Kanawa Island

Kanawa is a small island in the Flores Sea about 90 minutes by boat from Labuan Bajo, and it is the archipelago's easy stop — no climb, no dragons, no current, just a reef you can swim to from the sand.

The island's signature is a long wooden jetty reaching out over water that shifts from clear to deep turquoise, with the reef visible beneath it. Snorkelling straight off the jetty or the beach puts you over healthy hard coral within a few metres, and green turtles are regularly seen grazing in the shallows. Reef sharks pass through the deeper edge.

That accessibility is the point. Much of the snorkelling in Komodo National Park involves drift, current and a guide's judgement about entry timing. Kanawa is the opposite — shallow, sheltered and forgiving, which makes it a good stop for anyone nervous in open water or travelling with children.

The island is small enough to walk around, with a low hill giving a view across to the neighbouring islands. Accommodation has come and gone here over the years and the situation changes; most people visit as a stop on a boat itinerary rather than staying.

Bring everything you need. There is limited shade, no shop worth the name, no ATM and no reliable phone signal.

Where is Kanawa Island? In the Flores Sea about 90 minutes by boat from Labuan Bajo, within easy reach on most Komodo boat itineraries.

Is Kanawa good for snorkelling? Yes, and it is the easiest in the region — healthy shallow reef a few metres from the beach and jetty, with no current to manage.

Can you see turtles at Kanawa? Green turtles are regularly seen grazing in the shallows around the jetty and reef flat.

Can you stay overnight on Kanawa Island? Accommodation has operated intermittently over the years and the situation changes, so most visitors come as a day stop on a boat trip.

Are there Komodo dragons on Kanawa? No — the island has no dragon population, which is part of why it works as a relaxed swimming stop.