Jul 29 – Aug 9, 2026

This trip offers a spectacular transition from the critter-filled volcanic sands of Lembeh to the healthy coral reefs and pelagic life found in the Sangihe and Halmahera Sea. The journey ends in Ternate, providing a blend of exceptional diving and historical intrigue. Trip Highlights: • Lembeh Strait: Critter hunting on black sand slopes with an expert guide. • Bangka Island: Pristine coral gardens and schools of fish. • Bunaken Marine Park: Spectacular wall dives, huge sponges, and sea turtles. • Halmahera Sea: Exploring remote and seldom-dived sites with a chance for both macro and wide-angle photography. • Ternate: The final destination, a historic port and a gateway to the volcanic islands of the North Maluku region. Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrival & First Dives in Lembeh • We will organise a taxi to collect you from either Manado Airport (MDC) or your hotel to take you to the meeting point. • We then transfer you to Jelajahi Laut. • We’ll give you our welcome briefing and a tour around the boat, then you’ll get ready to enjoy your first check dive to get acquainted with the gear and the local conditions, where you’ll enjoy your first check dive in the famous Lembeh Strait. • Possible Dive Sites: Start with a classic muck dive at a site like Hairball or Jahir to immediately immerse yourself in the world of unique critters like frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish. Days 2-3: Lembeh Strait - The Muck Diving Mecca • Dedicate two full days to exploring the diverse muck diving sites of Lembeh. • Possible Dive Sites: o Nudibranch City: A site dedicated to a wide variety of nudibranchs and other small invertebrates. o Police Pier: An excellent spot for night diving to find snake eels and other nocturnal creatures. o Tanjung Kusu: Famous for its pipefish and seahorses. o Mawali Wreck: A Japanese WWII wreck, providing a break from the sand and a habitat for schools of fish. Day 4-5: Bangka Island - Colorful Coral Gardens • The vessel will cruise south to Bangka Island, which lies between Lembeh and Bunaken. This area is famous for its vibrant soft corals and clear water. • Possible Dive Sites: o Lihaga Island: Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and healthy reefs. o Tanjung Arus: A sloping reef with a wide variety of corals and schooling reef fish. Days 6-7: Bunaken Marine Park - Wall Diving Mecca • The boat will make a short journey to the world-renowned Bunaken Marine Park. • Possible Dive Sites: o Lekuan I, II, or III: A series of famous wall dives with incredible visibility, huge sponges, and numerous sea turtles. o Fukui: A sloped reef known for its large schools of bannerfish and a chance to see eagle rays. o Mandarin City: A perfect spot for a dusk dive to watch the mesmerizing mating dance of the mandarin fish. Days 8-10: Crossing the Halmahera Sea • Jelajahi Laut will begin her final leg of the journey, crossing the Halmahera Sea toward Ternate. This is a vast and remote area with a mix of dive environments. • Possible Dive Sites: o Goraici Islands: Located on the west coast of Halmahera, offering sloping reefs and beautiful coral coverage. o Pulau Tifore: A small island with a submerged reef, where the main attraction is often schooling barracudas. o Pulau Pisang: Another remote island with sloping reefs and a lot of schooling fish. Days 11-12: Last Days of Diving • Arrive in the waters around Ternate and the neighbouring island of Tidore. This region offers a mix of volcanic landscapes and vibrant underwater ecosystems. • Possible Dive Sites: Explore the reefs around Ternate, with a final farewell dive. The specific sites will depend on the day's conditions, but you can expect a mix of colourful reefs and potential macro life. Important This is a sample itinerary only; the final route may vary. Weather and tides play a big role in safety and planning, which is why the Cruise Director and Captain plan every day accordingly. For any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us beforehand or chat with the Cruise Director on the boat. *Please note: Before booking your return flight, our last dive will be on the final day of the trip, and we will arrive back at Ternate Harbour around 3-4pm – please observe the 24-hour no-fly surface interval. Upon arrival at the harbour, we will organise a transfer for you to take you to your hotel, you’ll need to get your return flight from Ternate Airport (TTE).