Tourist boats have been barred from sailing to Komodo Island, Padar Island, and other sections of Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) through July 24, 2026, as authorities respond to forecasts of high waves and strong winds across the waters around Labuan Bajo. During the restriction, tourist vessels are only permitted to sail to Rinca Island.
Why the Restriction Was Issued
The suspension follows maritime weather forecasts from BMKG’s Tenau Kupang Maritime Station, combined with onshore sea observations and reports from vessels operating in the area.
“Sailing permits (SPB) can be issued for destinations to Rinca,” said Stephanus Risdiyanto, Head of the Class III Harbor Master and Port Authority (KSOP) office in Labuan Bajo, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Restrictions Could Lift Early if Conditions Improve
Stephanus said KSOP retains the flexibility to issue sailing permits for destinations beyond Rinca Island if weather conditions improve, even before the July 24 deadline. “We’ll monitor how the weather develops first,” he added.
What Boat Captains Are Required to Do
KSOP’s Labuan Bajo office has issued a formal maritime notice to vessel captains operating in the area. Under the notice, captains are required to ensure their vessels are seaworthy and to seek shelter if conditions deteriorate.
Captains have also been instructed to alert other vessels if they become aware of hazardous weather conditions in the area, and to coordinate with the harbor master’s office and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) if sea conditions continue to worsen.
What This Means If You’re Planning a Komodo Trip
For travelers with island-hopping tours booked out of Labuan Bajo in the coming days, particularly trips to Padar Island’s famous viewpoint or Komodo Island’s dragon-viewing trails, this restriction means itineraries will likely need to be adjusted to Rinca Island instead, which also offers Komodo dragon sightings and trekking routes. Travelers are advised to confirm directly with their tour operator whether their scheduled route has been affected, and to expect potential last-minute itinerary changes if rough sea conditions persist beyond July 24.
The restriction follows a string of maritime safety incidents in the region this year, including a fatal pinisi boat sinking in January and two tourist drownings near Pulau Kelor in July, both of which have kept water safety in the Komodo region under close scrutiny.
