About D2 Speedboat
If you're short on time but want to see Komodo's highlights without the multi-day commitment, the D2 Speedboat is built for your pace. It departs Labuan Bajo at 07:00 sharp, cutting across the Savu Sea to reach Manta Point by mid-morning — just when manta rays begin circling the cleaning stations. You’ll have time to snorkel with them in the current, guided by a local expert who knows the best entry points along the reef slope. D2 Speedboat’s open deck gives everyone a clear view, and the shallow draft lets it moor close to shore at spots like Komodo Island’s ranger station beach.
By midday, you’ll anchor at Pink Beach, where the coral-pink sand meets turquoise shallows perfect for surface snorkeling. The D2 carries enough gear for all guests, including prescription masks and flotation vests. While there’s no cabin for naps, the reclining chairs along the covered rear deck are angled for comfort, and shaded by a fixed awning that blocks the noon sun. Lunch is served buffet-style on board — grilled fish, rice, and fresh papaya — while you cruise toward Padar, where the boat circles the island so you can photograph its iconic triple-bay profile from sea level.
Late afternoon takes you to Kalong Island, a mangrove-covered islet where thousands of fruit bats lift off at sunset in long spiralling waves. The D2 positions itself upwind so you’re not in the flight path but still get clear views through binoculars, which the guide provides. The return to Labuan Bajo begins at 17:30, using GPS routing to avoid shallow patches near Bidadari Island. Onboard, the WiFi stays active so you can upload photos en route.
This boat works best for solo travellers or couples who want efficiency and direct access to key sites without sharing space with a large group. It doesn’t have private cabins or overnight facilities, so it’s not suited for those needing rest between dives or extended downtime. But if you value time in the water over creature comforts, and prefer moving fast between locations, the D2 delivers more activity per hour than any liveaboard in the region.
Your day includes guided snorkeling at two marine sites, a terrestrial stop at Komodo Island with ranger-led dragon tracking, and sunset viewing at Kalong — all with the same guide who briefs you in English and Indonesian. There’s no dive compressor or tank storage, so this trip is surface-focused. But the crew knows the tidal shifts at Manta Point and will adjust entry timing so you’re in the water when visibility peaks, usually between 09:30 and 10:30 depending on the moon phase.
