Island Hopping and Snorkelling in Karimunjawa
Part of the Karimunjawa travel guide — see every topic in All Karimunjawa Guides.
Island hopping is the main activity in Karimunjawa. A small wooden boat takes you out for the day to coral reefs and empty white-sand islands. You snorkel at two or three spots, stop on a beach for a grilled fish lunch, and come back before sunset. Shared tours leave from the harbour near the town square most mornings. Private boats are easy to arrange too.
How a day trip works
Most tours start around nine in the morning and return in the late afternoon. Your hotel or a local agent books you onto a shared boat, or you hire a whole boat for your group. The price usually includes snorkel gear, a guide and lunch. A typical day has one or two snorkelling stops on the reef, a lunch stop on a small island, and time to swim and relax on the sand. The boats are simple, with a roof for shade but few seats with backs. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water and a dry bag for your phone.
The islands
Popular stops include Menjangan Kecil, close to the main island, with a reef good for snorkelling. Cemara Besar and Cemara Kecil are small islands with soft white sand, clear water and shady trees, and are often the lunch stop. Some islands charge a small landing fee. Tanjung Gelam, on the main island, is a beach often used for the last stop at sunset. Further islands are quieter and have better coral, but they need a longer boat ride. Ask the boat crew which spots have the calmest water on the day.
Snorkelling and diving
The reefs have hard and soft corals, clownfish, parrotfish and many other reef fish. Sea turtles are seen at times. Visibility is best in the calm, dry months and lower after rain or strong wind. Most snorkelling spots are shallow, and life jackets are usually provided, so non-swimmers can join. For scuba diving, a few dive centres on the main island run trips and courses. Sites include coral walls and a shipwreck off Kemujan. Check the dive centre's safety record and equipment before you book.
Choosing a tour
Shared tours are cheaper and a good way to meet other travellers, but the group sets the pace. A private boat costs more, but you choose the stops and the times, and you can leave earlier to beat the crowds. On weekends and Indonesian holidays, popular spots get busy with many boats. Go on a weekday if you can. Make sure your boat has life jackets for everyone. If the sea looks rough, it is better to wait a day. Good captains will cancel when the waves are high.
Island Hopping and Snorkelling at a glance
| Getting there | Boats leave from the harbour near the town square |
|---|---|
| Hours | About 9am to late afternoon |
| Cost | Shared tours include gear and lunch; private boats cost more |
| Main stops | Menjangan Kecil, Cemara Besar, Cemara Kecil |
| Diving | A few dive centres on the main island |
| Best time | Calm, dry months; weekdays |