3-Day Komodo Sailing Tour review
What the tour covers
Kelor, Manjarite, Kalong (flying foxes at sunset), Padar, Pink Beach, Komodo, Taka Makassar, Manta Point, Kanawa, Sebayur — nine stops across three days on a traditional sailing boat. Emma praised the cleanliness and comfortable rooms. Olivia found guides, photographer, chef and crew all fantastic. Lara reported we saw everything we were hoping for: komodo dragons, mantas and turtles. Peter noted the operator is Sailnesia.
What works
- Only four guests on a traditional wooden boat — intimate experience
- All meals and snacks included, plus an on-board photographer
- Nine stops means you see more of the archipelago
- Phinisi sailing is a unique way to travel
- Crew and guides rated excellent by all reviewers
Worth knowing
- Only 59 reviews — small sample size
- $334 is the highest price on the site
- Three days requires serious time commitment
- Sea conditions can close stops (Alice reported high wind)
- Limited to four guests, so less flexibility with dates
Alice reported that high wind closed some sites and guides moved the itinerary around. This is normal on longer boat trips. Bring motion-sickness tablets if seas affect you. Ran booked with Sailnesia and was satisfied; Lara and Sandi (the guide) saw dragons, mantas, and turtles — the full catalogue.
Who it’s for
Travellers who want three full days in Komodo and have the time. People attracted to sailing and traditional boats. Groups of three to four (the limit is four, so either a small family or close friends). Not for solo travellers expecting to meet others (you’re in a bubble of four), and not for anyone prone to seasickness without heavy preventive measures.
For comparison with shorter options, see all tours or is one day enough for Komodo.
Other tours to consider
Most bookedFrom Labuan Bajo: Komodo Island Day Tour with Snorkeling
2 days, 1 nightLabuan Bajo: 2D1N Komodo & Pink Beach Shared Boat Tour
Highest ratedLabuan Bajo: Komodo National Park Full-Day Speedboat Tour
Frequently asked questions
Is three days too long?
If you can give it, no. You see nine stops across an entire boat, which is a different experience from the day-tour rush. Lara’s feedback: we saw everything we were hoping for. komodo dragons, mantas and turtles. That said, it’s the most expensive and time-intensive option.
What if the wind closes sites?
Alice reported high wind closed some sites and guides rerouted. This is normal on three-day boat trips. Sea conditions are powerful here. Bring motion-sickness tablets and flexible expectations.
Why only four guests?
That’s the Phinisi capacity and the operator’s choice. Smaller groups mean quieter boat and less queue for snorkel stops. The trade-off is that dates fill faster and the price stays high.
What’s included?
The boat, cabin (two nights), all meals and snacks, an on-board photographer, snorkel gear, life jackets, paddle boards, canoe, wifi and towels. Not included: national park tickets (roughly $22/day), alcohol, flights, insurance, crew gratuities.
How is this different from the 2D1N boat tour?
This is a sailing boat (Phinisi) with four guests; the 2D1N is a motor-boat liveaboard with a shared cabin and mixed group. Three days vs. two, intimate vs. social, $334 vs. $180. See is one day enough for the full comparison.