Explore Halmahera
Halmahera is the largest island of the Moluccas in the North Maluku province of Indonesia. Situated in the Indonesian Throughflow, which brings life to the oceans, Halmahera and its neighbouring islands have some of the highest biodiversity in the world. Often overlooked for the incredible sites at Raja Ampat, Halmahera diving offers a wider diversity of corals and marine life on par to the better-known location, making Halmahera the dark horse of diving.
From the dive resort located on the east coast of Central Halmahera divers can experience sites with barely any current at steep drop-offs with caverns and schools of fish, pristine coral-covered slopes and silty black sand or revel in the ocean's strength aside pinnacles. While heading further south, adventure seekers will descend negative entry into current-swept sites among sharks with the potential to spot dolphins and pilot whales.
New to tourism, Halmahera diving is only accessible from two dive resorts on the island or dive centres at nearby Ternate. As the journey can be arduous to dive resorts, liveaboards have recently started visiting, where scuba diving Halmahera is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Top Halmahera Dive Sites
1. Airport Reef
Located in Weda Bay, Airport Reef offers a vibrant shallow coral reef teeming with life. Divers can spot the endemic Halmahera walking shark here. It is suitable for both scuba and freediving, with an easy adventure level. This site is ideal for observing corals and various reef fish.
2. Pasir Putih
Known for the presence of the Halmahera walking shark, Pasir Putih offers a unique diving experience. The site is suitable for both scuba and freediving enthusiasts at an easy to moderate level. The area features pristine coral gardens and diverse marine life, with no significant underwater formations.
3. Shark Mountain
For advanced divers, Shark Mountain offers thrilling encounters with schooling jackfish, barracuda, and sharks. This scuba diving site features deep waters with the shallowest point at 31 meters. It is known for its larger marine life and requires a higher skill level.
4. Elmoos Reef
Elmoos Reef, an atoll-shaped site, features steep walls and numerous caverns. Suitable for advanced scuba divers, it offers depths of 35 to 45 meters. Divers can explore the well-preserved coral formations and caves, rich in diverse marine species.
5. Foya Wreck
A dive site for the experienced, Foya Wreck is a World War II Japanese shipwreck. The 35-meter-long wreck is adorned with soft corals and attracts schooling fish. This technical scuba diving site offers a glimpse into history with intriguing marine life.