Dive in Halmahera Magnificent Coral Gardens!

Why We Love It

Located between West Papua and Sulawesi, Halmahera is the largest island in the Moluccas. Still preserved from tourism, the dive sites offer exceptional conditions and diversity: wrecks in Ternate, emerald waters and schools of fish in Tidore, vertiginous and pelagic walls in Bacan, drift dives in the Patinti Strait, and magnificent coral gardens. This trip will delight photographers and freedivers. It is sometimes combined with Raja Ampat or Lembeh. Discover this last paradise of Indonesia with only 16 divers on board!

Conservation

The founders have created the Tompotika Foundation to support the creation of a Marine Protected Area in North Sulawesi. Marine biologists are often invited on board. Usage of plastics is reduced as much as possible.

Who Is It For?

For beginner and experienced divers. Kayaks and Paddle boards available. Several land excursions. Snorkellers are welcome.

Prices and Dates

Dive Briefing!

Marine Life

• Halmahera is right in the middle of the coral triangle, so you can expect amazing biodiversity. The reefs are pristine and untouched, with a 2005 scientific study by Dr Gerry Allen suggesting that this area is comparable in biodiversity to Raja Ampat.
• Expect to spot Halmahera's signature black tip sharks patrolling around most dive sites.
• Tuna, Spanish mackerel, giant trevally and other pelagic fish are part of the show. Wrasse, humpback parrotfish, groupers, surgeonfish and batfish are also well represented.

Dive Conditions

• Season: high season from October to May
• Currents: little currents
• Visibility: 15 to 20 m (50 to 66 ft) (nutrient rich water can lead to reduced visibility)
• Water Temperature: 28° to 30°C (82° to 86°F)
• Depth: deep and shallow dives

Dive Sites

• Diving in Halmahera is not only an exceptional experience but also extraordinarily varied: wrecks in Ternate, emerald waters and schools of fish in Tidore, vertiginous and pelagic walls in Bacan, drift dives in the Patinti Strait, without forgetting magnificent gardens of corals.
• Most dive sites are seamounts with rocky substrate, and many patches covered in soft corals of all colors.
• If there is a site you absolutely want to dive, let the crew know who will do their best to take you there - if the conditions are good of course!

The Team

• Operation in the area since 2001. Liveaboard renovated in 2018.
• PADI Courses available on board: Nitrox and Advanced Open Water.
• Languages spoken: English, French, Indonesian on all trips
• Maximum divers per guide: 4

Safety Information

• Equipment Recommended: 3 to 5 mm long wetsuit, dive computer, surface marker buoy (SMB), whistle, and a 'reef hook' (to use on rocks only!)
• Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe which has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.
• Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: Darwin, Australia or Manado, Sulawesi - note that there is a chamber in Raja Ampat, but it is not certified or compliant with international standards

Visas, Flights, and More!

Visa Requirements

• Many nationalities are eligible to enter and remain in Indonesia without a visa for 30 days. Others need to obtain a Visa on Arrival for 30 days at the major entry points to Indonesia. Visa on Arrival costs $37 (about ... EUR) and usually can be extended for another 30 days.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and have one full blank page
• Must be able to show an onward ticket that departs before your visa expires
• For official entry requirements for your nationality, consult Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration

How to Get There

• As the departure and arrival points are different depending on the date chosen, ask us for the detailed itinerary before purchasing a flight.
• Most trips depart and arrive from Ternate (TTE).
• Plan to spend one night before the cruise as a late flight could cause you to miss departure.
• Transfers from/to the local airport or your hotel.
• Boarding will be before noon *Arrival on the last day, disembarkation before noon

More...

• The area is subject to malaria. Take necessary precautions to avoid it.
• Don't forget to bring your walking shoes.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, a rash guard for sun protection.