Tourist boats banned from Komodo National Park on 29 May due to high waves

Tourist boats are banned from sailing to Komodo Island, Padar Island, and other spots within Komodo National Park on 29 May. The ban is due to the potential for waves exceeding two metres. The sailing permit (SPB) for tourist vessels will only be issued for Rinca Island, one of the Komodo habitats in the national park.

“Only for 29 May,” said Stephanus Risdiyanto, Head of the Class III Labuan Bajo Port Authority and Shipping Office (KSOP), on Wednesday (27 May 2026).

Stephanus explained that the sailing ban to areas other than Rinca Island is due to high waves of up to 2.1 metres in the southern Sape Strait and Komodo National Park waters on 29 May 2026, based on the maritime weather forecast from BMKG’s Tenau Kupang Maritime Station.

“Therefore, on 29 May 2026, sailing permits for tourist activities will only be granted for Rinca Island, and all tourism activities in Komodo National Park waters and the southern Sape Strait must be avoided,” Stephanus stressed.

The Class III Labuan Bajo Port Authority has issued a sailing notice to ship captains. The notice instructs captains to ensure vessel seaworthiness, monitor weather forecasts independently during voyages, and take necessary actions in emergency situations.

Captains must also conduct a safety briefing before sailing, avoid night-time voyages, and steer clear of hazardous areas. They are required to inform other vessels of weather hazards, seek shelter during bad weather, and coordinate with port authorities and Basarnas if conditions worsen.

“Port authorities have the power to delay sailing permits at any time if the weather forecast is deemed unsafe for navigation,” Stephanus added.