Kanawa Island Sunset Cruise
An afternoon trip: leave the harbour around 14:00, snorkel the house reef in golden light, then cruise back across the Flores Sea as the sun drops behind the islands.
- Departs
- 14:00–15:00
- Sunset
- 18:00–18:30, year-round
- Duration
- 4–5 hours door to door
- Price
- Ask for price
The short, late-day alternative
Instead of leaving at dawn and combining multiple stops, you spend the whole afternoon on one island: Kanawa, about 15 km northwest of Labuan Bajo, with a long jetty, a shallow house reef and a west-facing beach that catches the sunset directly.
Because Labuan Bajo sits close to the equator, sunset lands reliably between about 18:00 and 18:30 year-round, which makes the timing easy to plan.
What's on board
Included
- Snorkel gear and life jackets
- Drinking water
- Licensed crew
- Tea, coffee and light snacks on the return leg, boat depending
- Hotel pick-up in the town area, usually arrangeable
Not included
- Kanawa Island entrance or contribution fees, where applicable
- Dinner in town after the cruise
- A guaranteed sunset — cloud happens
Entrance fees, where they apply, are advised at booking. There are no hidden add-ons: whatever the quote states is what you pay.
How the afternoon runs
Exact timings flex with boat choice and sea conditions.
- 14:00–15:00
Departure from Labuan Bajo
Boarding at the harbour. About 20–30 minutes across by speedboat, 45–60 by slower wooden boat.
- 15:00–17:15
Swim and snorkel at Kanawa
The house reef starts in shallow water near the jetty — one of the easiest snorkel entries in the Komodo area. Late light angles through the water and the sea is calmer than midday.
- 17:15–17:45
Golden hour ashore
Dry off, walk the sandbar end of the beach, or climb the small hill viewpoint for an elevated angle before departure.
- 17:45–18:30
Sunset cruise back
The boat positions west of the island, or times the crossing so the sun sets while you are on the water.
- 18:30–19:00
Back in Labuan Bajo
In time for dinner in town.
What it costs
Indicative starting points per trip, not fixed quotes. Final pricing depends on date, boat, fuel, group size and extras, and is always confirmed in writing before you book.
Quoted per booking
A phinisi turns the return leg into the highlight: sails up, deck cushions, and room to move while the sun sets. For groups celebrating something, that is the format we recommend most often.
| Option | Detail | Indicative rate |
|---|---|---|
| Shared afternoon boat | Per person, scheduled departure | Ask for price |
| Private speedboat | Per boat, up to 6–10 guests | Ask for price |
| Phinisi sunset charter | Per boat, up to 10–20 guests | Ask for price |
- Shared afternoon boat Ask for price
Per person, scheduled departure
- Private speedboat Ask for price
Per boat, up to 6–10 guests
- Phinisi sunset charter Ask for price
Per boat, up to 10–20 guests
How to book
One day’s notice is usually enough for shared boats. Private speedboats and phinisi are best requested two to seven days ahead in high season, roughly June to September.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the sunset cruise last?
Roughly four to five hours door to door: a 14:00–15:00 departure and a return to Labuan Bajo between 18:30 and 19:00. Private charters can stretch or compress this window on request.
Can you still snorkel in the late afternoon?
Yes. Visibility stays good until around 17:00–17:30, and the low sun gives flattering light in the shallows. The crew calls guests out of the water in time to dry off before the sunset leg.
Is it suitable for non-swimmers and children?
Yes. Life jackets are provided, the jetty-side reef is shallow and calm, and non-swimmers can enjoy the beach and the deck without entering the water. Tell us the ages in your group so we assign an appropriate boat.
What happens if the weather turns?
Safety decisions sit with the captain. If afternoon conditions are marginal we offer an earlier departure, a sheltered route, or a free reschedule. Sunsets cannot be guaranteed — but the swim, the reef and the cruise itself do not depend on a postcard sky.
Book your sunset cruise
Send your date, group size and preferred boat style and we will reply with live availability and a firm written quote — usually within the hour during business hours.
Check Availability