**A Flores cruise is a multi-day, ensuite-cabin small-ship voyage from Labuan Bajo through Komodo National Park and east along the Flores coast. This FAQ answers what travelers ask most before booking: per-person cost, what’s included, Komodo park fees, the best season, booking lead time, insurance and age rules — all current as of 2026.**
Arunika Cruises sells comfort-class scheduled routes and full-ship buyouts, priced by route and cabin class. The answers below point you to the right page and, for anything commercial, to the Komodo Luxury concierge for a live quote.
How much does a Flores cruise cost per person?
Per-person fares are quote-based rather than publicly listed, which is standard for this category — Le Pirate, a common market reference, keeps shared-trip pricing to direct quotes. Comfort ensuite class sits well above the budget end. For contrast only: shared open-deck “deck class” on 4-day Lombok-Flores-Komodo backpacker boats runs about IDR 1.5 million per person (roughly AUD 150) as of 2026, with negotiated child fares near IDR 1 million. Arunika never sells open-deck berths, so those numbers are a floor to compare against, not our product. For current comfort-cabin rates, see our [cabin classes and fares](/cabins/) page or ask the concierge below.
What’s included in an Arunika Cruises fare — and what isn’t?
Your fare covers the voyage itself; several real-world costs sit outside it. Because pricing is quote-based, confirm the exact inclusions in writing at booking. As a general guide, as of 2026:
| Typically included | Paid separately |
|---|---|
| Ensuite cabin accommodation | Komodo National Park entrance fees |
| All onboard meals and crew | Flights to Komodo Airport (LBJ) |
| Guided shore excursions and snorkeling stops | Travel insurance |
| Port-to-boat transfers on departure day | Some premium drinks, tips, souvenirs |
Are Komodo National Park entrance fees included?
No. Komodo National Park entrance fees are a separate, non-refundable line item paid on top of the cruise fare. The park is managed by Balai Taman Nasional Komodo under Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). Exact fee tables are not publicly citable and change from time to time, so treat any figure you see online as indicative and confirm the current amount when the concierge quotes your voyage.
When is the best time for a Flores cruise?
Plan for the April-to-September window. Aqua Expeditions sails the Bali-Komodo-Flores region April to September only, avoiding the harsher conditions of the off-season, and independent Flores guides name April to June as the sweet spot — green islands, thinner crowds and better underwater visibility around Manta Point and Pink Beach.
| Month window | What to expect (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| April-June | Green landscapes, clear water, fewer boats — the prime window |
| July-August | Peak season, busiest departures, book early |
| September | Season tail; dry, still-good sailing before the window closes |
| October-March | Off-window; most comfort operators pause |
The Padar sunrise hike, Rinca’s rangers and Komodo’s dragons sit at the west end of the arc; eastbound routes reach Riung’s 17 Islands, Ende, Maumere and Larantuka. See the [scheduled departures](/scheduled-departures/) page for dated sailings.
How does booking and payment work?
Booking follows a staged deposit model. Using Le Pirate’s published terms as the market reference (confirm Arunika’s exact terms at booking, as of 2026):
- Secure your berth — a 10% non-refundable deposit holds the cabin.
- 14-day cancellation gate — a further 25% is refundable only if you cancel 14 or more days before departure.
- Final balance — the remaining 65%, plus Komodo National Park entrance fees, is non-refundable and due 14 days before departure.
For dated scheduled sailings, Le Pirate Explorer’s 2026 pattern runs a 3-day/2-night trip departing every Monday (returning Wednesday around 15:00) and a 4-day/3-night trip departing every Thursday (returning Sunday around 15:00). Meeting is 09:00-09:30 at the operator office; departure is 10:00 sharp.
How far ahead should I book, and when should I arrive?
Book early — the April-September window fills fast, and 2027 is already busy, with Raja Ampat-to-Flores expedition sailings scheduled for March 2027 and Labuan Bajo prioritized as a government “super-premium” destination through ongoing port and marina upgrades. Arrive in Labuan Bajo one day before departure so a delayed flight can’t cost you the sailing. Komodo Airport (IATA: LBJ) is about a 15-minute transfer from the Le Bajo Flores port, according to Aqua Expeditions, and roughly a 10-minute taxi from the airport to town, according to Le Pirate.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes — it’s strongly recommended. Operators including Le Pirate advise travel insurance covering cancellation, medical emergencies and trip disruption. Because deposits and the final balance are non-refundable and sailings run in remote waters east of Komodo, insurance is the sensible hedge against a missed flight or a medical issue at sea.
Can children join? What are the age rules?
Shared scheduled departures carry a minimum age of 16, per Le Pirate’s terms. Families traveling with younger children book a [private charter (full-ship buyout)](/private-charter/) instead, which also lets you set your own route, pace and cabin mix. Message the concierge for family-charter availability and a quote.
Where do Flores cruises depart from?
Most voyages leave from Labuan Bajo, on the west tip of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara — the gateway to Komodo National Park. Premium Bali crossings are the exception: Aqua Expeditions’ 7-night all-inclusive Bali-to-Komodo voyage boards at Benoa Cruise Ship Terminal / North Jetty at 15:00 and disembarks at Le Bajo Flores (Labuan Bajo) at 08:00. Adventure Life’s roundup of the “4 Best Labuan Bajo Small Ship Cruises for 2026” reflects the same comfort small-ship category Arunika occupies.
Talk to the Komodo Luxury concierge
Arunika Cruises is operated by Komodo Luxury, a real operator founded in 2015 in Labuan Bajo, with reservations handled directly by its team. For a live per-person quote, cabin availability, current Komodo National Park fees and dated departures, message the concierge on WhatsApp at +62 811-3823-875 or email sales@komodoluxury.com. All figures on this page are current as of 5 July 2026 and subject to change; confirm everything at booking.
Published by Juara Holding Group. Reviewed by Damianus Rangga, lead voyage editor, Arunika Cruises.