Kanawa Island Dive Day Trip
A two-tank day out of Labuan Bajo: one ambitious site in the morning, a surface interval on the beach rather than a rolling boat, and an easy shallow second tank.
- Format
- 2 tanks, day trip
- Departs
- 07:00–08:00
- Back by
- 15:30–17:00
- Price
- Ask for price
Why dive Kanawa
Two specific reasons. First the house reef: a sandy shallow lagoon dropping onto a coral slope, which makes it a forgiving place for check dives, refreshers and beginner experiences. Turtles, reef fish, rays and the occasional blacktip reef shark are commonly reported, and because it starts from the beach the surface is usually calm.
Second, its position. Kanawa is a natural staging point between Labuan Bajo and the central Komodo National Park sites, so one day boat can pair an easy reef dive with a more ambitious park site — which is exactly how the two-tank format is built.
Kanawa sits just outside the park boundary, which is why its house reef can be dived without park diving fees.
Who can dive what
Included
- Certified Open Water or higher — both tanks
- Advanced or recent drift experience — required for the stronger park sites
- Uncertified beginners — an introductory dive on the house reef, max 12 m
- Tanks, weights, guide and standard rental gear are normally included
Not included
- Park entry and diving fees on national park tanks
- Dive computers — required for certified divers, available to rent
- Night diving and multi-day itineraries — this is a day product
- Park sites for introductory divers, at any certification level
If your last dive was more than 12–18 months ago, plan a refresher on the house reef as tank one. Standard dive medical questionnaire applies, and do not fly within 18–24 hours of your last dive.
How the dive day runs
Door to door from Labuan Bajo. Site selection is finalised by the dive team on the day, based on tide, current and the experience level of the group.
- 07:00–08:00
Marina departure
Pickup coordination, then briefing and paperwork on board.
- Morning
Tank one
Usually the more ambitious site, dived when conditions are at their best.
- Midday
Surface interval on Kanawa
Lunch, beach and rest on the island rather than a rolling boat. Snorkelling companions join the beach here.
- Early afternoon
Tank two
House reef or a nearby easy site, ending relaxed and shallow.
- 15:30–17:00
Cruise back
Return to Labuan Bajo.
Typical sites: the Kanawa house reef (5–20 m, minimal current), the Sebayur area, Sabolan and nearby islets, and — permits and conditions allowing — park sites such as Siaba Besar, Tatawa or Manta Point.
What it costs
Final pricing depends on season, boat type, group size, equipment rental and — for park sites — current park entry and diving fees, which are set by the authorities.
Quoted per booking
Indicative planning ranges, not fixed quotes. You always receive an itemised written quote before paying anything.
| Option | Detail | Indicative rate |
|---|---|---|
| Two-tank certified dive day | Shared boat, per person | Ask for price |
| Introductory dive package | Beginner, one to two tanks | Ask for price |
| Private charter dive day | Whole boat | Ask for price |
- Two-tank certified dive day Ask for price
Shared boat, per person
- Introductory dive package Ask for price
Beginner, one to two tanks
- Private charter dive day Ask for price
Whole boat
How to book
A short consultation rather than a blind checkout, because site choice depends on who is diving.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kanawa Island inside Komodo National Park?
No. Kanawa lies just outside the park boundary, which is why its house reef can be dived without park diving fees. Dives at sites inside the park require park tickets and diving fees for that day.
Will I see manta rays?
Possibly, but only on the national park tanks such as Manta Point, and only for appropriately certified divers. Sightings are seasonal and never guaranteed on a single day trip.
Can snorkellers and divers share one boat?
Yes. The surface interval on Kanawa's beach is built for exactly this — divers rest between tanks while snorkellers and beach guests enjoy the island, then everyone returns together.
How far in advance should I book?
For July, August and holiday weeks, two to four weeks ahead is sensible, especially for private charters. Shoulder-season dates can often be confirmed a few days out.
Book your Kanawa dive day
Tell us your dates and certification level and we will come back with a realistic two-tank plan and a written quote — no pressure, no guesswork.
Plan My Dive Day