Sunda Strait · Indonesia
Discover one of the world's most famous volcanic landscapes — shaped by the legendary 1883 eruption and the continuing story of Anak Krakatau.
Krakatau lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. The name refers to the volcanic system and island group made famous by the catastrophic eruption of 1883. Today, visitors come to experience dramatic volcanic scenery, learn how the islands were reshaped by eruption and collapse, and see Anak Krakatau — the active cone that began emerging within the old caldera in 1927. A visit is as much about understanding the landscape as it is about enjoying the journey across the Sunda Strait.
Knowing what happened here makes the scenery much more meaningful when you see the islands from the water.
Krakatau became known worldwide after the catastrophic eruption of 1883. The event destroyed much of the former volcanic island and was accompanied by devastating tsunamis along the coasts of Java and Sumatra. The remaining landscape still carries the physical story of that collapse, including the steep remnant of Rakata.
Decades after the 1883 eruption, volcanic activity returned inside the submerged caldera. Anak Krakatau — “Child of Krakatau” — began emerging in 1927 and developed into the active volcanic cone seen in the archipelago today. Its shape continues to change as volcanic activity builds, erodes and reshapes the island.
Krakatau is not a static monument. It is an active volcanic system, which is why every visit must respect official exclusion zones and current conditions. Even when landing or trekking is restricted, the wider archipelago can still offer a powerful perspective from the boat, with views of Anak Krakatau, Rakata and the surrounding sea.
Krakatau combines natural history, volcanic scenery and a sea journey in one destination.
Carita on the west coast of Banten is a practical departure point for Krakatau trips. From Carita, the journey is normally made by speedboat across the Sunda Strait and commonly takes around 1.5 hours, depending on the boat, sea state and weather. Because volcanic and marine conditions can change, the exact route and activities should always be confirmed close to the travel date.
Krakatau can be visited at different times of year, but the quality of the crossing depends heavily on wind, waves and rain. An early departure is often useful because it gives more time on the water and allows the itinerary to adapt to conditions. Visibility, snorkeling conditions and access near Anak Krakatau can vary, so a flexible plan is better than expecting every activity to be available on every visit. For safety, the current volcanic alert level and instructions from Indonesian authorities always take priority over a fixed itinerary.
Explore our Krakatau tours or contact us to plan a private trip from Carita based on your preferred date and current conditions in the Sunda Strait.