Diving Halmahera & Ternate, Indonesia
New Exploratory Routes in March 2027
DISCOVER ONE OF INDONESIA’S LEAST EXPLORED REGIONS, WHERE RAJA AMPAT’S RICH REEFS MEET THE WILD BEAUTY OF HALMAHERA
If you have already dreamed of diving Raja Ampat, or are looking for something truly different, this is your chance to explore beyond the usual routes.
In 2027, we introduce a brand-new expedition linking Raja Ampat and Halmahera; two regions known for their incredible biodiversity, dramatic island landscapes, and remote dive sites less visited by liveaboards.
These special crossings take you from Sorong to Ternate, moving through waters filled with thriving coral reefs, schooling fish, and the kind of encounters that define diving in the Coral Triangle. It’s a route designed for divers who enjoy discovery and want to experience Indonesia at its most authentic.
This is Halmahera liveaboard diving – remote, diverse, and full of surprises.
Halmahera & Ternate - A New Frontier for Divers
Located between Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea, Halmahera remains one of Indonesia’s least explored diving regions. The area is shaped by volcanic islands, deep channels, and nutrient-rich waters that support healthy reefs and abundant marine life.
The region around Ternate, dominated by its iconic volcano, has long been part of Indonesia’s maritime history. Today, it offers divers a rare combination of untouched reefs, dramatic underwater terrain, and a sense of exploration that is becoming increasingly hard to find.
Why This Route Is So Special
This crossing is not just about reaching a destination – it’s about experiencing the transition between two of Indonesia’s most exciting dive regions.
Expect a mix of:
- Remote reefs rarely visited by other liveaboards
- Healthy coral ecosystems and diverse marine life
- Scenic cruising past volcanic islands and quiet coastal villages
- The chance to explore new dive sites during an exploratory season
- A true sense of adventure from start to finish
For many divers, this type of expedition becomes the highlight of their diving journey.
Top Dive Sites in Halmahera
Halmahera is still one of those places where the sense of exploration is very real. The reefs are healthy, the marine life is rich, and many dive sites still feel far from the usual liveaboard circuits. Here are a few of the names that make this region worth watching closely.
Batu Jiri
A wall dive with beautiful coral growth, sponges, and plenty of life packed into every level of the reef. It’s a site that appeals to both wide-angle lovers and divers who enjoy slowing down to look for the smaller details.
Weda Bay Walls
This area is known for healthy reef walls, colorful marine life, and a softer, more relaxed rhythm underwater. Turtles, reef fish, nudibranchs, and occasional macro surprises all add to the charm here.
Tifore Area
Often included on Halmahera itineraries, the reefs around Tifore add another layer to the route, with clear tropical water, coral slopes, and a good mix of reef life. It is one of the names regularly associated with liveaboard diving in this part of Indonesia.
Practical Information - Diving in Halmahera
This new route combines two regions of eastern Indonesia known for warm tropical water, healthy reefs, and rich marine biodiversity. Conditions can vary from one area to the next, which is part of what makes the crossing so interesting. Raja Ampat is known for warm water and strong biodiversity, while Halmahera offers similarly warm conditions with reefs and channels that are still far less visited.
You can generally expect warm tropical water throughout the trip. Raja Ampat is commonly around 27–30°C, while Halmahera is often reported around 28–30°C, making both regions comfortable for repeated diving days.
Water temperature
- Raja Amapt: 27–30°C (81–86°F)
- Halmahera: 28–30°C (82-86°F)
Currents and Dive Experience
- Halmahera is known for gentle reef dive and active channels with stronger currents
- Best suited for intermediate to advanced divers.
- A reef hook and good buoyancy control are recommended.
Wetsuit recommendation
- 5mm full wetsuit
Activities Onboard Zen Liveaboard
This route is not only about the diving. The experience is also about moving through a lesser-traveled part of Indonesia at a slower pace, with time to enjoy the scenery, the sea, and life onboard.
Activities may include:
- Cruising between Raja Ampat and Halmahera through remote island scenery
- Snorkeling in calm, reef-rich bays
- Kayaking when conditions allow
- Quiet mornings on deck with yoga and coffee
- Relaxing between dives with spa treatments
- Evenings under the stars with dinner on deck
2027 Departure Dates
Our first Halmahera crossings will take place during a short seasonal window in March and April 2027.
Sorong to Ternate
17 March 2027 – 27 March 2027
28 March 2027 – 07 April 2027
These are limited departures designed for divers who want to be among the first to experience this new route.
For inquiries about our Liveaboard Expedition to Halmahera, contact reservations@scubaspa.com or Whatsapp: +971 58 549 6555