South Halmahera

Diving Halmahera – A Liveaboard Cruise Through Indonesia’s Untouched Frontier
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Liveaboard cruise through South Halmahera

This 8-day liveaboard cruise through Halmahera is a journey into one of Indonesia’s most remote and rewarding diving regions. From your first check dive in Ternate to your final sunset on the decks near Tidore, each day offers something new — steep coral walls, soft sandy muck sites, underwater pinnacles, and marine life that feels straight out of a nature documentary.

We’ll sail from island to island — Sali Bay, Kusu, Latalata, Guraici, Siko — diving sites few have seen, where healthy reefs and clear waters host everything from reef sharks and bumphead parrotfish to ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, and rare nudibranchs. Large schools of fish are the norm, not the exception. And if you’re a macro lover, bring your camera — Halmahera delivers.

This isn’t just about the diving — it’s about the rhythm of liveaboard life. Early morning light breakfasts, full meals after dives, afternoon snacks on the sundeck, and hearty dinners under the stars. You’ll dive up to four times a day, including unforgettable night dives where the reef comes alive in a whole new way.

Remote, raw, and rich in marine biodiversity, diving Halmahera by liveaboard lets you experience Indonesia away from the crowds — just you, the sea, and the stories waiting beneath the surface.

South Halmahera Cruise 8D7N

What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.

DAY 1 – Ternate
Once you arrived in Sultan Babullah Airport, our representative will be waiting outside the arrival hall and ready to escort you to the boat for boarding. Cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before departure. Take this opportunity to familiarize yourselves with the vessel. After lunch, we will do a check dive at Ternate. few wrecks in front of the mosque at a good dive depth, perfect for a check out dive. Nudibranch, crocodile fish, ghost pipefish have all been spotted here. We will sail towards the south side of halmahera
Meals: Lunch, Afternoon snacks, Dinner
Check Dive: Ternate

DAY 2 – Sali Bay
Our second day dive will be at Sali Bay. A fantastic combination of muck diving and coral slopes is provided by the enormous biodiversity, guaranteeing unique underwater experiences. This area is home to large schools of mackerels, reef sharks, batfish, unicornfish, and fusiliers. A variety of pygmy seahorses, ghost- and other pipefish, uncommon shrimp and crab species, rare nudibranchs, flatworms, and gobies await macro fans.
Meals: Light Breakfast, Full Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dive: 3 day dives + 1 night dive

DAY 3 – Kusu Island/ Procto Island
Around Kusu Island lies a magnificent fringing reef. The breathtaking underwater environment found within this protected region is home to every type of marine life imaginable, including massive schools of fish, minuscule creatures like pygmy seahorses, and enormous species like tunas, dolphins, whales, manta rays, and sharks. The reefs are brimming with life, supporting gorgonians, rich, colorful soft corals, and hard coral gardens. Walls, slopes, caverns, caves, overhangs, sea grass beds, and underwater pinnacles are all features of the seascape. Surrounding Kusu Island are reefs that are teeming with marine life and essentially unspoiled.
Meals: Light Breakfast, Full Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dive: 3 day dives + 1 night dive

DAY 4 – Latalata Island
Latalata Island dives to a depth of 20 to 25 meters, featuring steep walls surrounding the edge and pillars rising nearly to the surface in the center. The pillars provide an excellent dive on their own, but you can combine them with different parts of the outer wall if you’re feeling very daring. There are lots of reef sharks around the crater, along with schools of snapper, fusiliers, and sweetlips. Cowries, seahorses, pipefish, and other small organisms can also be seen within the coral growth on the pillars.
Meals: Light Breakfast, Full Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dive: 3 day dives + 1 night dive

DAY 5 – Guraici Lelei Island
The Goraici Islands, located in the southwestern part of Halmahera, Indonesia, are a hidden gem for diving enthusiasts seeking pristine underwater experiences. This small archipelago, situated along the Equator, boasts white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Gorgeous white sand beaches may be found on the Guraici Island. The locals have been actively maintaining the health and well-being of their reefs by conserving them. There are immaculate hard coral gardens and a plethora of fish on the reefs. Black tip reef sharks are often seen cruising around walls covered with coral.
Meals: Light Breakfast, Full Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dive: 3 day dives + 1 night dive

DAY 6 – Siko Island
A large rock that protrudes out of the water close to Siko island is the Siko wall dive location. The terrain is rugged, with many large stones and steep walls. Strong currents are present, and it is evident that the coral is having difficulty growing. Still, soft coral in every hue covers the wall. The place is really fishy. Expect to witness enormous napoleons and bumphead parrotfish, as well as black tip, white tip, and even grey reef sharks prowling the area.
Meals: Light Breakfast, Full Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dive: 3 day dives

DAY 7 – Tidore/Ternate
Tidore Island just south of Ternate has similar bays and topography to its bigger northern brother however the diving is still worth a visit. Great night dives and still a lot to explore, the bays here provide a great spot to spend the afternoon on the beach with a sunset. Dinner on the boat and arrive into Ternate harbour.

DAY 8 – Ternate
After breakfast, it’s time to say our goodbyes and our crew will transfer you to the airport or hotel.
Meals: Breakfast

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