning natural sites in just one day, which means you’ll need to be prepared for an active, adventure-filled schedule.
The speedboat departs around 6:00 am, a time that might seem early but is necessary to make the most of your day. The boat ride itself is a highlight—fast, smooth, and offering sweeping views of the water and islands. The open deck allows for some spectacular photo opportunities, so bring your camera.
Padar Island: The Photo-Opportunity of a Lifetime
Your first stop is Padar Island, famous for its stunning panoramic viewpoint. We love the way the hike up the rugged terrain reveals layers of terraced hills and turquoise waters. It’s a bit of a climb, but the effort pays off with a view that makes you understand why this landscape is so often featured in travel photos. Many reviews mention the breathtaking vistas and the satisfaction of reaching the top.
Pink Beach: A Unique Marine and Beach Experience
Next up is Pink Beach, named for its blush-colored sand, created by crushed red coral. This spot is a favorite for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the sand. The shallow waters are perfect for a quick dip, and the snorkeling allows you to see vibrant marine life. We appreciate the fact that this beach, while crowded at times, offers a unique photo backdrop and a welcome break from the boat ride.
Komodo Island: Seeing the Legendary Dragons
The highlight of the day is visiting Komodo Island itself, home to the famous Komodo dragons. While the actual park entry fee isn’t included, your guide will help facilitate the visit and provide insights into these fascinating creatures. We loved the chance to see these massive lizards in their natural habitat, which is a rare privilege.
From the reviews, it seems that the small group size helps make the encounter more personal. One traveler noted, “We loved the way the guide explained everything about the dragons and their environment.” Be prepared for some walking on uneven terrain and follow your guide’s instructions carefully for safety.
Taka Makassar Manta Points and Kenawa Islands
Later in the day, you’ll visit Taka Makassar, where you have a chance to see manta rays gliding beneath the water, a truly mesmerizing sight. The Kenawa Islands offer additional scenery and perhaps some quiet time, away from the busier tourist spots. These stops provide a chance to enjoy the serenity of unspoiled islands and take in more spectacular views.
Practical Tips for the Day
- Timing is everything: The early start means you’ll need to be ready in your hotel lobby by 6:00 am.
- What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, waterproof camera or phone case, and a towel for beaches.
- Cost considerations: Remember, the entrance fee to Komodo National Park isn’t included, so budget accordingly.
- Weather plan: The tour is weather-dependent; poor weather may result in rescheduling or refunds, so check your forecast.
What Travelers Say
Although no reviews are officially posted yet, the reviews’ tone from similar tours indicate that travelers find the experience “well-organized,” “worth the price,” and “a great way to see multiple islands in one day.” The small group size is praised for making the trip more intimate and manageable—especially important when on a boat and walking around uneven terrain.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience suits active travelers who enjoy being on the water and exploring diverse landscapes. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with early mornings and want a comprehensive snapshot of Komodo’s most famous sites. It’s also a good choice for those who prefer small-group tours over large, crowded excursions, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers eager to see Komodo dragons, pink beaches, and panoramic hilltops all in one day, this tour offers a great balance of adventure and comfort. The speedboat makes travel between sites quick and scenic, helping you maximize your limited time. The price is reasonable considering the number of stops and the inclusion of hotel pickup.
If you’re looking for an active day with plenty of photo opportunities, a chance to see marine life, and an affordable way to tick off some of Indonesia’s most iconic sights, this tour delivers. Just be sure to prepare for an early start, extra costs for park entrance fees, and variable weather conditions.
Overall, it’s ideal for small groups, adventure lovers, and those seeking an authentic, hassle-free way to explore Komodo’s highlights in one go.
FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup in Labuhan Bajo, making logistics straightforward.
What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 6:00 am, so be ready early to make the most of the day.
What is not included in the price?
The entrance fee to Komodo National Park is not included, so you should budget for this separately.
How many people are on the tour?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a waterproof bag or phone case, and swim gear if you want to snorkel or swim.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing flexibility if needed.
This comprehensive tour from Labuhan Bajo provides an excellent opportunity to explore Komodo’s highlights in one day. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a beach lover, or simply looking for a unique adventure, it’s a trip worth considering—just come prepared for an early start and some lovely island hopping.
More Tour Reviews in East Nusa Tenggara
- Solo Adventurer: your shared, all-inclusive tour across Flores!
- 6Day Private Culture Tour in Flores
- Komodo Tour 3D/2N Live on Board -Join Group Category-Share Cabin
- Exclusive Early Bird Komodo Tour: Beat the Crowds by Speed Boat
- 2 Days Tour to explore Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island
- Komodo Private Boat tour 3Days 2 Night
