Kanawa Island Private Tour
The whole boat is yours: your own captain and crew, your own departure time, and a route you set instead of a fixed timetable.
- Departs
- Any time you choose
- Crossing
- 20–60 minutes
- Capacity
- 6–25 by boat tier
- Price
- Ask for price
What a private charter includes
Every private charter is booked on a whole-boat basis, not per seat. That covers exclusive use of the boat for the full day, a captain and crew who know the channel and the reef entry points, snorkel gear and life jackets for every guest, and the island entrance handled on arrival.
Departure and return are yours to set. Leave at 06:00 for glassy water and an empty beach, or take a relaxed 09:00 start. Lunch and drinking water are included on most tiers, and photography stops are unlimited because nobody else's schedule is on the line.
Hotel pick-up in Labuan Bajo and harbour drop-off can be added. Routes can be reshuffled on the day if the sea or your energy changes — your captain will say what is realistic.
What the whole-boat rate covers
Included
- Exclusive use of the boat for the full day
- Captain and crew who know the channel and the reef
- Departure and return times you set
- Mask, snorkel, fins and life jackets for every guest
- Island entrance handled by the crew on arrival
- Lunch and drinking water on most tiers
- Route flexibility, adjustable on the day
Not included
- Komodo National Park fees on routes that enter the park
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off, available on request
- Menu upgrades beyond the standard lunch
- Personal expenses and crew tips
Park fees are set by the authorities and quoted separately at booking, never folded into the boat rate.
Four routes people actually book
Kanawa sits 10–15 km northwest of Labuan Bajo — 45–60 minutes by standard boat, 20–30 by speedboat — which makes it one of the most flexible charter destinations in the area.
- Full day
Kanawa immersion
Depart early, snorkel the house reef before other boats arrive, walk the hill viewpoint, long beach afternoon, sunset cruise home. For depth rather than a checklist.
- Speedboat only
Kanawa + Padar + Pink Beach
Padar's viewpoint hike at first light, Pink Beach mid-morning, then a relaxed Kanawa afternoon on the way home.
- Seasonal
Kanawa + Manta Point
Snorkel with reef manta rays — sightings are seasonal and never guaranteed — then unwind on the white sand for the rest of the day.
- Transfer
Resort drop-off or pick-up
Staying overnight on the island? The same boat can run as a transfer plus tour, or wait at anchor while you are ashore.
Slower boats should stick to Kanawa-only routes, or the day becomes mostly transit.
Whole-boat rates
Private charters are quoted per boat per day, not per person. The tier you need is set by group size and by whether the route enters the national park.
Quoted per booking
Indicative only. Rates move with season, fuel, route and boat availability, and park fees are quoted separately. Ask for a written quote for your exact date and route.
| Option | Detail | Indicative rate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard local boat | Up to 6–8 guests | Ask for price |
| Speedboat, twin engine | Up to 6–8 guests | Ask for price |
| Larger premium speedboat | Up to 12–15 guests | Ask for price |
| Phinisi day charter | 10–25 guests | Ask for price |
- Standard local boat Ask for price
Up to 6–8 guests
- Speedboat, twin engine Ask for price
Up to 6–8 guests
- Larger premium speedboat Ask for price
Up to 12–15 guests
- Phinisi day charter Ask for price
10–25 guests
How to book a charter
Peak season — July, August and the December holidays — takes the best boats early. Two to four weeks ahead is sensible; outside peak, a few days is often enough.
Frequently asked questions
Is a private tour worth it for just two people?
Often, yes — especially for honeymoons and photographers. A small local boat at the lower end of the range gives a couple total schedule freedom for not dramatically more than two premium shared seats, and an early private departure means the reef is almost yours.
Can we combine Kanawa with Komodo National Park sights in one day?
Yes, with a speedboat. Padar viewpoint, Pink Beach and Manta Point can all be paired with a Kanawa afternoon in a single full day. Slower boats should stay on Kanawa-only routes.
Can the boat drop us at Kanawa and pick us up later?
Yes. We regularly arrange drop-off and pick-up charters for guests staying on the island, or a boat-on-standby format where the crew waits at anchor while you enjoy the beach.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Your captain makes the final safety call. In most cases the route is adjusted to sheltered water; if conditions force a cancellation before departure we reschedule or work out a fair resolution directly. Terms are confirmed in writing at booking.
Plan your private Kanawa day
Tell us your date and group size and we will send whole-boat options with a clear written quote — no per-seat surprises, no fixed timetable.
Request a Quote