Ternate
With diversity rival to that of Raja Ampat, Ternate - and the Molucca islands - are often overlooked
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
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
114 Sightings
J
6
F
8
M
27
A
4
M
3
J
4
J
10
A
6
S
12
O
10
N
7
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
104 Sightings
J
3
F
9
M
15
A
5
M
8
J
4
J
4
A
10
S
15
O
13
N
4
D
14
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
65 Sightings
J
5
F
3
M
5
A
12
M
0
J
4
J
3
A
2
S
4
O
9
N
7
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
60 Sightings
J
5
F
5
M
14
A
4
M
5
J
3
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
46 Sightings
J
3
F
5
M
23
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
3
S
0
O
2
N
1
D
7
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
24 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
10
A
3
M
1
J
1
J
1
A
2
S
1
O
0
N
1
D
1
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
Blacktip Reef Shark
350 Sightings
J
11
F
19
M
69
A
25
M
38
J
24
J
15
A
33
S
43
O
18
N
17
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
321 Sightings
J
7
F
18
M
78
A
14
M
23
J
12
J
18
A
30
S
28
O
27
N
15
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
251 Sightings
J
12
F
18
M
43
A
22
M
11
J
10
J
16
A
17
S
20
O
27
N
22
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
223 Sightings
J
8
F
20
M
29
A
21
M
17
J
9
J
16
A
19
S
26
O
20
N
7
D
31
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.
