You can go to Komodo National Park without a private guide, though you will in any event need a boat operator to get you out there. The benefit of hiring a private guide is that he/she can arrange all the logistics for you as well as provide more color on what you're seeing along the way and give you more insight to the national park and its fascinating inhabitants.

This trip is suitable for anybody who likes nature and wildlife. You don't need to train up as it's just walking through the park on easy terrain. If you would like to snorkel, you should be comfortable with open water swimming, however life jackets are provided so even non-confident swimmers can give it a go.

Komodo National Park is open year round, so it is always a good time to visit.

May to August is especially entertaining as the male Komodo dragons fights for the right to mate with the females.

If you would like to see Manta Rays when snorkelling at Manta Point, the best time to get to see them is between December and February

The trips are either 2 or 3 days, depending on which option you pick.

If you have a day or two in Labuan Bajo before or after your trip, you should make sure to go to the night market for amazingly fresh seafood. You can pick out your fish to be grilled or fried right there on the spot. Also stop by Catur'z Kopi Club for some good local coffee and Indonesian food. The staff here are incredibly helpful and sweet.

In October 2019, the Indonesian government confirmed that Komodo Island will not close in 2020, and will remain open to travellers. Please note that there are talks about raising the Komodo National Park fees but nothing is confirmed and we do not anticipate that the fees will be raised materially in the coming months.