Raja Ampat - Halmahera - Lembeh (Sorong - Manado)

White Manta · Indonesia · 11 nights

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

About this route

This expansive crossing voyage showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Coral Triangle, starting in the reef-rich waters of Raja Ampat. Divers will journey across the Molucca Sea to explore the untouched coral gardens of Halmahera before concluding with world-class muck diving in the Lembeh Strait. The itinerary balances vibrant soft coral walls, high-energy drift dives, and encounters with rare macro critters across several distinct Indonesian marine provinces. With 11 nights on board, this trip offers a comprehensive look at some of the world's most pristine and remote underwater environments.

Regions on this route

Raja Ampat, IndonesiaLembeh StraitDampier StraitHalmahera

Highlights

Dampier Strait

Known for its powerful currents that bring in massive amounts of nutrients, the Dampier Strait is a hotspot for large schools of fish and active reef systems. It is one of the most productive marine environments in the Raja Ampat region.

  • Nutrient-rich currents
  • Massive fish schools
  • High-energy diving
  • Vibrant soft corals

Halmahera

Situated between Raja Ampat and Lembeh, Halmahera offers untouched beauty and remote dive sites far from the crowds. The region features stunning hard coral gardens, high-energy straits, and cleaning stations frequented by rays and sharks.

  • Remote dive locations
  • Pristine coral gardens
  • Pelagic cleaning stations
  • Uncrowded reefs

Lembeh Strait

The undisputed capital of muck diving, Lembeh is famous for its dark volcanic sand that hides an array of weird and wonderful creatures. It is a mandatory stop for macro photographers looking for rare octopus, frogfish, and crustaceans.

  • Muck diving capital
  • Rare macro critters
  • Black volcanic sand
  • Photographer's paradise

Raja Ampat

Recognized globally for its unparalleled biodiversity, this region boasts over 580 coral species and nearly 1,400 fish species. The underwater landscape features everything from shallow mangroves to deep walls, all teeming with life including endemic species found nowhere else.

  • World-leading biodiversity
  • 580 coral species
  • Endemic marine life
  • Pristine reef systems

Requirements

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

Good to know

  • Advanced Open Water certification and 30 logged dives are required.
  • Check-in is at 13:00 in Sorong; check-out is by 10:00 in Manado.
  • The itinerary is subject to change based on weather, sea conditions, and local regulations.
  • Sufficient time is provided on the penultimate day for gear drying and flight preparation.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Sorong

    Upon arrival at Sorong Airport or your local hotel, the crew will facilitate your transfer to the White Manta. Guests arriving before noon may participate in a check-out dive at the Lampu Merah area before the vessel begins its overnight crossing at 15:00.

    Dive sites: Lampu Merah

  2. Day 2: Raja Ampat – Misool Fiabacet & Boo

    Diving begins in the southern reaches of Raja Ampat, focusing on the iconic Fiabacet and Boo island chains. These sites are famous for their dramatic underwater windows and submerged ridges draped in vibrant soft corals. The area is known for intense fish life and stunning reef topography, often featuring large schools of snappers and fusiliers.

    Dive sites: Fiabacet, Boo, Windows, Magic Mountain

  3. Day 3: Raja Ampat – Nempele & West Misool

    Today's dives explore the western coast of Misool, including the picturesque Nempele area. The region commonly features shallow, clear water mangroves and stunning reef flats that are ideal for wide-angle photography. Later in the day, the vessel begins its passage toward Pulau Pisang.

    Dive sites: Nempele

  4. Day 4: Pulau Pisang – Coral Aquariums

    Pulau Pisang offers remarkably clear waters and reefs that resemble natural aquariums due to their high density of hard and soft corals. The underwater terrain often features gentle slopes and plateaus teeming with reef fish. After completing the day's dives, the ship continues its journey toward Halmahera.

    Dive sites: Pulau Pisang

  5. Day 5: Pulau Bacan – Pelagic Encounters

    Arrival at Pulau Bacan reveals reefs bustling with life, including significant schools of predatory fish. The area is known for the Riffhaie site, where divers often encounter patrolling sharks along the coral-covered slopes. Large aggregations of barracuda and jacks are frequently sighted here.

    Dive sites: Riffhaie

  6. Day 6: Pulau Kusu – Patintie Strait Drifts

    Diving around Pulau Kusu is defined by the high-energy currents of the Patintie Strait. These nutrient-rich waters attract a wealth of marine life and offer exhilarating drift diving opportunities over colorful reef structures. The area often features dramatic action with large pelagics feeding in the current.

    Dive sites: Patintie Strait

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

    The Goraichi islands are home to pristine hard coral gardens and a renowned manta cleaning station. Divers can observe reef manta rays as they hover over the cleaning blocks while surrounded by clouds of reef fish. The topography is characterized by shallow coral heads and vibrant, sunlit reefs.

    Dive sites: Pulau Tolimau, Goraichi

  8. Day 8: Pulau Tifore – Schooling Barracuda

    Tifore is a remote pinnacle in the Molucca Sea, famous for a massive, swirling school of barracuda that resides here. The site often features schools of jacks and snappers as well, creating a spectacular scene in the open ocean. The underwater landscape is largely composed of rocky outcrops and steep walls.

    Dive sites: Pulau Tifore

  9. Day 9: Lembeh Strait – Muck Diving Capital

    The final diving day is dedicated to the world-famous Lembeh Strait, a mecca for macro enthusiasts and underwater photographers. The black volcanic sand slopes are known for harboring some of the ocean's rarest and most bizarre creatures. Divers will search for cryptic species like frogfish, mimic octopus, and rare nudibranchs.

    Dive sites: Lembeh Strait

  10. Day 10: Bitung Port – Equipment Care

    The vessel arrives at Bitung Port near Manado, where guests spend their final night on board. This time is intended for washing and drying equipment, settling bills, and relaxing after the long crossing. A farewell dinner is typically served as the crew prepares for the following day's departure.

  11. Day 11: Bitung Port – Final Night

    Enjoy a final evening on the White Manta in the calm waters of the port. Guests can use this time to pack and coordinate their travel plans for the morning disembarkation. The crew remains available to assist with any final logistics or local information.

  12. Day 12: Disembarkation – Manado

    After a final breakfast, guests check out between 05:00 and 10:00. The crew will provide transfers from Bitung Port to Manado Airport or your local hotel, marking the end of the journey.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-04-24 – 2027-05-05from 6,150 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

White MantaWhite MantaIndonesia
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