About This Place
Satonda is a volcanic island north of Sumbawa and west of Moyo, close to the Sanggar Strait and Mount Tambora. A crater lake occupies its centre, while reef and a sheltered southern landing give liveaboards and local boats a compact land-and-water stop.
The lake is saline and scientifically unusual, separated from the sea by the crater rim. A short forest path connects the landing with viewpoints and the water's edge.
Satonda and Moyo form a national park designated in 2022. Visitors should follow current park rules for landing, lake access, trails, snorkeling and waste.
At a Glance
- Also known asPulau Satonda
- TypeIsland, Viewpoint / Trek, Snorkel Site, Bay / Anchorage
- Inside Komodo National ParkNo
- How to get thereLiveaboard, Fast Boat, Trek from Landing
- Travel time from Labuan BajoReached from northern Sumbawa or on selected liveaboard routes
- LandingBeach landing
- Last checked2026-09-12
What to Expect
The landing area leads through dry forest to the crater rim and lake. Paths can be hot, uneven and slick after rain.
Snorkeling takes place on a crew-selected section of the fringing reef. The open coast is more exposed than the anchorage, so tide and wind matter.
Facilities are limited and may not match a developed attraction. Carry essentials from the boat and return all waste.
Crowds and Timing
Several liveaboards can anchor near Satonda on Sumbawa routes, and the lake trail is narrow. A staggered landing creates a calmer walk. Outside common itinerary windows the island is quiet.
How to Visit
Join a northern-Sumbawa boat or a liveaboard that explicitly includes Satonda. Confirm national-park access and the landing point before departure. Combine the lake walk and snorkeling only if there is enough daylight and the crew can supervise both safely.
Boats That Sail Here
Compare 5 bookable boats that include Satonda Island on published itineraries.
Who This Suits
Good for active families, couples, snorkelers and liveaboard guests seeking a short walk. Visitors with limited mobility should ask about the current trail and landing before booking.
What to Bring
- Closed shoes or sturdy sandals
- Water, hat and reef-safe sunscreen
- Dry bag and camera rain cover
- Mask, fins and flotation aid if needed
- A bag to remove every piece of personal waste
Safety Notes
Use footwear with grip, carry water and stay on the designated trail. Do not enter the crater lake unless management explicitly permits it.
Snorkel only in the area chosen by the crew, with a flotation aid where needed. Boat departure can change with wind and sea state.
Photography Notes
The crater rim gives the clearest context for the lake, while reef and volcanic shoreline suit wide angle. Keep drones within current park rules. Do not hang objects from trees or leave offerings, string or plastic for a photograph.
Entrance Fee
Satonda is part of Moyo Satonda National Park. Park, boat, guide and local activity charges may be separate; confirm the current authorised payment process before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Satonda Island?
It lies north of Sumbawa in Dompu Regency, west of Moyo Island and near the Sanggar Strait.
Is the crater lake freshwater?
The lake is saline and has an unusual environmental history. Follow park rules and do not assume swimming is allowed.
Is Satonda a national park?
Satonda is part of Moyo Satonda National Park, designated in 2022.
How do I reach it?
Use a local northern-Sumbawa boat or a liveaboard route that explicitly lists Satonda.
How hard is the lake walk?
It is relatively short but hot and uneven. Rain can make sections slippery.
Can I snorkel around the island?
Yes in suitable, crew-selected reef areas. The exposed coast can have different conditions from the anchorage.
Are there facilities?
Facilities are limited. Bring water and essentials from the boat and remove all waste.
How long should I allow?
Three to five hours is practical for a landing, crater walk and supervised snorkel without rushing.
Marine Life
Activities
Cruise Areas
Location
Satonda Island, Pekat, Dompu, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
![Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstaging.komodoinsider.com%2Fdestination%2Fsatonda-island%2F"e=Satonda+Island&description=A+volcanic+island+north+of+Sumbawa+with+a+crater+lake%2C+reef+and+protected+anchorage&picture=https%3A%2F%2Fstaging.komodoinsider.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F09%2Fdestination-satonda-island-1-Danau-Satonda-1024x768.jpg){kind=link}
Add a review