Lembeh - Morotai - Ternate (Manado - Ternate)

White Manta · Indonesia · 11 nights

Duration
11 nights
Embarkation
Manado, Indonesien
Disembarkation
Ternate, Indonesien
Dives
30 Tauchgänge insgesamt

About this route

This unique Indonesian expedition begins in the world-renowned muck diving paradise of Lembeh Strait before crossing the Molucca Sea. The journey takes divers to the remote outpost of Morotai to explore historic WWII wrecks and vibrant reef systems. Navigating the coastline of North Halmahera, the trip concludes among the volcanic islands of Ternate. Guests can expect a diverse mix of macro wonders, dramatic walls, and pelagic encounters in one of the region's most secluded diving frontiers.

Regions on this route

Lembeh StraitHalmaheraTernate

Highlights

Halmahera

The waters surrounding Halmahera offer an incredible variety of diving, from steep walls and caverns to lush coral gardens. Because it is rarely visited by liveaboards, the reefs remain in pristine condition with high fish counts. The region is known for its strong currents, which bring in pelagic species like sharks and rays.

  • Pristine coral reefs
  • Remote wall diving
  • Pelagic encounters

Lembeh Strait

This world-famous waterway is widely considered the muck diving capital of the planet. Divers explore volcanic black sand slopes to find rare and bizarre critters like flamboyant cuttlefish, hairy frogfish, and various octopus species. The conditions are typically calm with shallow depths, making it a dream for underwater photographers.

  • World-class muck diving
  • Black sand habitats
  • Macro photography hub

Ternate

Set against a backdrop of impressive volcanoes, the diving in Ternate features dramatic underwater topography formed by ancient lava flows. The nutrient-rich waters support a vast array of marine life, including both macro treasures and larger reef inhabitants. The area is gaining a reputation for its untouched and secluded dive sites.

  • Volcanic topography
  • High biodiversity
  • Secluded dive spots

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced-Open-Water
  • Minimum logged dives30
  • ExperienceAdvanced Open Water certification with at least 30 logged dives is required for this route.

Shore excursions

  • Experience a traditional village visit on Pulau Tidore to interact with local residents and learn about their culture.
  • Enjoy land-based sightseeing and exploration of the volcanic islands near Ternate.

Good to know

  • A minimum of 24 hours is recommended between the final dive and flying.
  • The itinerary may be adjusted based on weather, guest experience, and local logistics.
  • Check-in on day one starts at 13:00; check-out on the final day is between 05:00 and 10:00.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Arrival & Embarkation – Manado

    Upon arrival at Manado Airport, guests are met by the crew and transferred to the vessel. Depending on the timing, a check dive and a night dive in the Lembeh Strait may be conducted before the overnight crossing to Pulau Tifore.

    Dive sites: Lembeh Strait

  2. Day 2: Pulau Tifore – Mid-Sea Pinnacles

    Located in the heart of the Molucca Sea, this isolated island is celebrated for its impressive fish biomass. Divers often encounter massive schools of barracuda and swirling groups of jacks and snappers. The underwater terrain typically features steep slopes and plateaus where currents attract large pelagics.

    Dive sites: Pulau Tifore

  3. Day 3: Pulau Hiri – North Ternate Reefs

    The rocky shores of Pulau Hiri offer a stunning backdrop for vibrant coral gardens. This area is known for healthy reef structures that provide a home for a high diversity of tropical fish species. The topography generally consists of boulder formations and sloping reefs with excellent visibility.

    Dive sites: Pulau Hiri

  4. Day 4: Loloda Bay & Kahatola – Walls and Tunnels

    The expedition moves to the dramatic coastlines of Loloda and Kahatola, characterized by limestone cliffs and submerged caverns. Divers can explore intricate tunnel systems and vertical walls draped in soft corals. The area often features moderate currents that bring in schools of fusiliers and hunting tunas.

    Dive sites: Loloda Bay, Kahatola

  5. Day 5: Loloda Bay & Kahatola – Walls and Tunnels

    The expedition moves to the dramatic coastlines of Loloda and Kahatola, characterized by limestone cliffs and submerged caverns. Divers can explore intricate tunnel systems and vertical walls draped in soft corals. The area often features moderate currents that bring in schools of fusiliers and hunting tunas.

    Dive sites: Loloda Bay, Kahatola

  6. Day 6: Pulau Bau & Morotai – Wrecks and Drifts

    This region offers a fascinating combination of high-energy drift dives and historical exploration. Divers may visit WWII aircraft wrecks resting on the sandy bottom or drift along steep canyons. The area is also a known hotspot for sightings of dugongs and various shark species patrolling the deep walls.

    Dive sites: Pulau Bau, Morotai

  7. Day 7: Pulau Morotai & Metita – Shark Encounters

    With over 40 charted sites in the vicinity, Morotai and Metita provide a wealth of diving variety for all experience levels. The submerged plateaus are frequently visited by reef sharks, while the muck sites offer incredible macro opportunities. Visibility in these remote waters is often exceptional, highlighting the rich coral cover.

    Dive sites: Pulau Morotai, Metita

  8. Day 8: Pulau Morotai & Metita – Shark Encounters

    With over 40 charted sites in the vicinity, Morotai and Metita provide a wealth of diving variety for all experience levels. The submerged plateaus are frequently visited by reef sharks, while the muck sites offer incredible macro opportunities. Visibility in these remote waters is often exceptional, highlighting the rich coral cover.

    Dive sites: Pulau Morotai, Metita

  9. Day 9: Pulau Doi & Dagasuli – Remote Exploration

    Diving around these northern islands involves exploring pristine reefs that see very few visitors. The underwater landscape typically consists of sloping reefs and walls rich in sponges and gorgonians. Divers can expect to find a mix of schooling reef fish and interesting macro critters among the coral heads.

    Dive sites: Pulau Doi, Dagasuli

  10. Day 10: Ternate North Coast – Volcanic Slopes

    As the vessel returns south toward Ternate, the dives focus on the less-frequented sites along the northern coastline. The volcanic nature of the islands creates unique black sand environments and rocky reefs. These sites are frequently praised by explorers for their high biodiversity and untouched character.

    Dive sites: Ternate North Coast

  11. Day 11: Pulau Tidore – Final Dives & Culture

    The final morning of diving takes place around the scenic island of Tidore. Following the dives, the group will enjoy a land-based visit to a local village to experience the culture of the region. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxing, drying equipment, and preparing for departure.

    Dive sites: Pulau Tidore

  12. Day 12: Disembarkation – Ternate

    After a light breakfast, guests say their farewells and transfer to the local airport or hotel in Ternate for their onward flights to Manado, Makassar, or Jakarta.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-05-16 – 2027-05-27from 6,000 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

White MantaWhite MantaIndonesia
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