Flores is the gateway to the Komodo National Park and one of Indonesia’s most rewarding charter destinations for yachts capable of covering distance without sacrificing comfort. Labuan Bajo, the main port on the western tip of Flores, has developed into a recognised superyacht hub with fuel, provisioning and park permit services available dockside. A 50 metre yacht is well-sized for the region, agile enough to anchor in smaller bays while carrying the range to reach distant dive sites.
The sailing ground from Flores encompasses the entirety of the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 29 islands. The Pink Beach on Komodo island, Batu Bolong reef, Manta Alley on Komodo’s south coast and the sheltered bay of Gili Lawa Darat all sit within a morning’s transit of Labuan Bajo. Sea conditions are seasonal: the dry season from April to October delivers manageable swells in the Sape Strait.
Weekly charter rates for a 50 metre yacht based in Flores range from around 130,000 to 220,000 euros. The advance provisioning allowance adds approximately 30 percent for fuel, park fees, live-aboard dive permits and provisions. Park fees for yachts in Komodo National Park are government-mandated and apply per person per day, so budget these separately.
Flores itself offers remarkable scenery ashore. The three-coloured crater lakes of Kelimutu, reachable in a half-day drive from Labuan Bajo, are a natural phenomenon that rewards the detour for any guest with an afternoon free.
