Kanawa Island Snorkelling Tour
A guided reef day from Labuan Bajo with a dedicated in-water guide, gear fitted before departure, and three to four hours actually in the water.
- In the water
- 3–4 hours
- Crossing
- 25–60 minutes
- Reef zones
- Four, one guide
- Price
- Ask for price
The reef, not the logistics
This is the fully guided version of a Kanawa visit. Instead of arranging a public boat, renting gear on the pier and guessing where the good coral is, you get one package: a meeting point in Labuan Bajo, a dedicated boat, equipment sized before departure, and a guide who has snorkelled this reef in every season.
Kanawa's coral garden starts metres from the jetty, so even first-time snorkellers reach turtles, reef fish and healthy hard coral without long swims or strong currents.
It is a day format — out in the morning, back by late afternoon.
What's included
Included
- Return boat transfer from Labuan Bajo
- Mask, snorkel and fins, fitted before departure
- Dedicated English-speaking guide, in the water with your group
- Guided sessions across the jetty shallows, coral garden and drop-off
- Drinking water, plus lunch confirmed per departure
- Free time on the white-sand beach between water sessions
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses on the island
- Government or harbour fees applying on your travel date
- Underwater camera rental
Any fees that apply on your date are itemised in your quote before you pay anything. Bring your own mask if you prefer one you trust.
The four zones you snorkel
Kanawa's advantage is concentration: several distinct zones sit within a short swim or boat hop, so you cover varied marine life without losing time repositioning.
- 1–3 m
Jetty and seagrass shallows
Calm, and the classic spot for juvenile blacktip reef sharks and starfish. The warm-up for nervous swimmers and children.
- 2–8 m
House reef coral garden
The main event. Hard coral bommies, anemones with clownfish, parrotfish, and frequent green and hawksbill turtle sightings.
- Deeper
The western drop-off
Where the reef shelf falls into blue. Better visibility, bigger schools of fusiliers and trevally — the zone your guide picks when conditions are best.
- Optional
A second reef stop
On private departures the boat can add a nearby reef en route home, conditions permitting. Ask when you book.
Want to go deeper, literally? The same island day upgrades to a tank-based program, with snorkelling companions welcome on the same boat.
What it costs
Final quotes depend on season, group size, fuel and boat type, and are always confirmed in writing before you commit.
Quoted per booking
Indicative, not a binding offer. Park, harbour and local fees change with government policy, so we quote them at booking rather than promising a figure years ahead. The number you confirm on WhatsApp is the number you pay.
| Option | Detail | Indicative rate |
|---|---|---|
| Shared snorkelling day tour | Per person | Ask for price |
| Private speedboat charter | Per boat | Ask for price |
| Dive upgrade | Per certified diver, add-on | Ask for price |
- Shared snorkelling day tour Ask for price
Per person
- Private speedboat charter Ask for price
Per boat
- Dive upgrade Ask for price
Per certified diver, add-on
How to book
Handled by a human, not a form robot.
Honeymooners, families with small children and photographers chasing light usually want the boat to themselves — ask about the private format, which runs the same reef program on a flexible schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. The jetty shallows and inner coral garden are calm and shallow, your guide stays in the water with the group, and flotation vests are available on request. Confident swimmers get more time at the drop-off; beginners stay inside the reef.
Is Kanawa inside Komodo National Park — do I pay park fees?
Kanawa sits close to, but is commonly treated as outside, the core park fee zone, so a Kanawa-only snorkelling day is usually simpler on permits than a Padar or Komodo itinerary. Fee rules do change, so we verify what applies on your exact date and state it in your quote.
When is visibility best?
The dry season, roughly April to November, brings the calmest seas and clearest water. The sheltered house reef stays snorkellable most of the year, and we will say honestly if your date looks marginal.
Can non-snorkellers join the boat?
Yes. Beach-only companions are welcome at the same or a slightly reduced rate depending on the departure — mention it when you book so we seat the boat correctly.
Ready to snorkel Kanawa's reef?
Tell us your date and group size and the desk will send a clear written quote, usually within the day.
Check Availability