Indo Master · Indonesia · 13D/12N
Embark on an immersive 13-day liveaboard journey through the rich waters of Raja Ampat, Halmahera, and Lembeh. This itinerary promises a diverse range of dive experiences, from the vibrant reefs of Dampier Strait to the critter-filled black sands of Lembeh. Guests can expect encounters with a wide array of marine life, including various shark species, manta rays, and an abundance of macro creatures. The trip offers a unique blend of pelagic action and muck diving, making it suitable for divers seeking varied underwater adventures across these iconic Indonesian destinations.
Day 1 marks the embarkation in Bitung, Indonesia, where guests will be welcomed aboard the vessel. Following introductions and a comprehensive boat and safety briefing, divers can settle into their cabins. The vessel is scheduled to depart for the evening to prepare for the first full day of diving.
The first full day of diving begins with breakfast, followed by a check dive to ensure everyone is comfortable. Two to three subsequent dives are planned, allowing guests to acclimate to the local conditions and explore the initial underwater landscapes. This day focuses on ensuring diver readiness for the exciting itinerary ahead.
Today's diving focuses on the Dampier Strait, an area renowned for its strong currents and abundant fish life. This region is a hotbed of biodiversity, where divers can expect to see large schools of fish and a variety of colorful corals. The dynamic currents often bring in pelagic species, creating exciting drift dive opportunities.
Dive sites: Manta Sandy, Cape Kri, Blue Magic, Sardine Reef, Mikomoo
Continuing exploration of the Dampier Strait, divers will encounter diverse reef ecosystems offering varied underwater terrain. Sites here are known for their vibrant coral gardens, wall dives, and pinnacles teeming with marine life. The area is particularly famous for its resident schools of fish and the occasional visit from larger pelagics.
Dive sites: Manta Sandy, Cape Kri, Blue Magic, Sardine Reef, Mikomoo
Today offers further opportunities to explore the iconic dive sites of Dampier Strait, known for their exceptional marine biodiversity. Divers can expect encounters with a variety of reef sharks and colorful schooling fish. The area often features healthy hard and soft corals, providing stunning backdrops for underwater photography.
Dive sites: Manta Sandy, Cape Kri, Blue Magic, Sardine Reef, Mikomoo
The expedition moves to the hidden gems around Yanget and Penemu Islands, an area less frequented but equally rich in marine life. These islands offer a range of dive sites with incredible coral gardens and unique rock formations. Divers can expect to find vibrant reef fish, barracudas, and potentially reef sharks among the picturesque scenery.
Dive sites: Melissa's Garden, Mayhem, Cribb Ridge
Today's dives are around Pisang Island, situated in Halmahera, an area known for its strong currents and rich marine life. The sites here often feature steep rocky slopes and vibrant reef systems, providing excellent visibility for exploring the diverse underwater world. Guests can anticipate seeing various reef fish, colorful corals, and potentially larger species passing through.
Dive sites: Pisang Island
Diving around Batjan Island, located in the Molucca Sea, offers a variety of underwater landscapes. The region is characterized by diverse habitats, from walls and slopes to coral gardens. Divers can expect to encounter schooling fish, reef sharks, and an abundance of macro life among the healthy coral formations.
Dive sites: Akas Never-neverland, Benjam Maragarenda
The Patantie Strait, located between Batjan and Halmahera Islands, offers remote diving opportunities with strong currents. This area is known for its nutrient-rich waters, which support abundant marine life and vibrant coral ecosystems. Divers can expect to see various pelagic species and reef inhabitants, making for thrilling underwater explorations.
Dive sites: Batu Jaboi
Today's dives explore the Guraci and Tamo-Tamo Islands, situated near the equator and known for rich, diverse marine environments. These islands feature colossal pinnacles, vibrant coral walls, and dramatic drop-offs. Divers often encounter various reef sharks, bumphead parrotfish, and a multitude of colorful reef fish within these dynamic reef systems.
Dive sites: Renne's Rock, Akejojaru, Tamo-Tamo Pinnacle
The journey continues towards Makian Island, home to an active volcano, offering unique underwater landscapes and potential muck diving opportunities. Later, the vessel reaches Lembeh Strait, world-renowned for its incredible critter diving. Divers can expect to find a wide array of unusual and rare macro species, making it a paradise for underwater photographers.
Dive sites: Makian Island, Tifore Island, Sago Sago, Lembeh Strait
Today is dedicated to exploring the legendary muck diving sites of Lembeh Strait, often hailed as the 'Critter Capital of the World'. Divers will search for unique and camouflaged creatures on black volcanic sand, including various species of frogfish, seahorses, and cephalopods. Two morning dives are planned before the boat heads back to port, anchoring overnight.
Dive sites: Lembeh Strait
Following a final breakfast on board, guests will disembark in Sorong, Indonesia. Disembarkation is scheduled between 8:00 and 10:00. Guests are kindly requested to check their flight departure times to ensure a minimum of 24 hours between their final dive and their flight home.