Le Pirate Beyond Komodo Liveaboard FAQ

Planning a Beyond Komodo liveaboard cruise from Labuan Bajo? Explore our 5D4N and 6D5N, boat facilities, activities, inclusions, booking terms, and practical travel information for your Indonesia sailing adventure.

General Information

What is Le Pirate Beyond Komodo?

Le Pirate Beyond Komodo is an extended liveaboard sailing experience exploring destinations beyond the usual Komodo National Park route. The cruise combines remote islands, beautiful beaches, snorkeling, inland adventures, and time at sea aboard Explorer 1.

It is designed for guests looking for a more immersive Indonesia liveaboard experience, with opportunities to discover lesser-visited destinations beyond Komodo.

Where does the Beyond Komodo cruise depart from and return to?

All Beyond Komodo cruises depart from and return to Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia. Guests should arrive in Labuan Bajo at least one day before the scheduled departure.

What Beyond Komodo itineraries are available?

All Beyond Komodo cruises depart on Mondays, with following options:

• 5 Days 4 Nights (5D4N): A shorter expedition combining Komodo wildlife, Padar, beaches, snorkeling, and island exploration.
• 6 Days 5 Nights (6D5N): More time to explore destinations such as Pink Beach, volcanic landscapes, and Manta Point.

Shared and private cruise options are available, subject to the itinerary and departure.

How do I book a Komodo boat trip or Beyond Komodo cruise?

You can book your Beyond Komodo liveaboard cruise directly through the Le Pirate website: Book a Beyond Komodo boat trip

For booking enquiries, you can contact our team by email at cruise@lepirate.com or via WhatsApp at +62 813 3838 9360. Our operational hours are 09:00-17:00 Bali Time, Monday to Sunday.

For the best availability, we recommend contacting us as early as possible, especially if you are planning a private cruise or travelling during a busy season.

Choosing Your Itinerary

What destinations are included in the 5D4N Beyond Komodo itinerary?

The planned 5D4N itinerary may include:

• Rinca Island
• Padar Island
• Pulau Kelapa
• Banta
• Double Bay
• Gili Lawa

This itinerary offers a mix of Komodo wildlife, island exploration, and time to enjoy the region’s remote beaches and coastal landscapes.

What destinations are included in the 6D5N Beyond Komodo itinerary?

The planned 6D5N itinerary may include:

• Rinca Island
• Padar Island
• Pulau Kelapa
• Crystal Bay
• Lambu Headland
• Pink Beach
• Banta West Bay
• Gili Banta’s volcanic crater
• Double Bay
• Gili Lawa
• Manta Point

This longer route allows guests to explore a broader range of destinations beyond the standard Komodo sailing route.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The route may be adjusted due to weather, tides, sea conditions, safety considerations, and local regulations. The final itinerary is determined by the captain and crew based on the conditions during the cruise.

Changes to the route do not automatically entitle guests to a refund or compensation.

Boat and Cabins

Which boat is used for Beyond Komodo?

Beyond Komodo cruises operate aboard Explorer 1, a boutique liveaboard built in 2026.

Explorer 1 is approximately 21 metres long and features:

• Four guest cabins
• Maximum capacity of eight guests
• Air-conditioned cabins
• Private ensuite bathrooms
• Solar-powered energy system
• Starlink internet
• Reverse osmosis water system
• A six-person crew

How many guests can stay onboard?

Explorer 1 accommodates a maximum of eight guests in four cabins. Its limited capacity creates a more intimate and personalised liveaboard experience.

What’s the difference between a Shared and Private cruise?

• Shared Cruise: you book by the cabin, and share the boat with other travellers who’ve booked their own cabins for the same departure.
• Private Cruise: you charter the whole boat exclusively for your own group, up to 8 guests across all 4 cabins.

Do the cabins have air conditioning and private bathrooms?

Yes. All guest cabins are air-conditioned and include private ensuite bathrooms.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

Explorer 1 is equipped with Starlink internet. Connection quality may vary depending on location, weather, and satellite coverage.

Is electricity available throughout the cruise?

Electricity is supported by the boat’s solar-powered energy system and onboard generator. As the cruise operates in remote areas, electricity use is limited, and we ask guests not to bring or use high-draw electrical devices such as hair dryers or hair straighteners, as these put excessive strain on the solar system. We appreciate guests using power responsibly so the system can keep up for everyone onboard.

Activities and Daily Experience

What activities are available during the Beyond Komodo cruise?

Depending on the itinerary and local conditions, activities may include:

• Inland trekking
• Guided snorkeling
• Paddleboarding
• Free diving
• Beach visits
• Movie nights
• Board games
• Bonfires where permitted
• Beach barbecues where permitted

All activities are subject to weather, sea conditions, safety considerations, and local regulations.

Will we visit beaches and remote islands?

Yes. finding places where you won’t see another boat or another group is the whole point of Beyond Komodo. Rather than following the busier, more visited stops inside the standard Komodo National Park route, our itineraries are built to actively chase quiet, remote islands, beaches, and coastal landscapes, so you get the feeling of having a place entirely to yourselves.

Can I go snorkeling during the cruise?

Yes. Guided snorkeling is included, and snorkeling equipment is available onboard. Snorkeling locations depend on the itinerary and current sea conditions.

Can I go free diving?

Free diving may be possible in suitable locations and conditions. Guests must follow the crew’s safety instructions and local regulations.

Are bonfires and beach barbecues always available?

No. Bonfires and beach barbecues are only conducted where permitted by local authorities and environmental regulations. They may be cancelled due to weather, location restrictions, or safety concerns.

Can I use a drone during the cruise?

Drone use in Komodo National Park requires the appropriate permits. Guests are responsible for complying with applicable regulations and should confirm the requirements before bringing or operating a drone.

Food and Inclusions

What is included in the Beyond Komodo cruise price?

The cruise price includes:

• Accommodation in your selected cabin
• Meals and snacks
• Tea, coffee, and drinking water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddleboards
• Swim jackets
• Towels and bed linen
• Soap and shampoo
• National Park entrance fees

What is not included?

The following are not included:

• Flights
• Airport or hotel transfers
• Accommodation before or after the cruise
• Travel insurance
• Tips
• Paid drinks
• Personal expenses
• Certain ranger or trekking fees

Please check the booking information for the most current details on inclusions and exclusions.

Are drinks included?

Tea, coffee, and drinking water are included. Other drinks may be available at an additional charge.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Please inform us of any dietary requirements or food allergies when making your booking so that the crew can review what can be accommodated onboard.

Should I tip the crew?

Tips are not included in the cruise price, and while entirely at your discretion, they’re genuinely appreciated. Our crew works hard around the clock – sailing, cooking, guiding activities, and looking after guests to make sure your time onboard is enjoyable, and a tip is a meaningful way to recognise that effort.

Booking and Payment

How much is the deposit?

A 25% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking to confirm your reservation.

When is the balance payment due?

The remaining 75% final payment is due 21 days before departure. For some bookings, full payment may be required at the time of booking.

The 75% final payment is refundable if the cancellation is made 22 days or more before departure, provided that the final payment was made before its due date. Applicable bank fees will be deducted from the refund. Cancellations made 21 days or less before departure are non-refundable.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should include coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, delays, and other travel-related risks.

What happens if the cruise route changes?

The itinerary may be changed due to weather, tides, sea conditions, safety considerations, or local regulations. Changes to the route do not automatically entitle guests to a refund.

Children, Safety, and Suitability

Are children allowed on Beyond Komodo cruises?

Children under 16 years old are not permitted on shared cruises.

Guests under 16 may be accepted on a private cruise only, subject to the applicable conditions and adult supervision.

Is Beyond Komodo suitable for families?

Beyond Komodo is primarily designed for adults and guests who enjoy remote travel, outdoor activities, and life at sea. Families travelling with children should consider a private cruise and discuss the arrangements with the Le Pirate team before booking.

Is the cruise suitable for guests with limited mobility?

The cruise includes boat transfers, uneven surfaces, stairs, swimming, snorkeling, and inland activities. Guests with mobility limitations or medical conditions should contact the team before booking to discuss suitability.

What safety equipment is available onboard?

Explorer 1 carries safety equipment required for its operations, including:

• Life raft
• Life jackets
• Flares
• GPS navigation
• VHF radio
• Radar
• SSB radio
• Tracking equipment

The vessel is operated by a professional crew, and guests must follow all safety instructions given by the Captain and crew.

Are marine animals and coral protected?

Yes. Guests must not touch marine life or coral, collect coral or sand, feed wildlife, or leave rubbish in the sea or on islands.

Fishing, fireworks, and bonfires inside Komodo National Park are prohibited unless specifically authorised.

Meeting Point and Schedule

When should I arrive in Labuan Bajo?

Guests should arrive in Labuan Bajo one day before departure to allow sufficient time for flight delays, transfers, and check-in preparations.

Where do we meet before departure?

Guests will meet at our office before departure: Le Pirate Island & Cruises Office

What time does the Beyond Komodo trip start and end?

The schedule is as follows:

• Meeting time: 09:00-09:30
• Departure: 10:00 sharp
• Return: Around 15:00 on the last day

Return times are estimates and may change due to weather, sea conditions, operational requirements, or harbour authority instructions. Guests should avoid booking flights or onward travel too close to the expected return time.

Protecting the Places We Visit

How can I help protect the places we visit on Beyond Komodo?

Beyond Komodo operates in remote and environmentally sensitive areas. Guests are expected to respect local communities, wildlife, marine ecosystems, and National Park regulations.

Please help protect the destinations by:

• Avoiding single-use plastic where possible
• Not touching marine life or coral
• Not collecting coral, shells, sand, or other natural materials
• Not feeding wildlife
• Taking rubbish back to the boat
• Following crew instructions
• Respecting local customs and regulations

Protecting these places is part of our culture at Le Pirate, not just a rule for guests – if our crew is running a beach cleanup during your trip, you’re always welcome to jump in and help out.

Is Explorer 1 powered by solar energy?

Explorer 1 is equipped with a 10 KWp solar power system, including solar panels, batteries, and an inverter. Under suitable weather conditions, the system can reduce the amount of time the generator needs to operate, helping to reduce diesel consumption and associated carbon emissions during the cruise.

Before You Go

What should I pack for the Beyond Komodo cruise?

Guests should bring:

• Lightweight and comfortable clothing
• Swimwear
• Sun protection
• Hat and sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Comfortable footwear
• A windbreaker or long-sleeve layer for cooler, windy nights the swing from sun during the day to wind and cooler air at night is often what catches guests off guard
• Personal medication
• A reusable water bottle
• Waterproof bags for valuables
• A small daypack
• Travel documents and insurance details

Because the cruise visits remote destinations, guests should pack thoughtfully and avoid bringing unnecessary items.

Where can I find more information or ask additional questions?

For availability, booking assistance, itinerary details, or questions about whether Beyond Komodo is suitable for your travel plans, please contact the Le Pirate team before making your reservation.

Ready to explore beyond Komodo? Check availability and book your preferred Beyond Komodo itinerary through the booking page.