This trip takes us from Sorong in Irian Jaya, through the Molucca Sea past Halmahera to Manado in North Sulawesi. The 650 nautical mile journey takes us through a range of different land and seascapes. The trip starts with a taste of the beautiful coral reefs of Raja Ampat. On the south coast of Halmahera we will dive walls and drop-offs with big fish action. The small islands off the west coast of Halmahera are home to great coral reefs. The end of the trip in North Sulawesi offers you pristine coral reefs, great fish life and spectacular critter diving in the famous black sand of the Lembeh Strait. A diverse trip with something for everybody!

The guests will be met by the crew of Pindito at Sorong airport. From there it is a short 15 minute transfer to the Pindito. Once everyone is on board, we will lift the anchor and get underway. After dinner we have the boat briefing.

Our first destination in the Raja Ampat Marine Park is the island of Kofiau. Here we will stay the whole day, diving on several different dive sites from beautiful slopes overgrown with soft corals and seafans to steep walls with big schools of fish. At one spot we have the chance to dive with grey and whitetip reef sharks. One real highlight of Kofiau is a “critterdive” under a small pier by the village of Deer. Diving at dusk you can see wunderpus, mandarin fish, ghost pipefish and all manner of weird and wonderful creatures. At 20:00 we will lift the anchor and cruise overnight to Joronga.

Joronga is a small group of islands to the south of Halmahera with picture postcard white sand beaches. The reefs in this area boast beautiful hard coral growth from huge, intact table corals to fields of staghorn and other acropora species. Anywhere with such a diversity of coral species will be home to plenty of reef fish, and cuttlefish can be seen camouflaged in the reef. In the afternoon we reach a inlet on the south coast of Halmahera where the pretty reefs offer many fusiliers, nudibranchs and more. There is a small pier for muck diving fans where we can hunt for frogfish and other critters. After the night dive we continue the cruise to Maregarano.

In the bay of Maregarano we spend the fourth day of the tour. Steep walls with excellent soft coral growth, sponges, sea fans and hard corals are the foreground to schools of barracuda, sharks, eagle rays and jacks. Humphead parrotfish, sweetlips and batfish and many other species can be seen here. Visibility is often 20 metres plus. For the nightdive we move to a protected bay in southern Mandiolis.

In the morning we reach the islands of Ado, Gafi and Siko – comprising the island group of Goraicci. Here we will spend two days where you can expect diverse divesites with excellent visibility. Amazing reeftops where hard and leather corals compete for space, submerged pinnacles, walls and slopes all with beautiful coral growth.

In the morning we lift the anchor for a 3 hour cruise to the volcanic island of Makian. A fantastic view awaits as we cruise closer as the volcano looms high with the sunrise behind. With an elevation of 600 metres and thick vegetation this will be a sunrise to remember. The natural beauty continues below the waterline. Under the pier we have a chance to do a great muck dive with frogfish, ghost pipefish, scorpionfish and all kinds of eels amongst the coral covered pillars. In the north of Makian colourful coral contrasts beautifully with the black sand.

Overnight our cruise continues 95 miles to the remote island of Tifore which lies in between Halmahera and Sulawesi. We will dive in 3 different spots with big fish action guaranteed. On the submerged reef we have a chance to see a big, big school of barracuda, and with a bit of luck you will watch as they form a barrel above you. Also look out for bigeye trevally, humphead parrotfish, sweetlips and many more. Really a dive not to miss.

Arrival in Bangka / North Sulawesi renowned for its diversity, coral growth and beautiful underwater scenery. Exciting dive sites with huge boulders and rocks overgrown with black coral. Rich coral gardens provide habitat for scores of fish. Pygmy seahorses, leaf scorpionfish, ghost pipefish and frogfish can also be found.

The first 2 dives of the day will be in the area of Bangka and the Sulawesi coast before we cruise to our anchorage in the Lembeh Strait. Here our journey will end, but not before we enjoy the special critter dives on offer here. The last 4 dives will be on different dive sites in the Lembeh Strait. On the black sand you can find mimic octopus, hairy frogfish, flying gurnards, Pegasus seamoths and so many kinds of nudibranchs. Muck diving at its best.

Around 10.00 am the Pindito crew will bring you to Manado airport or to a hotel of your choice if you have a few more days to spend in Sulawesi.