Lembeh - Bolsel - Gorontalo (Bitung - Gorontalo)

Sunshine Liveaboard · Indonesia · 9 nights

Duration
9 nights
Embarkation
Bitung, Indonesia
Disembarkation
Gorontalo, Indonesia
Dives
Approximately 24 dives in total

About this route

Embark on an unforgettable dive expedition exploring North Sulawesi's diverse underwater landscapes. This route takes you through the world-renowned black sand slopes of Lembeh, vibrant reefs and rich marine biodiversity of Bolsel, and the pristine waters of Gorontalo, famous for whale sharks. The trip promises encounters with unique critters, stunning coral ecosystems, and the chance to witness large pelagics in nutrient-rich waters.

Regions on this route

Lembeh StraitTogian IslandsGorontalo

Highlights

Gorontalo

Gorontalo, in North Sulawesi, offers an exceptional diving experience characterized by pristine reefs, dramatic walls, and abundant marine biodiversity. It is one of the region's most sought-after destinations, particularly for its frequent whale shark sightings in its nutrient-rich waters. The area also features unique coral formations and diverse schooling fish.

  • Whale shark encounters
  • Pristine reefs and walls
  • Rich marine biodiversity
  • Unique coral formations

Lembeh Strait

Lembeh Strait is world-renowned for its black sand slopes and bizarre, rare marine life. It's a premier destination for muck diving, offering unique encounters with creatures like flamboyant cuttlefish and hairy frogfish. The area features a variety of dive sites that showcase its incredible biodiversity, making it a favorite for macro photography enthusiasts.

  • World-renowned muck diving
  • Rare macro species
  • Black sand environments
  • Flamboyant cuttlefish

Togian Islands

The Togian Islands, located in the heart of the Wallacea Triangle, boast pristine reefs and diverse marine ecosystems. This area is known for its dramatic walls, vibrant coral gardens, and a mix of both macro life and pelagic encounters. It offers a unique blend of diving experiences, from calm reef dives to exciting drift dives.

  • Pristine reefs
  • Diverse marine ecosystems
  • Dramatic walls
  • Vibrant coral gardens

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced Open Water
  • Minimum logged dives30
  • Experience30 minimum logged dives required.

Good to know

  • Dives are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after the last dive.
  • The cruise director will inform guests of any schedule changes.
  • The itinerary is subject to change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics at the Captain's discretion.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Bitung, Indonesia

    Divers will meet at the port for check-in and a welcome briefing from the crew. Guests will be shown to their cabins and have time to set up dive gear. The boat stays overnight or begins cruising depending on sea conditions, with light diving potentially available in the afternoon.

  2. Day 2: Lembeh Strait – Black Sand Critters

    Spend the day exploring the renowned black sand slopes of Lembeh Strait, a world-famous muck diving destination. The area is known for its bizarre and rare marine life, including flamboyant cuttlefish and hairy frogfish. Expect a mix of 2-3 dives, potentially including a night dive, guided by experienced dive professionals.

    Dive sites: Lion Head, Batu Punteng, Batu Kapal, Angel’s Window

  3. Day 3: Lembeh Strait – Black Sand Critters

    Spend the day exploring the renowned black sand slopes of Lembeh Strait, a world-famous muck diving destination. The area is known for its bizarre and rare marine life, including flamboyant cuttlefish and hairy frogfish. Expect a mix of 2-3 dives, potentially including a night dive, guided by experienced dive professionals.

    Dive sites: Lion Head, Batu Punteng, Batu Kapal, Angel’s Window

  4. Day 4: Bolsel – Vibrant Reefs & Macro

    Today focuses on the Bolsel (Bolaang Mongondow Selatan) region, situated just south of Lembeh Strait. This area is celebrated for its incredibly vibrant reef life and rich macro species. Divers can expect 2-3 dives, including potential night diving, exploring healthy coral ecosystems and searching for unique small marine creatures.

  5. Day 5: Bolsel – Vibrant Reefs & Macro

    Today focuses on the Bolsel (Bolaang Mongondow Selatan) region, situated just south of Lembeh Strait. This area is celebrated for its incredibly vibrant reef life and rich macro species. Divers can expect 2-3 dives, including potential night diving, exploring healthy coral ecosystems and searching for unique small marine creatures.

  6. Day 6: Gorontalo – Whale Shark Bay

    The expedition moves to Gorontalo in North Sulawesi, renowned for its pristine reefs, dramatic walls, and abundant marine biodiversity. This region is a major draw for encounters with whale sharks, often seen in its nutrient-rich waters. Divers can expect 2-3 dives, with the possibility of night dives. The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip, with a recommended 24-hour waiting period before flying.

  7. Day 7: Gorontalo – Whale Shark Bay

    The expedition moves to Gorontalo in North Sulawesi, renowned for its pristine reefs, dramatic walls, and abundant marine biodiversity. This region is a major draw for encounters with whale sharks, often seen in its nutrient-rich waters. Divers can expect 2-3 dives, with the possibility of night dives. The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip, with a recommended 24-hour waiting period before flying.

  8. Day 8: Gorontalo – Whale Shark Bay

    The expedition moves to Gorontalo in North Sulawesi, renowned for its pristine reefs, dramatic walls, and abundant marine biodiversity. This region is a major draw for encounters with whale sharks, often seen in its nutrient-rich waters. Divers can expect 2-3 dives, with the possibility of night dives. The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip, with a recommended 24-hour waiting period before flying.

  9. Day 9: Gorontalo – Whale Shark Bay

    The expedition moves to Gorontalo in North Sulawesi, renowned for its pristine reefs, dramatic walls, and abundant marine biodiversity. This region is a major draw for encounters with whale sharks, often seen in its nutrient-rich waters. Divers can expect 2-3 dives, with the possibility of night dives. The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip, with a recommended 24-hour waiting period before flying.

  10. Day 10: Disembarkation – Gorontalo, Indonesia

    After breakfast on board, guests will check out from the liveaboard. Transfers to the airport will be arranged for onward travel.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-06-01 – 2027-06-10from 1,874 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

Sunshine LiveaboardSunshine LiveaboardIndonesia
← Back to vessel: Sunshine Liveaboard