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Sunset over the volcanic islands of Ternate and Tidore in North Maluku

North Maluku, Indonesia

Halmahera Liveaboard Diving Guide

Halmahera is the largest island of the Moluccas, a four-armed volcanic island between Sulawesi and New Guinea. Its reefs sit just outside the famous dive regions on either side and see only a handful of liveaboards each year.

Best season: March to June, October to November
Start or end port: Ternate (TTE)
Water temperature: 27 to 30°C
Visibility: 15 to 30 m
Level: Advanced, 25+ dives

A Halmahera liveaboard explores the coasts and outlying islands of North Maluku, from the volcanic sultanates of Ternate and Tidore to the drift channels near Bacan and the Second World War wrecks off Morotai. The region lies between Raja Ampat and North Sulawesi, and in Neptune's schedule it is reached on routes from Sorong, Ambon and Manado. King Neptune runs Halmahera trips from Ternate in spring 2026 and again in October and November 2027.

The appeal is exploration. Halmahera's reefs are close to the centre of the Coral Triangle and share much of Raja Ampat's diversity, yet very few boats visit, so many sites have only been dived a handful of times. Divers who have already done Raja Ampat often choose Halmahera as the next step. The Indonesia liveaboard guide shows where it sits in the yearly route of the fleet.

Halmahera has its own walking shark, described in 2013, and a mix of dive types that includes fast drifts, sheltered macro bays, pinnacles and aircraft wrecks. Trips usually last 8 to 11 nights. For more on how the regions of Indonesia compare, read the overview of diving in Indonesia.

Halmahera at a glance

Location	North Maluku province
Main areas	Ternate and Tidore, Goraici, Bacan, Morotai, Widi
Airport	Sultan Babullah, Ternate (TTE)
Water temperature	27 to 30°C
Visibility	15 to 30 m
Currents	Mild to strong, very strong in the Patinti Strait
Coral diversity	544 coral species in the Halmahera ecoregion
Typical trip	8 to 11 nights from Ternate

When is the best time for a Halmahera liveaboard?

The best months for a Halmahera liveaboard are March to June and October to November, between the monsoons, when the seas around North Maluku are calmest. Diving is possible most of the year, with January the most unsettled month.

JanOff season
FebGood
MarBest
AprBest
MayBest
JunGood
JulGood
AugGood
SepGood
OctBest
NovBest
DecGood

Best
Good
Off season
Neptune departures

Halmahera lies close to the equator, so the monsoons are weaker here than in Nusa Tenggara or southern Maluku. The northwest monsoon from December to February brings more rain and swell to northern coasts, and the southeast winds from June to September can make southern crossings rougher. The four arms of the island always offer some sheltered bays.

King Neptune's Halmahera departures in 2026 run from late April to June, and in 2027 the boat returns from the Banda Sea for trips in late October and November.

What are the best dive sites in Halmahera?

The standout Halmahera dive areas are the Patinti Strait near Bacan for drifts, the Goraici Islands for reefs and macro, Weda Bay for the Halmahera walking shark, and Morotai for wrecks. Exact sites vary because much of the region is still being explored.

Patinti Strait
Near Bacan
DriftStrong current5 to 30 m
A channel between Halmahera and Bacan where tidal currents create fast drifts past walls full of fish, with schooling jacks, barracuda and reef sharks.
Goraici Islands
South Halmahera
ReefMacro3 to 25 m
A group of low islands with sheltered reefs, seagrass and sand slopes, good for critters, pygmy seahorses and colourful hard coral.
Weda Bay
Southeast arm
Night diveWalking shark2 to 15 m
Sheltered shallow reefs where the Halmahera walking shark is most often found on night dives, along with crabs, shrimps and octopus.
Widi Islands
South of Halmahera
AtollWalls5 to 35 m
A large, remote atoll of small islands and lagoons with outer walls, big fish and very few visitors.
Tifore
Molucca Sea
IslandPelagics5 to 35 m
An isolated island in the Molucca Sea between Halmahera and Sulawesi, visited on Manado crossings for its walls, sharks and schooling fish.
Morotai aircraft wrecks
Morotai
WreckHistory10 to 40 m
Remains of Allied aircraft from the 1944 to 1945 airbase on Morotai, lying on sand slopes off the coast. Depths vary from recreational to technical.
Ternate lava reefs
Ternate
ReefVolcanic5 to 25 m
Reefs growing on old lava flows from Gamalama, the volcano that forms Ternate, with black sand slopes and good critter life.

Why dive Halmahera?

Halmahera combines Coral Triangle biodiversity with very little diving pressure. A study of global coral diversity by Veron and colleagues in 2009 counted 544 coral species in the Halmahera ecoregion, the third highest of 141 ecoregions assessed, close behind the Bird's Head region that includes Raja Ampat.

In 2013 the scientists Gerald Allen, Mark Erdmann and Christine Dudgeon described the Halmahera walking shark, Hemiscyllium halmahera, as a species new to science. Like its relatives in Raja Ampat and Triton Bay, it uses its fins to walk across the reef at night.

For divers, the result is a trip that feels like exploration: sites with few or no names, fish that are not used to divers, and reefs where the guide is often seeing something new too.

Forested coastline and calm water on Halmahera — The coast of Halmahera.

Morotai and the Second World War

Morotai, off the northern tip of Halmahera, was captured by Allied forces in September 1944 and turned into a major airbase for the campaign to retake the Philippines and Borneo. Thousands of aircraft passed through, and many were lost or dumped offshore at the end of the war.

Today the remains of fighters, bombers and vehicles lie on the sand slopes around the island, some in recreational depths and others deeper. Morotai is also where Japanese soldier Teruo Nakamura was found in 1974, still unaware the war had ended, almost 30 years after the Japanese surrender.

Historic photograph of a bomber aircraft on Morotai in 1945 — An Allied bomber at the Morotai airbase in 1945.

Ternate, Tidore and the clove trade

Ternate and Tidore, two volcanic islands off the west coast of Halmahera, were for centuries the world's main source of cloves. Their rival sultanates controlled much of the spice trade in the Moluccas, and their wealth drew Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch traders from the 16th century onwards.

Ternate is still the regional hub. Its airport is the departure point for Halmahera liveaboards, and the Gamalama volcano, about 1,715 m high, rises directly behind the town. Portuguese and Dutch forts, the sultan's palace and the clove plantations on the volcano's slopes can be visited in half a day before or after a trip.

Gamalama volcano rising above Ternate island — Gamalama volcano, which forms the island of Ternate.

Halmahera or Raja Ampat?

Raja Ampat has more famous sites, more mantas and better-known itineraries, which makes it the usual first choice. Halmahera suits divers who have done Raja Ampat and want similar biodiversity with fewer boats, or who are curious about places that are still being explored.

The two can be combined. King Neptune's Raja Ampat to Halmahera route runs from Sorong to Ternate in 10 nights, and its Banda Sea to Halmahera route connects Ambon with Ternate in 11 nights.

White sand beach and clear water on Kolorai island near Morotai — Kolorai, a small island off Morotai.

What marine life can you see in Halmahera?

Halmahera is known for its endemic walking shark, healthy hard coral, schooling fish in the channels, reef sharks and a rich mix of macro life, with dolphins and whales in the Molucca Sea.

Species	Where	When	Notes
Halmahera walking shark	Weda Bay and shallow reefs	Year-round	Endemic, night dives
Schooling jacks and barracuda	Patinti Strait	Year-round	Strongest on running tides
Reef sharks	Widi, Tifore, outer walls	Year-round	Whitetip, blacktip and grey reef
Pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs	Goraici, sheltered bays	Year-round	Rich macro life
Turtles	Most reefs	Year-round	Green and hawksbill
Dolphins and pilot whales	Molucca Sea crossings	Year-round	Seen from deck

Which Neptune boats sail to Halmahera, and when?

King Neptune is the Neptune boat that sails Halmahera. In 2026 it runs trips from late April to June, including crossings between Ternate and Manado, and in 2027 it returns for trips in late October and November.

King Neptune

46 m steel and aluminium yacht, 10 cabins, 20 guests, Nitrox included

King Neptune is the only Neptune boat with Halmahera departures. Trips end with a transfer to Ternate or Manado airport.

Itinerary	Route	Nights	When
Raja Ampat - Halmahera	Sorong to Ternate	10	27 Apr 2026
Halmahera - Manado	Ternate to Manado	8	9 May 2026
Manado - Halmahera	Manado to Ternate	8	19 May 2026
Halmahera	Ternate round trip	8	29 May 2026, 8 Jun 2026, 7 Nov 2027
Banda Sea - Halmahera	Ambon to Ternate	11	25 Oct 2027

See cabins and departures →

How do you get to a Halmahera liveaboard?

Halmahera liveaboards start and end in Ternate. Fly to Sultan Babullah Airport (TTE), with direct flights from Jakarta and Manado and connections via Makassar; the boat collects guests at the airport or Ternate hotels before 12:00 on day one.

Fly into Jakarta or Bali
International arrivals connect through Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS). Manado (MDC) also has some international flights.
Connect to Ternate
Fly to Ternate (TTE) from Jakarta, Manado or Makassar.
Meet the boat
Pick-up from Sultan Babullah Airport or Ternate hotels before 12:00 on day one.
Fly home
Round trips end in Ternate, with checkout by 10:00. Crossings to Manado end with a transfer to Sam Ratulangi Airport (MDC).

Routes that start in Manado use Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC), and those arriving from the Banda Sea or Raja Ampat start in Ambon or Sorong. An extra night in Ternate is a good idea and gives time to see the forts and the clove plantations on Gamalama. Check malaria advice before travelling; the guide to malaria and vaccinations for divers explains the options.

Departure towns and airports may change, and this information is for guidance only. The confirmed departure and return details for each trip are provided during the booking process.

Halmahera liveaboard FAQs

When is the best time for a Halmahera liveaboard?

March to June and October to November are the best months, between the monsoons. Diving is possible most of the year.

Where do Halmahera liveaboards depart from?

Most depart from Ternate. Neptune routes also start in Sorong, Ambon or Manado and finish in Ternate.

What is the Halmahera walking shark?

It is a small epaulette shark, Hemiscyllium halmahera, described in 2013, that walks across the reef on its fins at night.

Are there wrecks in Halmahera?

Yes. Morotai, north of Halmahera, has the remains of Allied aircraft and vehicles from its Second World War airbase.

Is Halmahera better than Raja Ampat?

Raja Ampat has more famous sites and mantas. Halmahera offers similar biodiversity with far fewer boats and suits divers who want exploration.

Which Neptune boat goes to Halmahera?

King Neptune, with departures from late April to June 2026 and in late October and November 2027.

How strong are the currents in Halmahera?

Most sites are mild, but channels such as the Patinti Strait near Bacan can be very strong. Advanced certification is recommended.

How do I get to Ternate?

Fly to Sultan Babullah Airport (TTE) from Jakarta, Manado or Makassar.

Can I combine Halmahera with Manado or Lembeh?

Yes. King Neptune runs crossings between Ternate and Manado, which can be combined with land-based diving in North Sulawesi.

What is the water temperature in Halmahera?

The water is usually 27 to 30°C all year, so a 3 mm wetsuit is enough for most divers.

Other Indonesian liveaboard destinations

Karst islands and turquoise lagoons of Wayag in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat Liveaboard

Best season: October to April

The highest reef fish diversity recorded anywhere, spread across Dampier Strait, Misool and the northern karst islands.

Read the guide →

Gunung Api volcano rising above Banda Neira harbour

Banda Sea Liveaboard

Best season: Late September to early November

Schooling hammerheads, deep blue walls and the old nutmeg islands, reached on a short weather window each year.

Read the guide →

Forested karst cliffs and green water in Triton Bay, West Papua

Triton Bay Liveaboard

Best season: October to April

Soft coral forests in plankton-rich water, walking sharks and whale sharks at fishing platforms on the south coast of West Papua.

Read the guide →

White sand beach and calm turquoise water in Wakatobi National Park

Wakatobi Liveaboard

Best season: March to May and September to November

A UNESCO biosphere reserve of fringing reefs and atolls off southeast Sulawesi, known for visibility and gentle wall diving.

Read the guide →

Compare every destination, season and route on the Indonesia liveaboard guide →

Sources

Photo credits

ternate tidore sunset by Thiobedda, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
halmahera coast by Eustaquio Santimano, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
morotai 1945 b17 bomber by Clifford (Pat) Maurice Reedy, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
gamalama volcano ternate by Eustaquio Santimano, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
kolorai beach morotai by Andika25051996, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Schedule and fees checked: October 2026

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North Maluku, Indonesia

Halmahera Liveaboard Diving Guide

Best season: March to June, October to November
Start or end port: Ternate (TTE)
Water temperature: 27 to 30°C
Visibility: 15 to 30 m
Level: Advanced, 25+ dives

Halmahera at a glance

Location	North Maluku province
Main areas	Ternate and Tidore, Goraici, Bacan, Morotai, Widi
Airport	Sultan Babullah, Ternate (TTE)
Water temperature	27 to 30°C
Visibility	15 to 30 m
Currents	Mild to strong, very strong in the Patinti Strait
Coral diversity	544 coral species in the Halmahera ecoregion
Typical trip	8 to 11 nights from Ternate

When is the best time for a Halmahera liveaboard?

JanOff season
FebGood
MarBest
AprBest
MayBest
JunGood
JulGood
AugGood
SepGood
OctBest
NovBest
DecGood

Best
Good
Off season
Neptune departures

King Neptune's Halmahera departures in 2026 run from late April to June, and in 2027 the boat returns from the Banda Sea for trips in late October and November.

What are the best dive sites in Halmahera?

Patinti Strait
Near Bacan
DriftStrong current5 to 30 m
A channel between Halmahera and Bacan where tidal currents create fast drifts past walls full of fish, with schooling jacks, barracuda and reef sharks.
Goraici Islands
South Halmahera
ReefMacro3 to 25 m
A group of low islands with sheltered reefs, seagrass and sand slopes, good for critters, pygmy seahorses and colourful hard coral.
Weda Bay
Southeast arm
Night diveWalking shark2 to 15 m
Sheltered shallow reefs where the Halmahera walking shark is most often found on night dives, along with crabs, shrimps and octopus.
Widi Islands
South of Halmahera
AtollWalls5 to 35 m
A large, remote atoll of small islands and lagoons with outer walls, big fish and very few visitors.
Tifore
Molucca Sea
IslandPelagics5 to 35 m
An isolated island in the Molucca Sea between Halmahera and Sulawesi, visited on Manado crossings for its walls, sharks and schooling fish.
Morotai aircraft wrecks
Morotai
WreckHistory10 to 40 m
Remains of Allied aircraft from the 1944 to 1945 airbase on Morotai, lying on sand slopes off the coast. Depths vary from recreational to technical.
Ternate lava reefs
Ternate
ReefVolcanic5 to 25 m
Reefs growing on old lava flows from Gamalama, the volcano that forms Ternate, with black sand slopes and good critter life.

Why dive Halmahera?

For divers, the result is a trip that feels like exploration: sites with few or no names, fish that are not used to divers, and reefs where the guide is often seeing something new too.

Morotai and the Second World War

Ternate, Tidore and the clove trade

Halmahera or Raja Ampat?

The two can be combined. King Neptune's Raja Ampat to Halmahera route runs from Sorong to Ternate in 10 nights, and its Banda Sea to Halmahera route connects Ambon with Ternate in 11 nights.

What marine life can you see in Halmahera?

Halmahera is known for its endemic walking shark, healthy hard coral, schooling fish in the channels, reef sharks and a rich mix of macro life, with dolphins and whales in the Molucca Sea.

Species	Where	When	Notes
Halmahera walking shark	Weda Bay and shallow reefs	Year-round	Endemic, night dives
Schooling jacks and barracuda	Patinti Strait	Year-round	Strongest on running tides
Reef sharks	Widi, Tifore, outer walls	Year-round	Whitetip, blacktip and grey reef
Pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs	Goraici, sheltered bays	Year-round	Rich macro life
Turtles	Most reefs	Year-round	Green and hawksbill
Dolphins and pilot whales	Molucca Sea crossings	Year-round	Seen from deck