It’s impossible to pick a single favorite from our three-month journey—but our three-day cruise through the islands around Komodo will most certainly be at the top of the list. Choosing where to go in Indonesia is no easy task. With over 17,000 islands spread across a country that stretches wider than the continental United States, the options feel endless. After soaking up the culture of Bali, we wanted something completely different—something wilder, more remote, and less polished. Again and again, Komodo kept floating to the top of my list. And once we were gliding between jagged islands under wide, open skies, I knew we’d made the right call.
Not Fancy—But Absolutely Perfect
There are a lot of cruise options in the Komodo area—ranging from budget-friendly backpacker boats to ultra-luxury liveaboards. After a lot of research, we booked with Captain Komodo, a small, highly-rated operator that runs multi-day trips through the national park. Their boat, the Alcira, carries just 12 passengers, which struck the perfect balance between intimate and social. The reviews were outstanding (and for good reason), but it books up months in advance so this is one of those things where you need to plan early.
I’ll admit, when we first stepped on board, I was surprised to find it a bit more rustic than I had imagined. The boat isn’t fancy —but what it lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in character, scenery, wildlife, and the best kind of company. The Captain Komodo team was fantastic—thoughtful, funny, and deeply knowledgeable about the region. From spotting manta rays to timing hikes for the best light, they clearly knew these islands inside and out. Meals were delicious, the itinerary was well-paced, and there was just enough flexibility to make it feel relaxed rather than rushed. By the end of day one, the boat felt like home, and the group felt like old friends.
Snorkeling in Komodo: Just Memories, No Photos
I’ve snorkeled before, but nothing quite compares to waters around Komodo. On our first afternoon, we slipped into that electric-blue water and almost immediately found ourselves swimming above gigantic manta rays—some over 15 feet wide. Not long after, we spotted multiple sea turtles gliding below us in what felt like a private underwater performance.
Day two brought even more snorkeling stops, each somehow more beautiful than the last. We swam through fish of every shape and shade, delicate coral gardens, and huge, electric-colored starfish resting on the sea floor. I was often one of the last to climb back onto the boat—I just couldn’t pull myself away. I didn’t have the gear to capture it all underwater, but maybe that’s okay. Some moments are meant to stay tucked away as perfect memories.
Worth Every Step: Sunrise from the Summit
One of the most unforgettable moments of the cruise started in the dark—with a 4:30 AM wake-up call and a sleepy shuffle off the boat. We hiked up 815 steep, dusty steps to reach the summit of Padar Island, guided only by headlamps and starlight. As the sky began to glow, we turned to see a view that honestly took our breath away. From the top, we could see three distinct beaches stretched out below us—one white, one pink, and one black—each curving into the sea like a postcard from another planet. As the sun rose, it bathed the entire island chain in soft gold light, revealing jagged cliffs, empty coves, and endless blue water. It was, without question, one of the most stunning views of our entire trip—and absolutely worth the early start and every single step.
