Solana

Solana is a 34 m wooden phinisi that sails 3-day, 2-night shared trips in Komodo National Park from Labuan Bajo. She has 9 cabins over three decks, all air-conditioned and all with a private bathroom, for up to 30 guests. They run from the Manta cabins on the lower deck, with a queen bed and two bunks for families, to the Padar suite on the upper deck, which has its own balcony.

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 time on the beach at Pink Beach, a sunset at Kalong Island, where the flying foxes leave the mangroves at dusk, and a last hike on Kelor Island. Mantas come and go with season and current, and the operator does not guarantee them.

On board, the indoor dining room has long windows on both sides, so the islands stay in view at every meal. Up top, a shaded sun deck has beanbags and lazy chairs, and the bow deck is open to the sea. 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.