South Halmahera
South Halmahera Diving with Blue Dream Phinisi Liveaboard
South Halmahera is one of Indonesia’s last true frontiers for liveaboard diving — raw, remote, and remarkably untouched. Located in North Maluku and accessed via Ternate, this region offers thriving coral ecosystems, dramatic walls, equatorial island chains, and a refreshing absence of crowds. Diving here feels exploratory and authentic, where every reef still carries the excitement of discovery.
Aboard Blue Dream Phinisi Liveaboard, guests journey deep into South Halmahera’s most rewarding dive sites, including the biodiverse reefs of Sali Bay, the pristine coral gardens of the Guraici Islands, and the shark-rich walls of Siko. Expect a dynamic combination of wide-angle encounters and macro treasures: reef sharks, bumphead parrotfish, schooling mackerel, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, pipefish, and countless reef fish thriving in exceptionally healthy habitats.
Sailing on a traditional Indonesian phinisi adds a unique cultural dimension to the adventure. Blue Dream blends handcrafted maritime heritage with modern diving comfort, creating a seamless experience between exploration and relaxation. For divers seeking something beyond the well-traveled routes of Indonesia, South Halmahera delivers a rare balance of wild beauty, marine biodiversity, and true expedition-style liveaboard diving.
South Halmahera Itineraries
Diving Requirements and Safety
All divers are required to have diving-specific insurance (e.g., DiveAssure, DAN, or similar) that covers all scuba diving activities, emergency evacuation, and recompression chamber costs. Please note that insurance coverage typically applies only within the depth limits dictated by your certification level; therefore, you must always remain within those limits.
The use of a dive computer, conducting a 6-minute safety stop, and maintaining an ascent rate of no more than 9 metres (30 feet) per minute are mandatory on all dives.
Although diving around Banda Neira is generally suitable for all certification levels, please be aware that some dive sites may be challenging for entry-level or inexperienced divers due to depths and variable currents.
Minimum Dive Certification and Experience
To join our Banda Neira itinerary, divers must hold an Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) with a minimum of 50 logged dives, including experience diving in strong currents.
We have an instructor onboard, so Open Water certified divers with at least 60 logged dives may complete their Advanced Open Water certification during the trip (standard fees apply).
If you do not meet the recommended minimum requirements, and if our cruise director deems your experience insufficient for certain conditions, you may be restricted from participating in some or all dives during the voyage.
Diving Emergencies
The nearest hyperbaric chambers are located in Manado (North Sulawesi), Bali, Makassar, and Jakarta. Banda Neira itself does not have a fully operational recompression facility. In the event of a suspected DCI (Decompression Illness) incident, evacuation may involve a costly emergency boat transfer and/or air evacuation.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your insurance fully covers all evacuation, recompression chamber, and hospital treatment costs.
Water Temperature
Banda Neira’s tropical waters remain warm year-round, typically between 27°C and 29°C.
A 3mm wetsuit is generally sufficient, though divers who are more sensitive to cooler temperatures after multiple dives may prefer a 5mm wetsuit or additional thermal layers.
Marine Park and Port Fees (payable onboard only)
7 nights: 200 USD per person
Marine park and port fees are subject to change without prior notice. The applicable amount at the time of departure will be added to your onboard account and must be settled before disembarkation. These fees cover local permits, port costs, and conservation initiatives in the Banda Sea region.
Number of Scheduled Dives
7 nights: up to 22 dives
While we aim to complete the full number of scheduled dives, factors such as weather, sea conditions, or logistical considerations may affect the actual number of dives achieved. Dive numbers are indicative and not guaranteed.
Included Land Tours
Several shore excursions are included in Banda Neira itineraries. Typically, there will be 2 land visits per trip, which may include:
- Fort Belgica (historic fort tour)
- Banda Neira Town Tour (including nutmeg plantations and colonial sites)
- Banda Besar Island (historical plantation ruins and village visit)
The specific tours offered may vary depending on environmental conditions and operational logistics.
Preferred flight option
Jakarta – Ambon : Daily
- Garuda 09.40 – 15.20
- Batik 00.35 – 06.10
- Citilink 01.45 – 07.20
Ambon – Jakarta : Daily
- Batik 07.00 – 09.20
- Citilink 07.55 – 09.20
- Garuda 16.10 – 17.40