Thousand Islands by speedboat: when to go and what to pack
Boats leave from Marina Ancol. Here is how to pick an island, how long the crossing takes and what to bring.
The Thousand Islands, or Kepulauan Seribu, lie in the Java Sea north of Jakarta. Speedboats and passenger ferries leave from Marina Ancol, and the crossing takes from about 20 minutes to around three hours, depending on the island you choose.
The dry season, roughly April to October, usually gives calmer seas and clearer water for swimming and snorkelling. Seas can be rougher during the wet season, so we confirm the boat on the morning of departure and keep a flexible backup day where we can.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light towel, a dry bag for phones and cash, and a hat. Bring motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness, and wear shoes that can get wet. Our day trips include the boat, a licensed guide and time on the water at the island you chose.