About IJC
If you’re looking to explore Komodo with a balance of comfort and authentic island rhythm, the IJC fits your pace perfectly. At 26 metres long, this deluxe vessel carries up to 14 guests across five cabins, making it ideal for small groups or couples who want a sociable but not crowded experience. The layout prioritises airflow and outdoor access — you’ll find an open dining area where meals are served as the sun dips behind Rinca, a chill space near the bow with cushioned benches perfect for reading between islands, and a sunbathing deck up top where you can nap under the sails. Since it’s not a private charter boat by default, you’ll likely be joining an open-group trip, which means shared stories at dinner and lower per-person costs — a smart trade-off if you’re travelling solo or as a pair.
Your days unfold across some of the park’s most dynamic sites, timed to avoid crowds and catch light at its best. On Day 1, you’ll arrive in Labuan Bajo by noon, board IJC by 13:00, and set sail for Kelor Island — a small volcanic cone just 20 minutes away. Here, you’ll hike the short trail to the ridge by late afternoon, when the shadows grow long and the surrounding turquoise starts to glow. Afterward, snorkel in the calm channel between Kelor and Nusa Kode, where fusiliers dart through coral bommies. Back on board, dinner is served around 19:00 with a view of Kalong Island’s flying fox colony launching into dusk.
Day 2 begins early — you’ll be anchored near Padar Island by 05:30, hiking its iconic switchbacks in cool morning air to watch the sun rise over the seven seas. The light paints the pink sands below and lights up the ripples in the bay. After breakfast, you’ll visit Komodo Island itself, landing at Loh Liang for your ranger-led dragon walk through the savannah. The afternoon shifts to water: first Pink Beach for a relaxed swim, then Manta Point (between Karang Makassar and Nusa Kode) where you’ll float above cleaning stations and watch mantas glide past in slow motion. As the sun drops, the boat repositions to Kalong Island, where you’ll see thousands of fruit bats spiral into the mangroves.
On your final morning, IJC sails to Taka Makassar — a sandbar that emerges at low tide, often surrounded by reef sharks and bluefin trevally. Snorkel here by 08:30, then head to Kanawa Island for one last swim in its shallow blue lagoon before returning to Labuan Bajo by 14:00. The route balances iconic sights with quiet moments — you’re not rushing from stamp to stamp, but moving with tides and daylight. With only one cabin type confirmed in the boat’s layout, you’ll likely be assigned a shared room unless booking the full vessel, so let us know if privacy is a priority and we’ll check availability.
