Karimunjawa Island, a hidden paradise nestled in the Java Sea, is a secluded escape renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs. Just a short journey from mainland Java, this tropical archipelago is fast becoming a favorite for scuba diving, snorkeling, and freediving. These eight locations around Karimunjawa offer a range of marine activities suitable for all experience levels from shallow snorkeling areas ideal for beginners to deeper dive sites favored by advanced divers.
Overview of Karimunjawa Island
Karimunjawa is a group of 27 islands that make up a marine national park in the Java Sea, governed under the Jepara Regency of Central Java. With a total area of over 1,500 square kilometers, the region is known for its biodiverse coral reefs, calm lagoons, and laid-back island lifestyle. The islands support traditional fishing villages, white-sand beaches, and protected mangrove forests. Sustainable tourism is growing steadily here, supported by conservation efforts and increased accessibility from Java’s northern ports.
Where Is Karimunjawa Island?
Address: Karimunjawa, Jepara Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
Karimunjawa Island is located in the Java Sea, about 80 kilometers northwest of Jepara in Central Java, Indonesia. It belongs to Jepara Regency and is part of Central Java Province. The archipelago is accessible by ferry or fast boat from Semarang or Jepara and is considered one of the most pristine marine areas in the region.
When Is The Best Time To Dive In Karimunjawa?
The best time to dive and snorkel in Karimunjawa is during the dry season, which spans from April to October. During this time, sea conditions are calm, visibility is excellent, and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for underwater photography, coral reef exploration, and comfortable travel between islands.
Top 4 Snorkeling Spots in Karimunjawa, Java
Pantai Batu Pengantin
- Location: Kemujan, Karimunjawa, Jepara, Central Java, Indonesia
- Signature: Crystal-clear water, beginner-friendly reef
- Price range: IDR 150,000 – 350,000 (~ $10 – $23)
- How to get there: Local transport or tour boat ( 20–30 minutes from town center)
Batu Pengantin, or “Lovers Rock,” is an easy-access snorkeling site with warm water (28–30°C) and shallow depths ranging from 1 to 3 meters—ideal for beginners or families. Visibility can reach up to 15 meters, revealing coral gardens, clownfish, and sandy seabeds. The setting is peaceful, with a romantic rock formation onshore that adds to its local charm. It’s a relaxing and safe spot to start your underwater experience in Karimunjawa.
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Trip Karimunjawa
- Location:Karimunjawa, Jepara Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
- Signature: Snorkeling tour experience with multiple stops
- Price range: IDR 250,000 – 600,000 (~$17 – $40)
- How to get there: Pre-arranged snorkeling trips via local tour providers (timing depends on selected route; 20–45 minutes average per stop)
These trips typically offer access to shallow reefs with depths from 1.5 to 4 meters and water temperatures between 28–30°C. Trip Karimunjawa tours include stops like Pulau Tengah, Menjangan Kecil, and Gosong Cemara—perfect for casual snorkelers and families. Each destination showcases clear visibility, vibrant marine life, and beachside breaks. Most packages come with snorkeling gear, guides, and a picnic-style lunch.
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Pulau Cilik
- Location:Kemujan, Karimunjawa, Jepara Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
- Signature: Coral garden, clownfish habitat
- Price range: IDR 200,000 – 500,000 (~$13 – $33)
- How to get there: 30-45 minutes by boat ( 30–45 minutes by boat)
Pulau Cilik is surrounded by coral gardens ranging from 2 to 5 meters deep, with water temperatures around 28–29°C during the dry season. The area is great for relaxed snorkeling and beginner freediving. You’ll encounter clownfish, butterflyfish, and soft corals in calm, protected waters. Mornings typically offer the best visibility before boat traffic increases.
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Sunset Beach
- Location:Karimunjawa, Jepara Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
- Signature: Sunset views, shallow reefs, calm waters
- Price range: IDR 150,000 – 400,000 (~ $10 – $27)
- How to get there: By scooter or local boat ( 15-20 minutes from main pier)
Sunset Beach features snorkeling zones with depths from 1 to 2.5 meters and water temperatures averaging 29°C. Just a few steps from shore, it’s one of the easiest and safest places for casual marine exploration. You’ll spot reef fish in clear, still waters—great for kids and newcomers. Late afternoon visits provide ideal lighting for underwater photography and a scenic sunset to end the day.
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Top 4 Diving Spots in Karimunjawa, Java
Pulau Cemara Besar
- Location:Central Java, Indonesia
- Signature: Soft coral gardens, reef walls, diverse marine life
- Price range: IDR 500,000 – 1,200,000 (~$33 – $80) (per dive)
- How to get there: 45 minutes by boat from Karimunjawa
- License required: PADI Open Water or equivalent.
Diving depths here range from 5 to 20 meters, with water temperatures around 28°C. Pulau Cemara Besar is known for excellent visibility and gentle current—making it suitable for both beginner and certified divers. The reefs host turtles, reef sharks, and abundant schooling fish. Post-dive, enjoy the nearby beach or explore the mangroves that border the coastline.
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Indonur Wreck
- Location:Karimunjawa, Indonesia
- Signature: Sunken cargo ship, artificial reef
- Price range: IDR 600,000 – 1,300,000 (~$40 – $87)
- How to get there: Accessible by boat from main island ( 30–40 minutes depending on sea condition)
- License required: PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent.
The Indonur Wreck rests at depths between 12 and 18 meters, with water temperatures averaging 27–29°C. It’s a favorite among advanced divers for its eerie sunken silhouette and rich macro marine life. You’ll likely encounter lionfish, soft coral colonies, and various invertebrates. Night dives here are particularly popular due to the concentration of nocturnal species.
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Seruni Island
- Location: Karimunjawa, Jepara Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
- Signature: Drift dives, coral ridges
- Price range: IDR 600,000 – 1,400,000 (~$40 – $93)
- How to get there: About 1.5 hours by boat from KarimunJawa
- License required: PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent
Seruni Island offers deeper dive sites between 10 and 25 meters, with water temperatures around 27–29°C. Known for its strong currents and coral ridges, this site suits experienced divers looking for drift diving. Pelagic fish like tuna and barracuda are commonly seen here. Its remote setting makes it one of the quieter dive areas around Karimunjawa.
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Pantai Gelean
- Location: Laut Jawa, Karimunjawa, Kabupaten Jepara, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
- Signature: Coastal reef diving, easy access
- Price range: IDR 450,000 – 1,000,000 (~$30 – $67)
- How to get there: Scooter or car ride followed by short boat trip (30 minutes)
- License required: Entry-level certification or supervised training dive
Pantai Gelean features shallow reefs ranging from 2 to 6 meters deep with water temperatures around 28–30°C. It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for divers building experience. Expect to see angelfish, parrotfish, and soft coral beds just off the beach. The calm setting makes it suitable for both training dives and relaxed snorkel sessions.
Karimunjawa National Park Launches New Zoning Plan to Protect Coral Reefs
Karimunjawa National Park has introduced a groundbreaking zoning and management plan, the first of its kind for a marine park in Indonesia, to safeguard its vibrant coral ecosystems.The new initiative designates specific no-fishing and no-anchoring zones while guiding tourism activities to low-impact areas. This balanced approach aims to protect marine biodiversity while supporting local communities that depend on the sea.Visitors are encouraged to follow reef-safe practices:
- Do not step on coral
- Avoid feeding marine life
- Use reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen
These simple actions help preserve Karimunjawa’s natural beauty for future generations.
Indonesia Impression Tour – Plan Your Perfect Trip to Karimunjawa Island
Indonesia Impression Tour offers well-structured experiences for travelers exploring the rich marine life of Karimunjawa Island. With flexible itineraries tailored to different skill levels, from beginner-friendly reef snorkeling to licensed wreck diving, every detail is carefully arranged. Our Karimunjawa Island tour packages include inter-island transport, accommodations, and support from knowledgeable local teams — so you can focus on discovering coral gardens, marine biodiversity, and hidden underwater gems without worrying about logistics.
