About Refviero
If you're looking to experience Komodo in a single, action-packed day without compromising on comfort or speed, Refviero is built for your kind of trip. With a capacity for 20 guests and powered by three 200 PK engines, this speedboat cuts through the waves efficiently, giving you more time at each site and a smoother return to Labuan Bajo, especially important during the afternoon swell around Banta or Loh Liang. It’s ideal for groups or travellers who want a full-day itinerary with reliable performance and basic onboard comforts — not a multi-day liveaboard stay, but a swift, focused tour through the heart of the national park.
Your day starts early, at 07:00, when Refviero departs from Labuan Bajo’s harbour. By mid-morning, you’ll be hiking on Padar Island, catching the wide-angle views from the ridge that overlooks the crescent beaches. The boat’s speed means you’re here earlier than most shared boats, avoiding the midday heat and the largest crowds. After a quick snorkel at a reef like Siaba Besar or Sebayur, depending on currents, you’ll refuel with a served lunch onboard while cruising toward Komodo Island itself, where park rangers brief your group before the dragon walk begins through the dry savannah.
Post-lunch, you’ll visit one of the most reliable manta cleaning stations — likely Manta Point near Karang Makassar — where you’ll have extended time in the water with these gentle giants. The boat’s wide deck and stable platform make entry and exit easier, especially if you’re still gaining confidence with open-water snorkeling. Refviero carries enough space for all 20 guests to spread out, and the shaded long seats mean you won’t be baking under the sun between stops. There’s a washbasin and enclosed toilet, so you won’t have to wait until you’re back in town for basic needs.
Late afternoon shifts to relaxation. You’ll drop anchor at Pink Beach, where the coral fragments have tinted the sand a soft rose. This is a quieter time to swim and photograph the shoreline, and Refviero’s crew will have cold drinks ready. As the sun lowers, you’ll head toward Kalong Island, the giant roosting site for thousands of flying foxes. The sight of them swirling into the dusk sky is a natural finale, and Refviero positions at a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the colony. You’ll be back in Labuan Bajo by 18:00, in time for dinner ashore.
Keep in mind this is a day charter, not a liveaboard. There’s no cabin to sleep in, just a single air-conditioned lounge area for resting between sites. But for those who want maximum island coverage in minimal time — perhaps fitting this into a broader Flores or Sumba trip — Refviero delivers practicality and pace. It’s also a solid choice if you’re prone to seasickness; the triple-engine design stabilises the ride better than smaller skiffs, and the cabin reduces wind exposure. Just be sure to confirm your preferred itinerary with the operator — some days swap Kanawa for Batu Bolong, depending on wind.
