Kanha Phinisi
Kanha Phinisi fleet (Kanha Citta, Kanha Loka, Kanha Natha)
Taka Makassar Komodo sandbank: the sandbar stop
Updated 23 October 2026
The Taka Makassar Komodo sandbank is a crescent of sand ringed by shallow reef, and it is the last stop of the Kanha 3D2N on day 3, before the drop-off around 12:00. The tide decides how much sand shows. Shared fares start at IDR 4,500,000 (≈ USD 276) per person.
Where Taka Makassar falls on the Friday sailing
Taka Makassar is the last stop of the 3D2N, after Sebayur on the morning of day 3. On the 3D2N it is a stop for snorkelling and time on the beach. The drop-off in Labuan Bajo is around 12:00 to your hotel or the airport.
On a Friday departure, day 3 is Sunday, so a flight home after 14:00 fits. The route is identical on Kanha Citta, Kanha Loka and Kanha Natha, and the captain can adjust the order for the weather.
Taka Makassar: a crescent of sand and reef
Taka Makassar is a crescent-shaped sandbank surrounded by shallow reef. Depths run from 1 to 5 metres, the current is mild, and the snorkel lasts 30 to 60 minutes.
It is often paired with Manta Point on the same day. On the 3D2N the two sit on different days, and the captain keeps that order unless the tide says otherwise.
Shallow water makes it a gentle stop for most snorkellers.
- Best window
- morning
- Time ashore / in water
- 30–60 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Depth
- 1–5 m
- Current
- mild
- Tide
- Depends on tide
- Busiest months
- July, August
What it is not: the sandbar is visible only at low tide · not a place to walk if the tide is high: it may be underwater
Real photo from a trip booked with PT Komodo Explorer Indonesia · 12 photos
Tide decides how much sand shows
The sandbar is visible only at low tide. At high tide it can be underwater, and the stop becomes a snorkel over the reef with no sand to stand on. The tide is the one thing we cannot book.
The captain reads it on the day and decides how long to stay. Nobody on the boat can promise a long white strip, and a stop at the wrong state of tide is shorter and less photogenic.
The reef is the constant. Whatever the sand does, the shallow water around it is the point of the stop.
Taka Makassar shade, sunscreen and gear
There is minimal shade on the sand. Bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen. Snorkelling gear and life jackets are on board on all three boats.
The water is shallow enough for children and nervous swimmers who skipped the stronger current at Manta Point. A towel is on board; on Kanha Natha it is a bath towel, and on Kanha Citta and Kanha Loka a bath and pool towel.
Keep your feet off the coral. Shallow reef is easy to damage and easy to avoid.
Who Taka Makassar disappoints
A guest who is counting on a long walk on a white sandbar should keep the expectation loose. If the tide is high, there is little or no sand to walk on.
A guest with a flight home before 14:00 should not count on this stop either: the 3D2N drop-off is around 12:00, and the morning can run to the clock.
The Kanha edit. Taka Makassar is the easy swim that closes the trip. For a family that wants an easy last morning: Kanha Loka. For six friends who want the sandbar to themselves: Kanha Natha.
FAQ
Is Taka Makassar on the 3D2N route?
Yes. It is the last stop of the 3D2N, on day 3 after Sebayur. On the 3D2N it is a stop for snorkelling and time on the beach, and the drop-off in Labuan Bajo follows at around 12:00, to your hotel or the airport. The route is the same on all three boats.
Can I walk on the sandbar at Taka Makassar?
Only when the tide is low. The sandbar is visible only at low tide, and at high tide it can be underwater. The captain reads the tide on the day, so the amount of sand varies from trip to trip.
Is Taka Makassar good for beginners?
Yes. The water is shallow, 1 to 5 metres, and the current is mild, so most snorkellers find it easy. Life jackets and snorkelling gear are on board on all three Kanha boats. The sandbank gives a place to stand when the tide is low, and the reef gives the rest.
What should I bring to Taka Makassar?
A hat, reef-safe sunscreen and a swimsuit, because shade on the sand is minimal. The bring list also names sunglasses, a dry bag and personal medicine. Fins are optional and worth bringing if you have your own. Towels are on board on all three Kanha boats.
Check availability — Kanha Phinisi
Kanha Phinisi is one of the three Kanha boats we book as the booking partner of their owner; PT Komodo Explorer Indonesia sells, answers and stands behind your booking.