Komodo and Padar Boat Tours Suspended on September 9–10 Due to Rough Seas

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September 9, 2026 — Travelers planning a boat trip from Labuan Bajo to Komodo and Padar should be aware of a temporary sailing restriction this week. Tourist boats heading to Komodo Island and Padar Island will not be issued sailing permits on September 9 and 10 because of expected strong winds and rough sea conditions.

The restriction was announced by the Labuan Bajo Harbormaster and Port Authority (KSOP) on September 8 following marine observations, reports from vessels operating in the area and official weather forecasts from Indonesia’s meteorological agency, BMKG.

Are Komodo and Padar closed to tourists?

Not exactly.

The destinations themselves have not been announced as permanently closed. Instead, the temporary restriction applies to tourist boat departures to Komodo Island and Padar Island.

KSOP Labuan Bajo is temporarily not issuing the required sailing approval (SPB) for tourist vessels heading to these destinations on September 9–10, unless weather conditions improve earlier.

Boats already operating in the Komodo National Park area have also been instructed to avoid the waters around Komodo and Padar if conditions become dangerous.

Why are boat trips suspended?

The decision is based on expected deteriorating marine conditions, including stronger winds and higher waves.

BMKG’s marine forecast for the waters around Komodo shows waves reaching approximately 1.8 metres on September 9, with similar conditions continuing on September 10. Wind gusts are also forecast to reach around 20–25 knots at times.

These conditions can make boat trips more difficult and potentially dangerous, particularly for smaller tourist vessels and speedboats operating between Labuan Bajo and the islands.

The restriction therefore comes from the maritime authorities rather than from a general tourism closure.

Can you still visit Rinca Island?

Yes, at least under the current restriction.

KSOP Labuan Bajo said sailing permits can still be issued for tourist boats heading to Rinca Island, which is another important habitat for Komodo dragons within the national park.

However, this does not mean every Rinca trip will automatically operate regardless of weather. Boat operators and captains remain responsible for assessing conditions and following maritime safety instructions.

What happens if you already booked a Komodo tour?

If your tour is scheduled for September 9 or 10 and includes Padar or Komodo Island, you should contact the operator before going to the harbor.

The temporary sailing restriction means that a normal itinerary including Padar and Komodo may not be able to operate as originally planned.

Depending on the operator and weather conditions, your options may include:

• rescheduling the tour for a later date;
• changing the itinerary to an alternative destination;
• switching to a Rinca-focused trip if permits and conditions allow;
• receiving a refund or credit according to the operator’s booking conditions.

Do not assume that a tour listed as available online will necessarily depart. Some booking platforms may continue to display scheduled trips even while local sailing restrictions are in effect.

What if you are arriving in Labuan Bajo today?

Labuan Bajo itself remains open to travelers.

The temporary restriction is specifically related to tourist boat operations toward Komodo and Padar. The town, hotels, restaurants and Komodo Airport are not covered by this particular sailing suspension.

Travelers arriving in Labuan Bajo should therefore not automatically cancel their entire trip. Instead, check the status of the specific boat excursion you have planned.

If you are visiting the area for the first time, see our Labuan Bajo for First-Time Visitors guide for information about transport, accommodation and planning your stay.

What about Komodo boat tours after September 10?

The current announcement covers September 9 and 10. It is not a permanent closure.

Whether tours resume on September 11 will depend on updated weather and sea conditions and instructions from the local maritime authorities.

Travelers with flexible itineraries should therefore avoid making assumptions based only on today’s status. Conditions can change quickly, and the sailing authority can either extend or lift the restriction depending on the latest marine forecast.

For more information about planning a trip by boat, including routes and practical considerations, see our Komodo Boat Tour Guide.

Should you still travel to Labuan Bajo?

For most travelers, the temporary boat restriction does not mean that a trip to Labuan Bajo needs to be cancelled.

Labuan Bajo remains open and tourism activity in the area continues. The main issue is whether your planned sea excursion can operate safely on the specific day of travel.

It is also worth remembering that Labuan Bajo and the Komodo area recently experienced other disruptions, including the August Flores earthquake. Indonesian tourism authorities reported on September 3 that Labuan Bajo remained open and that tourism activities were gradually returning to normal.

If your trip is flexible, the simplest option may be to keep your Labuan Bajo accommodation and move the Komodo or Padar boat trip to a day with better marine conditions.

What travelers should do now

1. Check your boat tour directly with the operator. Do this even if your booking platform still shows the tour as available.
2. Ask whether your September 9 or 10 departure has been cancelled or rescheduled.
3. Do not go to the harbor expecting to depart without confirmation. Sailing permits are currently restricted for Komodo and Padar.
4. Keep your booking confirmation and payment records in case you need to request a refund or change the date.
5. Check the latest marine forecast before rescheduling. Conditions can change, and the restriction may be extended or lifted.

For travelers comparing different ways to reach and explore the area, our How to Get to Labuan Bajo guide covers the main transport options.

Bottom Line

Tourist boat trips to Komodo Island and Padar Island are temporarily suspended on September 9–10, 2026, because of expected strong winds and rough sea conditions.

Labuan Bajo itself remains open, and Rinca Island can still be served by tourist boats when conditions and permits allow. The restriction is a temporary maritime safety measure, not a general closure of the Komodo National Park.

If you have a Komodo or Padar tour booked for September 9 or 10, contact your operator before heading to the harbor and be prepared to reschedule.

Sources

• DetikBali — Tourist boat sailing to Komodo and Padar suspended September 9–10
• BMKG — Marine forecast for Komodo National Park waters
• BPOLBF — Labuan Bajo remains open for tourists