Al Fathran

Al Fathran is a 27 m wooden phinisi that sails 3-day, 2-night shared trips in Komodo National Park from Labuan Bajo. She has 6 cabins, all air-conditioned and all with a private bathroom, for up to 15 guests. Three teak-lined cabins sit on the lower deck. One of them is a family cabin with two queen beds. The Full Ocean cabin is on the main deck, and the Deluxe and Master cabins up top have large windows on the sea.

The trip is about the islands and the water above the reef, not scuba. You snorkel at Manta Point, Taka Makassar and Mawan, climb to the Padar viewpoint and walk with a ranger among the Komodo dragons. There is beach time at Pink Beach and a last hike on Kelor Island. At Kalong Island you watch the flying foxes leave the mangroves at dusk. Mantas come and go with season and current, so the operator does not guarantee them.

On board, a covered deck lounge has sofas and beanbags, and meals are served at a long table under the awning. Inside there is a small bar with a marble counter. A speedboat takes you ashore and to the snorkel spots. The price covers your cabin, all meals, transfers in Labuan Bajo, snorkelling gear and a local guide. Park fees and flights are extra. You join a shared departure and book by the cabin. The dates, cabin prices and the day-by-day plan are listed below.