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
With diversity rival to that of Raja Ampat, Ternate - and the Molucca islands - are often overlooked. Almost undiscovered, scuba diving in Ternate offers a number of incredible macro sites while Ternate’s two dive centres provide daily trips to Maitara, Tidore and the current-swept dive sites at Hiri Island. Frogfish, mandarin fish and the endemic walking shark are all residents to Ternate shore dives.
Morotai
Morotai is one of Indonesia’s northern-most islands located in the North Maluku province. With more than 100 dive sites found around Morotai and the collection of islands that lie in its south-west region, divers are sure to be engrossed in the underwater beauty of this sleepy tropical paradise. Morotai diving will find visitors among historical relics from World War II as underwater photographers fixate on their screens attempting to capture schools of shark.
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.
Top Dive Sites Map
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.
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.
Statistics
Historical data and trends
Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions
Centers Map
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
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
Kusu Island, 0000 Labuah, MA - IDN