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.
There are no dive resorts on Ternate Island, however, there are two on the nearby island of Halmahera. Dive centres from Ternate offer dive trips to Weda Bay in Halmahera or Morotai’s shark packed sites while you can always embark from Ternate onto liveaboards exploring the Molucca Sea.
Directly from Ternate Island, there are a number of easy shore dives where underwater photographers can capture macro subjects on camera, such as at Jikomalamo. Florida’s wall, adorned with soft coral and sea fans, offers the chance for divers to witness a turtle or black-tip shark passing. Ternate diving is ideal for hosting dive courses due to the calm nature of most of the sites. Further offshore, explore KM.Pari Wreck or descend onto big pinnacles, caves and strong currents at Kota Janji and Hiri Island.
The best time to dive at Ternate Island is from May through to October when the winds are calm and all dive sites are accessible. In December and January, the winds are at full force creating choppier conditions yet, in Ternate it’s possible to avoid winds and waves by diving on the north side of the island.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
