Kanawa, Kelor & Rinca Day Tour
A viewpoint, the dragons and a long reef finish — the three things most visitors come to Komodo for, in the calmer inner islands.
- Runs
- 08:00–16:30
- Stops
- Three islands
- On Kanawa
- Two hours
- Price
- Ask for price
Three stops, three different days in one
The north combo strings together the islands closest to Labuan Bajo on the northern and eastern side of the harbour. Kelor delivers the ridge-top photo, Rinca delivers the dragons, and Kanawa delivers the reef.
Because the crossings are short, the route suits families, older travellers and anyone prone to seasickness better than the longer southern itineraries. You end the day salty and relaxed rather than racing the sunset back to port.
What each stop is for
Included
- Kelor — a steep 15–20 minute climb to a ridge over turquoise shallows, then a beach swim
- Rinca, Loh Buaya — licensed rangers lead walks on boardwalks and dry-savannah trails
- Kanawa — house reef within metres of the jetty: coral, reef fish, frequent turtles
- Hotel pickup in Labuan Bajo and a crew briefing before departure
- Drinking water on board
Not included
- Komodo National Park entrance, activity and ranger fees
- Closed walking shoes for Kelor and Rinca
- Rupiah cash for park fees, paid locally
- A guaranteed dragon sighting
Go up Kelor early — there is almost no shade and the trail is loose scree in places. Rinca has a dense dragon population and sightings are common year round, though as with any wild animal they are never guaranteed.
Stop by stop
A typical speedboat day. Exact timing depends on boat tier and sea conditions.
- 08:00
Labuan Bajo marina
Check-in, briefing, depart.
- 08:30–10:00
Kelor Island
Ridge hike, then a beach swim or snorkel.
- 10:30–12:30
Rinca, Loh Buaya
Park tickets, then the ranger-guided dragon walk.
- 12:30–13:15
Lunch on board
Served during the crossing north.
- 13:30–15:30
Kanawa Island
House-reef snorkelling and beach time — the longest single block of the day.
- 16:00–16:30
Return
Back to the marina.
Slow-boat versions of this route exist, but the extra engine hours squeeze the Kanawa stop. If snorkelling matters to you, a speedboat protects that final two-hour window.
What it costs
Indicative planning ranges, not fixed quotes. Final pricing depends on season, vessel, group size and inclusions.
Quoted per booking
Park fees are additional unless your quote says otherwise. They are set by the park authority, paid locally in rupiah, and cover a per-person entrance ticket, an activity fee for trekking and snorkelling, and a ranger fee shared by the group at Loh Buaya. The park revises its tariffs periodically, so the current amount is confirmed on your quote rather than published here.
| Option | Detail | Indicative rate |
|---|---|---|
| Shared speedboat seat | Fixed 08:00 departure, per person | Ask for price |
| Private speedboat | Per boat, up to 6–10 guests | Ask for price |
| Phinisi day charter | Per vessel, day use — deck space, shade | Ask for price |
- Shared speedboat seat Ask for price
Fixed 08:00 departure, per person
- Private speedboat Ask for price
Per boat, up to 6–10 guests
- Phinisi day charter Ask for price
Per vessel, day use — deck space, shade
How to book
Frequently asked questions
Are dragon sightings guaranteed on Rinca?
No wildlife sighting can be honestly guaranteed, but Rinca’s dragon density makes encounters common on most ranger walks year round. Rangers know the current activity areas and adjust the trail accordingly.
Is this suitable for children?
Generally yes — the crossings are short and the Kanawa snorkelling is shallow. At Loh Buaya children must stay close to the ranger at all times, and the park applies its own supervision rules for minors on dragon walks.
Can I do this by slow boat instead of speedboat?
Yes, and it costs less, but the added travel time usually shortens the Kanawa stop. We recommend slow boats only for travellers who prioritise budget over water time.
What should I bring?
Closed walking shoes for Kelor and Rinca, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a dry change of clothes, and rupiah cash for park fees. Drinking water is provided on board.
Book the north combo
Send your travel date and group size and you will receive a clear written quote with boat tiers and current park-fee guidance, usually within the day.
Check Availability