The 3-day, 2-night Komodo liveaboard is the most popular trip format we run for Australian travellers — and the most popular Komodo product in general. It hits the highlights, fits in a Bali week, and costs less than most weekend Sydney-to-Melbourne trips. Here's the direct booking version.
The 3D2N Format — What You Get
A 3-day, 2-night Komodo liveaboard with Dara Flores Adventures:
- Departure: Labuan Bajo harbour, 7–8 AM
- Duration: 3 days, 2 nights on the boat
- Boat: traditional Indonesian phinisi, mid-range to premium tier
- Group size: 6–12 guests on open trips; full boat on private charters
- Return: Day 3 afternoon, back to Labuan Bajo
The itinerary hits the core Komodo experience: Padar Island viewpoint, Pink Beach, Manta Point, Rinca Island dragon trek, Taka Makassar sandbar, Kanawa Island snorkel.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Labuan Bajo → Rinca Island → Padar Island
- 7:00 AM: pickup from Labuan Bajo hotel or airport
- 8:00 AM: board the boat, safety briefing, depart
- 11:00 AM: arrive Rinca Island — 1.5-hour dragon trek with park ranger
- 1:00 PM: lunch onboard as we sail toward Padar
- 3:30 PM: arrive Padar Island — climb to the viewpoint
- Sunset: anchor near Padar; dinner on deck
Day 2: Pink Beach → Manta Point → Taka Makassar
- 6:30 AM: breakfast, sail toward Pink Beach
- 8:30 AM: Pink Beach snorkel — 90 minutes in the water
- 11:00 AM: sail to Manta Point (timed for tide)
- 12:30 PM: Manta Point snorkel session — 45–60 minutes
- 2:00 PM: lunch onboard
- 3:30 PM: Taka Makassar sandbar visit
- Sunset: anchor in protected bay; dinner
Day 3: Kanawa Island → Return to Labuan Bajo
- 7:00 AM: sail to Kanawa Island
- 8:30 AM: morning snorkel at Kanawa reef
- 11:00 AM: farewell lunch onboard
- 2:00 PM: arrive Labuan Bajo harbour
- 2:30 PM: drop-off at hotel or airport
Times vary slightly with tides and weather. Captain may adjust if conditions favour a different order.
What's Included in Your AUD Price
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
- Drinking water, coffee, tea throughout
- Cabin accommodation
- Snorkelling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- BNSP-certified local guide
- Captain, cook, deck crew
- Komodo National Park entry fees
- Ranger fees on Rinca Island
- Hotel/airport pickup and drop-off in Labuan Bajo
Not included: flights to/from Labuan Bajo, alcohol, crew tips (standard AUD 30–60 per guest).
Pricing for Australian Travellers
Real direct-booking prices in AUD for 3D2N:
| Format | AUD per person |
|---|---|
| Open trip — shared cabin | 320–450 |
| Open trip — private cabin upgrade | 450–700 |
| Open trip — premium boat | 650–900 |
| Private charter (whole boat) | 5,500–14,000 total |
Prices are direct, no booking fee. OTAs typically list the same trips at AUD 100–250 more per person.
Departures and Availability
Open trip departures run multiple times per week during peak season (April–October) and 1–2 times per week in shoulder/off seasons.
For 2026, departures are generally:
- Peak (June–September): 3–4 departures per week
- Shoulder (April–May, October): 2–3 departures per week
- Off-peak (November–March): 1–2 departures per week
Private charter departures are flexible — you pick the date, we confirm boat availability.
Peak season departures sell out 4–6 weeks ahead. If you've got fixed dates, book early.
How to Book Direct in 5 Minutes
- WhatsApp us with: travel dates (or date range), number of guests, ages, open trip or private charter preference, dietary requirements
- Receive quote within 24 hours (often same day) with current availability and AUD pricing
- Confirm: pay 30% deposit by Wise, bank transfer, or international card
- Get confirmation in writing within hours of payment
- Pay balance on arrival in Labuan Bajo
Total time from first message to confirmed booking: typically 1–3 days.
Why 3D2N Is the Most Popular Format
The 3D2N hits the sweet spot for most Australians:
- Fits in a Bali week without dominating the itinerary
- Covers the main highlights without rushing them
- Cost is approachable (AUD 320–900 per person)
- Two nights on the boat is enough to settle into the rhythm
- Returns to Labuan Bajo with time for a recovery night before flying back
The honest tradeoff: 3D2N covers Rinca but not Komodo Island. If seeing both dragon islands matters, upgrade to 4D3N. Most first-time Aussie visitors are perfectly satisfied with 3D2N.
FAQs
What's included in a 3D2N Komodo liveaboard? All meals, accommodation, snorkel gear, certified guide, full crew, park and ranger fees, and Labuan Bajo airport/hotel transfers. Not included: flights, alcohol, tips.
How much does a 3D2N Komodo trip cost in AUD? AUD 320–900 per person on open trips depending on cabin tier. Private charters AUD 5,500–14,000 for the whole boat. Direct booking, no markups.
How early should I book a 3D2N Komodo liveaboard? 4–6 weeks ahead for peak season (June–September). 2–4 weeks for shoulder. Last-minute (1–2 weeks) works in off-peak but limits cabin choice. Earlier booking gets better cabin selection and locked pricing.
What are the departure days for 3D2N Komodo trips? Departures multiple times per week in peak season (typically Sunday, Wednesday, Friday). Shoulder season departures are typically Sunday and Wednesday. Private charters depart whenever you book — fully flexible.
Ready to book a 3D2N departure? WhatsApp Dara Flores Adventures now for current departures, AUD pricing, and cabin availability. Same-day response.