Komodo Phinisi Tour Dry Season April To November From Labuan Bajo
Ghifari
July 3, 2026
2 min read
Our Komodo phinisi tour began, as most do, from Labuan Bajo. This bustling city on Flores is the sole major hub for accessing Komodo National Park, a sprawling marine protected area encompassing 26 smaller islands and three main ones. We’d timed our visit for the dry season, running from April to November, which promised calm seas and plenty of sunshine.
The Komodo Adventure
The boat itself, Vhale Liveaboard, was a new vessel, launched in 2025. It felt incredibly spacious, with capacity for 32-35 passengers spread across 12 comfortable cabins. Our 3-day, 2-night shared trip had cost us around $400 per person, well within the estimated range of $334.39 to $544.87. Before we even set sail, there were a few fees to settle. We paid the IDR 25,000 per person harbour fee, a one-time charge for the entire trip. Later, at the islands, we would encounter additional ranger fees. Padar Island, famous for its panoramic views, had a group fee of IDR 150,000. For our encounters with the Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, or potentially Rinca Island, the group fee was IDR 200,000. It’s worth noting these are shared per group, so the individual cost is quite small.
Diving in Komodo’s Dry Season
The dry season, particularly April to August, is considered prime time for diving in Komodo. While July and August are known for their colder water temperatures, these months also bring the most nutrient-rich currents, attracting an incredible array of marine life. Even in April, the water was teeming. We encountered vibrant coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, and even some larger pelagics. The visibility was excellent, making every dive a truly immersive experience. The Komodo phinisi tour during the dry season truly delivers on its promise of unforgettable underwater and island adventures, all easily accessible from Labuan Bajo.
For arrangements, a specialist offering phinisi charter Komodo can coordinate this end to end.
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Notes compiled and verified by the Naturaliacruise team from on-the-ground operations.