Two Komodo trips that look alike online can differ enormously in reality. Here's what actually drives the price - so you can judge value, not just the number.
The boat itself
Age, build quality, cabin size and en-suite comfort vary hugely. A hand-built phinisi with spacious private cabins simply costs more to run than an ageing shared vessel.
Privacy & group size
Fewer guests means more space, flexibility and attention - and a higher price per person. A private charter is a different product from a twenty-berth shared trip.
Crew & service ratio
A dedicated chef, an experienced dive master and a high crew-to-guest ratio transform the experience. Skilled, well-paid crews are a real cost - and a real difference.
Route, permits & safety
Park entrance, ranger fees, quality safety equipment and well-planned itineraries all cost money. The cheapest quotes often cut exactly here - then add it back at the dock.
Our job is to make these differences visible. We only list boats we've vetted against a strict quality standard, and we price everything all-inclusive - so a higher number reflects a genuinely better voyage, never a hidden catch.