Wander Women Komodo:
A Dive + Yoga Liveaboard
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
May 24-31, 2025
Join us for a week of barefoot indulgence as we dive and sail through Komodo National Park via three variations on the art of tropical bliss. The sea is calling (and we answered!) with a brand new diving liveaboard experience that will leave you swooning.
This mystical UNESCO World Heritage Site is where dragons roam and mantas call home — and it’s our next port of call. Think pink beaches, untouched volcanic islands, epic viewpoints and exotic flora and fauna. This trip will go beneath the surface — physically and metaphorically — to feed the heart, move the body and nourish the soul.
Our adventure begins with a night of acclimatization in Labuan Bajo — the up-and-coming gateway town of the Komodo Islands. Next, it’s all aboard our privately chartered, jaw-droppingly stylish traditional Indonesian phinisi yacht. We’ll cruise the crystal waters surrounding Komodo National Park for five nights to seek out sandy yoga shalas, world renowned dive sites teeming with marine life, picturesque hikes leading to dreamy panoramic views, and pinch-me-perfect private beaches including a rare pink sand beach — 1 of only 7 in the world! We’ll cap it all off with one last night of magic at a secluded overwater-bungalow spa resort accessible only by sea. This retreat is for divers of all levels with an itinerary packed full of adventures in a new corner of Indonesia, the biggest archipelagic country on the planet and Alex’s new second home of Indonesia for our third and fourth Wander Women Retreats here.
One week of adventures not enough for you? Arrive to the Land of Dragons from the Island of the Gods; joining hosts Alex and Rayna in Wander Women Bali
Each day on board will look slightly different as our expert crew will set the sails and guide our way from one island to the next. Throughout, we’ll explore the incredible diversity of Komodo National Park. Expect encounters with rich coral and abundant sealife — a technicolor array of fish, majestic manta rays, and maybe even a few playful reef sharks or shy dugongs. With two dives a day, we’ll experience some of the most famous and best kept secret dive sites in the region. Want more adventure?With stand-up paddleboards and kayaks onboard, surface intervals can mean cruising to hidden coves and snorkeling through crystal-clear waters.
That’s not all though. This is the land of dragons, after all! In between dives there’ll be plenty of time for above-water exploration, including daily yoga practices to seal in the beauty of the day. We’ll make landfall often — to drink rosé on rose-colored beaches, to take in iconic volcanic vistas, and yes to, to hike around the jungle to catch a glimpse of the prehistoric Komodo Dragons. Born of ancient legends, Komodo dragons are endemic — meaning they exist nowhere else on earth– and are deeply respected by locals who believe they descend from one born to a dragon princess centuries ago.
As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll gather for curated dining experiences prepared by our incredible crew, followed by an array of Wander Women special events — think theme nights, underwater-themed crafternoons, movie nights under the stars, or sharing stories under the Milky Way. Crossings pass by quickly with our onboard Wander Women workshops! Learn valuable skills like PADI Project Aware Specialist certification with Alex, or pick up some tips on underwater photography editing to capture your amazing diving experiences with Rayna.
Yes! As always, there will be a Wander Women photographer along the way capturing your core memories above and below the surface.
The Details
This eight day retreat will be held from Saturday, May 24th to Saturday, May 31st of 2025. The cost, which includes nearly everything for the week — and builds in taxes and fees most liveaboard prices leave out — starts at $5,250 per person for a shared cabin (with one cabin with the potential to be a triple at a more accessible rate — see all room types here). More details below!
Update — This retreat has met the minimum booking number and is now a guaranteed departure!
What’s Included
• One night accommodation in boutique hotel, five nights on a barefoot luxury liveaboard, and one night in a secluded overwater bungalow
• All meals
• All location transportation in Lebuan Bajo
• Daily yoga
• Up to 12 dives
• Dive gear hire, excluding dive computer + dive torch rental
• Nitrox, for certified divers
• Excursions to explore hidden islands, sandbars, and search for manta rays
• Snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding
• Exclusive onboard Wander Women activities, including a PADI Project Aware Specialist certification course with Alex
• Local tipping for activities and meals (we generously tip on your behalf, removing the stress and anxiety of when and how much to tip in a new culture!)
• A custom welcome bag
• Liveaboard taxes and service fees
• Professional photos of the retreat, including underwater photography
• Donation to a local NGO
What’s Not Included
• Flights
• Mandatory travel + dive insurance
• Alcohol not included in the itinerary
• Dive computer + dive torch rental
• Dive crew tips — due to the different levels of service guests require, we leave tipping our dive professionals up to you but we’ll be happy to make recommendations
The Itinerary
Subject to change, but you’re going to have a magical time! We want our trip to be unforgettable so we’ll constantly be in search of unique experiences. The exact itinerary will be confirmed closer to arrival and is subject to changes due to weather conditions and circumstances. And of course, expect a few Wander Women surprises thrown in — but here’s the general idea!
Day 1: Welcome to Komodo, you’re on island time now! For those joining us from Wander Women Bali, Alex and Rayna will seamlessly guide you between retreats. Arrive in Labuan Bajo and settle into your stylish digs at a boutique hotel perfect for unwinding after your journey. Head straight to the lagoon-style pool and restaurant for a post-travel dip or explore the charming shops and cafes nearby on foot; we’ll provide you with a custom guide to our faves. In the evening, we’ll gather for a sunset yoga session to unwind and unravel your travel bodies. Then, head to town for a welcome cocktail mixology course using flavors of Southeast Asia at a trendy restaurant, followed by a delectable dinner – the perfect way to kick off your Komodo adventure!
Day 2: Rise and shine! We’re heading to the shoreline for yoga on an overwater shala before breakfast at a chic outpost overlooking the harbor. Guess what? The prettiest boat there is on its way to scoop us! After a nourishing morning, we’ll board our floating oasis and set sail around the Komodo National Park islands *happy sigh*. Initially founded in 1980 to protect its remarkable inhabitant, the National Park has since extended to include additional terrestrial inhabitants of the islands and the biodiverse marine life surrounding them. Today, we’re headed for the islands of Sebayur Besar and Sebayar Kecil. We’ll all splash in for a check-out dive, then the remainder of the day is reserved for beach time and trekking; if the tide allows. Return to the boat for a delicious al fresco dinner on the deck.
Day 3: Wake up to Indonesia’s beautiful seascapes passing serenely by. After a delicious breakfast, we will set off on a day exploring Gili Banta. Morning dives will be the backdrop for an underwater photoshoot after our signature underwater posing workshop for those in front of the camera, or a canvas for those eagerly awaiting our signature underwater editing workshop for those behind it. After lunch, Aliikai’s signature beach setup awaits our barefoot adventures including a sandy yoga studio. This evening is a special treat to enjoy sundowners and a delicious beach BBQ.
Day 4: Today is dedicated to the islands of Gili Lawa Darat and Gili Lawa Laut, hidden gems not all visitors to Komodo get to experience. After a hearty breakfast onboard, we’ll head ashore to hike to the lookout for postcard-perfect views of the bay. After, we’ll cool off by diving into turquoise waters! The rest of the day is ours — kayaking, stand up paddling, and snorkeling at the fantastic sites surrounding the islands. After dinner, class is in session (martinis in hand welcome, at Wander Women University). Tonight we’re offering the PADI Project Aware Specialist course to create a boat full of ocean torchbearers for conservation!
Day 5: We’re saving (some) of the best for (almost) last! After breakfast on board, we’ll head out to famed Manta Point and Karang Makassar. After a morning spent squealing into our regulators while diving with majestic Manta Rays, we’ll toast on Karang Makassar, a sandbar surrounded by beautiful turquoise water. Lunch will be served on board as we sail to Padar Island. This afternoon we stretch our legs with a trek to the top of Padar Island for a postcard-perfect Komodo view. Next up, the opportunity for a night dive before an open-air dinner is served. After, we’ll snuggle up for an onboard pajama party, and a movie night under the stars.
Day 6: After a relaxing breakfast on the deck, and a morning dive, it’s time for a Pink Beach party (pink swimwear optional… but encouraged!). We will return to the boat for a delicious lunch on board as we set sail to Rinca Island to meet our future Komodo Dragon besties. Known to locals as “ora’s”, which means land crocodile, carnivorous Komodos grow up to ten feet! No feeding, no fences; just you, the dragons and the rangers making sure everyone gets along. You will be awed! Back onboard, it’s our last night on the Aliikai and we’re not crying, you’re crying! Tonight we dine and sip sundowners with views of Kalong Island.
Day 7: Rise and shine to say goodbye to our floating home for the week. After two farewell dives, we’ll enjoy a curated breakfast feast as we sail directly to our next stop — a hidden gem among the mountainous bays on the edge of Komodo National Park. Prepare to be pampered as we disembark from our private phinisi directly to our runway of overwater bungalows; the perfect secluded haven to end our adventure. After an afternoon of unwinding with yoga, the pool and indulging in included signature massage treatments at the Mangrove Spa, we’ll catwalk down the boardwalk for the ultimate vacay photoshoot — golden hour at your own private overwater bungalow, or at the Dragon Head Bar at the end of the resort’s private jetty. After taking in our final sunset showtime, we’ll dine under the stars at The Kelimutu Lounge on a curated menu prepared by local chefs and then retire with hearts full and souls nourished.
Day 8: It’s our last day, but the fun’s not over yet! Wake up to sunrise over the crystal waters for a vinyasa yoga session on the deck right outside our windows. After a morning stretch and meditation to seal in the week’s goodness, we’ll say farewells to our off-the-beaten-path paradise — and each other! — over a final exotic breakfast and closing circle by the pool. We’ll end our magical retreat with a boat ride back to Labuan Bajo with transfers to the airport — phone storage and hearts alike overflowing with incredible memories, new bestie connections, and a renewed appreciation for the gorgeous blue planet we call home.
The Diving
Komodo National Park is made up of three large islands — Komodo, Padar and Rinca — and 26 smaller, mostly uninhabited ones. It is a proud member of the Coral Triangle, which contains 76% of the worlds coral species and some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth! The area boasts unparalleled diving with stunning underwater landscapes — no wonder it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
While the itinerary will be informed by weather conditions, diving from a liveaboard offers us the opportunity to customize our route to suite everyone and we’ll drop anchor at many different reefs and secluded dive spots off the beaten path. Our sightseeing bingo card will include an array of marine life as this area delivers pristine corals and encounters both big and small (fingers crossed!) — from majestic manta rays to turtley cool hawksbills, dolphins to dugongs, sleek reef sharks to colorful nudibranchs, giant pelagics to tiny pygmy seahorses.
May is the start of dry-season in Indonesia and lends itself to calm waters and clear visibility. Prepare for temperatures around the mid-80s°F (29°C), and the water will be balmy and inviting, averaging around 82°F (28°C).
What brings much of the biodiversity to this area is the unique underwater topography and the currents that flow through them, meaning nutrient rich waters for everyone to feed on! Because of these currents, Komodo is also widely known as a drift diving hot spot which can be pretty adventurous. While these currents may seem a little daunting, they are part of what makes this area special and so rich in life. For the thrill seekers with more experience wanting to test these dives sites out, our experienced guides will provide you with all the necessary information and support to ensure a safe diving experience. For those new to drift diving, fear not! Whether you’re a long time instructor or recently nabbed your certification, there will be plenty for you to see and groups will be divided based on experience level — though you can always request to dive with friends.
Where We’ll Stay and What We’ll Eat
We’ll shake off our travels at Seaesta Komodo, a stylish and vibey traveler hub that boasts a gorgeous rooftop pool, bar and restaurant. Shared rooms have either two twins, or a king bed (preference goes to early birds!) and all rooms have a private ensuite.
For those who like to beat jetlag with a sweat sesh, a well equipped gym is onsite. For those who like to cure it with a cocktail, so is a happening rooftop bar! Best of all, its central location means you’ll be free to stretch your legs, soak up the charming town of Lebuan Bajo, and stock up on any essentials you may need before heading into the National Park.
There will be an opportunity to upgrade to a private room for the first and final nights of the trip pending interest and availability. This will be released to booked guests once the retreat is waitlist only — stay tuned.
For five nights we will be aboard the breathtaking Aliikai, a traditional sailing phinisi reborn into a design-forward diving liveaboard, crafted for the ultimate luxury expeditions in South Sulawesi. Reflecting the beautiful style and heritage of Indonesia, it took over three years of meticulous craftsmanship and over a dozen carpenters and finishers to complete the design!
There are just seven cabins spread over three decks, so this will be an exclusive and intimate retreat group (okay, we’ll have a PJ party if you insist!) All cabins have air conditioning and en suite bathrooms with hot showers. Shared spots are available in Standard, Superior or Deluxe cabins, along with one potential Triple cabin — read more about room types here!
When you’re not relaxing in your roomy cabin, the Aliikai offers multiple lounge areas — air-conditioned, shaded or full sun for whichever mode of relaxation you choose, an intimate and cozy lounge + dining room, a spacious sky deck, and a vast alfresco area on the main deck — including yup, a well-stocked bar. Those incredible dives aren’t going to toast to themselves! That’s not to mention the vast 60-square-meter sky deck, which is the perfect spot for soaking up sun or gazing at stars, the relaxation sundeck at the stern, and a dedicated ‘zen’ area on the roof custom designed for yoga and meditation.
The onboard dive center boasts a support dive dinghy for easy dive site access, a Nitrox compressor, and a dedicated camera and photography station.
Decompression time! Our final night together will be at Menjaga Bay, a secluded resort nestled into the shores outside of Labuan Bajo — yes we’re talking boat access only. From this hidden gem we’ll take in one final sunset and relax from our week of diving in private overwater bungalows.
This adult-only resort’s teak overwater bungalows are home to private terraces and stylish touches; a gentle new brand of luxury respectful of the local ecosystem and style. Menjaga Bay is proud to have kept their coastal mangroves, birthplace of the wonders we’ll experience elsewhere in Komodo, intact. But they don’t skimp on creature comforts; with each featuring fridges, ac, wifi, and tea and coffee makers. Some bungalows have two twin beds; others have one king.
Reminder; you may be able to go solo for the first and final nights of the trip pending interest and availability. Stay tuned!
Throughout the retreat, all meals are included and we’ll have an expert chef team cooking up nourishing curated dishes served top deck with a view, or beach side with toes in the sand. If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, just let us know and they’ll take care of the rest! When we’re not dining on board, we will be treating you to local restaurants boasting fresh regional produce, or dining in-house at our secluded resort.
Travel With Us
On this trip, you’ll be traveling with Alex Baackes as your host, yoga teacher, and ocean hype girl and Rayna O’Nan as your photographer and resident mermaid.
Alexandra Baackes is the founder of Wander Women Retreats and Alex in Wanderland as well as a PADI Divemaster, an AmbassaDiver, and a Women Divers’ Hall of Fame Associate Member. She has worked in the dive industry as an underwater videographer, a writer for publications like Sport Diver and Scuba Diver magazines, and as the creator of Wander Women Retreats. She is also a RYT 200 Registered Yoga Teacher, an RYT 50 Aerial Yoga Teacher, a Buti Bands and Sculpt instructor, and a regular yoga practitioner for more than a decade — she can’t wait to practice with you.
Rayna is a Wander Women regular, capturing the memories of our trips in Fort Lauderdale, Key Largo, West Palm Beach, the Maldives, Bimini, Bali, and Raja Ampat! She is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, owner of Ocean Rays Photography and self-professed shark whisperer who has been working on dive boats for nearly 10 years. After becoming a scuba instructor in the Florida Keys, she picked up an underwater camera and fell in love, allowing her to travel the world taking photos of underwater life to inspire marine conservation. Rayna spends her days guiding others through their own shark experiences, along with using her marine biology background to educate her guests on the importance of sharks in our marine ecosystems.
Getting There and Away
This retreat starts and ends in Labuan Bajo — the gateway to Komodo National Park — where there are a number of connecting flight options available via Bali or Jakarta. Flights from Bali are direct, frequent, reliable, and just over an hour! On arrival you’ll be greeted by a newly renovated airport putting this up-and-coming town on the map, and a transfer will whisk you the easy-peasy five minute ride to our first accommodation.
• Joining us for Wander Women Bali? — Heck yes! Start your adventures a week early with our Wander Women Bali retreat and we’ll arrange a smooth transition for you. Labuan Bajo is an easy one hour flight away and we’ll coordinate all airport transfers at either end, you just need to book the ticket!
Please feel free to reach out to us for help with flight recommendations — we’re always available at retreats@alexinwanderland.com. We offer an hour of complimentary consultation on booking your trip, after which we will offer our hourly consulting at a special retreat guest rate.
Extend Your Adventure
Can’t imagine coming all the way to Indonesia and not exploring the Island of the Gods? See Alex’s new home island through her eyes on Wander Women Bali, taking in the bliss trifecta of Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu en route to Komodo. Traipsing between luxurious private villas in the mountains and along the beach, we’ll hike green rice paddies, surf black sand beaches, and be tickled pink by the beauty of this magnetic island. This is a unique opportunity for a true insider’s look at one of the most famed islands on Earth — and for good reason.
Join Us
This is our most intimate liveaboard yet with just seven cabins (see room types here) — book soon to avoid disappointment! Your deposit will be the first of four total payments for this trip, spread into convenient monthly installments.
This trip is now a guaranteed departure! We have met the minimum required bookings, so you can jump straight into holiday planning mode and book your travel for this retreat.
Can’t make this one? Don’t sweat — sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when enrollment opens on future retreats. Don’t hesitate to email us at retreats@alexinwanderland.com with any and all questions or concerns over if this is the right retreat for you. We’re always here to chat.
Wander Women Komodo: A Dive + Yoga Liveaboard, 2025
$5,250.00 – $10,200.00
F.A.Q.
So does non-refundable really mean non-refundable?
Yes, all payments are non-refundable. If the trip must be postponed or canceled due to events beyond our control, you will be offered the choice between a full refund and applying your payments to a future trip.
The reason payments are non-refundable is that we start incurring costs from the moment someone presses “book” — from credit card fees to high hourly wages for our team who correspond with guests, manage trip inventory and our e-commerce platform, analyze forms to create room assignments, coordinate with our local vendors, and beyond.
There’s nothing we want more than for our guests to take and enjoy the travel they have worked hard and paid for. Thank you so much for your understanding and respect of our need to enforce this policy strictly. We want to be here to travel with you for years to come!
Will I need travel and dive insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory for all Wander Women Retreat guests to have personal travel and dive insurance for the duration of the trip, either through a travel insurance provider such as World Nomads, or an industry specific membership insurance such as Divers Alert Network (DAN). World Nomads offers coverage at affordable rates. We recommend you book your travel insurance as soon as you make your trip deposit to protect your investment.
What dive certification do I need?
This retreat is open to all certified levels of diving from Open Water to total pros! While the Komodo Islands are known for dynamic currents that can add an extra element of excitement to your dives, our dive team reassures us they can find sites suitable for all. That being said, we always recommend being Advanced Open Water and Nitrox certified to make the most of any liveaboard. If you are newly certified, feel free to get in touch to discuss any concerns you may have.
We may be able to arrange a virtual Nitrox course that can be signed-off onboard for those seeking that certification. Just let us know at booking!
I’m not a diver, can I come and snorkel instead?
While there is amazing snorkeling in Komodo, this liveaboard will focus primarily on seeking out the best possible dive sites, and has only one support dinghy for transport, which means there won’t always be the option to snorkel from the same location. Additionally, the intimate size does not offer the same spa opportunities as other liveaboards we have chartered. While diving certainly isn’t mandatory, we think divers will get the most value out of this trip.
Is it possible to have a private room?
Due to the limited number of cabins on the boat, options for private cabins are extemely limited; but contact us if this is a deal-breaker for you. Additionally; depending on how many guests book, it may be possible to upgrade your first and last nights on land! We will offer this opportunity closer to the time.
Do I need to be good at yoga?
Absolutely not. (And frankly, we don’t believe in the idea of being “good” at yoga!) We have a range of yogis from brand-new beginners to talented instructors join us on our trips. You’ll get the opportunity to sample a wide range of yoga styles, and you can opt in or out of as many classes as you wish.
Will I have time to do my own thing?
This is your retreat and we want you to make it exactly what you want! There’s a lot to see and experience, so we’ve tried to design an itinerary that balances the best of activity and downtime. But any time you want to bow out (boat joke!) to have some “me-time” or do your own thing, we’re going to cheer you on.
What about visas?
Entering Indonesia is a relatively straightforward process as visas are available on arrival for stays of up to 30 days (for most nationalities). To be sure you are eligible for the visa exemption, please double check your nationality requirements before traveling, along with your passport expiration date — you will need at least six months validity from your intended return date and a blank passport page — hurray, another stamp!
Is there an age requirement?
You must be 18 years or older for this retreat. We love the age diversity of the Wander Women community, which includes travelers ages 18 to 68! We get a lot of questions from those concerned they will be the oldest or youngest on a retreat — all are welcome, truly.
I have a unique rooming request, how can you help me?
Email us! We’ll do our best to make it happen via retreats@alexinwanderland.com.
Is this trip women only?
This one’s for the girls! Our guest continue to tell us how much they love taking time to dive with just women in this male-dominated industry. We are so proud of the supportive, empowering vibe of our dive retreats and know that you’ll love them, too!
I want to extend my trip. Can you help me?
Absolutely! The Wander Women team have traveled extensively through Indonesia and will gladly offer an hour of complimentary consultation on expanding your trip, after which we will offer our hourly consulting at a special retreat guest rate.
