Komodo Phinisi Cruise 3D2N With Turtle Point Siaba Besar From Labuan Bajo

Setting Sail from Labuan Bajo

Our Komodo phinisi cruise, a 3D2N adventure, kicked off from Labuan Bajo. It’s the only major city center near Komodo National Park, making it the most common departure point for liveaboards exploring this incredible region. Komodo National Park itself is a fascinating collection of 26 small islands and 3 major islands, all just off the coast of Flores. We were fortunate to be here during the dry season, which generally runs from April to November. Specifically, we chose to visit in July, known for its colder sea temperatures and nutrient-rich waters, often considered the best time for diving in Komodo, which spans from April to August.

Before we even left the harbor, there were a few practicalities to sort out. The harbour fee for the entire liveaboard trip was IDR 25,000 per person, a one-time payment. Ranger fees for the islands are separate; for example, the Padar Island ranger fee is IDR 150,000 shared per group, while Komodo or Rinca Island is IDR 200,000 shared per group. Our vessel was the Vhale Liveaboard, a relatively new phinisi launched in 2025. It boasts a capacity of 32–35 passengers across 12 comfortable cabins. For a shared 3D2N Komodo trip like ours, the estimated price per person typically ranges from USD 334.39 to USD 544.87, depending on the cabin and itinerary specifics.

Diving into Turtle Point Siaba Besar

One of the highlights of our Komodo phinisi cruise was undoubtedly diving at Turtle Point Siaba Besar. The waters here, especially in July, were teeming with life, a direct result of those nutrient-rich currents. We spent a good portion of our morning exploring the vibrant coral gardens and, true to its name, encountered several green sea turtles gracefully gliding through the water. The visibility was excellent, allowing for clear views of the diverse marine ecosystem. It was a truly immersive experience, offering a firsthand look at the underwater wonders of Komodo National Park. The cold sea temperatures were noticeable, but the wetsuits provided by the liveaboard made it entirely comfortable. This particular dive site perfectly showcased why the July-August period is so highly recommended for divers seeking an abundance of marine life in Komodo.

For arrangements, a specialist offering Komodo boat charter can coordinate this end to end.

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Notes compiled and verified by the Naturaliacruise team from on-the-ground operations.