Celestia

If you’re travelling with a small group or couple seeking space without compromise, Celestia makes sense — her 45-metre frame spreads just seven cabins across two decks, so you’re never navigating tight corridors or waiting for sundeck loungers to shift. That stretch of teak and steel was designed for Komodo’s open channels, where afternoon winds kick up around Padar — having a stable platform means you can wakeboard off the back in calm bays, then settle into the upper deck with a drink as the sun hits the ridgeline. She’s built for movement, not just mooring.

Your days unfold across the western and central zones of Komodo National Park, where currents draw mantas to cleaning stations like those at Manta Point near Karang Makassar. You’ll snorkel there mid-morning on Day 2, when surface light is strongest and visibility often exceeds 15 metres. The same afternoon, you’ll drift past Kalong Island’s estuary mouth, watching thousands of fruit bats spiral into the mangroves at dusk — a moment best seen from the quiet aft deck, where conversation naturally drops. On Day 3, Taka Makassar’s sandbar emerges at low tide, and Celestia anchors close enough for paddleboard crossings to Kanawa’s reef edge.

You’ll sleep in one of seven cabins, each placed for minimal engine noise and maximum cross-breeze — twin portholes, solid wood joinery, and individually controlled ventilation mean you won’t need constant AC if you time your windows right. The Master Suite sits forward on the upper deck with direct sundeck access; the remaining six cabins (four Doubles, two Twins) are positioned mid-ship across both levels, close to the salon but separated by bulkheads for privacy. Showers are pressurised, not gravity-fed, and towels are thick enough to actually dry you after a morning swim.

Dining follows a rhythm: strong coffee and fruit before the dragon walk at Komodo Island, a packed lunch after Pink Beach where the sand’s coral-pink hue is most vivid in midday sun, then a full sit-down dinner under the stars. The galley runs on propane-fired stoves, not induction, so sauces reduce properly and bread comes out crusty. They’ll modify menus for allergies if you notify ahead — last week, a guest with shellfish sensitivity got a grilled tuna alternative at every meal without fuss.

This isn’t a silent eco-sailer — Celestia runs on twin diesels and cuts through chop when needed, which matters in September when the dry season builds short, steep waves between Gili Lawa and Batu Bolong. If you’re prone to motion, pick a lower-deck cabin over the keel. But if you want to cover ground without feeling rushed, and sleep soundly between anchorages, her balance of speed and comfort holds up. Book early for July or August — her seven-cabin layout fills fast with families or combined friend groups.