Pelabuhan Ratu tide times

BMKG data for Pelabuhan Ratu records a mean tidal range of approximately 1.5 m above Chart Datum. The tidal regime is mixed semidiurnal — two highs and two lows per day, but unequal in height. On spring tides (near new and full moon), the difference between the higher and lower of the two daily highs can reach 0.5–0.8 m. This diurnal inequality is more pronounced here than on the Java Sea coast.

Yes, it is one of the better-known surf destinations on the West Java Indian Ocean coast. The bay's southwest orientation captures long-period southerly and south-southwesterly swells. The most consistent conditions occur when swell height runs 1.5–2.5 m with a period above 12 seconds. Tidal state matters — mid-incoming to low tide generally produces cleaner faces on the bay's point and beach breaks. The water is warm year-round; south swell is most reliable May through August.

Nyai Roro Kidul is a figure from Sundanese and Javanese cultural tradition — the Queen of the South Sea — associated with the entire southern Java coast. Local fishing communities at Pelabuhan Ratu have a longstanding cultural relationship with this stretch of ocean that the figure represents. The physical character of the sea here is straightforward: the Indian Ocean delivers powerful south swell, rip currents form around the bay headlands, and conditions can change quickly with wind shifts. The legend reflects generations of maritime observation and respect for genuinely demanding water, encoded in a cultural framework.

The harbour entrance and the bay's shallow approaches are most easily navigated around high water, particularly for larger boats with a deeper draft. Outgoing spring tides at Pelabuhan Ratu can run a surface current of 0.5–1.0 knot across the bay mouth, which experienced skippers account for when setting a course. The diurnal inequality in the mixed tidal regime means that two of the four daily tide crossings are at significantly different heights — planning a departure around the higher of the two daily highs gives more under-keel clearance.

Predictions displayed here are modelled from Open-Meteo Marine global tidal data, with typical accuracy of ±45 minutes on timing and ±0.2–0.3 m on height. For navigation, commercial fishing operations, and any safety-critical use, consult official BMKG (Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika) tidal predictions at bmkg.go.id. This site provides informational guidance only and is not a substitute for official nautical publications.