What to Expect On a Halmahera Liveaboard

A liveaboard to Halmahera is something special in terms of unexplored regions in Indonesia. It's the largest island of the Moluccas, situated in the north and is rapidly growing in fame as a prolific dive site, more than capable of matching the species diversity of neighbouring Raja Ampat.

The best time to visit this region on a Indonesian liveaboard is from March to November, during the dry season. However it should be noted that in July and August, the islands are hit by strong trade winds. Water remains at an almost constant 84 Fahrenheit (29∞C) throughout the year with barely a degree of fluctuation.

Halmahera Underwater

Liveaboards who depart from Halmahera will initially head south, before heading west to follow the archipelagic chain of islands. There are many different sites to visit, including muck dives, drift dives along deep walls, coral gardens, and even volcanic rock formations that are now totally encrusted by corals. You will find true cavern zones, swim-throughs, and large overhangs, which can be an ideal spot for a resting shark, as well as tiny cracks and crevices that are inhabited by macro species. From the small amount of diving we have done in this region, we have discovered so many unspoiled sites; we know there are still many more to find.

Dive Sites of Halmahera

Travelling by liveaboard, many sites are available and even more sites are not yet known. Cruises in the Moluccas are particular special because there is always the chance of identifying a new species or discovering new wreck sites.

Sailing over the Halmahera Strait it is possible to see epically big pelagic fish. Hammerhead sharks, barracuda, oceanic whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, and even manta rays.

Shark Mountain is a submerged island and a very deep site. Initial depth is 100 feet (30 m) and several species of shark can be seen patrolling the circumference of the island. Napoleon wrasse are also present, as are large shoals barracuda. This is an especially exhilarating site to dive.

Napo Siko has been described as the best wall dive, although there are plenty more sites to discover that can match the beauty of this pristine wall. Hawksbill and green turtles are often spotted here, as are oceanic whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. Napoleon wrasse move is groups between large growths of coral formations, while enormous sponges provide excellent shelter for invertebrates.

Pisang Island is another favourite of liveaboard divers. The small island, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, is surround by several other small islands. Beneath the sea, they all join along wide ridges and are now home to very dense gardens of coral. Huge vases and branching corals are found here, while the very strong currents attract barracuda and several shark species.

Top Tips for Divers

The nature of diving on liveaboard vessels that visit the northern region of the Moluccas is better suited to the more experienced diver. Many dives will be explorations, and this means that sometimes there is very little information to use when planning dives.

Getting to Halmahera

Halmahera is most easily reached from the neighbouring island of Ternate, where Sultan Babullah Airport is located. To reach Ternate, daily flights are available from Jakarta and Manado from their international airports. Flying to Jakarta or Manado is relatively easy, with many direct flights available. Long-haul flights tend to connect via Singapore, and sometimes Kuala Lumpur.

Many dive cruises who venture to this unexplored region also leave from Bitung, on the northern coast of Sulawesi. If so, this is just a short trip by car or taxi from Manado International Airport.