Logo
Back to all insights

destination

Halmahera

Halmahera is one of Indonesia’s hidden gems, offering pristine reefs, crystal-clear waters, and exceptional marine biodiversity in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Divers can explore vibrant coral gardens, dramatic underwater walls, and encounter Reef Sharks, Barracuda, Trevally, Eagle Rays, and an incredible variety of tropical marine life in an unspoiled environment.

Above the surface, Halmahera captivates visitors with its volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, secluded beaches, and remote islands rich in natural beauty and local culture. Combining world-class diving with breathtaking scenery, Halmahera offers an authentic adventure in one of Indonesia’s most untouched destinations.

Trip Highlights

  • Day 1: Departure from Ternate – Into the Ring of Fire (2 dives)

  • Day 2: Sali Bay & Pantini Strait – Colorful Reefs and Reef Sharks (3 dives)

  • Day 3: Joronga Islands – Remote Beauty, Calm Waters (3 dives)

  • Day 4: Goraici Islands – Untouched Wilderness (3 dives)

  • Day 5: Makian Island – Volcano Meets the Sea (3 dives)

  • Day 6: Tawali Island (3 dives)

  • Day 7: Failonga Island – Coral Walls and Island Culture (2 dives)

Price Inclusion & Exclusion

✔️ Include

  • 3-4x dives in a day except for first and last day also depends on itinerary,
  • all on board meals, snacks, tea, coffee, mineral water & refreshments (excluding alcohol),
  • shore excursions as outlined on the itinerary;
  • transfers to/from shore to the ship during check in date and check out date;
  • services of English-speaking cruise director; service of the crew;
  • use of all onboard water sports equipment including sea kayaks, stand-up paddle boards (where permissible by local regulation);
  • Sensatia organic amenities; in room aromatic diffuser and organic essential oils.

❌ Excluded

  • National park and retribution fee, all government taxes
  • entry permits, ports and handling fees outside our seasonal bases; repositioning fees;
  • En-route accommodations at stopover cities at the beginning and end of your trip;
  • aircraft charter fees; international airfare; domestic airfare; excess baggage fees; passport, visas or airport departure fees;
  • Starlink access $50/device/trip, telecommunication costs for satellite phone & internet charges;
  • alcoholic beverages;
  • land expedition and cultural program costs outside itinerary;
  • TRANSPORTATION COST FOR REQUIRING REQUESTED ITEMS;
  • PADI dive certification courses;
  • Dive / Snorkeling gear rental;
  • private dive master with ratio 1:1;
  • Nitrox $150/trip; SIDEMOUNT EXTRA TANK $80/tank (limited 3 pax in a group), BIG TANK 15L $80/tank/trip (limited 2 pax);
  • medical care; any special requests; dive or medical insurance;
  • crew gratuity (recommend 10%);

Trip Information

Length Of Trip

🕛 8 days 7 nights

Park Fees

$ USD 200 per person (subject to change depending on government regulations)

Experience

🕛 Advance Open Water with minimum 30 logged dives

Dives

❤️ Approximately 20 dives in total

Flight Reference

Departure

Jakarta

✈ Soekarno Hatta International & Domestic Airports

Departure

Manado

✈ Sam Ratulangi Airports

Return

Ternate

✈ Sultan Babullah Airports

The Itinerary

Day 1
Departure from Ternate Into the Ring of Fire (2 dives)

Your journey begins on the historic spice island of Ternate, where the dramatic silhouette of Mount Gamalama rises above the skyline. After a smooth embarkation, we set sail southward, leaving behind the island’s storied past. As the vessel glides across deep blue waters, soak in sweeping views of volcanic peaks and remote coastlines. The horizon unfolds toward the untouched southern reaches of Halmahera—a wild frontier shaped by fire and sea, where nature remains raw, powerful, and largely undiscovered.

Day 2
Sali Bay & Pantini Strait – Colorful Reefs and Reef Sharks (3 dives)

Wake up in the tropical embrace of Sali Bay, where coral-rich slopes teem with schooling fish, and reef sharks and turtles glide through warm, clear waters. We continue to the dynamic Pantini Strait, where strong currents channel nutrientrich flows that energize the reef. Expect exhilarating drift dives alongside vibrant coral fans, sea whips, and dense schools of snapper shimmering in the blue.

Day 3
Joronga Islands – Remote Beauty, Calm Waters (3 dives)

The Joronga Islands reveal a quieter side of Halmahera—a serene chain of islands edged with white-sand beaches and luminous turquoise lagoons. Dive sites here offer gentle conditions, flourishing soft coral gardens, and intriguing macro life. Between dives, unwind in calm waters, swim in sheltered lagoons, or step ashore onto beaches rarely touched by visitors.

Day 4
Goraici Islands – Untouched Wilderness (3 dives)

Today we venture into the remote Goraici Islands, where isolation has preserved reefs in nearpristine condition. Explore sloping reefs and coral-draped ridges alive with large schools of fish. With luck, encounter rays or blacktip reef sharks cruising through the blue. The raw, unspoiled nature of this region makes every dive feel like true exploration.

Day 5
Makian Island – Volcano Meets the Sea (3 dives)

At Makian Island, dramatic landscapes continue beneath the surface. Diving in the shadow of its towering volcano reveals a striking mix of black sand slopes, lava formations, and deep reef drop-offs. Geothermal activity adds a surreal dimension, while unique critters and occasional pelagic visitors bring constant surprises to these volcanic waters.

Day 6
Tawali Island (3 dives)

Diving around Tawali typically features a mix of reef slopes, walls, and occasional pinnacles. The reefs here benefit from nutrient flow across the wider Halmahera Sea, supporting both small critters and mid-sized pelagics.

Day 7
Failonga Island – Coral Walls and Island Culture (2 dives)

Our final dive destination, Failonga Island, offers steep walls, colorful overhangs, and exceptional visibility. Healthy reefs host nudibranchs, groupers, and reef sharks, making for a rewarding final series of dives. Later, relax on board or explore nearby shores, with sweeping views back toward Halmahera’s northern coastline.

Day 8
Return to Ternate – Disembarkation

We return to Ternate, where your journey began. As you disembark the Amaya Explorer, carry with you vivid memories of coral kingdoms, volcanic horizons, and one of Indonesia’s most untouched archipelagos. This Halmahera expedition blends adventure, discovery, and serenity—an experience far removed from the ordinary.

Go to Schedule & Rates
Follow Our Social Media
Facebook-f TikTok icon
Quick Links
Connect With Us

© All Rights Reserved.