Your bag
Bag whispers: "Fill me!"
Order Total
$0 USD
Checkout

All reviews

Review Author: Putri
Review Date: 12 Jun 2026
Review Body: This turned out to be so much more than a snorkeling trip. They explain what coral actually is, why it's so important for the marine ecosystem, and how much effort goes into restoring damaged reefs. What I loved most was that the team didn't just ask us to plant coral and move on. They took the time to explain the purpose behind the restoration work, the challenges they face, and how each coral fragment contributes to rebuilding the reef. And I have to admit—I got surprisingly attached to my baby coral. Somehow, I started feeling like a proud parent. 😂 I can't wait to see how it grows over the coming years! If you're looking for an activity that's fun, educational, and actually gives back to Komodo's marine environment, this is one of the most rewarding experiences you can do. You'll leave with great memories, but also with the feeling that you've contributed, even in a small way, to something that will hopefully last for generations. 🌊🪸💙
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Laura
Review Date: 17 Aug 2026
Review Body: We had a great trip. Aldi was a fantastic guide, not only did he explain a lot and show us around his home village and area, he was great at occupying our son! He took us to spots where we didn’t see other boats, we saw loads of giant starfish and turtles. We even did a bit of fishing while waiting for sunset. It was so great to see the effect the coral restoration programme is having, and we were really happy to be helping in planting some coral. The only slight disappointment was that we only saw small Komodo dragons but this was due to it being mating season for them so the large ones were far away.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Quan
Review Date: 04 Jun 2026
Review Body: This was not a typical tour at all — it felt more like being welcomed by a friend into his hometown, a place where people truly coexist with Komodo dragons. Aldy, our guide, took us through his village where everyone greeted us with warm smiles, waves, and cheerful hellos. We even saw several Komodo dragons wandering close to the village — an incredible experience, made even more special by seeing them in their natural, everyday environment rather than inside a preserved park. The bat cave was equally unforgettable. This tour became one of the true highlights of our time in Labuan Bajo.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Stecey
Review Date: 04 Jun 2026
Review Body: This was a most wonderful slow day of exploring the village and surrounding islands, planting coral, snorkelling amongst the reef just off a beach and watching the sunset and flying foxes evening migration. Our host was helpful and generous in sharing with us. The down time in the afternoon was slow but in the most beautiful of locations. We felt priviliged to have this insight into a village's life.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Martial
Review Date: 04 Jun 2026
Review Body: It was an amazing day all together! Lovely people, great guide, loved the bat cave, the panoramic view, the coral planting and relaxing at the most beautiful beach on a small island, seeing baby shark, visiting the fisherman village on Rinca island. We ended the day watching the sunset from the small fisher boat and we saw the sky fill up with hundreds of flying fox. It was an amazing experience!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Lauren
Review Date: 04 Jun 2026
Review Body: Really loved this activity and it was intimate and small. It was wonderful to experience Rinca at a slower pace with local knowledge and care. Aldy was incredibly passionate about his home, the conservation of the area and the future of coral reefs and the environment. We had a wonderful time and we’d recommend this to everyone!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Issabelle
Review Date: 12 Jun 2026
Review Body: Dear Edi Thanks a lot for organizing the tour. We enjoyed very much. Aldi and his friend are very good guides and they made the best for us to make the best out of this rainy day. We appreciate also everyone efforts. We are happy to meet people. All the best for the upcoming season.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Leonie
Review Date: 12 Jun 2026
Review Body: We had a unique and very nice day. We particularly liked the friendliness and atmosphere. There were only two of us on our tour, and we were accompanied by very knowledgeable and friendly people. Thank you for the unique experience!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Amar
Review Date: 06 Sep 2026
Review Body: Tot molt ben organitzat, puntualitat exacte. El nostre guia i els altres professionals tots de 10. Molt pendents de tothom, i que tot sortís bé. Totalment recomanable. Moltes gràcies per tot.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Anette
Review Date: 12 Jun 2026
Review Body: Superb outing with a guide like Aldi. You have a great time, interact with the villagers, and learn a lot while traveling on a fishing boat. An extraordinary outing, far from mass tourism.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Jun Hien
Review Date: 09 Aug 2026
Review Body: I love the local perspective, care and hospitality we received from our hosts.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Bex
Review Date: 13 Jul 2026
Review Body: Love that this was a local experience, off the beaten path from the dozens of options you can find walking through town. See how locals live, eat and travel by boat
Review rating: 4

Itinerary

Itinerary Day 1
Itinerary Summary: Village Trek, Snorkelling, Coral Planting and Flying Fox Sunset
Itinerary Description: 10:00 AM – Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Warloka Village (approximately 20 minutes by car). 10:30 AM – Sail to Rinca Village. Explore the village on a guided trek to learn how the local community lives alongside Komodo dragons, discover local traditions and wisdom. 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Enjoy a local lunch in Rinca Village. 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM – Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters around Rinca Village and discover its vibrant marine life. 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Continue to Gadoh Island, a hidden snorkeling gem. Beneath the surface, you'll find pristine waters, healthy coral reefs, and abundant marine life, with a chance to spot sea turtles gliding through the coral gardens. 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Sail to Pempeng Island for a hands-on coral planting experience. Learn about coral restoration efforts, marine conservation, and how the local community is helping to restore the reef ecosystem. 4:00 PM – 4:40 PM – Take a traditional katinting boat tour and enjoy a unique local boating experience. 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – End the day at Kalong Island, where you'll witness thousands of flying foxes emerge from the mangroves against a stunning sunset backdrop. 6:20 PM – Return to Warloka Village. 7:10 PM – Estimated arrival back in Labuan Bajo. Please note that timings are approximate and may vary depending on weather, sea conditions, and operational factors. If you have a specific schedule or time constraints, feel free to let us know in advance. We can discuss adjusting the itinerary or skipping certain activities to better suit your schedule, where operationally feasible.
Travellers standing knee-deep in clear water holding planted coral during a reef-restoration day trip near Rinca, on Komodo Island
Fruit bats in flight over calm water at sunset with a tour boat in view near Rinca, Labuan Bajo
Kalong bats swooping across a dusky sky above treetops during a Komodo day trip on Komodo Island
Smiling traveller holding small coral-growing plugs in cement on a boat deck during coral planting near Labuan Bajo
Man squatting beside a fallen log as a Komodo dragon rests on sandy ground in the forest on Rinca Island — Komodo dragons
Travellers kneeling in shallow water filling coral planting frames with cement during the Rinca Coral Nursery Program on Komodo Island
Smiling participant holds cement coral plugs as others plant reefs with Rinca Coral Nursery Program during Komodo day trip in Labuan Bajo
Travellers standing knee-deep in clear water holding planted coral during a reef-restoration day trip near Rinca, on Komodo Island
Fruit bats in flight over calm water at sunset with a tour boat in view near Rinca, Labuan Bajo
Kalong bats swooping across a dusky sky above treetops during a Komodo day trip on Komodo Island
Smiling traveller holding small coral-growing plugs in cement on a boat deck during coral planting near Labuan Bajo
Man squatting beside a fallen log as a Komodo dragon rests on sandy ground in the forest on Rinca Island — Komodo dragons
Travellers kneeling in shallow water filling coral planting frames with cement during the Rinca Coral Nursery Program on Komodo Island
Smiling participant holds cement coral plugs as others plant reefs with Rinca Coral Nursery Program during Komodo day trip in Labuan Bajo
Travellers kneeling at the shoreline, holding cement coral blocks for coral restoration with Rinca Coral Nursery Program in Labuan Bajo
Rinca Coral Nursery Program hosts presenting coral restoration notes to participants under a rustic shelter on Komodo Island
Underwater coral nursery with young coral growing on concrete blocks and a blue tag, part of restoration on Komodo Island
Close-up of a smiling participant holding cement coral plugs in water during coral planting with Rinca Coral Nursery Program in Labuan Bajo
Group watching a Komodo dragon on a rocky path on Rinca Island during a Komodo day trip from Labuan Bajo — Komodo dragons
Close-up of a patterned dragon resting on dry ground near Rinca in the wild, highlighting Komodo dragons
Groups seated on plastic chairs for a coral nursery briefing while guides gesture under a shaded pavilion on Komodo Island
Boats moored at dusk as many bats fly across the sunset sky over the hills on a Komodo day trip in Labuan Bajo
Squatting participant sets coral plugs into concrete bases on a beach restoration site with Rinca Coral Nursery Program in Labuan Bajo
Volunteers placing coral fragments into cement plugs in a nursery area during the Rinca Coral Nursery Programme, Komodo Island
People gathered under a shelter preparing coral planting supplies with Rinca Coral Nursery Program before restoring reefs in Labuan Bajo
Friends seated on a small wooden boat on bright turquoise water with mountains behind them near Labuan Bajo
Tour group in life jackets leaning on a boat rail and waving while travelling across the water, Rinca day trip in Labuan Bajo
Warm golden sunset over the sea with distant island hills on the horizon, calm bay at dusk, Labuan Bajo
A boat deck at dusk with a small fire and fruit bats circling overhead, sails and ropes frame the sky, Komodo Island
Sun setting over the sea with many silhouetted flying bats in the distance during a Komodo day trip on Komodo Island
Traveller kneeling near a Komodo dragon on a dirt clearing surrounded by trees on Rinca Island during a Komodo day trip — Komodo dragons

Most Meaningful Komodo Day Trip | 80,000 Corals Planted!

Go beyond just seeing the dragons. Plant coral reefs + meet local communities.
4.9
|12 Reviews
Group size
Up to 45 guests
DURATION
11 hours
Booking type
Private trip
MEET UP
Free pick-up
Group size
Up to 45 guests
See the highlights of Komodo Islands, and do something meaningful too.
If you want a more meaningful Komodo day than the usual island-hopping circuit, this is the one to book. It’s the only trip in Komodo National Park where you actually help plant coral, not just snorkel and move on. You’ll do it with Rinca local guides who started restoring damaged reefs with their own savings during Covid and have planted nearly 80,000 corals by mid-2026, so the impact here is real. Also, 10% of every booking goes directly back to the community-led conservation project, helping locals plant more corals, expand reef restoration efforts, and protect Komodo’s marine ecosystem for future generations.What makes this experience feel different is how local and personal it is. You'll walk through Rinca Village to learn how people live alongside Komodo dragons, hear stories and local wisdom from guides who grew up on the island, and hop aboard a traditional katinting boat—a small local boat commonly used by local islanders. As you cruise along the coastline, you'll pass fishing boats while learning how local fishermen navigate these waters and make a living from the sea. It's a rare opportunity to experience Komodo from a local perspective and see a side of island life that most visitors miss.You'll also have the chance to spot a wild Komodo dragon during the village trek, snorkel around the clear reefs of Rinca Island, and explore hidden gems such as Gadoh Island, known for its pristine waters, healthy coral gardens, and occasional sea turtle sightings. The day ends at Kalong Island, where thousands of flying foxes emerge from the mangroves at sunset, creating one of Komodo's most spectacular natural displays. It's a rare combination of conservation, local culture, marine life, and wildlife encounters—all packed into a single day.What to ExpectPrivate 1 day trip with return hotel transfers from Labuan BajoGuided trek in Rinca Village to learn how locals live near Komodo dragons, with possible Komodo sightings around the villageSnorkelling stops around the waters of Rinca Island and the hidden gem of Gadoh Island, known for its pristine waters, healthy coral reefs, abundant marine life, and occasional sea turtle sightings.Hands-on coral planting session at Pempeng Island, with coral fragments and restoration materials providedLearn how reef restoration works, how planting sites are chosen, and why the reefs around Rinca matter to local communitiesTraditional katinting boat ride for a more local way to explore the areaSunset stop at Kalong Island to watch the flying fox migrationLocal lunch, drinking water, English-speaking guide, local village guide, and village entrance fees includedGood to KnowKomodo National Park fee is not included. Estimate around IDR 300,000 per person per day, payable in cash on siteTimings are approximate and may change with weather, sea conditions, and operational needsBest for travellers comfortable with a full day on and around boats, plus swimming and snorkellingWildlife sightings, including Komodo dragons and sea turtles, are possible but never guaranteedPersonal expenses and tips are not included

Experience highlights

What You’ll be Doing

Village Trek, Snorkelling, Coral Planting and Flying Fox Sunset
Show Details

What’s Included

Return hotel transfers (pick-up and drop-off by car)
Local boat excursion
Lunch
Drinking water
Snorkeling equipment (fin and mask)
Traditional katinting small boat experience
Coral planting activity, including coral fragments, baby corals, and other restoration materials
English-speaking guide
Local village guide
Village entrance fees

Not included

Personal expenses
Tipping
Komodo National Park Fee: Estimated at IDR 300,000 per person per day. Prices may change according to the latest updates from Komodo National Park management (updated on 12 June 2026). Payable in cash on site

Available Add-ons:

Show Details

Who you’re supporting

community_based

Community Champion

wildlife_safe

Wildlife Protector

Show Details

Next Available Dates

Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 02 Oct 2026
Additional Information

Where we'll meet

Start Point

Free pick-up from Hotel or Airport in Labuan Bajo City Center(Komodo International Airport, Indonesia)
  • 10:00am
  • Notes: 19.10 PM estimation arrival time in Labuan Bajo (expected timing of return may vary depending on weather, road, and tidal conditions).

End Point

  • End at Start Point(s)

Start & Ends

Daily
09:00AM - 06:30PM

Suitability / Accessibility

  • Vegetarian food available
  • Halal food available
  • Child Friendly (Recommended Age: 1+)

Cancellation & other policies

  • Cancellation

    Cancel 24 hours before activity for a full refund

What to Pack

  • Cash
  • Change of clothes
  • Hat
  • Identity
  • Light pants
  • Outdoor t-shirt
  • Personal medicine
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimsuit
  • Trekking sandals/shoes
  • Waterproof/dry bag
From
Rp1.552.500
/person
4.9(12)
Show Prices
Guests
Date & Time
You won't be charged yet
Save
Share

Meet your host

Edy grew up on Rinca Island and knows these waters well. Before starting this experience in 2021, he worked in hospitality and first came across coral restoration there, while his co-founder had years of experience as a naturalist guide and Komodo ranger. When tourism stopped during Covid, both went back to fishing and began planting corals with their own savings and leftover cement. A lot of their early attempts failed, so they spent months testing sites, watching currents and learning which reef conditions gave corals the best chance to survive. Today, they run trips that help restore damaged reefs while creating local jobs and helping more people understand how fragile the marine ecosystem around Rinca really is.
Experience: 5 years
Speaks: Basic English, Bahasa
Acceptance rate: 100%
Keep your payments secure by using the Seek Sophie website for all transactions and communications.
superhost
4.9 (923)
|
10 hrs
|Up to 16 guests
“We were the first ones to arrive at the major points (Padar, Pink Beach) ”
4.9 (176)
|
3D2N
|Up to 12 guests
“I know we’re biased but it looked like the best boat of the bunch!”
Instant book
4.8 (528)
|
3D2N
|Up to 14 guests
“Amazing crew, beautiful boat! And the food?! OMG!!!!!”
Instant book
sale
4.8 (528)
|
3D2N
|Up to 14 guests
“The food was great, lots of fish, tofu and veg. Boat was simple”
Instant book
superhost
4.9 (291)
|
3D2N
|Up to 15 guests
“Our guide Ardy was the best guide weve had”
Instant book
4.8 (181)
|
3D2N
|Up to 25 guests
“Amazing crew made for an amazing trip”
4.9 (371)
|
3D2N
|Up to 15 guests
“The boat is spectacular and the crew are so so friendly”
4.8 (528)
|
3D2N
|Up to 14 guests
“The food was really tasty and good variety.”
see more
We've done the homework
So.. who's Sophie?
We get asked that a lot! There’s no one on the team actually named Sophie. Sophie means wisdom in Greek. We wanted Seek Sophie to be about travel that helps you discover more about yourself and the world—travel that fills your heart and leaves you feeling more connected.
Let’s be friends!
Get the scoop on secret spots and hidden gems delivered straight to your inbox.
English
USD
English
USD
© Seek Sophie 2026PrivacyTerms
Travel Agent Licence TA03435