Serui Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Travelers typically reach Serui by first flying into Biak or Jayapura, then connecting via ferry service to Yapen Island. From Biak, the ferry journey takes approximately 4-5 hours across the picturesque Cenderawasih Bay. Regular ferry services operate from Jayapura with longer transit times of about 10-12 hours. Local minivans and motorcycle taxis (ojek) provide convenient transport from Serui's ferry terminal to accommodations and attractions. If driving from elsewhere on Yapen Island, ample parking is available near the port area, though spaces can fill quickly during peak travel periods.

Nestled on the northern coast of Yapen Island in Papua, Indonesia, Serui offers travelers a genuine glimpse into authentic Papuan life. This charming port town serves as the main entry point to explore the lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs of Yapen Island. As ferry visitors approach the harbor, they're greeted by a panorama of verdant mountains sloping down to meet the crystal-clear waters of Cenderawasih Bay.

Serui enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, though rainfall patterns are worth considering when planning your visit. The driest months from June to September offer ideal conditions for exploring Yapen's beaches and underwater wonders, with calm seas making ferry crossings more comfortable. October through April brings the rainy season, with brief but intense afternoon downpours that rarely disrupt travel plans for long. Ferry services operate throughout the year but may reduce frequency during periods of rough weather. May and September represent excellent shoulder season opportunities with good weather, fewer visitors, and occasional promotional ferry fares.

Serui serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Papua's island treasures. Regular ferry services connect Serui to Biak Island (4-5 hours), where travelers can enjoy world-class diving sites and WWII historical landmarks. The mainland port of Jayapura is accessible via overnight ferry, offering access to Papua's cultural heart and gateway to inland adventures. Smaller boats from Serui harbor can transport visitors to the remote Ambai Islands (2 hours), where traditional village life continues much as it has for centuries. The journey between these destinations features spectacular views of Papua's coastline, with opportunities to spot marine life including dolphins and sea turtles along the way.

The waters surrounding Serui offer exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities, with vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life just offshore at spots like Sarawandori Beach. Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss trekking through Yapen's interior rainforests, home to exotic birds including the Wilson's Bird of Paradise and numerous endemic species. Sample local Papuan cuisine at the waterfront market, where grilled fish served with papaya and cassava accompaniments provides a true taste of island life. The charming village of Ambai, accessible by boat from Serui, welcomes visitors to experience traditional crafts and witness centuries-old fishing practices still in use today.

Yapen Island, home to Serui, sits within Cenderawasih Bay, which houses Indonesia's largest marine national park and serves as a nursery for whale sharks that feed in these nutrient-rich waters. The indigenous Yapen language contains over 40 words describing different ocean conditions, reflecting the island people's deep connection to the sea. During WWII, Serui and surrounding islands became strategic outposts, with remnants of Japanese bunkers still visible in certain coastal areas. The waters around Serui contain some of the highest marine biodiversity on the planet, with scientists regularly discovering species new to science.