Explore North Maluku

North Maluku, part of the Indonesian archipelago known as the Spice Islands, offers a remarkable diving experience, rich with biodiversity and untouched marine landscapes. With nearly 400 northern islands, this region remains a relatively undiscovered gem, providing divers with access to incredible sites and diverse marine life. At the heart of this area, Halmahera Island stands out for its calm conditions, perfect for novice divers, while its offshore pinnacles invite experienced divers to glide alongside majestic sharks. The coral diversity here surpasses even famed Raja Ampat, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of colors beneath the waves.

For those intrigued by history, Morotai Island offers a unique opportunity to explore World War II relics resting on the sea floor, surrounded by schools of reef sharks. Ternate Island, meanwhile, is famous for the endemic walking shark, delighting shore divers. Despite the increase in dive tourism, North Maluku maintains its pristine allure, with few dive resorts and centers, making liveaboards a popular choice for exploring the area. From macro sites to drift dives, each trip through North Maluku promises a new discovery, enriched by the region's cultural tapestry and seasonal variations.

Places to explore

Ternate

Explore North MalukuNorth Maluku, part of the Indonesian archipelago known as the Spice Islands, off

Morotai

Explore North MalukuNorth Maluku, part of the Indonesian archipelago known as the Spice Islands, off

Halmahera

Explore North MalukuNorth Maluku, part of the Indonesian archipelago known as the Spice Islands, off

Dive Activity

Diving in North Maluku

The North Moluccas, also known as Maluku, offer a treasure trove of dive sites for enthusiasts. Among the standout locations is Pulau Hiri, renowned for its captivating wreck dives like the WWII-era Japanese shipwreck, which teems with rich marine life. Another highlight is the sheltered shore dive at Ternate, where divers can explore vibrant coral gardens and encounter unique species such as the mandarin fish during twilight. Night dives in the region unveil fascinating nocturnal marine behaviors, providing a thrilling experience for adventurers. The balance between shore and liveaboard diving options caters to all preferences, with liveaboards offering access to remote, pristine sites like the crystal-clear waters around Halmahera Island. These waters are home to diverse marine ecosystems, making Maluku a must-visit destination for any dive traveler.

Top Wildlife Sightings in North Maluku

The North Moluccas, part of Indonesia's Maluku Islands, offers diverse marine life that attracts divers worldwide. The region's vibrant coral reefs are home to a plethora of reef fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish, providing colorful underwater vistas. These species are commonly encountered in most dive sites, offering a consistent spectacle for enthusiasts.

Seasonal highlights in the North Moluccas include sightings of larger marine creatures. Sharks, including reef sharks, are more commonly seen from October to April, while sea turtles are frequent visitors year-round, especially in areas with abundant seagrass. Rays, including the majestic manta rays, can often be sighted between May and September, particularly around sites with strong ocean currents. Divers exploring during these periods can expect thrilling encounters with these magnificent animals.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
99 Sightings
J
6
F
4
M
17
A
4
M
3
J
4
J
10
A
6
S
12
O
10
N
6
D
17

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
86 Sightings
J
3
F
1
M
5
A
5
M
8
J
4
J
4
A
10
S
15
O
13
N
4
D
14
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
61 Sightings
J
5
F
1
M
4
A
12
M
0
J
4
J
3
A
2
S
4
O
9
N
6
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
49 Sightings
J
5
F
1
M
8
A
4
M
5
J
2
J
1
A
1
S
5
O
5
N
2
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
39 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
22
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
3
S
0
O
2
N
0
D
7
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin

Blacktip Reef Shark
325 Sightings
J
11
F
6
M
61
A
25
M
38
J
24
J
15
A
33
S
43
O
18
N
13
D
38

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
287 Sightings
J
7
F
1
M
67
A
14
M
23
J
12
J
18
A
30
S
28
O
27
N
9
D
51

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
228 Sightings
J
12
F
5
M
35
A
22
M
11
J
9
J
16
A
17
S
20
O
27
N
21
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
204 Sightings
J
8
F
10
M
21
A
21
M
17
J
8
J
16
A
19
S
26
O
20
N
7
D
31

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
186 Sightings
J
6
F
7
M
15
A
23
M
18
J
5
J
9
A
23
S
27
O
18
N
10
D
25
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
184 Sightings
J
5
F
7
M
25
A
19
M
17
J
9
J
7
A
17
S
30
O
16
N
8
D
24

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
173 Sightings
J
9
F
6
M
14
A
17
M
12
J
7
J
14
A
8
S
27
O
21
N
8
D
30

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
162 Sightings
J
9
F
5
M
16
A
16
M
5
J
6
J
8
A
18
S
21
O
16
N
8
D
34

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
153 Sightings
J
6
F
1
M
24
A
14
M
17
J
10
J
4
A
14
S
13
O
13
N
5
D
32

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
145 Sightings
J
6
F
6
M
6
A
12
M
12
J
4
J
12
A
18
S
21
O
15
N
6
D
27

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
137 Sightings
J
6
F
6
M
11
A
17
M
10
J
3
J
9
A
15
S
17
O
16
N
5
D
22

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
131 Sightings
J
4
F
3
M
5
A
17
M
14
J
1
J
6
A
15
S
18
O
13
N
8
D
27

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
122 Sightings
J
3
F
3
M
10
A
16
M
9
J
5
J
2
A
14
S
7
O
10
N
12
D
31

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
115 Sightings
J
5
F
7
M
16
A
12
M
6
J
6
J
5
A
9
S
8
O
8
N
5
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
114 Sightings
J
4
F
6
M
16
A
23
M
4
J
3
J
7
A
12
S
10
O
12
N
5
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
103 Sightings
J
6
F
6
M
2
A
15
M
8
J
3
J
4
A
7
S
18
O
17
N
1
D
16

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7

iStock-atese

Pygmy Seahorse
94 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
24
A
14
M
12
J
7
J
5
A
1
S
13
O
4
N
2
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
86 Sightings
J
5
F
6
M
5
A
12
M
3
J
4
J
1
A
4
S
7
O
13
N
8
D
18

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
83 Sightings
J
3
F
1
M
7
A
3
M
5
J
5
J
9
A
8
S
5
O
11
N
2
D
24

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
82 Sightings
J
3
F
3
M
3
A
19
M
9
J
3
J
6
A
6
S
5
O
8
N
2
D
15

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Crab
79 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
23
A
7
M
4
J
5
J
3
A
2
S
1
O
5
N
3
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
75 Sightings
J
4
F
6
M
1
A
11
M
5
J
1
J
1
A
4
S
9
O
15
N
1
D
17

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
68 Sightings
J
2
F
6
M
3
A
14
M
10
J
0
J
2
A
8
S
4
O
6
N
0
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
68 Sightings
J
5
F
4
M
2
A
11
M
9
J
1
J
4
A
1
S
8
O
11
N
1
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
62 Sightings
J
1
F
5
M
9
A
10
M
8
J
0
J
0
A
4
S
11
O
7
N
0
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
51 Sightings
J
5
F
0
M
10
A
4
M
0
J
3
J
1
A
3
S
0
O
4
N
9
D
12
iStock-atese

Ribbon Moray Eel (Ghost Eel)
51 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
9
A
2
M
0
J
5
J
0
A
4
S
9
O
11
N
1
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Spiny Lobster
46 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
14
A
6
M
6
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
2
O
5
N
0
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 120

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Cuttlefish
45 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
19
A
7
M
0
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
1
O
0
N
2
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 55

k

Lobster
34 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
4
A
1
M
2
J
1
J
0
A
4
S
1
O
0
N
2
D
17

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan

Tuna
34 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
8
A
4
M
1
J
1
J
1
A
0
S
4
O
6
N
1
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder

Garfish
32 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
2
A
7
M
4
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
2
O
3
N
2
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

k

Cornetfish
31 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
2
A
3
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
4
S
3
O
0
N
1
D
15

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
31 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
3
A
9
M
1
J
0
J
3
A
0
S
7
O
2
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

iStock-Christian von Mach

Pipefish
23 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
1
M
1
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
4
N
1
D
9

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 30

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Stonefish
22 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
4
A
9
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
3
S
1
O
3
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 6

Peter-Schinck-SSI

Ghost Pipefishes
22 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
12
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
1
O
2
N
0
D
5
Alamy-WaterFrame

Common Seahorse
19 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
5
A
4
M
1
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
7
AdobeStock_cherylvb

Garibaldi Damselfish
18 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
6
M
4
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
3
O
3
N
0
D
0
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
17 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
3
M
8
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
3
O
1
N
0
D
1

The best Months to dive in North Maluku

The North Moluccas, also known as Maluku, offer excellent year-round diving conditions featuring diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Water temperatures are consistently warm, ranging from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F, making it comfortable for divers throughout the year. Visibility is typically good, often reaching up to 30 meters/98 feet, providing clear views of the underwater scenery.

Diving is possible year-round, although the region experiences distinct seasonal variations. The best time for diving is generally from October to April when the seas are calmer, and the weather is more stable. May to September can bring stronger winds and currents due to the south-eastern monsoon, potentially reducing visibility and making some dive sites less accessible. It's advisable for divers to plan their trips accordingly to enjoy optimal conditions.

Dive Centers

Nukila Dive Center

Jl. Sutan Djabir Sjah No.10, Kel. Gamalama , Kec. Ternate Tengah,Ternate (taman Nukila), 97721 Ternate, MU - IDN

Extra Divers Spice Island, Nabucco´s Spice Island Resort

Kusu Island, 0000 Labuah, MA - IDN

Dodoku Dive Center

Jl. KBN BLK, Kelurahan Kastela, Kecamatan Pulau Ternate, 97751 Ternate, MU - IDN

Kusu Island Resort

Pulau Kusu, Desa Sabatan , Kec. Bacan Timur Kab. Halmahera Sealatan, 97791 Halmahera Selatan, MU - IDN

Dive Sites

Dodoku Dive Center, 97751 Ternate

Tomajiko, Hiri Island (★4.9)

A dive site for wall lovers, can be reached in 5 minutes from Sulamadaha Beach, Ternate. The topography of this site is a wall with a maximum recommended depth of 25m, along the wall there are colorful soft corals with schools of fish.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Tanjung Bakau 3 (★4.4)

Five minutes boat ride South West from Nabucco Spice Island Resort. Marginal reef with coral garden which slopes down to sandy seabed from 25 metres.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

The Overhang Kusu South (★4.5)

On the South-West corner Kusu Island, 5 minutes boat ride from Nabucco Spice Island Resort. Varied landscape with gullies to shelter from the sometimes strong current.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Sabatang Kecil 2 (★4.6)

Marginal reef on the East coast of Sabatang, 15 to 20 minutes boat ride from Nabucco Spice Island Resort. Steeply sloping, craggy terrain with nice coral heads. Gorgonias starting from 15 meters/ 45 feet depth.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Tanjung Gorua (★4.2)

15 minutes boat ride from Nabuccos Spice Island Resort. A tongue of reef at the North West of Sali. A stunning, relatively sheltered coral garden full of sea life.
Dodoku Dive Center, 97751 Ternate

Wreck Taman Nukila (★4.6)

A very unique dive site, located near a city park, only 5 minutes from the hotel in the city of Ternate. There is 1 large natural shipwreck (KM. Pari Wreck) which is located at a depth of 15 to 23m and there is 1 ship resulting from illegal fishing which was sunk by the Navy at a depth of 19m.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Tanjung Bakau 1 (★4.4)

A beautiful marginal reef ten minutes boat ride South West of Nabucco Spice Island Resort. The coral garden slopes down to a sandy bottom at 20 metres. Sheltered site.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Mimmas Point (★4.6)

The site is close to the headland of Sabatang, just 5 minutes boat ride from Nabucco Spice Island Resort. Beautiful coral blocks on a gently sloping sandy/rocky sea bed.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Sali Bay East Freestyle (★4.6)

20 minutes boat ride from Nabucco Spice Island Resort, at the eastern end of Sali Bay. Strong current running around a headland. The undulating sea bed can cause strong vertical currents in places.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Nanas Reef (★4.2)

20 minutes boat ride from Nabucco Spice Island Resort. An isolated reef off a tiny island in a sheltered bay. Perfect even for less experienced divers.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Tanjung Bakau 2 (★4.5)

Five to ten minutes boat ride South West of Nabucco Spice Island Resort. A fantastic marginal reef with coral blocks and pinnacles in gently sloping, rocky terrain.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Tanjung Neraka (★4.3)

Five minutes boat ride South-West of Nabucco Spice Island Resort. Marginal reef with sloping terrain of broken coral with very pretty coral heads.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Nabucco Spice Island (★4.4)

North side of Kusu Island, the Housereef of Extradivers Nabucco Spice Island Resort. This dive site may have strong currents depending on the tide.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Kusu East Two Coconut (★4.8)

The site is on the North-East of Kusu Island, 5 minutes from Nabucco Spice Island Resort, marked by two coconut palms. Beautifully varied landscape, particularly further East. Current is sometimes fairly strong.
Extra Divers Spice Island, 0000 Labuah

Sofias (★4.1)

This headland is just five minutes boat ride from Nabucco Spice Island Resort. A marginal reef with beautiful coral blocks, teeming with sea life, dropping to a sandy plateau.