Signature Itinerary

Sumbawa to Komodo on Aboya

9 Days | 8 Nights

Kayaking in Raja Ampat on Mutiara Laut

Written by:

Sebastian

This signature route aboard the Aboya Yacht connects Sumbawa to Komodo National Park, combining land excursions, pelagic encounters, and wildlife experiences along the chain of Sunda Islands. Key highlights include Moyo Island’s inland waterfalls, early morning whale shark encounters in Saleh Bay, and the volcanic crater lake of Satonda. Further east, Banta Island offers current-driven dive sites with consistent chances of manta ray sightings and healthy coral reefs.

Day

01

Sumbawa & Moyo

After a short flight from Bali or Lombok, you are met at Sumbawa Airport and transferred to the harbour where Aboya is anchored. The crew welcomes you on board, runs through a safety briefing and introduces the rhythm of the days ahead. The first afternoon is spent at Moyo Island — a largely uninhabited nature reserve off the north coast of Sumbawa.

The reefs along Moyo’s western shore are calm and well-suited to a first session in the water, with healthy coral gardens and moderate fish life. Conditions are typically settled here, making it a practical place to check equipment and find your sea legs. Overnight at anchor off Moyo Island.


Jungle and Waterfalls on. Moyo Island.

Day

02

Saleh Bay

The morning begins at Moyo’s reefs — a mix of coral slopes and occasional pelagic sightings. After a water session and breakfast on board, Aboya sails toward Saleh Bay, repositioning during the afternoon for the following morning’s encounter.

Saleh Bay is one of the few places in Indonesia where whale sharks can be reliably found close to shore. They are drawn here by the bagan — traditional wooden fishing platforms anchored in the bay, where fishermen harvest small anchovies overnight. The bait fish attract the whale sharks, which arrive in the early morning to feed at the surface. The encounter is conducted in the water, snorkelling in respectful proximity. These are wild animals following a feeding pattern, not a managed experience. The duration and proximity of any encounter depends on conditions and the animals’ behaviour on the day.

Aboya and Whaleshark in a split-shot.

Day

03

Satonda

Early morning snorkelling and photos with whale sharks near Bagan in Saleh Bay. Swimming alongside these gentle giants is a rare and humbling experience, as they move slowly and effortlessly through the water.

Afterward, cruise to Satonda Island. Satonda is a small volcanic island whose crater, now flooded by the sea, forms a saltwater lake in its interior. The hike to the lake takes around twenty minutes from the shore through dry coastal scrub. The water is calm and warm, the surrounding walls thick with vegetation. For those who prefer to stay in the sea, Satonda Bay offers good conditions for watersports. Overnight sailing east.

Sangeang Volcano at sunset from Aboya.

Day

04

Banta Island

Banta sits just outside the western boundary of Komodo National Park, and the marine character here begins to shift. The reefs are exposed to stronger currents than Sumbawa’s sheltered bays, and pelagic activity increases noticeably. Manta ray cleaning stations are present, particularly in the morning when visibility is strongest and currents are running.

The island itself is dramatic — dry, rocky hills dropping steeply to the water. There are no facilities and very few visitors. As you enter the rugged landscapes of Komodo National Park, secondary sites such as Batu Monco Bay offer calmer conditions for relaxed reef exploration.

Aboya drone shot in Banta,

Day

05

North Komodo

Entry into Komodo National Park. Dive and snorkel sites include Crystal Rock and Golden Passage, both characterized by current exposure and high fish density. Conditions at these sites require confidence in the water; the currents are strong and the topography technical. Non-divers can snorkel at calmer sections of the same sites during slack tide.

The afternoon includes a hike on Gili Lawa Darat, a small island with a well-worn trail to a viewpoint above the surrounding channels. The walk takes around forty minutes and the views across the park are clear on most days. Anchorage overnight in a sheltered bay off Komodo Island.

Early morning departure for a dive on Aboya.

Day

06

Central Komodo

The day begins early at Makassar Reef — locally called Manta Point — a shallow cleaning station where manta rays are regularly present during the rising tide. The cleaning behaviour brings them close to the surface, making this accessible to snorkellers as well as divers. The number of rays varies by season and conditions.

After the morning water session, Aboya moves to Siaba Besar, a quieter bay known for its turtle population and calm, clear shallows. It is one of the more relaxed stops on the Komodo section of the route — suited to a long lunch on board, easy snorkelling, or simply time on deck. Late afternoon sail to Kalong Island, arriving in time to watch several thousand fruit bats lift from the mangroves at dusk to begin their nightly hunt across the Flores Sea.

Manta Ray at Karang Makassar.

Day

07

Rinca Island

Rinca Island is the more accessible of the two main Komodo dragon islands and the one used for guided treks on this itinerary. The walk from Loh Buaya ranger station follows a dry savannah landscape — sparse trees, golden grass, and the occasional water buffalo.

Komodo dragons are typically encountered near the ranger station and along the lower trails, where they bask in the morning sun. The trek is guided by park rangers throughout. In the afternoon, enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking or go for a diving or snorkelling session.

SUP and landscapes on Aboya voyage in Komodo

Day

08

Seraya & Sebayur

A quieter day after the intensity of the previous stops. The reefs around Tatawa, Seraya, and Sebayur are characterized by healthy coral gardens and moderate fish life — good conditions for relaxed diving and snorkelling without strong currents. Sebayur Kecil is one of the best turtle spots in the park, with resident green turtles in the shallows most mornings.

The final evening typically includes a beach set-up and BBQ — the crew arranges a private setup on a quiet stretch of sand while conditions allow.

Slit shot of reef and landscape Komodo islands.

Day

09

Labuan Bajo

Witness the breathtaking sunrise over Flores Island as your voyage draws to a close. Set sail back to Labuan Bajo, cherishing the extraordinary memories created during this unforgettable adventure. Bid farewell to A’boya and her dedicated crew as they ensure your smooth transfer to the airport or your hotel.

ABoya yacht returning to Labuan Bajo

Yacht Charter Itinerary

Please note: This is a sample itinerary. Each private yacht charter is different, and the detailed day-to-day plan will be tailored to your preferences as well as weather, sea, and local conditions. Private charters offer more flexibility than shared cruises. On board, your cruise director will work with you on daily timing, site choices, and the overall flow of the journey.

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