Kanawa Island is a small island just outside the Komodo National Park boundary — close to Labuan Bajo, with a beautiful white-sand beach and a healthy reef that begins in knee-deep water just off the shore. It is the most-loved family snorkel stop in the region.
The reef at Kanawa is unusual because it starts in shin-deep water just off the beach — you can wade in and stand on sand while watching the coral garden a metre away. Healthy soft and hard coral cover, schooling damselfish, butterflyfish, the occasional reef shark cruise, and turtles in the deeper drop-off 50 m out. It is the easiest properly-good snorkel site in the wider Labuan Bajo region.
Kanawa appears on the standard Labuan Bajo day-trip route and on the final day of most overnight charters as a relaxed wind-down stop on the way back to harbour. Best at low tide (you can wade further out without losing depth); avoid the busiest 10:00–12:00 window if other day-trip boats are clustering.
The beach itself is a long curve of soft white sand with shade from cycad palms along the back — ideal for a long lunch on the boat with shore swims between courses. There is a small resort on the island (eco-bungalows, casual restaurant, kayak rental) but charter guests usually stay on the boat.
Kanawa is outside Komodo NP — no entrance or ranger fees apply.
Best site near Labuan Bajo for first-time and non-confident snorkellers and children.
Calm shallow bay — ideal for paddleboards. Most boats bring kit; resort also rents.
Mask + fins recommended; vest for non-swimmers. Wetsuit not needed (warm shallow water).
Usually 60–120 min — long enough for a snorkel circuit and a beach swim.
Bring trash back on board — the reef is healthy because guests respect it.
No — Kanawa sits just outside the Komodo NP boundary. No park entrance fee required.
Yes — the standard Labuan Bajo day trip visits Kanawa as one of three to four stops. 45 minutes from harbour by speedboat.
No — Kanawa is outside dragon habitat. For dragons, you need Komodo Island or Rinca Island, both inside the national park.
Year-round. Dry season (Apr–Oct) has calmer water and clearer visibility, but Kanawa works in any month.
