WHAT IT IS?
What if your trip wasn’t just sightseeing, but actually living like a pirate for three days? In Komodo, Indonesia, you can hop on a wooden pirate-style boat and sail around some of the most beautiful islands in the world.
These are not regular ferries. They’re boats redesigned to look and feel like pirate ships. You sleep on deck under the stars, share meals with your “crew,” and stop at incredible spots along the way. In three days, you can hike to see Komodo dragons, swim at the famous Pink Beach, watch thousands of bats fly at sunset, and wake up with the sunrise surrounded by turquoise waters. If you’re lucky when snorkelling, you’ll also see turtles, manta rays, corals, and so many colourful fish.
WHY IT´S COOL?
- It has the wow factor: every activity — from sunrise sailing to meeting Komodo dragons — feels unforgettable.
- It is fully immersive: you don’t just take a tour, you live like a pirate at sea, sharing meals and stories with your crew.
- It is unique: few places in the world combine a fantasy theme with real natural wonders.
- It is engaging: you’re not a passive tourist, you climb, snorkel, explore, and celebrate as part of the experience.
WHY IT HAS FUTURE GROWTH POTENTIAL?
- Travellers today want memories, not just destinations. A pirate adventure is the kind of story people share and never forget.
- The model is repeatable: themed boats can be adapted to other destinations (e.g. Caribbean, Mediterranean) while keeping local authenticity.
- Adventure and eco-tourism are growing trends, and this kind of experience economy offering fits perfectly with what younger travellers want.
Documentation
- Country: Indonesia
- Discovered in: Komodo National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Tour operators: Le Pirate Explorer and other local Phinisi boat companies
- Activities: Komodo dragon trekking, Pink Beach swimming, Padar Island hiking, bat migration at sunset, snorkelling with turtles and manta rays
Criticism
The only challenge is sustainability: too many boats could damage fragile coral reefs and disturb wildlife. Choosing responsible operators helps protect the animals while keeping the adventure authentic.
Sebastian Duran Otaola
anamay shah
Gourav Makam
Dinara K
tato (Glauco)
Eva Jannat
Sheima El Boutaybi
Luisa Fernanda Raigozo Rey
Diana Eid Dibos
Luis Sanchez Ibarra
Science of the Time