This is the standard itinerary for a 3D2N Komodo trip with Dara Flores Adventures. Exact timing shifts depending on tides, weather, and group preferences — this is the structure, not a rigid schedule.
Day 1: Labuan Bajo → Rinca Island → Padar Island
Morning departure from Labuan Bajo harbor, typically 7–8 AM. Safety briefing on board as the boat clears the harbor.
Rinca Island (Loh Buaya) — 3–4 hours after departure. Local rangers meet the boat at the pier and lead the Komodo dragon trekking route. Standard trek is 1–1.5 hours. Short loop stays near the ranger station where dragons are most reliably spotted. Longer loops go into the dry forest — more varied wildlife, less guaranteed dragon sightings at close range.
Back on the boat for lunch while the captain sails toward Padar.
Padar Island — arrive mid-to-late afternoon. The hike to the viewpoint is 20–40 minutes depending on pace. Steep in sections, stone steps most of the way. The Padar Island hike is best done with about two hours of daylight remaining so you're descending before full dark. The viewpoint itself — three colored beaches from above — is the most-photographed spot in the park.
Anchor near Padar for the night. Dinner on board. The sky out here is dark enough for stars.
Day 2: Pink Beach → Manta Point → Taka Makassar
Pink Beach Komodo in the morning — snorkel session over the coral reef directly off the beach. The water is warm, shallow, and the coral coverage is good. Better for snorkelers than divers due to depth.
Manta Point Komodo mid-morning, timed to the tidal cycle for best conditions. Surface snorkeling only at this site for most guests — mantas are shallow feeders and come to the surface. Sessions typically run 45–60 minutes in the water. If Manta Point is choppy on the day, the crew finds an alternative.
Lunch on board.
Taka Makassar in the afternoon — the sandbar at low tide. Swim, dry off, take photos. Short snorkel around the edges if conditions are calm.
Anchor for the second night in a protected bay.
Day 3: Kanawa Island → Return to Labuan Bajo
Kanawa Island for a morning snorkel — healthy reef close to shore, good coral coverage, turtles occasionally sighted. This is the last water activity before heading back.
Farewell lunch on board during the sail back to Labuan Bajo.
Arrival in Labuan Bajo in the afternoon, typically 2–4 PM depending on conditions and Kanawa start time.
This Komodo itinerary 3 days covers the core highlights: dragons, the Padar viewpoint, mantas, Pink Beach, and Taka Makassar. The 4D3N version adds Komodo Island (the longer dragon trek), more snorkel time, and typically a sunset stop at one of the outlying bays. If you want to see both Rinca and Komodo Island properly, the 4D3N is the better choice.
Contact Dara Flores Adventures to confirm availability and current pricing for your travel dates.