South Halmahera 8D7N
South Halmahera | 8 Days / 7 Nights Liveaboard Expedition
South Halmahera remains one of Indonesia’s most underrated diving destinations. Far from the crowds and rich in biodiversity, this remote corner of North Maluku offers a powerful mix of pristine coral reefs, vibrant soft corals, dramatic walls, and thriving macro habitats. From volcanic island landscapes to equatorial archipelagos, every day brings a new underwater surprise.
This 8-day, 7-night liveaboard journey begins and ends in Ternate, taking you deep into the southern reaches of Halmahera. Expect colorful coral slopes in Sali Bay, fish-filled reefs around Kusu Island, shark encounters at Siko, and untouched coral gardens in the Guraici Islands. With a balance of wide-angle action and macro discoveries, South Halmahera is ideal for divers seeking authentic exploration in a truly wild marine environment.
South Halmahera 8D7N (8 Days 7 Nights)
Note: The itinerary below represents a general route. Dive sites and schedule may change depending on weather, sea conditions, and guest experience levels.
Day 1 – Arrival in Ternate
Upon arrival at Sultan Babullah Airport in Ternate, our representative will welcome you and escort you to the harbor for boarding. After cabin allocation and vessel orientation, you will have time to settle in and familiarize yourself with the boat.
In the afternoon, we conduct a check dive in Ternate. Several accessible wreck sites near the mosque provide an ideal depth for a relaxed introduction dive. Marine life here may include nudibranchs, crocodile fish, and ghost pipefish.
After dinner, we begin sailing south toward Halmahera.
Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dive: 1 Check Dive (Ternate)
Day 2 – Sali Bay
Sali Bay offers an exciting blend of muck diving and coral slopes. This area is known for its biodiversity and variety of habitats.
Large schools of mackerel, reef sharks, batfish, unicorn fish, and fusiliers patrol the reefs. Macro enthusiasts can search for pygmy seahorses, pipefish, rare shrimp and crab species, nudibranchs, flatworms, and gobies.
Meals: Light Breakfast, Full Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dives: Up to 3 Day Dives + 1 Night Dive
Day 3 – Kusu Island / Proco Island
The reefs around Kusu Island are remarkably healthy and diverse. This protected region supports dramatic walls, slopes, caves, overhangs, seagrass beds, and underwater pinnacles.
Marine life ranges from tiny pygmy seahorses to larger pelagics such as tuna, dolphins, manta rays, and sharks. The coral growth includes vibrant soft corals, gorgonians, and dense hard coral gardens.
Meals: Light Breakfast, Full Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dives: Up to 3 Day Dives + 1 Night Dive
Day 4 – Latalata Island
Latalata features steep outer walls and central pillars rising toward the surface. Divers can explore the pillars independently or combine them with sections of the outer wall.
Reef sharks are frequently seen around the crater area, along with schools of snapper, fusiliers, and sweetlips. Within the coral growth, keep an eye out for cowries, seahorses, and pipefish.
Meals: Light Breakfast, Full Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dives: Up to 3 Day Dives + 1 Night Dive
Day 5 – Guraici (Goraici) Islands
Located near the Equator, the Guraici Islands are a hidden gem of southwestern Halmahera. White sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs define this pristine archipelago.
The local community actively protects the reefs, resulting in exceptional coral health. Expect immaculate hard coral gardens, abundant reef fish, and blacktip reef sharks cruising along coral-covered walls.
Meals: Light Breakfast, Full Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dives: Up to 3 Day Dives + 1 Night Dive
Day 6 – Siko Island
Siko features a dramatic wall dive marked by a large rock formation emerging above the surface. The terrain is rugged, with steep drop-offs and strong currents.
While hard coral growth may be sparse in some sections, the walls are covered with colorful soft corals. The site is known for its fish density, including Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, and reef sharks (blacktip, whitetip, and occasionally grey reef sharks).
Meals: Light Breakfast, Full Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dives: Up to 3 Day Dives
Day 7 – Tidore Island / Return to Ternate
Diving around Tidore Island offers scenic bays and varied underwater topography. The area is still relatively unexplored, providing exciting opportunities for both day and night dives.
In the afternoon, enjoy beach time and a relaxing sunset before cruising back to Ternate harbor. Farewell dinner on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner
Dives: Up to 2–3 Dives (conditions permitting)
Day 8 – Disembarkation in Ternate
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye. Our crew will assist with transfers to the airport or hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
This itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on weather conditions, your preferences, and the availability of activities.