Raja Ampat - Halmahera - Lembeh (Sorong - Manado)

White Manta · Indonesia · 10 nights

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

About this route

This remarkable expedition traverses the heart of the Coral Triangle, beginning in the world-renowned biodiversity hotspot of Raja Ampat. The journey continues through the remote, untouched underwater landscapes of Halmahera before concluding in the muck diving capital of Lembeh Strait. Divers can expect a breathtaking variety of environments, from vibrant coral reefs and steep walls to volcanic black sand slopes teeming with rare critters. This route offers a rare opportunity to explore some of Indonesia's most secluded and pristine marine environments away from the crowds.

Regions on this route

Raja Ampat, IndonesiaLembeh StraitDampier StraitHalmahera

Highlights

Dampier Strait

A high-nutrient waterway known for its powerful currents and immense schools of fish. The area serves as a major migratory corridor for large pelagics and features some of the most famous sites in Raja Ampat.

  • Drift diving action
  • Large fish schools
  • Nutrient-rich waters

Halmahera

A remote and largely unexplored diving frontier offering pristine reefs and complete seclusion. Divers can expect healthy hard coral gardens and significant schooling fish action without the presence of other dive groups.

  • Remote reef systems
  • Untouched landscapes
  • Crowd-free diving

Lembeh Strait

World-renowned as the global capital for muck diving, these waters are home to the planet's highest concentration of rare macro life. The volcanic black sand substrate provides the perfect habitat for camouflaged predators.

  • Macro photography mecca
  • Rare critter encounters
  • Volcanic muck diving

Raja Ampat

Recognized as one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth, this region features over 1,300 fish species and nearly 600 types of coral. The underwater terrain varies from lush soft coral walls to high-energy channels.

  • Extreme biodiversity
  • Pristine soft corals
  • Endemic species

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced-Open-Water
  • Minimum logged dives30
  • ExperienceMinimum of 30 logged dives and Advanced Open Water certification required.

Shore excursions

  • Photography excursions in the shallow mangroves of West Misool for unique topside and split-shot opportunities.

Good to know

  • A 24-hour surface interval is recommended after the final dive before flying.
  • The last dive of the trip is typically scheduled around noon on the penultimate day.
  • All itineraries are subject to change based on weather, sea conditions, and local diving regulations.
  • PADI referral forms must be submitted to the office prior to the start of the trip.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Sorong Arrival

    Upon arrival at Sorong Airport, staff will facilitate your transfer to the White Manta. If arrival is before noon, a check dive may be conducted near the Lampu Merah area before the vessel begins its overnight sail at 15:00.

    Dive sites: Lampu Merah

  2. Day 2: Misool – Magic Mountain Exploration

    The expedition enters the southern reaches of Raja Ampat to explore the vibrant reefs of Misool. This region is famous for its dramatic sea fans and dense soft coral coverage, often featuring cleaning stations where large pelagics gather. The underwater topography typically consists of submerged pinnacles and ridges that attract significant marine activity.

    Dive sites: Fiabacet, Boo Area, Windows, Magic Mountain

  3. Day 3: Misool – Magic Mountain Exploration

    The expedition enters the southern reaches of Raja Ampat to explore the vibrant reefs of Misool. This region is famous for its dramatic sea fans and dense soft coral coverage, often featuring cleaning stations where large pelagics gather. The underwater topography typically consists of submerged pinnacles and ridges that attract significant marine activity.

    Dive sites: Fiabacet, Boo Area, Windows, Magic Mountain

  4. Day 4: West Misool – Nempele & Mangroves

    Today focuses on the western coast of Misool, where clear, shallow waters provide a unique backdrop for photographing mangroves. The area is known for its stunning contrast between lush greenery and crystalline water, offering a different perspective on the local ecosystem. Later, the vessel sets sail toward Pulau Pisang.

    Dive sites: Nempele

  5. Day 5: Pulau Pisang – Coral Gardens

    Pulau Pisang offers aquarium-like conditions with exceptionally healthy coral reefs and high visibility. The diving here typically involves gentle drifts along vibrant reef slopes decorated with a variety of hard and soft corals. After completing the day's dives, the journey continues toward the remote region of Halmahera.

    Dive sites: Pulau Pisang

  6. Day 6: Pulau Bacan – Shark & Schooling Action

    In the Bacan region, divers explore reefs populated by large schools of barracuda and mackerel. The underwater environment often features walls and slopes heavily encrusted with sponges and corals where reef sharks are frequently sighted patrolling the current. The area is celebrated for its lack of crowds and untouched marine life.

    Dive sites: Palau Bacan

  7. Day 7: Patintie Strait – High Energy Currents

    Diving in the Patintie Strait is characterized by powerful currents that bring incredible action to the reefs. These nutrient-rich waters support a dense population of marine life, including large predators and schooling fish. The topography often includes deep channels and ridges that require experienced current management.

    Dive sites: Palau Kusu, Patintie Strait

  8. Day 8: Goraichi – Manta Stations & Hard Corals

    The Goraichi islands are home to expansive gardens of pristine hard corals and dedicated manta cleaning stations. Divers often observe mantas hovering over the reef while smaller reef fish provide cleaning services. The visibility in this remote archipelago is typically excellent, showcasing the vibrant colors of the coral plateau.

    Dive sites: Palau Tolimau, Goraichi

  9. Day 9: Pulau Tifore – Open Sea Pinnacles

    Located in the Molucca Sea, Pulau Tifore is a remote outpost known for a massive, resident school of barracuda that forms impressive tornados. The dive site is an oceanic pinnacle that attracts schools of snappers and mackerel from the deep. Following these dives, the vessel makes the crossing toward Bitung.

    Dive sites: Pulau Tifore

  10. Day 10: Lembeh Strait – Macro Paradise

    The final diving day takes place in the world-famous Lembeh Strait, renowned for its incredible density of rare and bizarre critters. Diving here typically involves exploring black volcanic sand slopes where camouflage experts like frogfish and octopuses reside. The afternoon provides time for equipment maintenance and relaxation before the final night on board.

    Dive sites: Lembeh Strait

  11. Day 11: Disembarkation – Bitung & Manado

    After a light breakfast, guests check out and prepare for their transfer. The crew will assist with transportation to Manado Airport or local hotels in the Bitung and Manado area.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-06-22 – 2027-07-02from 6,150 USDBook
  • 2028-04-01 – 2028-04-11from 6,150 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

White MantaWhite MantaIndonesia
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