Jakarta: Diving at Thousand Islands Marine Park Day Trip

If you’re visiting Jakarta and craving a break from the city’s hustle, a trip to the Thousand Islands Marine National Park offers a refreshing escape. While the phrase “diving” might conjure images of heavy gear and deep-sea exploration, this experience is accessible even for beginners and provides a fantastic glimpse into Indonesia’s marine beauty.

What we love about this tour is how it combines easy beach dives with stunning marine visibility and the chance to visit different islands, each with its own vibe. Plus, the inclusion of guided dives, lunch, and ferry transport makes it a convenient package.

One thing to consider is the two-hour ferry ride each way—if seasickness or long boat trips aren’t your thing, this may be a less enjoyable day. Still, for those eager to see vibrant coral and marine life without venturing far from Jakarta, this trip hits the sweet spot.

This tour is ideal for snorkelers, beginners, and adventure lovers looking for a day of sun, sea, and underwater discovery close to Jakarta.

Key Points

• Easy access from Jakarta with a 2-hour ferry ride to the outer islands.
• Variety of islands including Pramuka for day-trippers and Pelangi for multi-day stays.
• Shallow slope dives perfect for beginners and non-certified divers (with additional fees).
• Excellent marine visibility especially at Pulau Pelangi, great for underwater photography.
• Guided by knowledgeable instructors ensuring safety and enjoyment.
• Includes all essentials: transportation, equipment rental, lunch, and park fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

This tour offers an attractive way to step outside Jakarta’s concrete jungle and into a vibrant marine world. The journey begins at Dermaga 16 Marina Ancol, where you’ll check in and prepare for the ferry ride. Expect to spend about two hours on the boat to reach the outer islands—an experience in itself, offering glimpses of Jakarta Bay’s scattered islands.

The Ferry Ride

The ferry is comfortable but long enough that it might test your patience, especially if seasickness is a concern. You’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early—the tour is strict about punctuality. Once on board, you’ll be surrounded by the open water, a chance to relax and take in the views of scattered islands and the sea stretching to the horizon.

The Islands and Marine Environment

Once you arrive, the real adventure begins. The tour offers choices of islands, including Pramuka, which is perfect for a day trip, and Pelangi Island, where you can stay longer or return for additional dives. Each island is unique: some are inhabited, offering small local communities, while others are pristine, untouched spots ideal for snorkeling and shallow dives.

Pulau Pelangi is especially praised for its crystal-clear waters and fantastic visibility—perfect for underwater photos and spotting colorful marine life. The shallow slopes make this accessible for beginners, and the guided instruction ensures safety and confidence for those new to diving.

The Dives and Marine Life

Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll get a chance to explore the underwater world in shallow waters, making it suitable for non-certified divers with an extra fee of Rp 499,000. Reviewers noted that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, which enhances the experience, especially if you’re new to diving or snorkeling.

Marine life sightings are typically vibrant, with plenty of fish, corals, and other reef inhabitants. The excellent visibility especially at the outer islands makes it easy to appreciate the underwater scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch and Amenities

Included in the package is a lunch and refreshments—a welcome break after your morning of activity. The food is generally straightforward but satisfying, giving you energy for the return ferry ride. Remember to bring your own snacks, water, and sun protection to stay comfortable during the day.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day starts early at Marina Ancol, where you’ll check in and meet your guide. After a brief safety briefing, the group boards the ferry for the two-hour ride to the outer islands. The ferry ride itself offers a chance to relax, scan the horizon, and get excited about what’s ahead.

Once arrived, you’ll have around 4 hours for diving, snorkeling, island hopping, or relaxing on the beaches. The guided dives are arranged to showcase the best shallow slopes and clear waters, especially at Pulau Pelangi, which many reviewers describe as “fantastic for visibility.”

After your time on the islands, you’ll hop back on the ferry for the return journey, arriving back at Marina Ancol after roughly 8 hours total. The experience ends where it began, with opportunities to share the day’s highlights with fellow travelers.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• Round-trip ferry transportation
• Dive instructor and guided dives (twice for day trips, four times if you opt for overnight)
• Lunch and refreshments
• Diving equipment rental
• Entrance fees to marine parks

Not Included:

• Hotel pickup/drop-off (a potential extra cost if you need it)
• Extra fee for non-certified divers
• Personal expenses and souvenirs

This comprehensive package is designed to offer value and peace of mind, especially for those unfamiliar with the area or new to diving.

Practical Tips for the Tour

What to bring: Hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. It’s worth noting that littering and touching marine life are not allowed, so be respectful of the environment.

Important: Arrive at least 30 minutes early; otherwise, you risk missing the boat. Bring cash for personal expenses, as ATMs might not be available on the islands.

Seasickness might be a factor—consider medication if you’re prone, and remember, the ferry ride is approximately two hours each way.

Participants must have a valid diving certification if they want to dive independently; beginners can join guided shallow dives with the additional fee.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is perfect for beginners eager to explore marine life in Indonesia’s waters without deep-sea diving. It also suits those wanting a convenient escape from Jakarta’s urban rush, with the comfort of guided instruction, equipment rental, and included logistics.

If you’re a snorkeler or family looking for a day of easy beach time with underwater sights, this trip offers excellent value.

Adventure seekers looking for more than just a boat ride will enjoy the shallow, guided dives, especially at Pulau Pelangi, known for its superior visibility.

On the other hand, if you’re prone to seasickness or seek a more luxurious, less boat-dependent experience, this might not be the best fit.

The Sum Up

This tour strikes a compelling balance between adventure and convenience. For a reasonable price of around $211 per person, you get ferry transportation, guided shallow dives, and lunch, all set against the backdrop of Indonesia’s vibrant marine ecosystems. The friendly guides and excellent visibility at the outer islands mean you’re in good hands whether you’re new to diving or just want to snorkel amid lively reefs.

The two-hour ferry ride might be a stretch for those sensitive to seasickness, but it’s a small price to pay for a day immersed in Indonesia’s underwater marvels. The islands themselves offer a peaceful escape, with some inhabited and others untouched, giving you a taste of local life and pristine nature.

This tour offers great value and authentic experiences for travelers craving a straightforward, fun-filled day on Indonesia’s waters. It’s especially well-suited for families, beginners, and adventure lovers eager for marine sights without complicated logistics.

FAQ

Do I need diving certification to join this tour?
Not necessarily. You can participate in guided shallow dives, especially at Pulau Pelangi, with the additional fee of Rp 499,000 if you’re a non-certified diver. Certified divers can dive independently under guidance.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry ride to and from the islands is approximately two hours each way. Expect a total of about 4 hours on the water including the return trip.

What is included in the price?
The price covers round-trip ferry transportation, guided dives, diving equipment rental, lunch and refreshments, and entrance fees to the marine parks.

Is the tour suitable for kids or non-swimmers?
While the tour is mostly suitable for snorkelers and non-certified divers, non-swimmers should evaluate their comfort with boat rides and water activities. No specific age restrictions are mentioned, but parental discretion is advised.

Are there any restrictions regarding seasickness?
Yes, the two-hour ferry ride might cause seasickness. Consider taking seasick medication beforehand if you are sensitive.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change unexpectedly.

This day trip to Jakarta’s Thousand Islands offers a straightforward, value-packed way to enjoy Indonesia’s marine treasures without needing extensive planning or equipment. Whether you’re diving, snorkeling, or simply relaxing under the sun, it’s a memorable way to appreciate the region’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: