Review Author: Amanda

Review Date: 31 Dec 2025

Review Body: This was a great time with amazing people! My family and I weren’t initially going to do a live aboard but I’m so happy we did. A tragic event and weather conditions did not allow us to do some of what we had planned but the crew did not disappoint. They had alternative activities planned and so much to do. Waking up to playing dolphins, coming face to face with Komodo dragons, swimming with countless Mantas, the most beautiful reef snorkeling I have ever seen, gorgeous Mountain View’s and topped with DELICIOUS meals throughout the day made for a perfect trip! Boat itself was very nice. Many activities onboard, cold AC in the rooms, deck views were gorgeous. Some other travelers on other boats did not get to see what we saw. Our guide, Obi, was knowledgeable about the currents and knew where to begin drift snorkeling so we could swim with mantas. Many other travelers were placed in one spot without the current and did not get the same experience we did. Only tip I would give to others is definitely bring bug spray, sun screen and maybe purchase durable shoes that can go in water and trekking. Beautiful hill tops at the beaches and our photographer “jack sparrow” took the most insane shots of our family on these tops. However, some were more slippery than others and hard to do without shoes if you’re not used to the terrain. We did it bare foot and definitely sustained a few Indonesian kisses from the rocks. Captain allowed us to jump from boat while anchored, as well paddle board and kayak. They also anchored at the best spot for the flying foxes. Can not express enough how friendly the crew is. A traveler on board had some dietary restrictions and they made meals specifically tailored for her needs with plenty of other options for everyone else. SO MUCH DELICIOUS FOOD. I am not a fan of seafood but I definitely tried it and enjoyed it. Best decision we made was to do a live aboard. I was very hesitant at first and was going to do just a day trip to specific locations but SOOO happy we chose the three day instead. Recommend them to everyone!! Also, if you have go pro bring it! If not, invest in water proof case for phone. You’ll want it!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Javier and Stephanie

Review Date: 01 Jun 2026

Review Body: We took a three-day, two-night wooden boat tour from Labuan Bajo through Komodo National Park. Since you cannot sleep on the islands, we stayed overnight on the boat, which made the experience feel even more unique. There were eleven people on board in total, mostly couples and one family. The boat was spacious and comfortable for the group. We had a private room with air conditioning, our own bathroom, and a comfortable bed. The common areas were also nice for relaxing between stops, although some areas had little to no shade, so it is important to bring sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing. The itinerary was very well organized, with different activities throughout the three days, including trekking, snorkeling, beaches, viewpoints, and island visits. Every stop offered something different, and the whole trip flowed smoothly. We saw incredible landscapes, swam in crystal-clear water, and enjoyed some truly unique places inside Komodo National Park. The food on the boat was also a pleasant surprise. They prepared several meals a day, and everything was abundant and delicious. Snacks, fruit, and drinks were also available, which made the whole experience very comfortable. We especially want to highlight Obi, the cruise director, who was always available for anything we needed and gave us clear briefings every night about the next day’s schedule, timing, and activities. We also want to mention Toni, who was very helpful throughout the trip and contributed to making the experience even better. One thing to keep in mind is that you should travel light, as space on the boat is limited. Also, some of the common areas on the boat had little to no shade, so bringing sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing is very important. Overall, this was an incredible and very well-organized experience. It combines adventure, nature, comfort, and spectacular scenery. We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to explore Komodo in a special and complete way.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Beverley Sweeten-Smith

Review Date: 20 Oct 2024

Review Body: This trip was amazing and by the third day I was ready to book again! We stayed in Arjuna so had our own private deck which we appreciated. The cabin was fabulous, comfortable bed, excellent air conditioning and adequate shower considering the location. The variety of snorkeling, walking and visiting the Komodo dragons was well balanced. The only activity I felt uncomfortable with was the massing crowds walking to the top of Pandar Island at dawn. If I had realised what a motorway of people it would be, I would have opted out. Although masks and flippers were provided and we had been asked beforehand what flipper size we needed, there were not enough flippers of the right size, the snorkles were mouldy and several of the masks leaked as the straps would not lock. In future we would bring our own mask and snorkels. The food was outstanding, plentiful and catered for most dietary preferences. Soft drinks and limited amounts of beer were provided. A couple of the guests brought their own beer and wine. The boat was a delightful experience, well designed and organised. Plenty of shaded areas and outside seating. The condition of the boat was good especially compared to most of the other vessels on the water. The staff were very attentive, friendly, polite and smiled all the time. Akbar our trip director was accommodating with a good sense of humour and negotiated what could have been some tricky situations with professional diplomacy. At times though it was difficult to get a clear explanation of the days activities and what was happening next, but this may have been due to accommodating weather, currents and unknown to us complications. We were very lucky with the other 10 guests and thoroughly enjoyed their company. Despite the few niggles (which did not detract from the trip generally) I would definitely recommend this trip and I hope some day to return with family and friends.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: 'Queen' Gilly Thomas

Review Date: 15 Jan 2026

Review Body: I’m still in awe of the most extraordinary trip of my life, and it’s hard to put into words just how incredible this experience was. I boarded the wonderful Phinisu boat called Gandiva with its wonderful crew on the 14th December for two nights... the exprience has left me absolutely on a high! I’m still talking about it with friends and family and dreaming about it… one month later!!! I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the beautiful hospitality and exceptional service I received from the amazing team: Faisal, Beko, Nandy, Rio, Ary, Ronald, Obi, and (Mr. Jack Sparrow) Gimbal! What a team! I was treated like a queen and felt like a goddess every single moment. We visited idyllic islands, snorkeled with majestic manta rays, sang Bob Marley songs, and even watched movies in the evenings. Everything was perfectly organized. The boys were attentive, kind, and always smiling. They took the time to chat with me, check in regularly, and ensure I was happy and having a wonderful experience. The chefs went above and beyond to ensure that every morsel of food was exquisite and bursting with flavor. The variety and abundance of dishes were extraordinary—I truly ate like a queen! Having a professional photographer on board was an extra special treat. He captured every magical moment with artistry and finesse, including stunning drone shots of the islands, the boat, and the stunning underwater shots, creating memories I will cherish forever. My cabin, the Arjuna Room, was clean, cozy, and welcoming. The large windows allowed me to relax while soaking in the picture-perfect landscapes and gorgeous ocean views. If you are thinking of booking, I would say—don’t hesitate! You are guaranteed to have the most unforgettable experience of your life. I highly recommend this extraordinary trip! Thank you again boys! I will be back!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Alena

Review Date: 18 Aug 2025

Review Body: We joined the 3D2N Komodo trip and stayed in the Sadewa cabin – for such a small boat, the cabin was really nice and exceeded our expectations. The overall program was fantastic: we saw incredible places and had an amazing experience. It was physically demanding at times, but everything was well organized. Occasionally, departures felt a bit rushed; it would have helped to get clearer time indications like “we’ll leave in 10 minutes,” so everyone could prepare without stress. The crew was wonderful throughout. A special thank you to Obi, our guide, who was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The whole team made sure we felt welcome, and they even took beautiful photos and videos of the group along the way – such a great memory to take home. The group itself was very international and friendly, and we loved meeting so many interesting people. Food on board was generally very good, especially during the first two days – fresh, tasty, and plentiful. On the last day, however, it felt more like leftovers being reheated and used up, which was a bit disappointing, especially for guests with dietary restrictions. For example, the presented breakfast option for a vegan guest was simply fried potatoes and fruit, which was a bit slim compared to the meals prepared for her on the previous days. Drinks were provided as well (soft drinks, water, juice), but apart from water they ran out quite early on the second day, so guests might want to bring a few of their own. All in all, though, this trip is absolutely worth it. The itinerary, the crew, and the unique locations make it a truly memorable experience. Thank you to the whole team for such a wonderful adventure – we’d definitely recommend it!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Peter Burd

Review Date: 24 Apr 2025

Review Body: A trip on the Ganvia was an amazing experience. Oby and his team are exceptionally good and they looked after us in every possible direction. We were lucky enough to have the largest room with a balcony, which was stunning. The quality of all the rooms was good (although quite small which is expected on a on a boat) The boat is quite new and fitted with air conditioning in the bedrooms. Oby and his colleagues took us to some of the most amazing sites for snorkeling and for swimming with the mantas. They looked after us very carefully whilst we were preparing for our trips out, and whilst we were in the water. They all made themselves aware of our different abilities as we had a four year-old with us as well. They took us on so many different trips. It’s difficult to putting towards everything that happened. Needless to say it was fabulous!The food was absolutely stunning and incredible variety of seafood, chicken beef, and on our first night we had a Chinese meal. The company provides a very limited amount of alcohol. However, they are more than happy for you too purchase your own drinks on board and there is no corkage fee. The trip to Komodo Island was organized very well and we were lucky enough to be some of the first people to visit that day. The Komodo decided that they would come out on the day we were there, which was absolutely fantastic. Our guides were very careful and explained quite clearly what we should and should not do. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone who wants to go on an exceptional adventure. Very sincere thanks to the whole of the crew for making our time so very special.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Mel and Ritchie

Review Date: 20 Aug 2026

Review Body: This trip far exceeded our expectations. From meeting Obi at the port and our initial meeting with the crew onboard. Every one of them went out of there way to make sure everything was just perfect. The food was INCREDIBLE and so much variety and it was catered to everyone on our trip. Plenty of time at each location and we never felt rushed or felt we spent too little time at any location ( we could have spent a whole day at Manta point, it was an unbelievable experience) The room was way bigger than what we imagined and the little balcony on the back of the Aruja room was great to spend a little quiet time together whilst sailing. With only 12 guests on board you never felt crowded and could always have a bit of space in many areas on the boat to relax. There wasn’t a corner that Toni wouldn’t go to see if you needed anything, Obi was fantastic in explaining the next day’s activities and what to expect and he could also whip out a mean karaoke song or two and was very funny and great to have a joke with and made the trip very memorable for the both of us. Gimbal (jack sparrow) the photographer worked tirelessly with cameras, go pro and a drone at all the locations and were excited to see the shots as unfortunately our underwater camera decided to break on our first snorkeling adventure. All the crew were wonderful and we are already discussing with our daughter to come to Komodo next year for some diving and to also take this same trip that we have just thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks again guys and keep up the great work, it was wonderful 😊

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Megan

Review Date: 06 Jun 2025

Review Body: Boat was lovely and crew exceptionally lovely. Food was high quality and there was so much! Even the snacks would normally count as a meal. We hit all the highlights in the first 24 hrs. It slowed down after that. Highlights - Padar island for sunrise - pick a mid week cruise as it is supposed to be a lot busier on weekends. Midweek we had plenty of opportunities to get photos with no one else in them. The climb is challenging (steep) (unless you are 20) but generally good condition. Wear closed shoes if possible. - Pink beach for sunset - we were the only boat there and it was really special! - Komodo dragons - we were lucky and saw heaps all around the beach area - the walk inland was a waste of time but you did give you an idea of the natural environment. - snorkelling on first day was amazing - we saw a couple of manta rays but always on their own and they were keen to keep moving - Ardi - the on boat photographer. We haven’t got the photos yet (supposed to be in a day or 2)… but the ones we saw on the boat looked great. It was so lovely having someone do all the work for us! - other travellers on the boat - a lovely mix of people from all around the world! Pack Sunscreen and more sunscreen and a hat! Alcohol if you want it Closed shoes Mozzie spray (not needed on the boat but was in Labjuan Bajo) Cash for crew tips and the ‘Little pirates’ the kids that canoed out and set up shop on the deck.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Anjela + family

Review Date: 03 May 2025

Review Body: My family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) stayed in Yudhistira for a 3d2n Komodo cruise. The boat was beautiful, food gorgeous and delicious, and crew so friendly! Nice swag, too. Our group made the most of the amenities on board (kayak and SUP) with a rousing and fun swim session on the afternoon of our full day and the last morning. The things that weren’t optimal were all pretty difficult to control and largely part of being on the tourist track, the weird tension of larger scale nature tourism, and the global plastic + ocean situation. The hike route is pretty crowded—but gorgeous and we still managed great pics. The water at Manta point was pretty crowded, too, but we still saw various mantas and they were so amazing! The visit of the park to see Komodos was… the first komodos we saw almost seemed staged (though that’s unlikely!). We saw several more that seemed less staged, but by that time our guide/park ranger—who wasn’t part of the Gandiva crew and was otherwise a nice and reasonably knowledgeable guy!—was kind of over it and just left us to it. All-in-all, we enjoyed the cruise and would do it again knowing how it was. We would also recommend it to others, and thumbs way up for Gandiva and the crew!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Aimee

Review Date: 12 Aug 2026

Review Body: We have travelled a lot and this was honestly one of the best things we’ve ever done. The boat is absolutely beautiful. There are loads of places to sit and chill out and it’s really comfortable. The top deck is wonderful for stargazing. We even managed to see some shooting stars. The crew was absolutely wonderful - so kind and friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious (and very plentiful!). There were plenty of drinks on board for everyone. The excursions were brilliant. Obi knew where to take us to get the best snorkelling experience and it was really nice seeing how excited the crew got about spotting different creatures. I know they just see them every day but you could tell they really loved doing it. The best thing about the boat for me was that it was so chill - obviously not a party boat like some of them, which was definitely good for us. The other guests were absolutely lovely and we genuinely just had the best ever time. We saw so many cool creatures - bats, dragons, fish, a cuttlefish, sharks, dolphins, turtles … and so much more! Thanks so much for such a glorious three days! I’d book it again instantly if I could.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Shabnam

Review Date: 19 May 2025

Review Body: Fantastic trip, fantastic crew, excellent food, so much variety, loved our boat, the Gandiva, it was spacious spotlessly clean and really authentic. The crew really looked after us. I loved the snorkelling and the short hikes particularly the climb up the 800 steps to watch the suns set. Tips for guests; 1. take plenty suncream 2. Take some rubber swim shoes, they come in handy 3. The short hikes are easy you can do them in flip flops, I did mine in my rubbers swim shoes 4. Be prepared for really good food, lots of it and variety 5. Take some cash when going on to the islands, you can buy souvenirs, not expensive and contribute to local people’s lives 6. Take some candy/biscuits for Komodo Island, the local kids will love it 7. Take your own alcohol, wine etc on the boat 8. Take a good book, you’ll have down time to read 9. Keep some cash to put in the tip box for the crew, they are worth it 10. Ladies, take some nice swimwear, the crew has a photographer who does great drones and photos

Review rating: 5

Review Author: MW

Review Date: 13 Oct 2025

Review Body: Worth every bit of your time and money. Experience with wildlife was amazing, and am impressed with hospitality and expertise of the crew (perfect itinerary, photoshoot of the guests at scenic spots was incredibly professional, all meals were very sumptuous maybe except for the hotpot which was ok, entertaining and knowledgeable guide). I got the Sadewa room which was clean, comfortable and cosy with a great view, though there was a bit of smell from the toilet; perhaps the biggest room would have better ventilation. In early October, there were only a few bats over the sunset sky, but we were super lucky with all other wildlife like the manta rays, turtles, many fish (even saw lionfishes), and of course the komodo dragons. Overall, it was a very memorable trip, amazing liveaboard experience, and I would recommend it to everyone who loves nature, wildlife and the beach.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: elise

Review Date: 17 Sep 2026

Review Body: We loved this trip. The itinerary was well worked out, we did not feel rushed nor was there too much free time, it really was just right! The crew was amazing, they really made sure you could 100% enjoy your vacation without any worries. The boat was in great conditiom and had many places to sit, talk and relax depending on the time of day and feel. The bathroom had all you need, amazing, on a boat! We saw the most amazing things without ever having to worry, what is next? will we be on time? the ultimate vacation feeling! We felt spoiled throughout the whole trip. Tips: take this trip if you can. We wished we had taken the trip that was one day longer even. Take long (uv) leggins to snorkle in, suncream cannot fight against this sun :) or consider taking covering swim suits to continue the fun after you for sure got burned the first day ;)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ken Schwartz

Review Date: 06 Apr 2025

Review Body: We loved our room which was the large suite with a bathtub and private terrace; the food was very good with variety and well prepared. The boat is very comfortable. The views are spectacular and seeing nature and wildlife is outstanding. Crew is super friendly, happy and highly responsive to requests. Note: No hot water only room temp ( so don’t expect a hot bath); no storage for clothing at all. Snorkel equipment is provided and adequate. Bring lots of sunscreen! Itinerary is packed but also has relax time. The early morning hike could be skipped because ALL boats go there and it is over-touristy with no way to walk up hill for sunrise; just stay on boat and watch sunrise. Also bring ear plugs if normal boat noises bother you like a bilge pump turning on. Overall we highly recommend Gandavi boat and this trip. A wonderful experience.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kieu My

Review Date: 12 Jul 2026

Review Body: Was a great experience with the Gandiva team. They went out of their way to make the stay pleasant & memorable for us. This is an absolute must do in Indonesia - Food was great ! And super diverse. There are breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner - Activity wise They made sure we take a bit different itinerary than other boats, so that we don’t see 1000 people around - we did notice that we got the pink beach to ourselves, Komodo park was not too crowded, same with Manta point. Of course places like the Padar island sunset you can’t avoid people - Obi & the entire crew have great energy, they’re super nice, welcoming and make a lot of effort to remember our names - really appreciate it - Boat is clean & nice - cabins are small but that’s what you expect in a Phinisi Worthy to know this is kind of a SeekSophie “chartered” boat

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Fiona Dean

Review Date: 09 Mar 2025

Review Body: What an amazing experience with a crew and tour leader Obi, who couldn’t do enough for us, always with a smile. The food was the best on our 4 month tour of SEAsia well done chefs and we even had a drone, GoPro, cameraman capturing special moments. Gandiva is a beautiful, sleek luxury boat that we sailed through turquoise waters snorkelling with turtles, manta rays and a huge array of fish. Komodo island provided 3 dragons for us to view up close and personal and we hiked at Pandar island for a stunning sunrise, then watched hundreds of flying foxes leave another island at sunset. We had a great crowd of fellow international passengers with us and honestly the worst thing was having to leave. Beautiful memories.. a magical trip made special by the crew and fellow passengers, thank you

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Alex & Sam Boryslawsky

Review Date: 29 Dec 2024

Review Body: What an amazing experience! Sailing on the Gandiva Phinisi with Akbar, Gimbal and the boys, we set sail for three days of adventure… Whether on land or under the waves, every trip from the boat was amazing - manta, turtles, sharks, rays, dolphins and countless species of fish while snorkelling. Komodo dragons, wild boar, deer, flying foxes and eagles when we hit the islands. Onboard, our cabin was clean and comfortable, but bring earplugs for a better sleep. The food onboard was plentiful and delicious. Nothing was too much trouble for the crew and they went out of their way to ensure we had the most memorable experience - their local knowledge meant we dodged the crowds at most places, so it felt like we had the wilds to ourselves. A trip to remember!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Michael en Elja

Review Date: 11 Aug 2026

Review Body: We had an absolutely amazing trip aboard the Gandiva! We saw and experienced so many incredible things, from Komodo dragons and Pink Beach to Flying Dog. We also went snorkeling, and it truly felt like swimming in a giant aquarium — so many beautiful colors, fish, corals, turtles, and giant manta rays. Simply breathtaking! And let’s not forget the fantastic service and the amazing food throughout the entire trip. Everything was taken care of to perfection, making the experience even more special. The crew was absolutely wonderful and made us feel welcome from start to finish. This has truly been an unforgettable experience and is definitely highly recommended! A huge thank you to the entire Gandiva crew for making this trip so special! ❤️

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Adam

Review Date: 23 Aug 2025

Review Body: We had an amazing experience on our 3D2N boat trip. Obi was a charismastic and engaging host and the entire boat crew were really friendly and helpful. The Gandiva phinisi boat itself was fantastic and great for relaxing. Komodo national park is such a beautiful location with stunning beaches and mountains. The variety of activities was excellent with a mixture of trekking, snorkelling, swimming, relaxing on beaches. We had several unique wildlife encounters with Komodo dragons, manta rays, bats, dolphins, turtles. The boat photographer was also fantastic and we were pleasantly suprised the photos and videos (including drone and underwater) were all included at no additional cost. Highly recomended and would love to do it all again!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: James

Review Date: 23 Jun 2024

Review Body: We decided to take a boat tour of the Komodo islands as part of our honeymoon in Bali and had the best time. The boat (the Gandiva) was clearly one of the best boats (if not the best!) when compared to the other boats doing the same route. The crew were what made our trip though, they were so kind, thoughtful and caring from the moment we got on the boat to the moment we left. The route was also amazing and action packed, we literally couldn't have done more! Highlights include seeing manta rays, turtles and small sharks snorkeling as well as the pink beach and an amazing sun rise. The food was also amazing, on our final night we had fresh lobster! Our only regret is the trip wasn't longer! Thanks again to all the amazing crew!

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Trekking at Kelor Island, visit Manjarite Islandd and enjoy Kalong sunset.

Itinerary Description: 09.00 - 09.30 am: Meet at Komodo Airport/Hotel Labuan Bidadari Island (optional stop) – A peaceful small island with soft white sand, great for swimming or snorkeling. Kelor Island – Take a short hike to the hilltop for breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. ⁠Manjarite – A popular snorkeling spot known for its clear water and vibrant marine life, including reef fish and corals. Kalong Island – Enjoy the magical sight of flying foxes gliding out of the mangrove forest at sunset. (Important note: Itineraries are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond our control)

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Island hopping: Rinca Komodo, Padar sunset, Pink Beach snorkeling, Taka Makassar beach, Manta Point.

Itinerary Description: Rinca Island – Meet the legendary Komodo dragons and explore the island with a local ranger. Mawan Island / Manta Point – Experience snorkeling with manta rays (subject to sea conditions). Enjoy with Sandy Beach at Taka Makassar. Long Pink Beach – Relax on the soft pinkish sand and snorkel in the calm turquoise water. Padar Island (Sunset) – Hike up for the most iconic sunset view in Komodo National Park. (Important note: Itineraries are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond our control)

Itinerary Day 3

Itinerary Summary: Snorkeling at Sebayur Island, back to Labuan Bajo harbor

Itinerary Description: Sebayur Island – Perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or just enjoying your final morning before heading back to Labuan Bajo. 12.00 pm: Back to Labuan Bajo Harbour (Important note: Expected timing of return may vary, and itineraries subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond our control)