Thalassa
Thalassa Phinisi
Kanawa Island: white sand and an easy first reef
Updated 23 October 2026
Kanawa is a small island west of Rinca with white sand beaches and shallow coral reef, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours from Labuan Bajo. It closes the Thalassa 3D2N on day 3, with a 45 to 90 minute snorkel. It can be busy in high season.
One more reef before the harbor
Kanawa is the last swim of the trip. On day 3 of the Thalassa 3D2N the boat leaves its anchorage after breakfast, sails to Kanawa and anchors off the beach. Then comes the final snorkel, and after it the sail back to Labuan Bajo, with the return time confirmed in writing.
West of Rinca and about 1 to 1.5 hours from the harbor, the island makes a natural close. The white sand is a change from Pink Beach, and the reef is shallow and forgiving.
The 2D1N does not include Kanawa. It ends on Pink Beach on day 2. If a last swim matters to you, the 3D2N is the route.
- Best window
- midday
- Time ashore / in water
- 45–90 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Depth
- 1–6 m
- Current
- mild
- Tide
- Not tide-dependent
- Busiest months
- July, August
What it is not: not on the 2D1N: it closes day 3 of the 3D2N
Shallow reef for easy snorkeling
Plan on 45 to 90 minutes. Water depth runs from 1 to 6 meters and the current is mild. Kanawa is an easy first reef for a guest who has never snorkeled, and a gentle last one for those who have.
The beach is white sand and shaded in places. Both boats carry snorkeling gear, a canoe and 2 SUP boards, and all are free to use. A guest who is done with the water can walk the beach.
Pack your wet things last. Day 3 ends with luggage, not sand.
Busy months
Kanawa is popular with day trips from Labuan Bajo, because it is close to the harbor. In July and August the beach can be crowded and the reef near the shore shares its water with other boats.
A private charter solves part of that, because you can ask us for an early arrival before the day boats come. The captain decides the hour on the day.
The months of June, October and November are quieter, with calm water and clear visibility, which is what Kanawa is best at.
An island that gets crowded
The honest limit of Kanawa is the crowd, not the reef. It is a good snorkel, and it is a popular one. We say so because a guest who expects a private bay in peak season will be surprised.
A shoulder month, or an early start, keeps the best of it.
Park entry is paid per person per day where the park applies: IDR 250,000 for foreign visitors, IDR 50,000 for Indonesian citizens on weekdays and IDR 75,000 at weekends. Komodo National Park tickets and ranger fees are never part of the fare. Your quote shows what applies on your day.
FAQ
How long is the Kanawa stop?
Allow 45 to 90 minutes in the water and on the beach. The reef is shallow and the current is mild, so most guests stay in the water most of the time. The captain sets the length on the day, because the sail back to Labuan Bajo follows.
Which day of the 3D2N is Kanawa on?
Day 3. After breakfast the boat sails to Kanawa for the last snorkel and then on to Labuan Bajo, with the return time confirmed in writing. The 2D1N ends on Pink Beach on day 2 and does not include Kanawa, so choose the 3D2N if the last swim matters.
Is Kanawa crowded?
It can be in high season. Kanawa is close to the harbor and popular with day trips, so July and August bring other boats. A private charter lets the captain arrive early, and a shoulder month brings more room on the sand.
What should I bring to Kanawa?
Bring a mask if you have your own, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash guard. The boat provides snorkeling gear free of charge. Pack your wet things in a dry bag, because the day ends with luggage and the harbor.
Check availability: Thalassa
Thalassa is published and booked by PT Komodo Explorer Indonesia, a booking partner for Thalassa 1 and Thalassa 2. The boats belong to their owner.