Soe Besar Vanrei
Soe Besar Vanrei Phinisi
A crescent of sand that tide sets out
Updated 8 November 2026
Taka Makassar is a crescent-shaped sandbar that surfaces at low water, on day two of the Soe Besar Vanrei 3D2N and 4D3N. The reef around it is shallow, the stop lasts 30 to 60 minutes, and there is little shade.
Taka Makassar in numbers
Day 2, with Manta Point, Taka Makassar: the sandbar is there only if the tide allows it.
Taka Makassar is a crescent-shaped sandbank ringed by shallow reef. The depth is 1 to 5 m, the current is mild, and the effort is easy. The stop runs 30 to 60 minutes. On the 3D2N and 4D3N it pairs with Manta Point on day two. The 2D1N does not reach it.
At high tide the sand is underwater and the stop becomes a snorkel over shallow coral. At low tide the sand shows, and the party lands on it.
The tides decide.
A low-water ridge of sand
The sandbar rises as the water falls. Where it is dry, it is a crescent a family can walk along, with shallow reef on either side. Where it is covered, the same place is a shallow snorkel. The change takes a short while.
Do not walk on the sand if the tide is high. It can be underwater, and the footing can drop off. Follow the guide's advice about where to stand.
A low-water ridge of sand also changes shape between visits, so a photograph from another trip is a hint, not a map.
Children enjoy it most when the tide is low and the sand is wide enough to run along. Bring a hat and a towel.
Real photo from a KEXI trip · 12 photos
Shade, or the lack of it
Shade on the sand is minimal. There are no trees, and the sky is the only roof. A hat, long sleeves and reef-safe sunscreen help, and drinking water is worth carrying ashore.
For older guests the heat is the main issue, not the walking. The sand is flat and short, so stairs and slopes are not a concern. Landing is from the boat.
A grandparent who does not want the sun can stay on the boat's covered dining deck and watch the others from there. The stop is short enough that the wait is brief.
- Effort: easy.
- Shade: almost none ashore; the boat has it.
- Bring: hat, sunscreen, water.
Taka before or after Manta
Taka Makassar is paired with Manta Point on the same day, and the written routes list them together. The order varies. The tide decides which comes first, since the sandbar needs low water and the manta drift depends on the current.
For a family the order has one practical effect. Manta Point is the harder swim, so a party that wants to be fresh for it prefers to visit it first. A party with young children can choose the shallow sand first, as a warm-up. Tell the captain which you favour.
Caveat: the captain sets the order on the day, with the tide and current in view.
FAQ
When is Taka Makassar's sandbar visible?
Mainly at low tide. At high water the sand is underwater, and the stop becomes a shallow snorkel over the reef. We print no tide times, because they are set by the tables on the day, and the captain adjusts which of Manta Point and Taka comes first.
Is there shade on Taka Makassar?
Almost none ashore, because the sand has no trees. Bring a hat, long sleeves and reef-safe sunscreen. The boat's covered dining deck gives shade to anyone who prefers to stay aboard, and the stop is short, at 30 to 60 minutes.
Is the Taka Makassar snorkel suitable for children?
Yes. The water is shallow, at 1 to 5 m, the current is mild and the level is easy. A child should wear a vest and stay with an adult. It suits smaller children better than the Manta Point drift next to it.
Check availability — Soe Besar Vanrei
Bookings for Soe Besar Vanrei run through the Komodo Explorer team in Labuan Bajo. We plan the voyage, take payment and answer in writing before you board; the boat keeps its own captain and crew.