Review Author: Kelly

Review Date: 01 Oct 2023

Review Body: Had a fantastic day! We were looked after so well and loved every minute. Thank you!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: tramalt, Singapore, Singapore

Review Date: 02 Jan 2019

Review Body: Good, Reliable and Fantastic Operator for Komodo Sometimes it's difficult to find an operator from internet but East Cruise checked all the boxes. We took a full day trip in Dec 2018 and from pre-booking with Ms. Elvin by Whatsapp to the actual trip we were not disappointed. She answered all our questions, made the necessary arrangements and even messaged us during the trip to ensure that everything was fine. The price quoted was honored, the boat was relatively new, the staff was wonderful, drinks, snacks, lunches were all provided and we visited all the places in the itinerary. What more could we ask? Boat - Interior cabin have 24 seats, 2 x 2. Fly bridge can seat 4 pax and aft of boat another 5 pax. Interior is air-conditioned with sliding windows. Seats are clean and comfortable. There is a single toilet located at the bow of the interior cabin. Boat was powered by twin 250hp Honda engines. Places visited - We visited all the places but not in order. Padar, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Taka Makassar, Manta Point and Kanawa. Highlight of the trip was the wonderful views in Padar, Pink Beach, Komodo Dragons and of course seeing the Mantas. We were picked up at our hotel at 5.15am. From there we collected another couple and arrived at the jetty around 6am. You can ask your hotel to prepare breakfast as this is not included in the tour. Since this was a shared boat you would be interacting with other guests. Some were more friendly than others and we were happy to have made some friends from this trip. Entrance fees was paid in cash and this was collected after departure and before arriving at Padar Island. Once we arrived at Padar Island there is a small outdoor booth where the money is paid to the Ranger. There is a price difference between locals and foreigners. On Sundays, foreigners paid IDR 380,000 and locals IDR 110,000. The fees covered all activities, entrance fees, tour guide fee etc. One important point to mention; prices can change without any advance notice so it is best to bring along a bit more cash. We witnessed two British tourists refusing to pay IDR 30,000 more as the company brochure listed the old price of IDR 350,000. If in doubt, you can go to the payment booth, take out your calculator and tally all the various fees you have to pay. The operator does not control the fees nor make from it. Also, we viewed first hand the sarcasm of tourists when paying the tickets. One group of tourists from a different boat queried why the fees were so high. When the Ranger answered that it was a "holiday" (meaning weekend) they remarked that everyday is a "holiday" for the locals. It doesn't hurt to show some respect. People - The Captain, crew and guide were wonderful from start to finish. The crew helped ensure that everyone was safe especially at Manta Point. Two of them accompanied beginners into the water. Our guide Mr. Apri was outstanding. He spoke English, explained everything, made sure we were comfortable, served us drinks, lunch and pretty much everything. He was very patient as well to those we were a bit more difficult. Steve, our pick up driver, came along as crew and helped out. At the end of the day he sent us back to our hotel; all with a smile. In summary, a highly recommended operator.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: ulysse7359, Allevard, France

Review Date: 14 Oct 2018

Review Body: 3 DAYS IN AMAZING GROUP & PRIVATE TRIPS We spend 5 days in Labuan bajo for our 13 years wedding anniversary and 3 days was to discover the wonderfull national komodo park and the beatifull hot spots all around. We have hear about the new tour operator East Cruise Komodo located in labuan bajo and feel confident following the reviews found on internet and to be honnest we will never regreat our choice. As we like to visit a maximum of the beautifull spots in a shorter time and also enjoy a private trip with "unexplored and wild places", East cruise komodo has successfully fullfilled our wishes. Monika, was really efficient in communication and perfectly advice for us to keep the best memories. For the best of your satisfaction, contact directly East Cruise and dont believe people in the street who claim to work for them then later bring you to an other one. You can chat on line thought their website with Monika or Elvin, they will give you all information. 3rd day : AMAZING private full day trip. As we are used to trip in a private trip to avoid crowdy places, we always expect to be surprised....that day we can say it was the most amazing private day we have experienced. Thanks East cruise for this day. Imagine you can decide where to go, how long you want to stay and enjoy the view, be the only one in an amazing wild long pink beach with cave, experience and see how strong currents can be in bolo strait, discover the amazing view from the top of kelor island (make sure to wear proper shoes, the way to go is not long but with a 45% slope and not landscaped).... East cruise komodo made it. Maton, our captain, gives us full of comments and a lot of suggestion for snorkeling place, safety recommandation. Fariz the boat boy, help us for swimming, snorkeling and drop our belongings to the beaches. 1st day : full day trip to discover 6 magic spots (pulau Padar and its amazing top view, komodo island, taka makassar, pink beach, kanawa island). Their 1000cv clean fast boat, friendly and efficient staff, will drop you at the 6 amazing spots. Just bring your beach towel the rest is provided (water, food, fruits, comments, snorkling set....). Zul, the driver will pick up and drop you at your hotel. We will recommend this day trip for who want to discover the best of komodo national park...you wont waist time waiting on board. 2nd day : 1 day land trip, there is not so much spots in land around Labuan bajo, 2 main spots, the amazing secret cave and the carmin cave. East cruise has arranged this day trip including the boat transfer, the lunch box and drinks. On the way back we stopped, relaxed and had drinks at Atlantis on the rock. Zul our driver and Johanes our guide was really helpfull to satisfy our curiousity. Be ready to be really fully satisfied with East Cruise Komodo and enjoy one of your best holiday in labuan bajo.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: SeshKomanduri, Bengaluru, India

Review Date: 31 Dec 2018

Review Body: Great crew, good boat, fantastic tour This was one of the best tours I have ever been on. For a start, the boat itself is quite new and well fitted out. The coverage of the destinations/ sights was very good for a 11- hour trip. They do Padar island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Take Makesar, Manta Poinr, and Kanwa island. They provide equipment for the snorkeling activities and even serve a small lunch and snack as part of the package. The staff are very, very good. They are friendly, cheerful and very, very helpful. As we were traveling with a young child, they always took extra care to see that she was safe during the trekking and water activities. They never differentiated between he experts and novices when it came to the snorkelllng and diving activities. And for this very good service, they dont expect any tips- just a warm smile and a genuine thank you is a reward for them. Wish the service industry in the US could learn something from these people! Overall, a splendid tour organised very well, with great staff. Highly recommended. PS: One feedback to the operator is that they need to streamline the process for boarding the boat in the morning. Currently, rhat is a bit chaotic

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Trabimanuk, Bristol

Review Date: 02 Jul 2019

Review Body: Amazing tour, taking in so much, oh, and Komodo dragons! My homestay host booked this in advance for me and I knew nothing about what to expect until I arrived on Flores. I was not disappointed! The day starts with a very early start (5.30am pickup for me) and it's around a 10-11 hour day in total, so quite long, but there's no rush and plenty of time to relax. Unlike Bali's beaches, the beaches and island you go to are not busy (20-50 people), so plenty of space for the walking, snorkelling and chilling out on the beaches that you visit. However, the highlight for me was the Komodo National Park, seeing Komodo Dragons in the flesh, about 6ft away and not getting bitten by one. They are amazing animals and it was a childhood dream come true (though it would've been improved by the presence of Sir David Attenborough) . The boat was clean and comfortable, the crew friendly and very helpful, ensuring everyone was ok and well watered and sunscreened up, and a lovely lunch too! I thoroughly recommend this tour. It provides a great taster for the Flores area and Komodo National Park that just makes you want to come back for more!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lukies21, Marmion, Australia

Review Date: 03 Sep 2019

Review Body: Fantastic Guide and Crew With so many tours to choose from thankfully our hotel arranged this one and we were so happy they worked with East Cruise. We were happy to be a nice clean fast boat our guide Teddy was really very good,with so many different nationalities on board giving clear instructions on timing and safety to keep 40 people together, safe on on time to make sure the trip is enjoyable for all is no easy feat and he did a fantastic job. With boats - water and so many other tourist boast at the drop off locations i felt these guys were really well trained in keeping us safe. The bays around Komodo national park are stunning- the water is so clean . We had a the best day out and seeing 6 locations on our tour... it was perefct . High light was snorkeling with the manta rays ...that was amazing. We were lucky to see Pink beach still pink ...spectacular Padar Island . The Komodo dragons, some great snorkeling and the swim with the majestic manta rays 10 out of 10. The boat driver and the young crew were super and we than them for one of our best days out in Labuan Bajo !

Review rating: 5

Review Author: flem_sarah

Review Date: 07 Dec 2018

Review Body: New but crowded boat We had a great day with a fun group of people and saw some of the amazing sites of Komodo, the highlight being snorkelling with five manta rays only feet below us. However I wouldn’t recommend this boat, although to be honest I’m not sure what other better options are available. We were on board with the boat only half full and I would not have wanted there to be any more people, it felt crowded already. Although it’s a new boat, there is very little room outside and the ‘airline’ seats inside are small and not exactly how I wanted to experience the beautiful scenery. The single toilet was also very dirty. Our guide was very nice and explained things adequately but I found the crew unfriendly and unhelpful, for example just watching us struggle aboard alone with bags and not offering to help. Finally, I was upset seeing this company use so many plastic bottles. It’s so hot that guests have no choice but to drink lots of water- but this could so easily have been provided via one large container with guests asked to refill one bottle each.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Caroline Patissier Villagrasa

Review Date: 24 May 2024

Review Body: Wonderful, magical day with East Cruise. The mood was warm on the boat, our guide/captain Teddy was nice and very committed. He guided us for the snorkelling and we could see two manta rays even if it was not yet the season for them in the area. The crew was helping us with snorkelling equipment and going on and down the boat. They were all being focused on our comfort and satisfaction. The sitting was comfortable and lunch box were tasty. We were able to go through the 6 stops planned. Padar Island is out of the world, the snorkelling spots our so beautiful. Maybe I would have appreciated staying a bit longer at Pink Beach and Taka Makassar and less time at Kanawa: but this only my preference. We had the chance to see Komodo dragons. We befriended with other tourists which made the ride even more enjoyable. We could extensively enjoy the wind on the benches in the exterior part of the boat: the crew was encouraging us to do so.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Nicjane15, Cairns Region, Australia

Review Date: 24 Oct 2018

Review Body: Amazing new fast boat awesome crew We were struggling to find a boat company that didn’t have slow boats to go out to Komodo Islands. We were recommended Alexandria and Red Whale but they were both booked out. Our hotel suggest East Cruise and they were fantastic and by far the newest and fastest vessel on the water, with 1000hp! Arif was a fantastic tour guide for the day and should get a pay rise for being a driver, tour guide and great leader! Highly recommend this tour they take you too 6 sites and you really see all there is too see around the Komodo Islands, is your a dive definitely do this and a dive trip! One tip bring a few extra snacks and some money as there are locals selling art and craft on the islands you visit and a few that have bars. Not to be disappointed by this trip! Boat departs from La Prima hotel so if you staying there it’s convenient otherwise they will pick you up from your hotel for no extra charge.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: WilliamBaik

Review Date: 15 Nov 2018

Review Body: Great tour - Brand new boat! We hadn't planned anything yet when we arrived at the airport. There is a booth at the airport and they recommended this one day tour. Price was 1,350,000 rupiah each and we paid a 250,000 cash deposit each and paid the rest by credit card the next day at the boat. (I notice somebody complaining that they thought some people only paid 1,100,000, but that's because they had to put down a 250,000 deposit first!!!). I've taken a lot of speed boat tours around the world and this one was great. Mainly because the boat is brand new. The staff was good and the other people on the tour were great people as well. The highlights were diving with the mantas, getting our photo with the komodo, and pink beach. We would very highly recommend this tour! (make sure to bring an underwater camera if possible, the views are fantastic)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Michelle

Review Date: 10 Sep 2024

Review Body: From the early morning pickup to the transfer back to hotel, the process was seamless. Though we had a small issue initally as we did not hear from them even though we were a day away from the trip. During the trip, the enthusiastic and lively crew made it fun yet safe for us when we were out in the sea. We encountered an issue where the boat we were in had issues with the motor. The crew were calm and got us all onto land safely. We got an upgraded boat next! The crew were also passionate and was really looking to help us get the best value for our buck- bringing us to good spots to observe the corals and looking out for manta rays at Manta Point, of which we managed to spot one even though it was off season. They were also constantly ensuring that we were well and enjoying ourselves. Thank you for this wonderful experience!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kathi N, 731kathin

Review Date: 05 Aug 2019

Review Body: Wonderful day We really enjoyed this day trip. The boat team is really nice and also explain enough about the different locations. They definitely cared about their clients and tried to make everyone happy. The lunch they offered was really nice, we definitely expected less. And they even gave us bananas, biscuits and coffee during our time in ne boat. The destinations they brought us to were excellent, the snorkeling spots were stunning. But to be honest, we are not the big diver and haven’t seen a lot of coral and fishes till then. Padar island was beautiful and we even saw 3 Komodo dragons on Komodo island, which was nice. So you could have easily spend 3 or 4 days in this area, but easy cruise definitely made the best of the day. We highly recommend!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Dave D, Q5288VLdaved, Geelong, Australia

Review Date: 11 Dec 2018

Review Body: Spectacular Nature and Adventure Day Trip We did the full day cruise with our 2 teenage daughters. The day was one of our best ever outings of this type in all our travels. It included adventure, trekking, snorkelling, swimming. The snorkelling with the manta rays was an absolute favourite but each location offered something special - we saw Komodo dragons, plenty of coral and fish, and climbed Padar Island. There is a lot covered in one day but you start early and we never felt rushed. Nesti was a great guide with lots of passion and a lovely helpful nature. Our only suggestion is a bit more commentary on what to expect at each of the locations, safety info etc. Would recommend

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jen DM, F6509LVjenniferm, Calgary, Canada

Review Date: 07 Jul 2019

Review Body: Full day trip of a lifetime! The day was full but I think East Cruise does a great job planning time spend at each destination. Wear your swimsuit if you can. I had to change in the boats bathroom which is doable but I had wished I just wore my swimsuit for the sweaty morning trek. A little chaotic getting in the water to see the mantas but the crew followed through to do their best to see them. The crew was helpful getting us in and out of the boat and seemed to genuinely care for each passenger and their abilities. Don’t be shy to ask the English speaking guides about where you are and what you’re doing. Lunch and coffee was also good and I never went thirsty. Thanks for the memories!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Army_tian

Review Date: 19 Apr 2019

Review Body: Extraordinary Cruise Trip We arrive at Komodo Island on 18th April 2019 and join the East Cruise Trip for a day on 19th April 2019. It was start from early morning to cacth sunrise and stop on 6 very important spots at Komodo island area. All spots they picked up for visit are very special and amazing. The service of East Cruise is full service. They prepare the water, lunch, snack and coffee for afternoon. The price is reasonable, equal to the service they provide. The crews are very friendly and helpfull. Alot of water activity including snorkling with Mantaray. The Cruise provide the snorkling equipment for us. Alot of sun bathing Extraordinary Cruise day we had.. Love itt

Review rating: 5

Review Author: George K, georgekQ4179FC

Review Date: 21 Dec 2018

Review Body: Great Boat, Great Crew, Great Tour, Great Company During my stay in Flores this was the newest and cleanest boats I’ve been on. Booking was super easy and the management is very responsive to all your questions and concerns. We fell in love with their staff in particular Nesty and Akua. It’s not easy looking after a bunch of tourists and they did an amazing job. After the day was over we felt like we had made new friends. The tour itself was really special. Great viewpoints, Komodo Dragons, Snorkeling with Mantas, beautiful beaches and being able to have a beer at the beachside bar to end the day was perfect. I highly recommend this tour.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Gaby Tan Chris, GabyCHRISt

Review Date: 02 Dec 2018

Review Body: BEST CRUISE TO SPEND WITH YOUR LOVED ONES I went there on november with my friends. We went to visit few islands in komodo island for a day. The staffs are really friendly and they patiently explain us clearly about komodo island. They also picked us up at the airport and give us foods it was delicious ! I recommend you to use this boat first because of the price , the friendly staff , the good services and facilities. One more thing, the boat is really clean ! Which what we all wanted. Thankyou eastcruise for making my trip memorable !! Definitely going back!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Judy M

Review Date: 22 Sep 2024

Review Body: Fabulous day! Not only did we see Komodo dragons and mantas I think the final stop was the best, in part due to the unexpected nature of it. Stunning coral and creatures the like of which I’ve not seen since I did my Padi open water 30 years ago on the Barrier Reef. The staff were amazing, food good and the boat was fantastic. Only 5 months old with 5 big engines, very fast / very fun. Overall great value for money and pre service, when trying to add my daughter whilst still in the UK was fast and efficient. I’d definitely recommend Seek Sophie 🤗

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Steven2299, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Review Date: 23 Sep 2019

Review Body: Amazing tour of Komodo Park and islands We had a fantastic time on the tour! It leaves very early in the morning to ensure there is plenty if time to visit six places, above water and underneath! We saw the Komodo dragons and a spectacular Manta Rays as well as islands I wont forget for the rest of my life. The boat is comfy (I even slept a couple if times in between destinations) and staff is super lovely. If you don't expect a 5 star experience but a fantastic tour of incredible places, that's for you! The boat was fast and very safe.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Damien D

Review Date: 28 Feb 2019

Review Body: So many wonderful experiences in one day ! With a friend we booked for the full day trip, thinking that it would be a good day, but..... it was really better than expected !! Beautiful landscapes a along the cruise and at Padar Island, we had the chance to see 4 Komodo dragons very close, we stopped for snorkeling on amazing and well preserved coral reef, to finish we swam with the mantas!! It is simply an unforgettable day ! Thanks to the friendly crew and to Monika for her kindness and availabality ! ;)

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Island hopping and snorkelling adventure

Itinerary Description: 06.00 hrs: Board boat to Padar Island 07.15 hrs: Trek on Padar Island 08.45 hrs: Sail to Komodo Island 09.20 hrs: Trek on Komodo Island 11.20 hrs: Head to Pink Beach 11.50 hrs: Lunch and Snorkelling at Long Pink Beach 12.50 hrs: Head to Taka Makassar 13.20 hrs: Snorkelling in Taka Makassar 14.00 hrs: Head to Manta Point 14.05 hrs: Snorkelling with Manta Ray in Manta Point 14.50 hrs: Head to Siaba Island/Mawan Island 15.20 hrs: Snorkelling 16.10 hrs: Return to Labuan Bajo, transfer to hotel