On Water Expeditions has introduced two new small-group voyages through Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, offering travellers the opportunity to explore its remarkable wildlife, islands and marine environments in just four or five days.
The new four-day Komodo Island Escape and five-day Komodo Island Explorer operate aboard Samara I, a traditional Indonesian phinisi with just five guest cabins and a maximum of 12 passengers.
Departing from Labuan Bajo on Flores, both itineraries combine encounters with Komodo dragons, panoramic island walks and snorkelling among coral reefs, with opportunities to spot manta rays, sea turtles and colourful reef fish.
Rachel Imber, Brand Manager of On Water Expeditions, says the new itineraries will appeal to travellers wanting to experience Komodo’s highlights without committing to a longer voyage.
“Komodo is an extraordinary destination, and you don’t necessarily need a week or more to appreciate what makes it so special,” says Imber.
“These trips bring together so much of what makes Komodo unique – seeing the dragons in their natural habitat, exploring the rugged islands and snorkelling in some of Indonesia’s richest marine environments. They’re ideal for travellers who are short on time or want to incorporate a few days exploring Komodo into a wider Indonesian holiday.
“And with just five cabins aboard Samara I, it’s a much more personal experience than exploring the islands on day trips, with the opportunity to spend several nights surrounded by the national park’s remarkable scenery.”
The four-day Komodo Island Escape takes in the national park’s major highlights, including guided walks to observe Komodo dragons, a hike to Padar Island’s well-known viewpoint, and opportunities to swim, snorkel and paddleboard. Travellers can also witness thousands of flying foxes emerging from Kalong Island at sunset.
The five-day Komodo Island Explorer extends the journey into the northern reaches of the national park, adding a sunset hike on Gili Lawa and snorkelling in the Golden Passage, a channel known for its rich marine life.
Both journeys include visits to pink sand beaches, a beach barbecue and opportunities to explore the archipelago’s diverse marine environments.
The preferred travel period is April to October, when predominantly sunny weather and generally favourable conditions make it an appealing time for island exploration and snorkelling.
The new voyages expand the On Water Expeditions collection, offering a flexible addition to a broader Indonesian holiday or an alternative to longer Komodo expeditions.
