Packing for a Komodo boat charter requires a different approach than packing for a hotel holiday. You’ll be sleeping aboard a traditional wooden boat, spending hours in and out of the water, hiking volcanic island terrain, and potentially doing multiple activities in a single day. This comprehensive packing guide is based on feedback from thousands of charter guests.
Essential Documents & Money
- Passport (valid 6 months from entry, required for park registration)
- Indonesia visa (visa on arrival available for 60+ countries at Labuan Bajo airport — USD 35)
- Cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) — ATMs exist in Labuan Bajo but can be unreliable. Bring IDR equivalent of USD 100-200 for any small purchases.
- Printed or digital booking confirmation from your charter operator
Clothing for a Komodo Charter
Space is limited aboard any boat. Pack light — maximum one soft-sided bag per person (backpack or duffel, not hard suitcase).
- Rash guard (2x) — essential for sun protection during snorkeling. More effective than sunscreen in the water.
- Swimwear (3x) — one will always be wet.
- Light pants and long-sleeve shirt — for evenings when the wind picks up and for modesty on Komodo island (Muslim communities nearby).
- Closed-toe shoes or sandals with ankle support — for Padar Island and Komodo Island hikes. The terrain is rocky and uneven.
- Flip-flops — for the boat and beach.
- Light layers for evenings — even in summer, 25 knots of wind at sea feels cold when you’re wet.
Sun & Water Protection
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) — MANDATORY. Komodo National Park prohibits chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Use mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) formulations. Brands: Raw Elements, Stream2Sea, All Good.
- Polarized sunglasses with retention strap
- Sun hat with chin strap (wind-tested!)
- Lip balm with SPF
Electronics & Photography
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag — non-negotiable. The tender (small dinghy) transfer from boat to beach involves splash risk.
- Portable power bank (2x if possible — boat charging can be limited)
- Camera with waterproof housing or underwater compact
- GoPro or similar action camera (rentals available through us)
- Laptop if needed — but consider leaving it home for a true detox
Health & Safety
- Seasickness medication — even if you don’t think you need it. Pack Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), Stugeron (cinnarizine), or scopolamine patches. The Flores Sea can be rough in peak wind season (July-August).
- Personal prescription medications (2-week supply in original containers)
- Basic first aid: plasters, antiseptic cream, antihistamine (insect bites are common ashore)
- Oral rehydration sachets
- Insect repellent (DEET-based) for island excursions
- Travel insurance documents (strongly recommended)
What NOT to Bring
- Hard suitcases (no storage space on boat)
- Excessive valuables or jewelry
- Chemical sunscreens (banned in the park)
- Single-use plastics (boats maintain a zero-plastic policy)
- Hair dryers or high-wattage electrical items (generator power is shared)
Ready to pack? Book your 3D2N charter or view our private charter options. Questions? Contact our team — we send a detailed pre-departure briefing to all confirmed guests.
Also read: Komodo National Park Guide | How to Get to Labuan Bajo | Charter Pricing 2026
