Trip Highlights
Snorkel shallow and quiet reefs of North Sulawesi, where you'll see a diverse array of marine life and intricate coral formations
Step ashore at Tangkoko Nature Reserve to see endemic wildlife, including hornbills, parrots, and unique mammals
Snorkel in Bunaken Marine Park, home to over 70% of the Indo-Pacific’s fish species amid vibrant reefs
Explore Southern Raja Ampat waters, including the Misool region, where you will witness some of the archipelago’s most breathtaking seascapes
About This Trip
Embark on a boutique liveaboard journey through the heart of the Coral Triangle, exploring North Sulawesi, Halmahera, and Raja Ampat—some of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth. From the calm, shallow reefs of North Sulawesi to the secluded bays of southern Halmahera, snorkel among vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish, colorful nudibranchs, and other extraordinary marine life. Step ashore at Tangkoko Nature Reserve to encounter endemic wildlife, including hornbills, parrots, and unique mammals, before diving into the renowned reefs of Bunaken Marine Park, home to over 70% of the Indo-Pacific’s fish species.
As your journey continues, discover the isolated reefs of Halmahera, where volcanic landscapes meet hidden coves rich in macro life. Cross the Seram Sea and enter northern Raja Ampat and the Misool region, part of one of the world’s most flourishing coral reef systems, boasting over 1,500 fish species and 550 coral species. Here, each snorkeling excursion reveals dazzling coral formations, reef sharks, manta rays, and the region’s extraordinary biodiversity. Aboard your boutique liveaboard, you’ll have access to remote lagoons and islands, making this expedition a rare opportunity to witness the Coral Triangle’s unrivaled marine richness and unique natural beauty.
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.
Dates & Prices
Sept 18-Oct 2, 2027
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 $3,975 supplement fee.
Itinerary
For a detailed itinerary, please email expeditions@oceanicsociety.org
Sample Itinerary
Board your boutique liveaboard and begin your snorkeling journey. Each day, explore multiple shallow reef sites teeming with colorful reef fish, soft corals, and abundant marine life. Highlights include Bunaken Marine Park, Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Bangka and Lembeh Straits, and other secret coves and islands.
Depart Sulawesi and enter the isolated reefs of Halmahera. These secluded waters are rich with reef life and tiny macro creatures like nudibranchs. Continue on to Raja Ampat.
After crossing the Seram Sea, enter the Southern Raja Ampat and the Misool region, where you will explore some of the archipelago’s most breathtaking seascapes. Each site reveals a new perspective of vibrant coral gardens, where you may encounter manta rays, reef sharks, and a dazzling array of colorful fish. If time allows, we may visit one of the jellyfish lakes in the area.
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 offer resort-based pre-trip extension in Northern Sulawesi and post-trip extension in Raja Ampat or Alor. Please contact us for more info.
