Lembeh - Halmahera - Lembeh (Manado - Manado)

White Manta · Indonesia · 7 nights

Duration
7 nights
Embarkation
Manado, Indonesien
Disembarkation
Manado, Indonesien
Dives
22 Tauchgänge insgesamt

About this route

Explore the diverse underwater wonders of North Sulawesi and North Maluku on this exceptional journey from Lembeh to Halmahera. Divers will experience a mix of world-class muck diving in the Lembeh Strait and vibrant reef systems around the remote islands of the Molucca Sea. The route offers a rich variety of marine life, from rare macro critters to schooling pelagics and pristine coral gardens.

Regions on this route

Lembeh StraitHalmaheraPulau TiforePulau BacanPulau KusuGoraichi

Highlights

Halmahera

This remote region in North Maluku offers a diverse range of diving environments, from high-energy straits with strong currents to tranquil, untouched coral gardens. It is known for its exceptional biodiversity and healthy reef systems far from the main tourist paths.

  • Pristine coral reefs
  • Drift diving action
  • Remote island exploration

Lembeh Strait

Known globally as the capital of muck diving, this narrow strip of water features dark volcanic sand that hides an incredible array of rare marine life. The area is a pilgrimage site for underwater photographers looking for the ocean's most unusual inhabitants.

  • World-class muck diving
  • Rare macro species
  • Volcanic sand habitats

Requirements

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

Good to know

  • A 24-hour surface interval is recommended between the final dive and flying.
  • The final dive of the trip takes place on the penultimate day.
  • Itineraries are subject to change based on weather, sea conditions, and local regulations.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Bitung, Manado

    Upon arriving at Manado airport, guests are greeted by staff and transferred to the White Manta. Depending on arrival schedules, an initial check-dive may be conducted in the Lembeh Strait before the vessel begins its overnight crossing toward Pulau Tifore.

    Dive sites: Lembeh Strait

  2. Day 2: Pulau Tifore – Molucca Sea Pinnacles

    Submerged in the open Molucca Sea, this remote outpost is famous for its massive schools of barracuda that swirl in tight formations. The underwater terrain typically features steep drop-offs and submerged plateaus where currents bring in nutrient-rich water. Divers commonly encounter large groups of mackerel and snappers alongside these impressive barracuda walls.

  3. Day 3: Pulau Bacan – Coral Wall Exploration

    The reefs surrounding Pulau Bacan are celebrated for their density of soft and hard corals, creating a vibrant backdrop for pelagic encounters. Walls here are often draped in massive sponges and sea fans, providing shelter for diverse reef residents. Grey reef sharks and schools of fusiliers are frequently spotted patrolling the edge of the drop-offs.

  4. Day 4: Pulau Kusu – Patinti Strait Currents

    Diving in the Patinti Strait is characterized by powerful currents that fuel high-energy marine encounters and healthy coral growth. The area is known for its dramatic topography and fast-paced drift dives that attract large hunters and schooling fish. This region often features some of the most dynamic underwater action in the Halmahera region.

  5. Day 5: Pulau Tolimau & Goraichi – Manta Stations

    These islands are home to pristine hard coral gardens and essential cleaning stations frequented by large rays. The sites offer a blend of relaxing reef exploration and the chance to observe social marine behavior in clear, shallow waters. After exploring these untouched gardens, the vessel begins the return journey toward Pulau Tifore.

    Dive sites: Manta cleaning station

  6. Day 6: Pulau Tifore – Return to the Deep

    Returning to the heart of the Molucca Sea, the expedition focuses once more on the massive pelagic schools that congregate around Tifore’s submerged structures. The area's reputation for schooling barracuda remains the primary draw, offering spectacular photographic opportunities in the blue. An overnight passage follows, heading back toward the North Sulawesi coastline.

  7. Day 7: Lembeh Strait – Macro Paradise

    The trip concludes with specialized muck diving in the world-renowned Lembeh Strait, focusing on rare and bizarre volcanic sand dwellers. Sites like Angel’s Window offer unique topography, while the black sand slopes are famous for harboring master mimics and unusual crustaceans. The afternoon is dedicated to equipment care and relaxation as the boat docks in Bitung.

    Dive sites: Angel's Window

  8. Day 8: Disembarkation – Manado

    Following a final breakfast on board, guests bid farewell to the crew and complete the check-out process. Transfers are arranged to carry passengers from the port of Bitung to local hotels or directly to Manado International Airport.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-05-07 – 2027-05-14from 3,950 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

White MantaWhite MantaIndonesia
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