Rinca (pronounced “rin-cha”) is the second of the park’s great dragon islands and, lying just off the coast of Flores, the quickest to reach from Labuan Bajo. Its landscape feels even wilder than Komodo’s: golden savanna hills, lontar palms and mangrove-lined creeks where dragons, water buffalo, Timor deer, long-tailed macaques and wild horses all roam.
The Loh Buaya ranger station was rebuilt in the early 2020s with raised boardwalks and a viewing platform, so visits are short, well organised and suitable for most fitness levels. Dragons often rest in the shade near the rangers’ kitchens, which makes sightings very likely even on a quick stop.
Top things to do at Rinca Island
See dragons from the boardwalk
The elevated walkway leads from the jetty to the ranger area, where dragons frequently sleep in the shade. Your ranger will explain their behaviour and venom.
Trek the savanna hills
Longer ranger-led walks climb onto open ridges with views over the bays of southern Komodo — hot but spectacular, especially in the morning.
Spot buffalo, deer and monkeys
Rinca’s prey animals are part of the show: look for buffalo wallowing in mud holes and macaques along the shore.
Visit Pasir Panjang village
The fishing village of Kampung Rinca (Pasir Panjang) on the island’s north coast can be visited on some community-focused tours.
Best tours that visit Rinca Island
These top-rated trips from Labuan Bajo include Rinca Island:
Private liveaboard Private 3-Day Komodo Liveaboard on a Phinisi
The dream Komodo trip: two nights on your own traditional phinisi, waking up at anchor in empty bays. Priced per boat, it is ideal for families or a group of friends.
- Traditional phinisi just for your group
- Padar summit & Komodo dragons
- All meals and free-flow drinks
Best for: special occasions and small groups
Liveaboard (3D2N) 3-Day Budget Komodo Liveaboard (Shared Cabin)
An affordable way to really slow down in Komodo: two nights aboard, all meals, snorkel gear and professional photo documentation, with enough time to reach quieter spots day-trippers never see.
- 8–9 stops across the park
- Padar sunrise & Manta Point
- All meals + drone and GoPro photos
Best for: solo travellers and backpackers
How to get to Rinca Island
- Many full-day and luxury boat tours include Rinca instead of Komodo Island, especially when the sea to the north is rough.
- 2–3 day liveaboards often visit both Rinca and Komodo so you can compare the two islands.
- Private boats and speedboat charters can reach Loh Buaya in well under an hour from Labuan Bajo harbour.
- Go early: the midday heat on Rinca is intense and dragons are more active in the morning.
- Bring a hat and at least a litre of water per person for the longer treks.
- Wildlife-watching rules are the same as on Komodo: stay with your ranger at all times.
