Carnaby
Carnaby Phinisi
Kanawa Island as the last swim stop
Updated 26 October 2026
Kanawa is a small island west of Rinca with white-sand beaches and shallow reefs, an easy snorkel of 45 to 90 minutes. It closes day 3 of Carnaby 1's published 3D2N and day 4 of its 4D3N; Carnaby 2's published 3D2N does not list it. Popular with day trips.
An easy reef for non-swimmers and nervous swimmers
Kanawa is popular with day trips, so it can be busy in high season. Expect other boats at the beach in July and August, and ask the captain whether the quieter hour is possible; the answer depends on the day.
The island sits west of Rinca, roughly one to one and a half hours by boat from Labuan Bajo. White-sand beaches and shallow coral reefs make it an easy first or last snorkel. Depths run from 1 to 6 m with a mild current.
Park entry is paid per person and is never in the fare: IDR 250,000 for foreign guests.
- Best window
- midday
- Time ashore / in water
- 45–90 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Depth
- 1–6 m
- Current
- mild
- Tide-dependent
- Not tide-dependent
- Busiest months
- July, August
What it is not: not on the 2D1N: Carnaby 1 reaches it on the last day of the 3D2N and 4D3N
A beach lunch? What is and is not arranged
Meals are on board. Lunch is part of the fare on both boats, so a beach lunch at Kanawa is not part of the standard day. A meal on the sand is arranged on request, quoted separately and confirmed in writing.
A dinner or seafood meal on an island is a service we arrange. Put the request in your first message with the headcount, and the quote shows a figure for the setup, the cook and the transport to the beach. The services page lists the options.
The last swim before the harbour
On Carnaby 1's 3D2N, Kanawa closes day 3 after Sebayur. A last swim in shallow water, a hot shower and a towel make a good end to a celebration, and the group heads back to Labuan Bajo. Both boats have a hot shower in the bathroom, and towels are provided.
The return time is confirmed, and the 3D2N ends at the harbour on day 3, so no flight out of Labuan Bajo should be booked before that time is in your hands. The 3D2N page lists the day in order.
Which Carnaby anchors off Kanawa
Carnaby 1 does, on day 3 of its 3D2N, where it follows Sebayur, and on day 4 of its 4D3N, where it is the last stop. Carnaby 2's published 3D2N ends at Sebayur on day 3 and does not list Kanawa.
For Carnaby 2, a Kanawa stop would be agreed with you before you pay. The comparison page compares the routes, and the charter page prices a group.
FAQ
Is Kanawa good for non-swimmers?
Yes. The reef is shallow, 1 to 6 m, with a mild current, and life jackets are on board on both boats. Non-swimmers can paddle on the white sand while the others snorkel, which is why Kanawa works well as a last swim.
How busy is Kanawa?
It is popular with day trips and can be busy in high season, mostly July and August. Other months are quieter. We cannot promise an empty beach, and the captain chooses the time of the visit on the day to suit the group and the tide.
How long do we stay?
A swim and snorkel takes 45 to 90 minutes. On Carnaby 1's 3D2N it is the last stop of day 3, so the time you spend there depends on the return to Labuan Bajo, which is confirmed before you pay.
Does Carnaby 2 stop at Kanawa?
Not on its published 3D2N, which ends at Sebayur on day 3. A Kanawa stop on Carnaby 2 would be agreed with you before you pay. Carnaby 1 lists Kanawa on both its 3D2N and its 4D3N, where it is the last stop before the harbour.
Check availability — Carnaby
Carnaby is published and booked by PT Komodo Explorer Indonesia, a booking partner for Carnaby 1 and Carnaby 2. The boats belong to their owner.