Kanawa Island to Lombok Sailing Trip (One Way)

Updated: August 2026

A Kanawa Island to Lombok sailing trip is a one-way, multi-day liveaboard that departs Labuan Bajo (Kanawa’s home port), threads through the Komodo National Park highlights, crosses the Flores Sea and Sumbawa’s Saleh Bay, and ends at Kayangan Harbour on Lombok — a standard 4 days, 3 nights passage covering roughly 215 nautical miles (399 km) in a straight line, or about 250 nautical miles (470 km) on the actual island-hopping route. It is widely sold as an “open trip” — a shared-cabin liveaboard you join rather than charter privately — and is a well-established route for backpackers and independent travellers doing Bali–Lombok–Komodo–Flores overland-and-sea circuits.

Quick answer for planners in a hurry:

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights, one way (Komodo/Flores to Lombok or reverse).
Distance: ~215 nm / 399 km straight line; ~250 nm / 470 km on the actual sailing route.
Price: shared-cabin open-trip liveaboards price per person rather than at one fixed rate — Komodo Luxury’s shared-cabin liveaboard rate card runs USD 300–800 per person for its standard 3D2N Komodo product (checked 25 August 2026); a longer 4D3N Lombok crossing is quoted separately by each operator and typically prices above that band.
Route: Komodo National Park highlights → Saleh Bay, Sumbawa → Moyo Island → Lombok.

What Is the Kanawa Island to Lombok Sailing Trip?

This is not a Kanawa-only excursion — it is a multi-day sailing passage that starts in the waters around Labuan Bajo, where Kanawa sits, and ends roughly 400 kilometres east on Lombok. Boats depart from the same Labuan Bajo marina used for Kanawa day charters, and many itineraries use Kanawa or a similarly sheltered nearby reef (Siaba, Sebayur) as the first snorkel stop before heading deeper into the park. If your goal is specifically a Kanawa Island visit, see the Kanawa day trip or speedboat charter pages instead — this route is for travellers continuing on to Lombok by sea rather than flying or taking the overland-and-ferry route.

The product is sold under names such as “Komodo to Lombok open trip,” “Flores to Lombok liveaboard,” or “Komodo–Lombok crossing,” and runs in both directions.

Typical Route and Stops

Routes vary slightly by operator, but a standard 4D3N Komodo-to-Lombok itinerary follows this pattern:

Day	Stops	Highlights
Day 1	Labuan Bajo departure → Siaba / Manta Point area	Manta ray snorkeling; overnight anchorage near Padar
Day 2	Padar → Pink Beach → Komodo or Rinca	Padar sunrise trek, Pink Beach snorkeling, Komodo dragon trek; overnight sail to Saleh Bay, Sumbawa
Day 3	Saleh Bay → Moyo Island	Whale shark snorkeling (seasonal), Mata Jitu waterfall walk on Moyo
Day 4	Kenawa Island / Gili Bola → Lombok	Final snorkel stop, arrival at Kayangan Harbour, Lombok, with transfer to Kuta or Senggigi

Some operators substitute Satonda Island (a volcanic crater lake with reef snorkeling) for one of the Sumbawa stops, or add Gili Lawa and Kalong Island for bat-watching at sunset. Confirm the exact stop list with your chosen operator before booking, since itineraries are weather-dependent and change between departures.

How Long Does the Crossing Take?

4 days, 3 nights (4D3N) is the standard duration for a shared-cabin open trip in either direction. This is longer than a typical 3D2N Komodo-only open trip, because the extra day covers the additional distance to Sumbawa and Lombok rather than looping back to Labuan Bajo. Private charter yachts can compress or extend this to 3–5 days depending on how many stops you keep and how directly you sail, but commercial join-in departures cluster tightly around 4D3N.

How Far Is It, and What Does the Crossing Feel Like?

Two distance figures matter, and sources genuinely differ depending on measurement method:

Straight-line distance: approximately 215 nautical miles (399 km) between Labuan Bajo and Lombok.
Actual sailing track: approximately 250 nautical miles (470 km), because the route detours through Sumbawa’s bays and islands rather than cutting straight across open water.

In practice this means long stretches of open-water sailing overnight, broken up by daytime stops at islands and reefs. Sea conditions on this crossing depend heavily on season: the dry-season months (roughly April–October) bring calmer water and steadier trade winds, while the west-monsoon months (December–March) bring more swell and a higher chance of itinerary changes. See the Kanawa Island weather by month table for the seasonal pattern that also governs this route’s comfort.

Open Trip vs Private Charter Pricing

No operator publishes one fixed 4D3N Lombok-crossing rate, so the honest reference point is the standard 3D2N Komodo open-trip cabin rate this route is built from — Komodo Luxury’s published liveaboard rate card, checked 25 August 2026:

Booking type	Published range (3D2N Komodo product)	Notes
Shared / open-trip cabin	USD 300 – 800 per person	Per person, per cabin, scheduled departure

Please treat this as a reference point, not a Lombok-crossing quote. A 4D3N Komodo-to-Lombok passage covers more distance than the standard 3D2N Komodo product above and is priced separately by each operator — expect it to sit above this band, and confirm a firm, dated quote before booking. A private, fully chartered version of this route — the whole boat rather than a shared cabin — is priced very differently; see Komodo Luxury’s Komodo to Lombok tour package for a private, fully crewed alternative to the shared open-trip format described above.

Do You Need Komodo National Park Permits for This Route?

Yes, for the segment inside Komodo National Park. Since 2026 the park enforces a park-wide daily visitor cap of roughly 1,000 people, booked through the official SiOra timed-entry system across three daily sessions. This applies to Padar, Pink Beach, Komodo, and Rinca — the park stops on Day 1 and Day 2 of this itinerary — not to Kanawa itself, which sits outside the park boundary and carries no park entrance fee. On an operator-run open trip, the park permits and SiOra booking are normally arranged by the boat operator as part of your package; on a private charter, confirm with your operator that permits are included in the quoted price rather than billed as a separate line item on arrival.

Best Months to Sail This Route

The same monsoon pattern that governs Kanawa Island conditions governs this longer crossing, only more so, since more open water is covered:

April–May and September–October: the transition months, generally the calmest window for the full crossing.
June–August: dry and clear, but trade winds pick up in the afternoons — expect a steadier but breezier sail.
December–March: the west monsoon brings more swell to the open-water legs between Sumbawa and Lombok; itinerary changes and rescheduled stops are more common in this window.

See the full best time to visit Kanawa Island guide for how these same seasonal windows affect a Kanawa-only trip if you decide to shorten your plans.

What to Expect Onboard

Facilities vary meaningfully by boat class, and this is the detail that most affects how the four days actually feel:

Budget deck boats offer a covered communal sleeping deck with mattresses, shared bathrooms, and simple Indonesian-style meals included in the fare. Expect a genuinely social, backpacker atmosphere rather than privacy.
Mid-range AC phinisi boats add proper cabins — usually bunk-style, sleeping two to four — with air conditioning, en-suite or shared bathrooms, and a slightly more varied meal service.
Premium phinisi boats offer private ensuite cabins even on a shared departure, a dedicated crew-to-guest ratio closer to a small yacht charter, and a full onboard kitchen producing restaurant-standard meals.

All classes include drinking water, three meals a day, snorkeling stops with basic gear, and a captain and crew for the full crossing. Alcohol, specialty drinks, and diving (as opposed to snorkeling) are typically extra on every boat class — confirm inclusions in writing before you pay a deposit.

What to Pack for a Multi-Day Sailing Trip

Motion sickness medication — even on calmer months, overnight open-water legs can be felt more than daytime island-hopping.
A dry bag for electronics, since transferring between the boat and shore at each stop usually means a wet landing.
Reef-safe sunscreen and a light long-sleeve layer — four days of continuous sun exposure adds up fast.
Cash in small denominations for any village stops in Sumbawa, where card payment is not available.
A basic first-aid kit and any personal medication — you are days from a pharmacy for most of the crossing.

How to Book

1. Confirm your travel window and whether you want a shared open-trip cabin or a private charter.
2. Send your dates and group size via WhatsApp to Komodo Luxury.
3. Receive a route outline and firm quote, including whether park permits and meals are included.
4. Confirm with a deposit — payment instructions come directly from Komodo Luxury.
5. Board in Labuan Bajo at the scheduled departure time; disembark at Kayangan Harbour, Lombok, roughly four days later.

Alternatives if Four Days Is Too Long

Not every traveller wants a full four-day crossing. If your schedule is tighter or you specifically want to prioritise Kanawa Island itself rather than the Lombok endpoint, consider these instead:

3D2N Komodo-only open trip: covers Padar, Pink Beach, dragons, and Manta Point without continuing to Lombok, then returns you to Labuan Bajo.
Kanawa Island day trip: a single day dedicated to Kanawa’s house reef, with no multi-day commitment — see our Kanawa day trip from Labuan Bajo page.
Private charter version of the same route: the full Komodo-to-Lombok itinerary, but on a boat reserved for your group only, with a flexible schedule rather than a shared departure — see Komodo Luxury’s private Komodo to Lombok package.

Fly between Labuan Bajo and Lombok instead if the sailing time itself is the obstacle, and treat this route as something to do specifically because the journey — not just the destination — is the point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Kanawa Island to Lombok trip suitable for backpackers?

Yes. Shared “open trip” cabins on this route are a well-established part of the backpacker and independent-traveller circuit through Bali, Lombok, and Komodo, and budget deck-mattress options exist alongside more comfortable air-conditioned cabins.

Does the trip stop at Kanawa Island itself?

Published itineraries usually name Siaba or Sebayur as the first-day snorkel stop rather than Kanawa specifically, though boats depart from the same Labuan Bajo waters. If a Kanawa Island visit is essential to your trip, book it separately as a day trip before or after this crossing, since multi-day itineraries prioritise Komodo National Park’s headline sites.

How many nautical miles is Labuan Bajo to Lombok?

Approximately 215 nautical miles (399 km) in a straight line, or around 250 nautical miles (470 km) on the actual sailing route through Sumbawa and its islands.

Can I do this route in the opposite direction, from Lombok to Kanawa/Komodo?

Yes, the same 4D3N itinerary runs in reverse, departing Lombok’s Kayangan Harbour and arriving in Labuan Bajo, with the same Sumbawa stops in reverse order.

What happens if weather disrupts the crossing?

Safety decisions sit with the captain. Stops can be reordered or shortened for sea conditions, particularly during the December–March west-monsoon window; operators generally prioritise completing the crossing safely over sticking to the exact published stop list.

Book Your Kanawa to Lombok Sailing Trip

Tell Komodo Luxury your travel dates, preferred cabin type, and direction of travel, and they will confirm current departures, pricing, and what is included. Komodo Luxury has operated boats out of Labuan Bajo since 2015 and is part of Juara Holding Group, founded 2015.

WhatsApp: +62 811-3823-875 — chat with the charter desk
Email: sales@komodoluxury.com

Related Kanawa Island Experiences

Practical Questions About Sailing From Kanawa Island Toward Lombok

Can I combine a Kanawa Island visit with a 3D2N Komodo sailing trip instead of the full Lombok crossing?

Yes. Many boats running a three-day, two-night loop use Kanawa or a nearby reef as their first snorkel stop, then push deeper into the park before returning to Labuan Bajo. This suits travellers who want a shorter commitment than the 4D3N Lombok run. Check each operator’s route carefully; some swap Kanawa for Siaba or Sebayur depending on wind and current.

How does a Kanawa Island open trip 3D2N Komodo cruise differ from the Kanawa–Lombok one-way route?

A three-day, two-night open trip is usually a loop: Labuan Bajo, Kanawa or Siaba, Padar, Pink Beach, Komodo or Rinca, then back to Labuan Bajo. The Kanawa–Lombok route keeps going west into Sumbawa and Lombok instead of returning. You sleep more nights underway, have longer open-water crossings, and finish at Kayangan Harbour rather than Labuan Bajo.

Is there a Kanawa Island open trip sailing Komodo budget trip that still includes the main park highlights?

Budget-focused open trips usually run simple wooden boats with shared dorm-style cabins and basic facilities. A budget open trip still aims for Padar, Pink Beach, a dragon walk on Komodo or Rinca, and at least one manta or turtle site. Expect fans instead of air‑conditioning, bucket showers, and simple meals. Check inclusions: park fees, snorkel gear, and cabin type are often itemised separately.

How does the Kanawa Island Komodo National Park sailing route fit into the wider Flores–Lombok overland circuit?

This sailing route is essentially the sea bridge between Flores and Lombok. Many backpackers travel Flores overland to Labuan Bajo, sail a route through the park, then continue by boat via Saleh Bay and Moyo to Lombok. Others fly into Labuan Bajo, sail west to Lombok, and then overland Bali–Java–Sumatra. The one-way structure avoids backtracking by ferry.

What is the cheapest way to reach Kanawa Island if I’m not joining a multi-day liveaboard?

For a Kanawa-only visit, the lowest outlay is usually a shared day boat or speedboat seat from Labuan Bajo, if an operator has enough passengers to run. That avoids paying for cabins and meals. Ask specifically about “Kanawa day trip” options rather than multi‑day tours. Always confirm the island access contribution, boat type, and whether snorkel gear is included before you commit.

How do operators usually price Kanawa Island speedboat sharing trips, and where can I see a reference?

A shared speedboat is priced per person, because you are buying a seat on a scheduled departure rather than chartering the whole boat. Private charters, by contrast, are quoted per vessel per day based on boat size and route. For a sense of how per-person and charter structures work in the region, look at Komodo Luxury’s published Komodo sailing trips and then request a Kanawa-specific quote.

Can I start in Lombok and still include Kanawa on a one-way Komodo liveaboard?

Yes, most Lombok–Komodo open trips simply run the same route in reverse. Boats leave Lombok, tick off Moyo and Saleh Bay, then thread the Komodo sites before ending around Labuan Bajo and Kanawa. If Kanawa is important to you, say so when enquiring; captains sometimes substitute nearby reefs depending on weather and crowds. One-way options are usually listed alongside other Komodo liveaboard cruises.

How do I decide between a 3D2N Kanawa–Komodo loop and the longer 4D3N Komodo to Lombok sailing packages?

Think about time, seasickness tolerance, and onward plans. The 3D2N loops have more time at Komodo sites and less overnight sailing, then you fly or ferry onward separately. The 4D3N Komodo to Lombok sailing packages add Sumbawa stops and get you directly to Lombok without backtracking, but with longer open-water passages and fewer flexible hours at each reef or island.

To turn this into a real itinerary, decide first between a short Kanawa–Komodo loop and the one-way crossing, then ask for a written quote with exact stops and inclusions. You can contact Komodo Luxury on WhatsApp at +62 811-3823-875 or email sales@komodoluxury.com, and compare suitable boats and dates across their luxury phinisi charters in Komodo and longer Komodo to Lombok sailing packages.