Gammara Phinisi
Gammara Phinisi
Kanawa, the closing morning on a pale reef
Updated 3 November 2026
Kanawa Island snorkel by private phinisi: a small island west of Rinca with white sand and shallow coral, the last stop on day 3 of Gammara's 3D2N route. Snorkel for 45 to 90 minutes, then reach Labuan Bajo harbour at about 12:00.
Kanawa as the closing morning
Kanawa is where the trip ends. It is the last stop of day 3 on the 3D2N route, and after it the boat sails back to Labuan Bajo harbour, which it reaches at about 12:00.
It is a small island west of Rinca, about 1 to 1.5 hours by boat from Labuan Bajo, with white sand beaches. The brochure lists it as a snorkelling stop.
Plan 45 to 90 minutes for the stop. The hard walking is behind you by now, because Padar, Komodo and Manta Point are all done on day 2.
For a couple on a honeymoon, this is the soft end of the route, with no climb and no early alarm.
Pale sand, shallow coral
The reef is shallow, between 1 and 6 metres, and the current is mild. That makes Kanawa an easy snorkel, and a good first one for anybody who is still finding their confidence.
Shallow coral means the reef sits close to the surface, over white sand. We rate the stop easy.
Walk in from the sand, float out and drift back. Nothing here pulls at you. Afterwards every cabin has its own bathroom with a hot and cold shower, so you can rinse before the sail back.
Do not stand on the coral. In shallow water it is easy to touch it by accident, so keep your hands to yourself and your body flat.
Who enjoys Kanawa most
First-time snorkellers do. The water is shallow and the entry is from sand, so there is no deep-water start.
Couples winding down do too. The stop sits at the end of the route, after the climbs and the swims of day 2, and it asks for almost nothing from your legs.
Kanawa is popular with day trips, so it can be busy in high season. If you want the beach calmer, tell us, and we will pass it on. The captain decides on the morning, because tide and weather set the timing.
It will not suit anyone who wants a beach to themselves. For that, the longer samples add Sebayur, which is quieter but not guaranteed empty.
Final sail to the pier
After Kanawa, Gammara sails back to Labuan Bajo harbour. The brochure puts the arrival at about 12:00, with the trip ending between 12:00 and 13:00.
That is a sample time. It changes with traffic, weather and tides, so do not book a tight flight. On the 4D3N and 5D4N samples Kanawa is still the last morning, and on the 6D5N sample it shares day 5 with Sebayur before the return on the morning of day 6. A flight after 15:00 leaves room for the transfer and a shower, and that is our advice for the 3D2N route.
If you have a hotel night after the trip, tell us when you book so the drop-off is agreed in advance.
Pack your wet swimwear last and check each cabin and bathroom before you leave the boat.
FAQ
What time does the Kanawa stop end the trip?
Kanawa is the last stop of day 3, and the boat reaches Labuan Bajo harbour at about 12:00. The brochure says the trip ends between 12:00 and 13:00. That is a sample time, and traffic, weather and tides can move it. Book flights after 15:00.
Is Kanawa good for people who have never snorkelled?
Yes, and that is its strength. The coral is shallow, between 1 and 6 metres, the current is mild and you enter from white sand. Life jackets are on board. It is the easiest snorkel on the route, which is why it closes the trip.
Check availability — Gammara Phinisi
Bookings for Gammara Phinisi are made with the Komodo Explorer team in Labuan Bajo.