Lembeh - Halmahera - Raja Ampat (Manado - Sorong)

White Manta · Indonesia · 10 nights

Duration
10 nights
Embarkation
Manado, Indonesien
Disembarkation
Sorong, Indonesien
Dives
28 Tauchgänge insgesamt

About this route

This extraordinary expedition spans the rich waters between North Sulawesi and West Papua, beginning in the muck-diving capital of the Lembeh Strait. The journey continues through the remote and rarely visited reefs of Halmahera, offering untouched coral gardens and dramatic volcanic seascapes. As the voyage reaches Raja Ampat, divers encounter the global epicenter of marine biodiversity, home to over 1,400 fish species. This route is a dream for those seeking a mix of rare critters, vibrant coral walls, and abundant pelagic action across Indonesia's most storied seas.

Regions on this route

Raja Ampat, IndonesiaLembehstraßeDampierstraßeHalmahera

Highlights

Dampierstraße

Located in the heart of Raja Ampat, the Dampier Strait is known for its powerful currents and immense fish density. The nutrient-rich waters support massive schools of fish and frequent sightings of reef sharks and mantas. The diving here is dynamic and represents the high-energy side of Indonesia's reefs.

  • Massive fish schools
  • Current-swept channels
  • Reef shark patrols
  • High biomass

Halmahera

This remote region offers a sense of true exploration, with many dive sites remaining untouched and pristine. The underwater scenery features stunning coral gardens and dramatic volcanic formations. Because it is less visited than neighboring areas, divers can enjoy vibrant reefs without the crowds.

  • Remote reef exploration
  • Pristine coral health
  • Volcanic seascapes
  • Quiet dive sites

Lembehstraße

The Lembeh Strait is world-famous as the 'critter capital,' offering some of the best muck diving on the planet. Its dark volcanic sand slopes hide an array of weird and wonderful creatures, from flamboyant cuttlefish to hairy frogfish. It is the ultimate destination for underwater photographers seeking rare macro subjects.

  • World-class muck diving
  • Macro photography haven
  • Rare critter sightings
  • Volcanic sand slopes

Raja Ampat

Considered the global epicenter of marine biodiversity, this region hosts an incredible 1,397 fish species and 580 varieties of coral. The underwater landscape is varied, ranging from lush soft coral walls to shallow hard coral gardens and current-swept channels. It is a bucket-list destination for every diver due to its sheer biomass and presence of endemic species.

  • Highest marine biodiversity
  • Endemic fish species
  • Vibrant coral forests
  • Manta ray sightings

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced-Open-Water
  • Minimum logged dives30
  • ExperienceAdvanced Open Water certification and at least 30 logged dives are required.

Good to know

  • Advanced Open Water certification and 30 logged dives are required for this route.
  • Check-in at Manado begins at 13:00 on the first day.
  • Check-out in Sorong takes place between 05:00 and 10:00 on the final morning.
  • The itinerary includes approximately 28 dives across several remote Indonesian regions.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Manado & Lembeh Strait

    Upon arriving at Manado airport, guests are transferred to the vessel for boarding and orientation. Depending on arrival schedules, the trip may commence with a check-dive and an introductory night dive in the Lembeh Strait, a region world-renowned for its rare macro life. The area typically features dark volcanic sand slopes where peculiar species are commonly sighted by sharp-eyed guides.

    Dive sites: Lembeh Strait

  2. Day 2: Pulau Tifore – Molucca Sea Pinnacles

    Today features diving at Pulau Tifore, a remote island located in the deep Molucca Sea between Lembeh and Halmahera. The underwater terrain here is known for its steep drop-offs and clear oceanic water, often attracting massive schools of pelagics. Divers commonly encounter impressive swirling barracuda formations and large groups of jacks patrolling the reef edges.

    Dive sites: Pulau Tifore

  3. Day 3: Pulau Tolimau & Goraichi – Coral Gardens

    The vessel reaches the Goraichi archipelago, where pristine hard coral gardens flourish in the clear tropical waters. A key feature of this area is a local cleaning station where manta rays are frequently observed hovering over the reef. The topography generally consists of shallow plateaus and healthy coral slopes teeming with reef fish.

    Dive sites: Pulau Tolimau, Goraichi

  4. Day 4: Pulau Kusu – Patintie Strait Drifts

    Diving today centers on the Patintie Strait, an area famous for its high-energy currents and exhilarating drift dives. The moving water brings life to the reefs, supporting a dense population of soft corals and sponges. Large predators are often seen patrolling the channel, taking advantage of the nutrient-rich flow that defines this region's character.

    Dive sites: Pulau Kusu, Patintie Strait

  5. Day 5: Pulau Bacan – Shark Point Exploration

    Exploration continues around Pulau Bacan, featuring sites like Shark Point where reef sharks are commonly sighted patrolling the depths. The underwater landscape is often draped in diverse sponge formations and healthy coral clusters. Schooling barracudas and mackerels are frequently seen hovering in the blue, creating a dynamic spectacle for divers.

    Dive sites: Pulau Bacan, Shark Point, Riffhaie

  6. Day 6: Pulau Pisang – Crystal Clear Reefs

    The day is spent at Pulau Pisang, where the underwater environment is often compared to a giant aquarium due to its exceptional visibility. These reefs are known for their health and diversity, providing a home to a vast array of tropical fish species. After the final dive here, the vessel begins its crossing toward the Raja Ampat archipelago.

    Dive sites: Pulau Pisang

  7. Day 7: Penemu & Fam Islands – Iconic Raja Ampat

    Entering Raja Ampat, the focus shifts to the stunning Penemu and Fam Islands, home to some of the region's most famous sites like Melissa's Garden. The area is celebrated for its incredible field of hard corals and bustling marine life activity. Topography typically includes shallow coral gardens and channels where moderate currents bring in schools of fusiliers.

    Dive sites: Melissa's Garden, My Reef, Keruo Kanal

  8. Day 8: Central & North Raja Ampat – Big Fish Action

    These days are dedicated to exploring the premier sites of Central and Northern Raja Ampat, where the biodiversity reaches its peak. The region is known for a mix of dramatic pinnacles and lush coral slopes that attract both macro wonders and large pelagics. Divers can expect to see vibrant soft coral displays and significant fish biomass in every direction.

  9. Day 9: Central & North Raja Ampat – Big Fish Action

    These days are dedicated to exploring the premier sites of Central and Northern Raja Ampat, where the biodiversity reaches its peak. The region is known for a mix of dramatic pinnacles and lush coral slopes that attract both macro wonders and large pelagics. Divers can expect to see vibrant soft coral displays and significant fish biomass in every direction.

  10. Day 10: Dampier Strait & Return to Sorong

    The final dives take place in the Dampier Strait, an area famous for high-nutrient waters and incredible fish density. After completing the diving program, the vessel sails toward Usahamina Pier in Sorong for the final night on board. Guests have time to wash gear and enjoy a final dinner while the boat remains at port.

    Dive sites: Dampier Strait

  11. Day 11: Disembarkation – Sorong

    After breakfast, guests check out between 05:00 and 10:00 for their onward transfers. The crew assists with luggage and transport to Sorong airport for departing flights.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-06-10 – 2027-06-20from 6,150 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

White MantaWhite MantaIndonesia
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