Home > Blog
Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, August 10, 2026 — Good news for travelers planning to explore Komodo National Park. Boat tours to Komodo Island and Padar Island in East Nusa Tenggara officially reopened on Monday, August 10, 2026, after being temporarily suspended due to unfavorable weather and sea conditions.
The reopening was announced by the Class III Labuan Bajo Port Authority and Harbormaster Office (KSOP Kelas III Labuan Bajo) following an evaluation of sailing conditions around Labuan Bajo, Padar Island, and Komodo National Park.
Previously, tourist boat access to Padar Island and Komodo Port was temporarily suspended from August 7 to August 10, 2026. The decision was taken as a safety measure after maritime weather conditions in the area were considered unsuitable for sailing activities.
According to information reported regarding the temporary closure, weather forecasts indicated that wind speeds could reach around 26 knots, while wave heights were expected to reach approximately 2.6 meters. During the restriction period, tourist boats could only obtain a Sailing Approval Letter (SPB) for certain destinations, including Rinca Island, which was still considered accessible under the prevailing conditions.
The temporary closure affected various types of tourist boats commonly used to explore the Komodo area, including traditional phinisi boats, open-deck boats, and speedboats.
After the temporary restriction ended, KSOP Labuan Bajo announced that sailing routes to Padar Island and Komodo National Park reopened on Monday, August 10, 2026. The reopening is positive news for travelers, tour operators, travel agencies, and tourism businesses in Labuan Bajo that had previously needed to adjust their schedules due to the weather conditions.
Although boat tours have reopened, safety remains a major priority. Captains and boat operators are expected to continue monitoring weather forecasts and sea conditions before and during each trip. Sea conditions can change quickly, so departure and route decisions should always take current safety conditions into consideration.
With the reopening of the sailing routes, travelers can once again plan trips to some of the most popular destinations in Komodo National Park.
Padar Island is one of the most sought-after destinations because of its famous hilltop viewpoint. From the viewpoint, travelers can see three bays with distinctive beaches and different shades of blue. Reaching the viewpoint requires trekking up hundreds of steps, but the panoramic scenery from the top has become one of the most well-known experiences on a Komodo boat tour.
Meanwhile, Komodo Island offers a different experience. The island is one of the natural habitats of the Komodo dragon, an endemic reptile of Indonesia and one of the main icons of Komodo National Park. Visitors usually explore the island with a ranger to see the Komodo dragons while learning more about their lives and natural habitat.
A trip around the area is also about more than seeing Komodo dragons and enjoying the scenery. Depending on the itinerary, a boat tour in Komodo can include activities such as snorkeling, trekking, relaxing on beaches, and enjoying views of the islands and surrounding waters from the boat.
The reopening of the sailing routes does not mean that sea conditions can be ignored. Travelers planning to visit Komodo Island and Padar Island are still advised to follow the latest information from their boat operators and the local port authorities.
Before sailing, travelers should always consider the latest weather conditions, the condition of the boat, and instructions from the captain. If sea conditions become unfavorable again, changes to the route or delays may still be necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
For travelers who already have a scheduled trip, especially those joining a Komodo boat trip from Labuan Bajo, the reopening is certainly welcome news. After being temporarily affected by the weather, trips to Padar Island and Komodo Island can once again take place while continuing to prioritize safety throughout the journey.
Travelers looking to arrange their own Komodo boat tour can also explore available itineraries and sailing options through Golden Island Cruises or Indonesia Komodo Tour.
With the reopening of the sailing routes on August 10, 2026, tourism activities around Komodo are gradually returning to normal. However, travelers should continue monitoring weather conditions and make sure their chosen tour operator has the necessary permissions and follows the applicable sailing regulations before departure.
