Kanawa Island Shared Day Trip
A seat-in-boat tour leaving Labuan Bajo every morning: 45–60 minutes across, a full day of snorkelling and beach time, lunch included, back by late afternoon.
- Departs
- Daily, 07:30–08:30
- Crossing
- 45–60 minutes
- Back by
- 15:30–17:00
- Price
- Ask for price
What a shared day trip actually is
A shared day trip — also called an open trip or seat-in-boat tour — means you join other travellers on a scheduled boat rather than chartering the whole vessel. It runs on a fixed daily timetable, follows a set itinerary, and charges per person.
It is the standard choice for solo travellers, couples and backpackers who want a straightforward day on Kanawa without paying for empty seats. Because the boat cost is split among everyone aboard, it is the cheapest way to reach the island.
Seats are coordinated by Komodo Luxury, a Labuan Bajo operator running trips in the Komodo region since 2015. You reserve on WhatsApp and show up at the harbour.
What your seat covers
Included
- Return boat seat, Labuan Bajo – Kanawa – Labuan Bajo
- Snorkel mask, snorkel and fins
- Simple lunch or lunch box, plus drinking water
- English-speaking crew guide on board
- Basic safety equipment, including life jackets
Not included
- Kanawa Island visitor fee, paid on arrival
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off, available on request
- Towels and personal wetsuits
- Underwater camera rental and personal expenses
- Crew tips — optional, appreciated
Inclusions vary slightly by departure and season. We state precisely what your seat covers, in writing, before you pay anything.
How the day runs
The boat follows a consistent rhythm built around light, tides and the crossing time from Labuan Bajo.
- 07:30–08:30
Harbour meeting point
Meet the crew at the designated jetty in Labuan Bajo. Your WhatsApp confirmation carries the exact meeting point and time for your date.
- 08:30–09:30
Crossing to Kanawa
Roughly 45–60 minutes depending on the boat and the sea, passing the small islands off the western Flores coastline.
- 09:30–12:30
Snorkelling and beach time
The house reef starts just off the jetty, so you snorkel straight from the beach. Coral gardens, reef fish, and with some luck, turtles.
- 12:30–13:30
Lunch
A simple lunch, served on board or on the island depending on the departure.
- 13:30–15:30
Free time
Swim again, walk up to the hilltop viewpoint for the panorama over the bay, or stay on the sand.
- 15:30–17:00
Return to Labuan Bajo
Back at the harbour in the late afternoon, in time for sunset on the waterfront.
Staying on the island instead of returning the same day? The same boats handle transfers for overnight guests.
What it costs
Ask for price
The exact figure depends on boat type, season and what is bundled in. Island entrance fees are charged separately on arrival and are set by the island management, not by the operator.
Quoted per booking
Fuel costs, boat categories and island fees move over time. Message us with your travel date and group size and you will get the current confirmed rate in writing. No deposit is requested until the price and itinerary are agreed.
How to book a seat
Person to person, not an automated checkout.
Prefer written correspondence for a company or group booking? Email sales@komodoluxury.com.
Frequently asked questions
Does the shared boat to Kanawa really run daily?
In normal conditions, yes — departures run every morning, because Kanawa is one of the closest island destinations to Labuan Bajo. During rough-sea periods, typically January and February, the harbour master may delay or cancel sailings for safety, in which case you are rebooked or refunded per the terms confirmed at booking.
Is it suitable for non-swimmers or children?
Yes. Life jackets are available on board and in the water, the crossing is short, and much of the reef is visible in shallow, calm water near the beach. Families who want more control over timing usually prefer a private boat, but the shared trip is regularly taken by families with school-age children.
Can I combine Kanawa with Padar and Pink Beach on the same day?
Not on this boat — the shared Kanawa trip stays at Kanawa to maximise water time. For the classic multi-stop route, book the Padar, Pink Beach and Manta Point combo instead, which is a separate itinerary inside Komodo National Park.
What should I bring?
Swimwear under light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a towel, a dry bag for electronics, and cash in IDR for the island entrance fee and any extras. Snorkel gear is provided, though keen snorkellers are welcome to bring their own mask.
Reserve your seat on the daily boat
Seats are limited each morning, and high-season departures in July to September fill days in advance. Send your date and group size and you will get availability, the confirmed per-person rate and the meeting point in one reply — usually within the hour during Labuan Bajo business hours.
Reserve a Seat