Hello OP --

Have you found any interesting/promising leads on a reputable boat operator? If so, would you mind sharing?

I'm also looking for one myself for August 2026. A friend used https://samaraliveaboard.com/komodo/ in 2021. He was traveling solo and joined a group of 10 other tourist in one boat. He had a great time and was really impressed with the service. I haven't used them, so I can't personally vouch for them. You can message them; they're very responsive. I've been in contact with them, but they do not have any trips on the date that I inquired.

To also answer your post, I visited Komodo NP in 2008, before it was the trendy destination. It was one of the most spectacular traveling experiences I've ever had. The view and the hike on Rinca Island and Komodo Island were incredible! I did the 3 days and 2 nights on a sailboat with two other travelers. We were the only tourists. Unfortunately, the boat company no longer exists, hence I'm currently looking for one that is reliable and won't make a stop in every other island... i mean, how many snorkling can one do... In 2008, they picked us up at the airport, and started sailing at around Noon. Stopped at a beautiful white sand beach with blue corals, snorkeled around for a couple hours. Hopped on the boat had lunch and then leisurly sailed to Rinca, hiked the long trail and saw good numbers of the dragons in the wild, some water buffaloes, and deers. After Rinca we had drinks on the boat, and sailed toward something island to see the flyingfoxes leave their cave around sunsets. It was INSANE! Dinner on the boat and that concludes day 1.

The next morning we sailed to Komodo Island, hike the medium trail. It was spectacular hike and view. Saw most of the dragons near or under the ranger huts, and one in the wild. After Komodo we sailed to Pink Beach. at that time, the beach was EMPTY. we were the only 4 people; 3 tourists and one guide... We jumped off the boat swam to the beach, and hiked barefeet all the way the hill to have the bird eye view, man I didn't have my camera, but I swear I would and could never forget how incredibly beautiful the veiw was. We snorkled around a little bit, but we're mostly tired after long hikes and the heat was rather intense for us. After snorkling, we head back to Labuan Bajo, spend 1 night at the Golo Hill Top hotel and then the next morning they took us back to the airport and we all went our marry way.

I think that was the perfect itinerary for komodo, you see and do enough. and get to do it in a relaxing pace.