WEST FLORES AND KOMODO NATIONAL PARK (KOMODO, RINCA, PADAR), SAPE STRAIT

Labuan Bajo / Komodo: boating safety

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Labuan Bajo, on the western tip of Flores, is the departure port for liveaboard and charter trips into Komodo National Park. Boats typically cruise among Komodo, Rinca and Padar islands, between the Flores Sea and the Sape Strait.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 115
Call Basarnas (SAR Nasional) on 115. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Indonesia: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Weather

BMKG publishes marine forecasts for the northern and southern Sape Strait (wind, waves, current speed and direction) for today to the day after tomorrow, a port forecast for Labuan Bajo, and spot forecasts for Labuan Bajo dive and tourist waters.

BMKG (Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika) · BMKG (Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika) · BMKG (Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika) · BMKG (Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika) ▾
bmkg.go.id (2026-10-14): “Prakiraan Cuaca di Selat Sape Bagian Utara untuk hari ini hingga lusa”
bmkg.go.id (2026-10-14): “Prakiraan Cuaca Selat Sape Bagian Selatan”
maritim.bmkg.go.id (2026-10-14): “Perairan Wisata Labuan Bajo”
maritim.bmkg.go.id (2026-10-14): “Pelabuhan Labuan Bajo”

Local rules

Komodo National Park includes 132,572 ha of protected sea around Komodo, Rinca and Padar, managed under a zoning plan (2012 decree). Most cruising here is inside the park.

Directorate General KSDAE, Ministry of Forestry (Indonesia) · Directorate General KSDAE, Ministry of Forestry (Indonesia) ▾
ksdae.kehutanan.go.id (2026-10-14): “Keputusan Menteri Kehutanan dan Perkebunan Nomor : 172/KptsII/2000 tentang Penetapan Kawasan Pelestarian Alam Perairan Taman Nasional Komodo seluas 132.572 Ha”
ksdae.kehutanan.go.id (2026-10-14): “Keputusan Direktur Jenderal PHKA Nomor : 65/Kpts/DJ-V/2001 Tentang Zonasi Taman Nasional Komodo dan diperbaharui dengan Keputusan Direktur Jenderal PHKA Nomor : SK. 21/IV-SET/2012 tanggal 24 Pebruari 2012”

Park entry tickets can be booked online in Balai Taman Nasional Komodo's SiOra app (since February 2025), without going to a ticket counter.

Directorate General KSDAE, Ministry of Forestry (Indonesia) · Directorate General KSDAE, Ministry of Forestry (Indonesia) ▾
ksdae.kehutanan.go.id (2026-10-14): “Balai Taman Nasional Komodo resmi menerapkan SiOra, aplikasi layanan reservasi tiket dan interpretasi mandiri.”
ksdae.kehutanan.go.id (2026-10-14): “Melalui fitur e-ticketing, pengunjung dapat membeli tiket masuk langsung melalui aplikasi tanpa perlu datang ke loket.”

Hazards

Komodo dragons, 2–3 m long and up to 100 kg, are the top predator on Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang, Gili Dasami and Flores.

Directorate General KSDAE, Ministry of Forestry (Indonesia) · Directorate General KSDAE, Ministry of Forestry (Indonesia) ▾
ksdae.kehutanan.go.id (2026-10-14): “Komodo, atau juga disebut biawak komodo (Varanus komodoensis), adalah spesies biawak besar yang terdapat di Pulau Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, dan Gili Dasami di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia.”
ksdae.kehutanan.go.id (2026-10-14): “dengan rata-rata panjang 2-3 meter dan beratnya bisa mencapai 100 kg. Komodo merupakan pemangsa puncak di habitatnya”

Sea conditions can change rapidly and boat safety standards vary. Check for life jackets before you go, and avoid travelling after dark unless the boat is properly equipped.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Travelling by boat or ferry can be dangerous as the sea conditions can change rapidly. Safety standards vary between providers.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Avoid travelling after dark unless you’re satisfied the vessel is suitably equipped.”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Labuan Bajo / Komodo?

Call Basarnas (SAR Nasional) on 115. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Where do I get the marine forecast for Labuan Bajo / Komodo?

BMKG publishes marine forecasts for the northern and southern Sape Strait (wind, waves, current speed and direction) for today to the day after tomorrow, a port forecast for Labuan Bajo, and spot forecasts for Labuan Bajo dive and tourist waters.

Read before you sail

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to doCold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

Bali — Benoa 275 nmSingapore (Keppel Bay & Sentosa) SingaporeEl Nido / Palawan PhilippinesFremantle and Rottnest AustraliaPenang MalaysiaLangkawi MalaysiaKoh Samui ThailandPhuket Thailand

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