Komodo Island Explorer aboard Samara 1

Our adventure begins in Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, where you are met and transferred to Samara I. After boarding our traditional Indonesian phinisi, we set sail through a landscape of rugged islands, sheltered bays and clear tropical waters. Our first stop is Kelor Island, where a short hike leads to a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding islands and coastline. We continue to Manjerite, known for its sheltered snorkelling waters and coral reefs, before visiting Pink Rock for further opportunities to snorkel, swim or explore by paddleboard. As the afternoon draws to a close, we arrive at Kalong Island, home to a large colony of flying foxes. At sunset, thousands of these fruit bats emerge from the mangroves, filling the evening sky as they fly towards Flores in search of food. We watch this remarkable natural spectacle before continuing towards Padar Island, where we anchor overnight.

Meals:  L,D

We begin the day with an early morning hike on Padar Island, one of the most recognisable landscapes in Komodo National Park. The trail climbs through open, grassy hills to a viewpoint overlooking three sweeping bays, with beaches of contrasting colours set against the island's rugged ridgelines and surrounding turquoise waters. After returning to the vessel for breakfast, we visit one of Padar's distinctive pink sand beaches, where fragments of red coral mixed with pale sand give the shoreline its unusual colour. There is time to swim or snorkel before we continue to Komodo Island, home to the world's largest living lizard. Accompanied by local park rangers, we explore the island's dry savanna and woodland in search of Komodo dragons. Found naturally on only a handful of Indonesian islands, these remarkable reptiles can grow to more than three metres in length. Our guided walk offers an opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat and learn about the conservation of this unique species. In the afternoon, we visit Pink Beach on Komodo Island, where coral reefs close to shore provide opportunities for snorkelling among tropical fish. We can also enjoy swimming, paddleboarding or relaxing on the beach before returning to the vessel for the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we explore the marine environments and northern islands of Komodo National Park. Our first destination is Manta Point, where nutrient-rich currents attract reef manta rays. These large filter-feeding animals are regularly encountered in the surrounding waters, and conditions permitting, we may have the opportunity to snorkel alongside them. We continue to Taka Makassar, a small crescent-shaped sandbar surrounded by shallow turquoise waters and coral reefs. This isolated stretch of white sand provides an opportunity to swim, snorkel or enjoy the surrounding scenery before we cruise north towards Gili Lawa. Situated off the northern tip of Komodo Island, Gili Lawa is characterised by steep grassy hills, sheltered bays and rugged ridgelines. In the late afternoon, we head ashore for a sunset hike, following a trail to an elevated viewpoint overlooking the surrounding islands and waterways. The changing light across the hills and sea makes this one of the region's most rewarding short walks. We return to the vessel for dinner and spend the night anchored near Gili Lawa.

Meals:  B,L,D

We begin the morning exploring the Golden Passage, a narrow channel between Gili Lawa Darat and Komodo Island. Tidal currents moving through the passage bring nutrients that support a rich marine ecosystem, with coral formations, reef fish and the possibility of encountering larger marine species. Depending on conditions, we have an opportunity to snorkel in this distinctive underwater environment. After breakfast, we cruise towards Siaba Island, often referred to as Turtle Point. Its sheltered reefs and seagrass habitats attract green sea turtles, which are regularly observed feeding or swimming through the surrounding waters. We explore the reefs in search of turtles and the many species of tropical fish found here. In the afternoon, we continue to the waters around Sebayur, known for their extensive coral gardens and marine biodiversity. Although also popular with divers, the shallower reef areas provide rewarding snorkelling opportunities, with a variety of hard and soft corals and colourful reef fish. Our day concludes with a barbecue dinner on the beach before returning to the vessel for our final night onboard.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we explore the waters surrounding Sebayur Kecil and Sebayur Besar, two islands known for their coral reefs and diverse marine life. The reefs support a variety of hard and soft corals, colourful reef fish and other marine species, providing a final opportunity to experience Komodo's underwater environment. After our morning snorkelling activities, we return to the vessel for lunch as we cruise through the islands towards Labuan Bajo on Flores. Our journey concludes on arrival in Labuan Bajo, where we disembark and transfer to the airport or a local hotel. NB* The itinerary may be altered based on the weather and sea conditions.

Meals:  B,L