Volcano Diving in Krakatoa
August 26th, 2008Diving & Surfing, TravellingA volcanic eruption is possibly the most spectacular example of the incredible power of nature – and few eruptions in history have been quite as spectacular as that of Krakatoa. Until the summer of 1883 this volcano, situated on an island between Java and Sumatra, had been quiet for over two hundred years. In may that year came the first signs of renewed activity. Then at 10am on 27 August, the whole island began to explode.
The explosions were heard 3,500 km away in Australia. Clouds of ash were blown 80 km into the sky, blocking out the sun and plunging the surrounding areas into complete darkness for two and a half days. This ash circled the Earth several times, causing spectacular red sunsets all over the world throughout the following year.
The eruption triggered tidal waves which were recorded as far away as South America and Hawaii. The biggest and most destructive of these waves was 37m high; it wiped out 36,000 people who lived in the coastal towns of Java and Sumatra.
For the next forty-five years the region remained quiet. Then in 1927 a series of eruptions under the sea led to the appearance of a tiny island where Krakatoa once was. This “Child of Krakatoa” now stands over 200m above sea level.
Krakatau area is well known as one of the beautiful destination for diving. Krakatau enchanting about volcanic stones and lava submerged long time ago into the ocean. It is diving for those who revel in the caverns, odd black shapes, and swimthroughs created by the lava rocks. Sharp edged and cracked rocks make a west facing submarine cliff look like ancient ruins of a temple. A rock canyon surge dive can be done at Sangiang.
The coral doesn’t quite match up to what you’d expect from Indonesia. But fish life is quite active, for example, some huge Angelfish are often spotted here. Karang Serang has thermo clines and very strong currents which attract the bigger tuna and barracuda.
In the Straits there are several large wrecks including the HMAS Perth and USS Houston. The Houston lies in shallower water to the north on the edge of the Java Sea.
Be careful and listen to the locals who might warn you about recent conditions. Sometimes can be happened minor to moderate quakes since the status is active volcano.
- The stream is quite strong
- Depths: 10 – 30m
- Getting there: road from Jakarta, boat from Carita
- Best months: April to October
One Response to “Volcano Diving in Krakatoa”
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August 26th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Don’t: Paint Krakatoa. The same holds true for ash I mean ash, after thermo clines.