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.
Step ashore for birding and primate viewing, spotting endemic species like hornbills, parrots, and exotic mammals in their natural habitats.
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
As America’s oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ocean conservation, Oceanic Society designs each expedition to deepen connections between people and nature while empowering travelers to play a direct role in preserving marine ecosystems. Through the Expedition Impact Program, your participation supports local ocean conservation projects in visited destinations, coral restoration, and plastic pollution offset initiatives. Part of your trip fee supports partners in Indonesia, including Planet Deep, the Coral Triangle Center, and the Misool Foundation, advancing reef restoration, protected areas, plastic solutions, and shark conservation.
Dates & Prices
May 6-17, 2026 (on Damai I) One cabin left
Book This TripJune 12-23, 2027 (on Damai I)
Book This TripNov 4-15, 2028 (on Damai II)
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 the itinerary, airport taxes, any activities not described, and gratuities. Room upgrades and limited single cabins are available with a $5,995 supplement fee.
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, 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.
Begin your scenic transit to Sulawesi, taking in the islands and seascapes along the way.
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, which 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…
Damai II
The Damai II is a boutique liveaboard ship that offers a high level of comfort for exploring Indonesia’s waters. It was built in South Sulawesi in 2011 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, which can be customized to suit your needs. Please contact our travel team for more information.
