Vhale
Vhale Phinisi
The last swim before the harbour
Updated 4 November 2026
Sebayur Island, or Siaba, is the snorkel on the last morning of Vhale's 3D2N route. The reef is easy at 45 to 90 minutes, the captain picks between the two, and the sail back to Labuan Bajo ends the voyage at 12:00.
Sebayur or Siaba on the last morning
The 3D2N route ends with a snorkel at Siaba or Sebayur, and it names both because the captain decides between them. On the third morning, after breakfast, the captain looks at the wind and the water and chooses one. Sebayur, near Flores, is the larger of its island group and offers beaches with reefs close by. Siaba sits in the central park, and its reef has a name for turtles.
For Sebayur the table reads: best at midday, easy, a snorkel of 45 to 90 minutes at 2 to 10 metres, the current mild. No dragons here and no walk: the trekking area is elsewhere. After two days of climbing, ridges and drifts, a long gentle snorkel is a kindness the route has earned.
A snorkel before the sail home
This is the snorkel where the party goes slowly. The water is calm for most of the morning, the reef is close and the pace is unhurried. Every guest has snorkel gear and a life jacket to hand. Confident swimmers can range further, children stay near the boat and the oldest member of the party floats on her back and talks to the sky.
Turtles are possible at Siaba and nothing is promised. The reef offers the usual colours and small fishes, and the swim lasts as long as the clock allows, which on a morning with a sail to follow is shorter than anyone would choose. After two days of early starts, nobody argues about the pace.
Why the stop depends on the captain
The choice between the two depends on the sea. The captain looks at the wind overnight and in the morning, at the swell on the approach and at how far there is to sail back, and he picks the reef that gives the party the best water and still leaves time for the return. We cannot tell you in advance which it will be, and we will not pretend that we can.
The same holds for a change. Kanawa is an alternative for the last morning, not a stop, and the captain may offer it when the sea suits it. If a party has a strong preference, tell us before the voyage and we put it to the captain; the answer is his on the day.
From the water to the harbour
Once the snorkel is over the boat turns for Labuan Bajo, and the end is 12:00 at the quay, with the car on to your hotel or the airport. That is the clock, and it deserves some margin. Book a flight home later in the afternoon, after 14:00, and not an early one, because a late start from the reef or a slow transfer costs you the margin.
Showers, a last coffee and a farewell to the crew happen in the final hour. The park package and any tips are settled before you leave the boat, and the fare itself was paid before you sailed. Leave the reef early, leave the afternoon free.
FAQ
Do we know in advance whether it will be Siaba or Sebayur?
No. The 3D2N route names both and the captain chooses on the morning, depending on wind, swell and the time needed for the sail back. We tell you what he decides as soon as we know. If you have a strong preference, say so before booking and we will put it to him.
Check availability — Vhale
Bookings for Vhale are made with the Komodo Explorer team in Labuan Bajo; the boat sails with its own crew of nine.