Gorontalo – Togean – Gorontalo 8D7N
Gorontalo to Togean Liveaboard 8 Days 7 Nights | Sulawesi Diving Loop
This 8 Days 7 Nights liveaboard loop from Gorontalo to the Togean Islands offers one of the most complete and accessible diving experiences in Central Sulawesi. Combining vibrant coral reefs, volcanic dive sites, pelagic encounters, and unique macro habitats, this itinerary is perfect for divers seeking diversity without long open-ocean crossings.
The journey begins in Gorontalo, known for its surreal coral formations and rich macro life, before heading into the heart of the Togean Islands. Around Una-Una Volcano and the surrounding seamounts, divers can expect dramatic underwater topography, schooling barracuda, reef sharks, and excellent visibility. Remote reefs in the eastern Togeans reveal pristine coral gardens and occasional manta sightings, while atoll systems around Malenge offer calm yet fish-rich environments. This route delivers a seamless blend of wide-angle and macro diving, making it an ideal expedition for both photographers and adventure seekers.
Gorontalo – Togean – Gorontalo | 8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 – Arrival in Gorontalo | Check-in & Check Dive
- Airport or hotel pick-up in Gorontalo
- Welcome drink, check-in, and safety briefing
- Dive briefing
- 1–2 check dives (local Gorontalo sites – muck diving / walls)
Highlights:
Macro life, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, calm reef slopes
Sunset cruise toward Togean Islands (overnight navigation)
Day 2 – Togean Islands (Una-Una Area)
- 3–4 dives
Dive sites around Una-Una Volcano
Highlights:
– Dramatic walls and pinnacles
– Large schools of barracuda and trevally
– Reef sharks and healthy hard corals
Optional night dive
Day 3 – Una-Una & Surrounding Seamounts
- 3–4 dives
- Seamount and current dives
Highlights:
– Big pelagics
– Tuna and Napoleon wrasse
– Colorful soft corals
– Excellent visibility
Sunset at anchor near a remote island
Day 4 – Central Togean Reefs
- 3 dives
Mix of walls, coral gardens, and drift dives
Highlights:
– Green and hawksbill turtles
– Bumphead parrotfish
– Giant clams
– Anthias-covered reefs
Afternoon beach visit (weather permitting)
Day 5 – Waleabahi & Eastern Togean
- 3–4 dives
Lesser-dived remote sites
Highlights:
– Pristine reefs
– Macro critters
– Possible manta sightings (seasonal)
Night dive on sandy slope for critters
Day 6 – Malenge / Atoll Reefs
- 3 dives
- Atoll-style reef systems
Highlights: Coral bommies, Reef sharks, Sweetlips and snapper schools, Glassfish caves
Evening cruise back toward Gorontalo
Day 7 – Gorontalo Dive Sites
- 2–3 dives
- Signature Gorontalo macro and wall diving
Highlights: Salvador Dali sponge formations, Bluewater walls, Rare macro species
Farewell dinner onboard
Day 8 – Disembarkation
- Breakfast onboard
- Transfer to Djalaluddin Gorontalo Airport or hotel
Dive Summary:
- Total dives: approximately 18–22 dives (weather dependent)
- Up to 3–4 dives per full dive day
Conditions Overview
- Water temperature: 27–30°C
- Visibility: 15–30m
- Current: Mild to moderate (some stronger current dives)
- Level: Advanced Open Water recommended
- Best season: Generally April to November
Note: All times in this itinerary are estimates only. Dive sites, schedule, and number of dives may change depending on weather conditions, diver experience, and operational considerations.