What’s Included in a Labuan Bajo Charter

Good to know: Charter Labuan Bajo is operated by Komodo Luxury, a real award-winning Indonesian liveaboard operator (TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2022–2025, founded 2015, part of Juara Holding Group Limited). We charter the whole vessel privately for your group. Komodo National Park (UNESCO 1991) requires park entry fees/permits — general information, verify current rates. Dive-site conditions and seasons are indicative and vary; Komodo currents are strong and many north sites are advanced. Marine life — mantas, hammerheads — is seasonal and wild, and can never be guaranteed. Prices are indicative ranges, by quote, and vary by vessel, cabins, season, trip length and group size. Enquiries and booking via WhatsApp +62 811-3823-875 and sales@komodoluxury.com.

Charter Labuan Bajo inclusions are the elements already covered in the price of your private Komodo yacht or phinisi charter, from the vessel and crew to meals and daily activities. On this page, I outline in detail what’s typically included and excluded on a Labuan Bajo charter with Komodo Luxury, so you can plan confidently and avoid surprises on board.

What’s Included in a Labuan Bajo Charter?

A private charter from Labuan Bajo through Komodo National Park is usually sold as a “full service” package, but not everything is actually bundled. Below is how charter package inclusions in Komodo usually work aboard our own fleet, Komodo Signature and Komodo Prestige, operated by Komodo Luxury.

You charter the entire vessel privately for your group, typically 3–6 days, with:

Private use of the phinisi or yacht, including all guest areas
Captain, crew, and onboard host
Cabins with en‑suite or shared bathrooms (depending on configuration)
Full-board meals and snacks
Daily activities: island visits, snorkelling, beach time, light trekking
Use of tenders (small boats) for landings and water activities
Snorkelling gear and basic watersports equipment
Dive guide and boat support for certified divers on dedicated dive charters

Separately, there are Labuan Bajo charter inclusions and exclusions that vary by trip, such as national park fees, dive equipment rental, nitrox, alcoholic drinks, and Labuan Bajo hotel transfers. These are usually added on top of the vessel rate.

Core Komodo Charter “What’s Included” on Our Fleet

Komodo Luxury operates its own fleet of Indonesian phinisi liveaboards, including the luxury Komodo Signature and Komodo Prestige. All charters are private for your group, departing Labuan Bajo and cruising inside Komodo National Park.

Below is what’s typically included on a private charter with our vessels. Exact details are always confirmed in your personalised quote.

1. Private Vessel Charter & Crew

Your charter fee covers exclusive use of the vessel throughout your itinerary:

Private charter of Komodo Signature or Komodo Prestige for your group only
Professional Indonesian captain and deck crew
Onboard cruise director or host (English-speaking)
Chef and kitchen team
Housekeeping staff for daily cabin service
Basic fuel for the agreed route within Komodo National Park

We plan realistic routes from Labuan Bajo based on actual cruising times, currents, and your trip length. A 3D/2N itinerary typically reaches key central sites (e.g. Padar, Komodo or Rinca, Pink Beach), while 4–6 nights give us enough time to combine north and south Komodo highlights, tide-dependent.

2. Accommodation: Cabins, Housekeeping & Amenities

Onboard accommodation is part of every charter package:

Cabins prepared for your group size, up to the licensed guest capacity of the vessel
Choice of double, twin or family configurations (varies by vessel)
Air-conditioning in cabins and/or main indoor areas
Bed linens, pillows and blankets
Towels for cabin use; some charters also include separate deck or beach towels
Daily housekeeping and periodic linen changes on longer trips
Shared or ensuite bathrooms with hot water (depends on cabin type)

We will recommend the vessel and cabin allocation that best suits your group makeup: couples, dive clubs, multigenerational families or photographic groups often need different layouts.

3. Meals, Snacks & Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Full-board dining is a core part of Labuan Bajo charter inclusions:

Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner on board
Afternoon snacks and light bites between activities
Drinking water, tea and local coffee
Selection of juices or soft drinks (varies by vessel and package)
Set menus or family-style meals with Indonesian and international dishes

Dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, no pork, etc.) can usually be accommodated if shared in advance. Charters focused on diving or trekking often request more substantial breakfasts and easy-to-eat lunches between activities; we adjust meal planning to match your days.

Alcoholic beverages are almost always excluded from the base charter rate. Some packages include a limited welcome drink or basic beer supply, but wine, premium spirits and large consumption are typically charged per bottle or as an additional package.

4. Use of Tenders, Kayaks & Basic Water Toys

Private Komodo charters by vessel include use of their support boats and most non-motorised equipment:

Use of tenders (small boats) for:
- Komodo dragon landings on Komodo or Rinca
- Padar sunrise/sunset trekking drop-off and pick-up
- Snorkel sessions at reefs like Mawan, Siaba, Kanawa (conditions permitting)
- Beach visits to Pink Beach or similar sandy bays
Kayaks, SUPs or inflatables if available on your vessel
Crew assistance for water entries, exits and safety cover

Motorised toys such as jet skis or sea scooters are not standard in Komodo for safety and regulatory reasons, and are rarely included.

5. Snorkelling Gear & Guided Marine Activities

Most Labuan Bajo charter inclusions cover basic snorkelling at no extra cost:

Mask, snorkel and fins in common adult sizes (kids’ sizes on request)
Guided snorkel sessions from the tender or off the main boat
Snorkel briefings explaining site conditions, currents and entry/exit points

Sites like Manta Point, Siaba Besar and some Pink Beach areas are accessible to confident snorkellers in suitable conditions. However, Komodo currents can be strong and changeable; the cruise director may adapt your plans for safety on any given day.

If you have very specific gear preferences, bringing your own mask and fins is recommended for comfort and fit.

6. Diving Support on Dedicated Dive Charters

On a dedicated dive charter with Komodo Luxury, the vessel is set up as a private liveaboard for your group’s diving focus. Typical inclusions on a dive-centric package are:

Licensed dive guide(s), usually with a low guide-to-diver ratio
Dive briefings including indicative currents, entry techniques and emergency plans
Dive tenders for drops and pickups
Tanks and weights in most full dive packages (always confirmed in your quote)

Komodo is known for strong currents, downcurrents and rapidly changing surface conditions, especially at sites such as Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Makassar Reef and “shotgun” channels. Many of these are advanced sites suitable only for experienced, certified divers with recent drift experience.

We will always discuss your group’s certification level, recent dives and comfort in currents before finalising a dive plan.

What’s Usually Not Included on a Labuan Bajo Charter

Not everything is bundled in Labuan Bajo charter inclusions and exclusions can materially affect your trip budget. Below are common items that are typically extra and paid separately.

1. Komodo National Park Fees & Permits

Komodo National Park, established in 1980 and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, requires park entry fees and special permits for:

Entry to Komodo National Park (per person, by day or by visit type)
Ranger-guided Komodo dragon treks on Komodo and/or Rinca
Diving permits when applicable
Snorkelling, trekking and photography in certain areas
Boat access and anchoring fees

These fees are set by Indonesian authorities and can change with limited notice. Some operators include them in an “all in” charter price; others (including us on many itineraries) itemise them separately so you see what portion goes to the Park.

We treat all park-fee figures as general information only; they must be re-confirmed close to departure.
Budgets often assume a per-person-per-day range last verified June 2026, but your actual amount depends on:
- Nationality and residency status
- Number of days inside the Park
- Activities (diving vs snorkelling only)
- Specific islands and trekking routes visited

Your personalised quote will clarify whether park fees are:

Included in your charter price (we handle all payments on your behalf), or
Paid in cash on site to our crew, who then settle with Park officers.

2. Dive Equipment Rental & Nitrox

Even on full dive charters, personal dive gear is often not fully included.

Commonly excluded or “by request” items:

BCD and regulator sets
Wetsuits, booties and hoods
Computers and torches
Surface marker buoys (SMBs), reels and specialty gear
Nitrox fills (where available)

Many divers prefer to bring their own main kit. If you need rental, we will ask for your sizes and certification details in advance and quote a per-day or per-trip range (last verified June 2026) that reflects:

Number of dives planned
Type and amount of equipment rented
Whether nitrox will be used on most dives

Nitrox is particularly useful on repetitive dives in Komodo’s north and central, but is not mandatory. Availability can vary by vessel and trip period.

3. Alcohol & Premium Beverages

Alcoholic beverages and premium soft drinks are usually excluded from standard Labuan Bajo charter inclusions:

Imported wine, champagne and spirits
Cocktails and mixed drinks
Specialty coffees and energy drinks

Options we can arrange, depending on the vessel and your preferences:

Pre-ordered wine or beer packages charged per bottle/unit
Corkage if you bring your own bottles from Bali or Labuan Bajo
Limited onboard bar stock paid per consumption

Indonesia has significant taxes and logistics costs on imported alcohol, especially in remote areas like Labuan Bajo. Your quote can provide an indicative per-bottle range for planning, last verified June 2026.

4. Labuan Bajo Airport & Hotel Transfers

Road transfers in Labuan Bajo may or may not be included in your charter package. Depending on your booking:

Shared or private car transfer from Komodo Airport (LBJ) to the harbour
Transfers from your Labuan Bajo hotel to the jetty and back after the charter

Some premium charters include return transfers for all guests; others quote them separately based on group size and hotel location.

If you are staying on a hillside resort road (common in Labuan Bajo), travel time to the harbour is generally 10–30 minutes each way, depending on traffic and distance.

5. Tips & Crew Gratuities

Gratuities for the crew are not included in your base charter cost. Tipping is discretionary but customary in Indonesia for liveaboard and yacht charters.

Guidelines are usually shared in your pre-trip information.
Tips can be pooled and handed to the cruise director or captain for fair distribution.
Amounts generally depend on trip length, service level and group size.

We can suggest a per-guest range (last verified June 2026) during trip planning so you can bring sufficient cash (Indonesian Rupiah is preferred onboard).

6. Flights & Pre/Post-Trip Accommodation

Your charter quote from Komodo Luxury covers services from the moment the vessel’s program starts until it ends. The following remain your responsibility unless specifically arranged:

Domestic and international flights (e.g. Bali–Labuan Bajo–Bali)
Hotels in Bali and Labuan Bajo before and after the cruise
Meals and activities on land outside the charter dates
Travel insurance and dive insurance

We can advise on typical flight timings and suggest how many nights to stay in Labuan Bajo before or after, especially in the peak season when delays are more frequent. However, these reservations are usually made directly by you or your travel agent.

Typical Charter Packages: What’s Included vs Excluded

Because every group is different, we customise the “what’s included” list for each private charter. That said, patterns do emerge between different types of Komodo trips.

Below is a general comparison to help you frame expectations.

Item	Non-Dive Leisure Charter	Dive-Focused Liveaboard Charter
Private vessel & crew	Included	Included
Cabins & housekeeping	Included	Included
Full-board meals & snacks	Included	Included (often more calorie-dense)
Non-alcoholic drinks	Included (water, tea, coffee; soft drinks variable)	Included (similar range)
Snorkel gear & guiding	Included	Included, though less used by pure dive groups
Dive guide(s)	Often excluded or limited (occasional try-dives only)	Included
Tanks & weights	Usually excluded	Often included in dive package (confirm per quote)
Full dive equipment rental	Excluded / by request	Excluded / by request
Nitrox	Not applicable or special request	Optional extra, if available
Komodo National Park entry & ranger fees	Sometimes included, sometimes charged separately	Same – must be confirmed per booking
Alcoholic drinks	Excluded, charged per consumption or package	Excluded, charged per consumption or package
Labuan Bajo transfers	Varies: included on some premium charters	Varies: often added as a separate line item
Travel insurance & dive insurance	Excluded	Excluded (strongly recommended)

Indicative Pricing & How Inclusions Affect Your Budget

All prices for a Labuan Bajo private charter are by quote and depend on:

Vessel (Komodo Signature or Komodo Prestige)
Season (peak, shoulder, quieter months)
Trip length (typically 3–6 nights in Komodo)
Number of guests and cabin usage
Focus (relaxation, family, photography, diving)

As a general guideline, last verified June 2026:

Private phinisi charters in Komodo typically start in the mid four-figure USD range per night for the entire boat in low season,
and climb into higher four or low five-figure USD per night for top-tier vessels, peak season dates, or fully dive-configured charters.

Where your quote sits in this range depends heavily on what is built into the base rate:

More inclusions (all park fees, free nitrox, transfers, premium drinks) mean a higher nightly rate but fewer extras later.
Lean inclusions (vessel, crew, full board, snorkelling only) mean a lower nightly rate but more itemised add-ons.

We keep the structure honest and transparent. Your proposal will clearly distinguish:

Inclusions covered in the charter price
Optional extras you can add or remove
Estimated on-site costs (e.g. park fees) that may be paid in cash

For a tailored estimate for your dates and group size, you can plan your trip with us or message our team directly via WhatsApp at +62 811-3823-875.

Non-Dive Highlights Typically Included in Komodo Charters

Even on dive-heavy itineraries, most private Komodo charters include a mix of iconic non-dive experiences. These are usually part of the core program (weather and park regulations permitting), without extra activity charges beyond park/ranger fees.

Padar Island Sunrise or Sunset Trek

Padar is one of the most requested viewpoints in Komodo. Inclusions usually cover:

Tender transfer from your boat to Padar’s landing beach
Guided hike up the main staircase and trail
Time at the top for photos and rest

The hike is short but steep and hot. Closed shoes, water and sun protection are recommended. Depending on tides and Park regulations, we usually attempt Padar either at sunrise or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.

Komodo Dragons on Komodo or Rinca

Seeing Komodo dragons in the wild is a core reason many guests charter from Labuan Bajo. Your charter usually includes:

Tender transfer to Loh Buaya (Rinca) or Loh Liang (Komodo)
Ranger-guided trek on designated paths
Basic safety briefing by Park rangers

Dragon sightings are never guaranteed: they are wild animals with patterns that vary by season, heat and food availability. Rinca often offers a good balance of accessible trekking and dragon encounters, but we will choose the island based on current park guidance and your route.

Pink Beach & White Sand Bays

Many itineraries anchor at or visit a “pink” or lightly tinted coral-sand beach, in addition to white-sand bays. Inclusions for these stops usually cover:

Tender drop-offs and pick-ups
Snorkelling time over nearby reefs (if conditions are safe)
Beach time for swimming and relaxation

The intensity of the pink hue in the sand changes by location, time of day, and season, and some beaches are more rosy than others.

Snorkelling with Marine Life (Conditions & Season Dependent)

Snorkelling stops are woven into most daily plans, subject to currents and visibility. Depending on season and luck, you might encounter:

Manta rays at established cleaning stations and drift routes
Green and hawksbill turtles grazing on seagrass or reef
Schooling fusiliers, jacks and smaller reef life

Marine encounters are never guaranteed. Manta rays, for instance, are more frequently seen in certain months but can appear off-season and may be absent during periods when they are usually expected.

Dive-Specific Inclusions: Safety, Certification & Site Access

Komodo is one of Indonesia’s most rewarding yet demanding dive areas, within the Coral Triangle. Dive charter “what’s included” needs to be understood in the context of safety and certification.

Certification & Experience Requirements

For advanced sites such as Batu Bolong, Castle Rock and certain channel “shotgun” locations in the north and central areas:

Open Water certification is usually not sufficient without solid drift experience.
Advanced Open Water or equivalent, recent dives (within the last 6–12 months) and comfort in currents are strongly preferred.
Dive guides may limit site choices or depth for less experienced divers.

We discuss your group’s dive history before finalising the itinerary and will adjust the site mix to match real comfort levels, not just certification cards.

Daily Dive Schedule & What’s Included

Typical inclusions on a multi-day Komodo dive charter:

2–4 dives per day, depending on trip length and conditions
Day-by-day dive planning with alternative options in case of strong currents
Surface intervals planned to align with island visits or snorkelling
Night dives on selected days (subject to conditions and your preferences)

The exact number and type of dives are never guaranteed and may be reduced if:

Conditions become unsafe or visibility drops dramatically
Park authorities impose temporary restrictions
Your group chooses to substitute more land or snorkel activities

Indicative Seasons & Currents (Always Variable)

Komodo’s indicative seasons:

Dry season: roughly April–October, often clearer water in the north and central, stronger currents and popular for both diving and trekking.
Shoulder months: around March and November can offer a mix of conditions, with some wind and occasional rain.
Rains & lower visibility periods: can occur outside these broad windows; conditions shift year to year.

Currents can be strong year-round and may change even within a single day. We never guarantee specific depth, visibility or current strength in advance; the cruise director adapts the plan in real time.

Who Operates Your Charter: Komodo Luxury & Charter Labuan Bajo

Charter Labuan Bajo is the Komodo boat and yacht charter hub for private trips from Labuan Bajo, working exclusively with the owned fleet of Komodo Luxury for our in-house charters.

Key facts:

Operator: Komodo Luxury, an Indonesian liveaboard and charter specialist
Fleet: Includes the luxury phinisi liveaboards Komodo Signature and Komodo Prestige, operating in Komodo National Park and beyond
Awards: TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025
Founded: 2015, part of Juara Holding Group Limited
License: Registered under KBLI 79120 (tour operator business), based in Denpasar, Bali
Sister sites: liveaboardlabuanbajo.com, labuanbajodivecruise.com, privatekomodocruise.com

All itineraries described here are operated by Komodo Luxury from Labuan Bajo through Komodo National Park, with real crews and real vessels. No third-party can pay to change what we publish; if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.

To discuss which inclusions make sense for your group, you can plan your trip online or contact our sales team at sales@komodoluxury.com and via WhatsApp at +62 811-3823-875.

How to Read Your Labuan Bajo Charter Quote

When you receive a proposal for a private Komodo charter, here is how to interpret “what’s included” and spot potential extras:

1. Confirm the Vessel & Trip Type

Is it a leisure-focused itinerary, a dive charter, or a hybrid?
Which vessel (Komodo Signature or Komodo Prestige) and what are its guest capacity and cabin types?

This affects both price and what gear/infrastructure is onboard.

2. Look for the Inclusions List

Every professional quote should clearly list:

Accommodation and meal inclusions (including any special dinners)
Non-motorised water sports and snorkelling gear
Dive guide/tanks/weights if applicable
Fuel allowances for the planned route

If something matters to you (for example daily housekeeping, specific beverages, or kayaks), ask explicitly whether it is included.

3. Check Park Fees & Taxes

The quote should explain:

Whether Komodo National Park fees are included or estimated separately
How they are to be paid (in cash on site or prepaid)
Any local taxes or service charges incorporated into the rate

Because these fees are set by local authorities, they are always subject to change; any numbers shown are indicative, not fixed.

4. Identify Optional Extras

Typical “pick and choose” additions:

Dive equipment rental and nitrox
Alcohol packages
Special occasion setups (anniversaries, honeymoons, photography support)
Private guides for small children or non-divers

Asking for an all-inclusive scenario versus a leaner base can help you compare apples to apples between different offers.

5. Ask for an Estimated Total Per Person

While charters are priced by vessel, not per person, it can be useful to see:

Boat charter price for your dates
Estimated extras per person (park fees, equipment rental, drinks, tips)
An indicative per-person total assuming full occupancy

This helps you benchmark against other holiday types such as high-end resorts or small-ship expeditions.

FAQs: Labuan Bajo Charter Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s typically included in a Labuan Bajo charter?

Most Labuan Bajo private charters include exclusive use of the vessel, captain and crew, full-board meals, cabin accommodation, daily housekeeping, use of tenders for island visits, and snorkelling gear with guided water activities. Dedicated dive charters usually also include dive guiding and at least tanks and weights, while items such as national park fees, rental dive equipment, nitrox, alcohol and transfers are often extra.

Are Komodo National Park fees included in the charter price?

Sometimes. On some charters, Komodo National Park entry fees and ranger-guided trek charges are built into the package; on others, they are itemised separately and paid in cash on site via your crew. Because the Park authorities can change fees with limited notice, any amounts shown in advance are indicative only. Your quote from Komodo Luxury will state clearly whether current park fees are included or estimated separately.

Is dive equipment included, or do I need to rent it?

Personal dive equipment such as BCDs, regulators and wetsuits is usually not included in the base charter rate. Many divers bring their own kit; if you need rental gear, we provide a per-day or per-trip range based on the items and sizes you request. Tanks and weights are often included on full dive charters, but this is always confirmed in your specific package.

Do Labuan Bajo charters include airport and hotel transfers?

Some premium charter packages include return transfers between Komodo Airport or your Labuan Bajo hotel and the harbour; others treat these as an add-on based on group size and location. Your proposal will specify what is covered. If transfers are not included, we can still arrange them at an additional cost.

How do I get a detailed list of charter package inclusions for my trip?

The most reliable way is to request a personalised quote. Share your dates, group size, trip length and priorities (dive, family, photography, etc.), and we will send a clear breakdown of inclusions and likely extras for the suitable vessels. You can plan your trip via our contact page, email sales@komodoluxury.com, or message us directly on WhatsApp at +62 811-3823-875.