Carita is the closest beach to Pandeglang and the long-established weekend escape from Jakarta, around two hours' drive from the city. The sand is dark volcanic grey rather than tropical white, the swimming is calm and shallow, and the strait is busy with small fishing boats.
The beach is also the main jumping-off point for boat trips to Anak Krakatau — the young volcanic island still growing where Krakatoa stood until 1883. Tours run from Carita harbour and take a long day; you cannot land on the cone itself any more, but you circle close enough to feel its presence.