Halmahera - Lembeh (Ternate - Manado)

White Manta · Indonesia · 9 nights

Duration
9 nights
Embarkation
Ternate, Indonesien
Disembarkation
Manado, Indonesien
Dives
24 Tauchgänge insgesamt

About this route

This expedition traverses the remote waters between North Maluku and Sulawesi, beginning in the volcanic shadows of Ternate and concluding in the muck-diving capital of Lembeh. The voyage highlights the staggering biodiversity of Halmahera, where pristine hard coral gardens and high-action straits remain largely untouched by crowds. Divers can expect a blend of high-energy current dives with schooling pelagics and intricate macro photography sessions. The journey offers a rare chance to explore the Molucca Sea's hidden gems before reaching the world-renowned critter sites of Bitung.

Regions on this route

Lembeh StraitSulawesiHalmaheraTernate

Highlights

Halmahera

An expansive and remote region offering untouched coral reefs and high-energy straits. It is characterized by pristine hard coral gardens and a lack of other dive vessels, providing a truly wild experience.

  • Remote reef systems
  • Pristine coral gardens
  • High fish biomass
  • Uncrowded sites

Lembeh Strait

Globally recognized as the capital of muck diving, this narrow stretch of water is home to an incredible concentration of rare marine life. Divers explore volcanic sand slopes to find camouflaged predators and strange crustaceans.

  • World-class muck diving
  • Rare macro species
  • Volcanic black sand
  • Critter photography

Sulawesi

The destination region known for its dramatic drop-offs and exceptional biodiversity. It marks the transition from the wild reefs of Halmahera to the specialized macro environments of the north.

  • Biodiversity hotspot
  • Wall diving
  • Deep water upwellings

Ternate

The starting point of the voyage, dominated by volcanic scenery both above and below the waterline. The underwater slopes offer unique macro opportunities amidst volcanic rock and diverse reef life.

  • Volcanic topography
  • Macro dive sites
  • Gateway to North Maluku

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced-Open-Water
  • Minimum logged dives30
  • ExperienceA minimum of 30 logged dives is mandatory for this advanced route.

Good to know

  • A 24-hour surface interval is recommended between the final dive and flying.
  • Free drop-offs are provided to Bitung hotels and Manado Airport; city hotels are excluded.
  • Advanced Open Water certification with 30 logged dives is required.
  • The itinerary is subject to change based on weather, sea conditions, and captain's discretion.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Ternate Arrivals

    Upon arriving at Sultan Babullah Airport, guests are met by the crew and transferred to Ahmad Yani Port to board the vessel. After a safety briefing and lunch, the ship sets sail toward Pulau Tidore, with potential for a check dive if scheduling permits.

  2. Day 2: Pulau Tidore – Volcanic Macro Exploration

    The underwater slopes of this volcanic island offer exceptional opportunities for macro enthusiasts seeking rare critters. The area is known for its nutrient-rich waters which support a diverse array of small marine life amidst unique geological formations. Divers often find excellent visibility along the sloping reefs where current is typically mild to moderate.

  3. Day 3: Pulau Bacan – Pristine Coral Gardens

    Exploration begins at Bacan, where the reefs are densely packed with sponges and hard coral structures in excellent health. The topography commonly features gentle slopes and plateaus that attract significant numbers of schooling fish. These waters are often characterized by vibrant energy and a high density of reef-dwelling species.

  4. Day 4: Pulau Bacan – Pristine Coral Gardens

    Exploration begins at Bacan, where the reefs are densely packed with sponges and hard coral structures in excellent health. The topography commonly features gentle slopes and plateaus that attract significant numbers of schooling fish. These waters are often characterized by vibrant energy and a high density of reef-dwelling species.

  5. Day 5: Pulau Kusu – Patinti Strait Action

    Diving today focuses on the Patinti Strait, a region famous for powerful currents that fuel intense marine activity. The underwater terrain often features dramatic walls and drift dives where pelagic encounters are frequent. Due to the moving water, the visibility is frequently excellent, showcasing the scale of the local coral formations.

    Dive sites: Patinti Strait

  6. Day 6: Pulau Tolimau & Goraichi – Manta Stations

    The Goraichi archipelago offers a diverse range of diving environments, from quiet coral slopes to active cleaning stations. The area is highly regarded for its frequent manta ray sightings, as the rays congregate to be cleaned by smaller reef fish. Reef topography here varies significantly, providing options for both wide-angle and macro interests.

    Dive sites: Pulau Tolimau, Goraichi

  7. Day 7: Pulau Tolimau & Goraichi – Manta Stations

    The Goraichi archipelago offers a diverse range of diving environments, from quiet coral slopes to active cleaning stations. The area is highly regarded for its frequent manta ray sightings, as the rays congregate to be cleaned by smaller reef fish. Reef topography here varies significantly, providing options for both wide-angle and macro interests.

    Dive sites: Pulau Tolimau, Goraichi

  8. Day 8: Pulau Tifore – Molucca Sea Wonders

    This isolated island sits in the middle of the Molucca Sea and is famous for its massive schools of predatory fish. The submerged plateaus and walls commonly host enormous swirling barracuda tornados and walls of jacks. Being far from other landmasses, the site often features impressive deep-blue visibility and oceanic conditions.

    Dive sites: Pulau Tifore

  9. Day 9: Lembeh Strait – Critter Capital

    The final diving day is spent in the world's premier muck diving destination, searching for the ocean's most bizarre residents. Sites here typically feature dark volcanic sand slopes where camouflage experts thrive in the sediment. In the afternoon, the vessel sails toward Bitung to allow for equipment drying and relaxation before departure.

    Dive sites: Angel's Window, Nudi Retreat

  10. Day 10: Disembarkation – Bitung & Manado

    After a final breakfast, guests bid farewell to the crew and transfer to Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado or local hotels in Bitung. The journey concludes with a one-hour transfer, timed to meet departing flights.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-05-29 – 2027-06-07from 4,600 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

White MantaWhite MantaIndonesia
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