Komodo open trip departures run from Labuan Bajo every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday for the shared 3D2N liveaboard, and every morning for speedboat day trips. This schedule holds year-round, including the 2026/2027 season. Because Komodo Island entry is capped at 1,000 visitors per day, every departure is quota-registered — book ahead and we lock your permit with your seat.
2026/2027 Open Trip Departure Pattern
| Trip | Departs | Returns | Boat | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat Day Trip | Daily, 05:30–06:00 | Same day ~17:00 | Shared speedboat | $120/person |
| 2D1N Open Trip | Wednesday & Saturday | Next day ~16:00 | Shared phinisi | $150/person |
| 3D2N Open Trip | Tuesday, Friday & Sunday | Day 3 ~15:00 | Shared phinisi (AC cabins) | $220/person |
| 4D3N Open Trip | First Friday of each month | Day 4 ~15:00 | Shared phinisi (AC cabins) | $500/person |
| Private Charter | Any day, your call | Your itinerary | Phinisi or yacht, exclusive | $1,200/boat/day |
All boats leave from Labuan Bajo harbor, five minutes from the airport taxi rank. Morning flights from Bali land in time for 3D2N boarding (11:00) but not for same-day speedboat departures — arrive the evening before for day trips. Route details: getting to Labuan Bajo.
How the 1,000-Visitor Quota Shapes the Schedule
The park releases Komodo Island permits per calendar day. In July–August and around Christmas/New Year, quota slots for popular dates are gone 4–6 weeks out — the boats still have cabins, but the island permit is the bottleneck. Our booking desk registers your permit the moment you confirm, which is why we ask for passport details up front. Full explainer: the 1,000-visitor limit.
Booking Windows: When to Lock Your Date
- July–August & festive weeks: book 4–6 weeks ahead. Fridays and Sundays sell out first.
- April–June, September–November: 1–2 weeks ahead is usually safe; same-week is often possible midweek.
- December–March (manta season): shorter notice works, but weather can reshuffle routes — our captains decide by the morning forecast.
- This week? Use the last-minute desk — we confirm boats within hours when seats and quota align.
What Happens if Weather Cancels a Departure
Harbor authority can hold boats in port during rough sea windows (most common January–February). When that happens you choose: next available departure, a route adjusted to protected waters, or a full refund of the trip price. We message you the evening before if a hold looks likely — no airport surprises.
Check a Specific Date
The fastest way to confirm a departure is WhatsApp — tell us your date and group size and we reply with live seat and quota status, usually within 30 minutes: check my dates. You can also browse boat availability or compare all packages.