Saronde – Donggala (Saronde - Donggala)

Sunshine Liveaboard · Indonesia · 9 nights

Duration
9 nights
Embarkation
Saronde, Indonesia
Disembarkation
Donggala, Indonesia
Dives
Approximately 24 dives in total

About this route

This unique liveaboard journey explores the remote regions of West Sulawesi, tracing a path from Saronde to Dongala. Divers will discover seldom-visited waters renowned for pristine coral gardens, vibrant walls, and deeper seamounts. The itinerary focuses on uncovering the rich marine biodiversity of this isolated Indonesian coastline, with potential encounters with pelagic species and calm conditions offering excellent visibility. It's an expedition-style trip ideal for those seeking unspoiled reefs and a true sense of exploration.

Regions on this route

SulawesiGorontalo

Highlights

Dongala

Dongala, situated south of Toli Toli near Palu, represents the northwestern tip of Central Sulawesi. This area is celebrated for its relaxed diving conditions and extensive coral gardens. It serves as a significant disembarkation point for itineraries exploring this remote part of Indonesia.

  • Relaxed diving
  • Extensive coral gardens
  • Northwestern Central Sulawesi
  • Disembarkation point

Gorontalo

Gorontalo is a province on the northern part of Sulawesi, particularly known for its clear waters and white sandy beaches. The region is often a starting point for trips into the Tomini Gulf, famous for its deep water coral formations and unique macro life.

  • Clear waters
  • White sand beaches
  • Tomini Gulf access
  • Deep water corals

Saronde

Saronde is a small island located just north of Gorontalo, serving as a key departure point for liveaboard adventures into the Tomini Gulf. It is recognized for its clear waters and picturesque white sand beaches, providing a scenic start to the journey.

  • Departure point
  • Clear waters
  • White sand beaches
  • Tomini Gulf gateway

Sulawesi

Sulawesi is a large Indonesian island known for its unique K-shape and exceptional marine biodiversity. The waters surrounding Sulawesi offer a mix of vibrant coral reefs, dramatic walls, and muck diving opportunities. This region is less frequented, providing a pristine and untouched diving experience.

  • Rich marine biodiversity
  • Pristine coral reefs
  • Seldom-dived waters
  • Unique topography

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced Open Water
  • Minimum logged dives30
  • ExperienceDivers require Advanced Open Water certification with a minimum of 30 logged dives.

Good to know

  • A waiting period is recommended after the last dive before flying.
  • The itinerary and specific dive sites may change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather conditions, and the Captain's discretion.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Saronde, Indonesia

    Today marks the start of your journey in Saronde. You will meet at the port, where the crew will extend a warm welcome and provide a safety briefing. After settling into your cabin, there may be an opportunity for a light dive in the afternoon, depending on sea conditions.

  2. Day 2: Sulawesi Exploration – Remote Dive Sites

    Over the next several days, the itinerary centers on exploring the diverse dive sites of Sulawesi, offering 3-4 dives daily, including potential night dives. Divers can expect to visit Raja Ampau and Napo Kima, known for vibrant discoveries by Blue Bay Divers. The region features pristine coral gardens, clear-water reefs, and diverse marine ecosystems.

    Dive sites: Pulau Raja Ampau, Napo Kima, Toli Toli lies, Pulau Lutungan, Pulau Kabetan, Pulau Makolong, Pulau Bolle, Traffic Jam, Sabang-Tende

  3. Day 3: Sulawesi Exploration – Remote Dive Sites

    Over the next several days, the itinerary centers on exploring the diverse dive sites of Sulawesi, offering 3-4 dives daily, including potential night dives. Divers can expect to visit Raja Ampau and Napo Kima, known for vibrant discoveries by Blue Bay Divers. The region features pristine coral gardens, clear-water reefs, and diverse marine ecosystems.

    Dive sites: Pulau Raja Ampau, Napo Kima, Toli Toli lies, Pulau Lutungan, Pulau Kabetan, Pulau Makolong, Pulau Bolle, Traffic Jam, Sabang-Tende

  4. Day 4: Sulawesi Exploration – Remote Dive Sites

    Over the next several days, the itinerary centers on exploring the diverse dive sites of Sulawesi, offering 3-4 dives daily, including potential night dives. Divers can expect to visit Raja Ampau and Napo Kima, known for vibrant discoveries by Blue Bay Divers. The region features pristine coral gardens, clear-water reefs, and diverse marine ecosystems.

    Dive sites: Pulau Raja Ampau, Napo Kima, Toli Toli lies, Pulau Lutungan, Pulau Kabetan, Pulau Makolong, Pulau Bolle, Traffic Jam, Sabang-Tende

  5. Day 5: Sulawesi Exploration – Remote Dive Sites

    Over the next several days, the itinerary centers on exploring the diverse dive sites of Sulawesi, offering 3-4 dives daily, including potential night dives. Divers can expect to visit Raja Ampau and Napo Kima, known for vibrant discoveries by Blue Bay Divers. The region features pristine coral gardens, clear-water reefs, and diverse marine ecosystems.

    Dive sites: Pulau Raja Ampau, Napo Kima, Toli Toli lies, Pulau Lutungan, Pulau Kabetan, Pulau Makolong, Pulau Bolle, Traffic Jam, Sabang-Tende

  6. Day 6: Sulawesi Exploration – Remote Dive Sites

    Over the next several days, the itinerary centers on exploring the diverse dive sites of Sulawesi, offering 3-4 dives daily, including potential night dives. Divers can expect to visit Raja Ampau and Napo Kima, known for vibrant discoveries by Blue Bay Divers. The region features pristine coral gardens, clear-water reefs, and diverse marine ecosystems.

    Dive sites: Pulau Raja Ampau, Napo Kima, Toli Toli lies, Pulau Lutungan, Pulau Kabetan, Pulau Makolong, Pulau Bolle, Traffic Jam, Sabang-Tende

  7. Day 7: Sulawesi Exploration – Remote Dive Sites

    Over the next several days, the itinerary centers on exploring the diverse dive sites of Sulawesi, offering 3-4 dives daily, including potential night dives. Divers can expect to visit Raja Ampau and Napo Kima, known for vibrant discoveries by Blue Bay Divers. The region features pristine coral gardens, clear-water reefs, and diverse marine ecosystems.

    Dive sites: Pulau Raja Ampau, Napo Kima, Toli Toli lies, Pulau Lutungan, Pulau Kabetan, Pulau Makolong, Pulau Bolle, Traffic Jam, Sabang-Tende

  8. Day 8: Sulawesi Exploration – Remote Dive Sites

    Over the next several days, the itinerary centers on exploring the diverse dive sites of Sulawesi, offering 3-4 dives daily, including potential night dives. Divers can expect to visit Raja Ampau and Napo Kima, known for vibrant discoveries by Blue Bay Divers. The region features pristine coral gardens, clear-water reefs, and diverse marine ecosystems.

    Dive sites: Pulau Raja Ampau, Napo Kima, Toli Toli lies, Pulau Lutungan, Pulau Kabetan, Pulau Makolong, Pulau Bolle, Traffic Jam, Sabang-Tende

  9. Day 9: Sulawesi Exploration – Remote Dive Sites

    Over the next several days, the itinerary centers on exploring the diverse dive sites of Sulawesi, offering 3-4 dives daily, including potential night dives. Divers can expect to visit Raja Ampau and Napo Kima, known for vibrant discoveries by Blue Bay Divers. The region features pristine coral gardens, clear-water reefs, and diverse marine ecosystems.

    Dive sites: Pulau Raja Ampau, Napo Kima, Toli Toli lies, Pulau Lutungan, Pulau Kabetan, Pulau Makolong, Pulau Bolle, Traffic Jam, Sabang-Tende

  10. Day 10: Disembarkation – Dongala, Indonesia

    After enjoying a final breakfast on board, you will disembark in Dongala. Transfers will be arranged to the airport or your onward destination, concluding your diving adventure.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-07-21 – 2027-07-30from 1,874 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

Sunshine LiveaboardSunshine LiveaboardIndonesia
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