Trip Highlights
Snorkel remote, pristine reefs adjacent to Raja Ampat, teeming with schools of fish, colorful corals, and rare macro critters—areas few travelers ever explore.
Travel in comfort aboard a boutique liveaboard, with a small group and attentive crew, combining adventure and personalized service.
About This Trip
This is a unique and rarely offered itinerary in the biogeographic region of Wallacea, from the “Spice Island” of Halmahera to Sulawesi. Adjacent to Raja Ampat, Indonesia but with much fewer visitors, Halmahera offers some of the best hard coral gardens in all of Indonesia. In Sulawesi we will encounter unique macro critters and visit the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, a haven for endemic species.
Coral reefs in this region are largely unexplored by snorkelers, and on this unique liveaboard expedition you will have the chance to be among the first travelers to identify new reef areas. Our snorkeling-focused itinerary will have you in the water 4-5 hours per day as we explore this area's pristine reefs, teeming with large schools of fish.
Above the water, the islands of Sulawesi and Halmahera are also home to unique terrestrial biodiversity. Throughout this expedition we hope to see parrots, hornbills, birds of paradise, and unique mammals of the Tangkoko Forest Reserve. Weather permitting, we will also stop at the Togean Islands and visit the Red Jellyfish Lake.
Conservation Impact
Founded in 1969, Oceanic Society is America’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation. As pioneers of “eco travel,” our expeditions have been designed to support our mission. They not only positively impact our travelers, but also the people, places, and wildlife we go to see. A portion of your trip fees for this expedition will support organizations we visit or collaborate with in Indonesia, including Planet Deep, The Coral Triangle Center, and the Misool Foundation. Over the 13 years we have been leading trips in Indonesia, we have supported groups working on coral reef restoration, marine protected area design and management, plastic pollution solutions, and shark conservation. Over the years, we have provided thousands of dollars in park fees that support the protection of marine areas like Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park.
Dates & Prices
May 6-17, 2026 Gorontalo to Ternate (1 male sharing spot left)
Book This TripJune 12-23, 2027 Ternate - Gorontalo
Book This TripWhat's Included
All accommodations, activities, and meals as described; ground transportation to each destination, airport transfers; and a dedicated Oceanic Society naturalist.
What's Not Included
Airfare, alcoholic beverages, meals not listed in itinerary, airport taxes, any activities not described, and gratuities.
Itinerary
Send us an email at expeditions@oceanicsociety.org to request a detailed itinerary for this expedition.
Sample Itinerary
Fly to Ternate on Halmahera and board the Damai I, your luxurious floating base for the next 12 nights. Settle in and enjoy the first views of the surrounding turquoise waters.
Immerse yourself in Halmahera’s pristine shallow coral reefs, snorkeling among vibrant corals, schools of tropical fish, and rare macro creatures. Every day brings a new underwater adventure.
Explore northern Sulawesi’s diverse shallow water sites. Swim with colorful reef fish, marvel at intricate coral formations, and capture unforgettable underwater moments.
Step ashore at Tangkoko Nature Reserve to witness endemic wildlife, including hornbills, parrots, and unique mammals. Weather permitting, explore the marine wonders of Bunaken Marine Park.
Cruise back to Gorontalo, reflecting on the week of snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and untouched natural beauty.
Disembark for your flight onward or back home, taking memories of Raja Ampat, Halmahera, and Sulawesi’s reefs and forests with you.
We are pleased to offer a variety of trip extensions to Borneo, other parts of Sulawesi, and Misool Eco Resort in Raja Ampat, that can be customized to suit your needs. Please contact our travel team for more information.
Ship
Damai I
The Damai I is a boutique liveaboard ship that offers a high level of comfort for exploring Indonesia’s waters. It was built in South Sulawesi in 2009 by Pak Hadji Baso, one of the most respected master boat builders in the traditional Indonesian boat…
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
Trip Extensions
We are pleased to offer a variety of trip extensions to Borneo, other parts of Sulawesi, and Misool Eco Resort in Raja Ampat, that can be customized to suit your needs. Please contact our travel team for more information.
