Raja Ampat National Park South & Central (8 Days / 7 Nights - 22 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat - Misool: Boo Corner, The Window, Magic Mountain, Fiabacet, Penemu, Melissa's Garden, Manta Ridge, Dampier Strait, Kri Island, Big Fish, Cape Kri, Sardine Run, Mioskon Island, Blue Magic and Yellow Fever
Day 1
The White Manta staff will wait for your arrival at Sorong Airport and take you to the nearby harbour to embark on the amazing White Manta liveaboard. Relax and drink a welcome fruit juice while the tour leader introduces the boat, facilities and crew. There might be a check dive in the afternoon, in a nearby bay, but it depends on the guest arrival times. Nevertheless, set up your dive gear on the dive deck and wait for dinner to be served. Your diving vacation has just started!
Days 2-7
You have come to the right place, as Raja Ampat never fails to deliver great diving, being the world's richest display of underwater flora and fauna. The right playground for divers from all nationalities that come to witness the pristine and colourful corals that attract hundreds of different species of fish, from tiny critters to big pelagics. Schools of fish will welcome you in their habitats, some of them will become common encounters on each dive, especially reef fish such as damsels, anthias, soldierfish and angelfish; while other encounters will be less frequent and therefore more unique, such as cleaning stations visited by manta rays or sandy slopes where wobbegong sharks like to rest before their night hunting.
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
On the last full day of the tour there are only 2 dives scheduled since the White Manta needs to make its way back to port.
Day 8
Time for farewells as you have reached the end of your safari. Enjoy breakfast with your fellow divers before heading to Sorong airport or hotel, depending on your travel plans.
Banda Sea & Ambon (9 Days / 8 Nights - 22 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Ambon Bay, Banda Islands: Pulau Ai, Run, Banda Neira, visit to a Spice Island, Ring of Fire, Serua, Manuk, Damar Hukruila Cave, Molana
Day 1
Land at Pattimura Airport, Ambon where the White Manta crew greets you and takes you to the harbour where you can finally see this amazing liveaboard. Your first hours on board will be spent on getting to know the boat, the crew and the other guests that will share this fantastic diving safari with you. A possible check dive might take place in the afternoon, depending on guest arrival times. If not, have a massage or simply relax until dinner is served. Your diving days are about to start.
Days 2-7
The Banda Islands never fail to deliver great diving on pristine and colourful corals that attract hundreds of different species of fish, from tiny critters to big pelagics. Even dolphins and whales can be spotted from the boat in the Banda Sea. Schools of fish will welcome you in their habitats, especially reef fish such as damsels, anthias, soldierfish and angelfish. You will also travel to some less known dive sites while touring around the islands and Ring of Fire, with high a chance to see endemic species like the Ambon scorpionfish, or be surrounded by dogtooth tuna, and spot shy mobula rays swimming out in the blue. There is also a good chance of diving with schools of hammerheads here. Expert and amateur photographers will love the White Manta, where you can safely set up, rinse and dry your equipment. This cruise will be a blast!
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
Only 2 morning dives will take place on the last full day of the safari. White Manta then cruises back to port while its crew washes your dive gear so that it will be dry and ready to be packed before you reach land.
Day 9
Farewells and a light breakfast before heading to an Ambon hotel or the airport.
Raja Ampat, Banda Sea & Ambon (11 Days / 10 Nights - 30 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Ambon, Banda Islands: Pulau Ai, Batu Kapal, Karang Hatta, Pulau Keraka, Ring of Fire (Serua, Manuk, Damar), West Seram, Koon and Raja Ampat: Misool, Wayil, Fiabacet,and Boo
Day 1
The White Manta staff will meet you at Sorong Airport and take you to the nearby harbour to embark on the amazing White Manta liveaboard. Relax and drink a welcome fruit juice while the tour leader introduces the boat, facilities and crew. There might be a check dive in the afternoon, in a nearby bay, but it depends on the guest arrival times. Nevertheless, set up your dive gear on the dive deck and wait for dinner to be served. Your diving vacation has just started!
Days 2-10
This exploratory trip never fails to deliver great diving on pristine and colourful corals that attract hundreds of different species of fish, from tiny critters to big pelagics. Even dolphins and whales can be spotted from the boat in the Banda Sea. Schools of fish will welcome you in their habitats, especially reef fish such as damsels, anthias, soldierfish and angelfish. You will also travel to some less known dive sites while touring around the Banda Islands and the Moluccas, with high chances to see endemic species like the Ambon scorpionfish, or be surrounded by dogtooth tuna, and spot shy mobula rays swimming out in the blue. There is also a good chance of diving with schools of hammerheads here.
Raja Ampat is the most biodiverse marine region in the world! The southern part of Misool belongs to the largest yet least developed islands of Raja Ampat. You will have plenty of opportunity to see weird small creatures such as wonderpus and seahorses as well as majestic mantas, wobbegongs and reef sharks. There is so much to witness underwater that every dive will bring you new experiences. Expert and amateur photographers will enjoy the dedicated areas on board the White Manta, where you can safely set up, rinse and dry your equipment. This cruise will be a blast
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
On the last full day of the tour there are 2 or 3 muck dives around Ambon on the schedule.
Day 11
Time for farewells as you have reached the end of your safari. Enjoy breakfast with your fellow divers before heading to Ambon airport or hotel, depending on your plans. Note this itinerary may be operated in reverse. Please see above for specific ports of departure and return.
Raja Ampat National Park South & Central (9 Days / 8 Nights - 26 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat - Misool: Boo Corner, The Window, Magic Mountain, Fiabacet, Penemu, Melissa's Garden, Manta Ridge, Dampier Strait, Kri Island, Big Fish, Cape Kri, Sardine Run, Mioskon Island, Blue Magic and Yellow Fever
Day 1
The White Manta staff will wait for your arrival at Sorong Airport and take you to the nearby harbour to embark on the amazing White Manta liveaboard. Relax and drink a welcome fruit juice while the tour leader introduces the boat, facilities and crew. There might be a check dive in the afternoon, in a nearby bay, but it depends on the guest arrival times. Nevertheless, set up your dive gear on the dive deck and wait for dinner to be served. Your diving vacation has just started!
Days 2-8
You have come to the right place, as Raja Ampat never fails to deliver great diving, being the world's richest display of underwater flora and fauna. The right playground for divers from all nationalities that come to witness the pristine and colourful corals that attract hundreds of different species of fish, from tiny critters to big pelagics. Schools of fish will welcome you in their habitats, some of them will become common encounters on each dive, especially reef fish such as damsels, anthias, soldierfish and angelfish; while other encounters will be less frequent and therefore more unique, such as cleaning stations visited by manta rays or sandy slopes where wobbegong sharks like to rest before their night hunting.
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steak. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
On the last full day of the tour there are only 2 dives scheduled since the White Manta needs to make its long way back to port.
Day 9
Time for farewells as you have reached the end of your safari. Enjoy breakfast with your fellow divers before heading to Sorong airport or hotel, depending on your plans.
Sangalaki, Maratua & Kakaban (8 Days / 7 Nights - 22 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, off the beaten track
Dive sites and activities: Sangalaki: Manta Avenue, Manta Parade, Maratua: Turtle Traffic, Hanging Garden, The Channel Kakaban, Jellyfish Lake, Derawan Island: Barracuda Point and Blue Light Cave
Day 1
The White Manta staff will meet you at Berau Airport and take you to Tanjung Batu pier to embark on the amazing White Manta liveaboard. Relax and drink a welcome fruit juice while the tour leader introduces the boat, facilities and crew. There will be a check dive in the afternoon and perhaps a night dive, depending on cruise director's plans, before dinner is served. Your diving vacation couldn't start any better!
Days 2-7
4 dives a day will give you plenty of unforgettable underwater encounters await you in Kalimantan, Eastern Borneo. From manta rays and sharks at Sangalaki, and the chance to see whale sharks as well, non-stinging jellyfish in a fresh water lake in Kakaban, even thresher sharks, leopard sharks, loads of turtles and schools of eagle rays when you hit the water in Maratua. Here the often strong current brings nutrients that attract big schools of fish and pelagics like barracuda, trevallies and meaty tuna. Muck divers get more than their fair share of critters in the shallow waters of Derrawan, such as pygmy seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, frogfish, mandarinfish, blue ring octopus, wonderpus, ghost pipefish and shrimp fish.
Get used to the pleasant daily routine: Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
On the last full day of the tour there are only 2 dives scheduled since White Manta needs to make its way back to Tanjung Batu port.
Day 8
Time for farewells as you have reached the end of your safari. Enjoy breakfast with your fellow divers before heading to Berau airport or hotel, depending on your plans.
Banda Sea & Ambon (8 Days / 7 Nights - 18 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Ambon Bay, Banda Islands: Pulau Ai, Run, Banda Neira, visit to a Spice Island, Ring of Fire, Serua, Manuk, Damar, Hukruila Cave, Molana
Day 1
Land at Pattimura Airport, Ambon where the White Manta crew greets you and takes you to the harbour where you can finally see this amazing liveaboard. Your first hours on board will be spent on getting to know the boat, the crew and the other guests that will share this fantastic diving safari with you. A possible check dive might take place in the afternoon, depending on guest arrival times. If not, have a massage or simply relax until dinner is served. Your diving days are about to start.
Days 2-7
The Banda Islands never fail to deliver great diving on pristine and colourful corals that attract hundreds of different species of fish, from tiny critters to big pelagics. Even dolphins and whales can be spotted from the boat in the Banda Sea. Schools of fish will welcome you in their habitats, especially reef fish such as damsels, anthias, soldierfish and angelfish. You will also travel to some less known dive sites while touring around the islands and Ring of Fire, with high a chance to see endemic species like the Ambon scorpionfish, or be surrounded by dogtooth tuna, and spot shy mobula rays swimming out in the blue. There is also a good chance of diving with schools of hammerheads here. Expert and amateur photographers will love the White Manta, where you can safely set up, rinse and dry your equipment. This cruise will be a blast!
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
Only 2 morning dives will take place on the last full day of the safari. White Manta then cruises back to port while its crew washes your dive gear so that it will be dry and ready to be packed before you reach land.
Day 8
Farewells and a light breakfast before heading to an Ambon hotel or the airport.
Banda Islands & Ambon (11 Days / 10 Nights - 28 Dives)
Trip highlights: turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Ambon Bay, Saparuam Nusa Laut, Banda Islands: Pulau Ai, Run, Banda Neira, visit to a Spice Island, Ring of Fire, Serua, Manuk, Damar, Hukruila Cave, Molana
Day 1
Land at Pattimura Airport, Ambon where the White Manta crew greets you and takes you to the harbour where you can finally see this amazing liveaboard. Your first hours on board will be spent on getting to know the boat, the crew and the other guests that will share this fantastic diving safari with you. A possible check dive might take place in the afternoon, depending on guest arrival times. If not, have a massage or simply relax until dinner is served. Your diving days are about to start.
Days 2-10
The Banda Islands never fail to deliver great diving on pristine and colourful corals that attract hundreds of different species of fish, from tiny critters to big pelagics. Even dolphins and whales can be spotted from the boat in the Banda Sea. Schools of fish will welcome you in their habitats, especially reef fish such as damsels, anthias, soldierfish and angelfish. You will also travel to some less known dive sites while touring around the islands and Ring of Fire, with high a chance to see endemic species like the Ambon scorpionfish, or be surrounded by dogtooth tuna, and spot shy mobula rays swimming out in the blue. There is also a good chance of diving with schools of hammerheads here. Expert and amateur photographers will love the White Manta, where you can safely set up, rinse and dry your equipment. This cruise will be a blast!
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
Only 2 morning dives will take place on the last full day of the safari. White Manta then cruises back to port while its crew washes your dive gear so that it will be dry and ready to be packed before you reach land.
Day 11
Farewells and a light breakfast before heading to an Ambon hotel or the airport.
Halmahera Island (8 Days / 7 Nights - 20 Dives)
Trip highlights: turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track
Dive sites and activities: Halmahera: Tidore, Bacan, Kusu, Strait of Patinti, Tolimau, Goraichi, Pulau Obi, Pulau Gomumu
Day 1
The White Manta staff will meet you at Ternate Airport and take you to the pier to embark on the amazing White Manta liveaboard. Relax and drink a welcome fruit juice while the tour leader introduces the boat, facilities and crew. There might be a check dive in the afternoon. So set up your dive gear on the dive deck and wait for dinner to be served. Your diving vacation has just started!
Days 2-7
The marine biodiversity in Halmahera is exceptional and its pristine coral reefs offer exceptional conditions for scuba diving and snorkeling; it is a secret gem with so much still to be discovered. You will have the chance to do some wreck diving and experience some of the best coral gardens that Indonesia has to offer. Dive sites range from ridges, pinnacles, caverns, swim-throughs, muck and ancient volcanoes, creating a diversity of diving and coral habitats. Schooling reef fish such as spadefish and surgeonfish, and bait balls attract numerous hunters, tunas, and mackerel and you can also search under the docks at Makian and Lilai for critters. Other encounters can include hammerheads, barracuda, oceanic whitetip sharks, mantas, mobulas, bumphead parrotfish, trevallies, Napoleon wrasse, bonitos and wahoo.
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
Day 8
Time for farewells as you have reached the end of your safari. Enjoy breakfast with your fellow divers before heading back to Ternate airport or hotel, depending on your plans.
Raja Ampat & Halmahera (10 Days / 9 Nights - 28 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Central Raja Ampat: Penemu, Fam, Mioskon; Pulau Pisang, Halmahera: Bacan, Kusu, Strait of Patinti, Tolimau, Goraichi, Tidore
Day 1
The White Manta staff will meet you at Sorong Airport and take you to the nearby harbour to embark on the amazing White Manta liveaboard. Relax and drink a welcome fruit juice while the tour leader introduces the boat, facilities and crew. There might be a check dive in the afternoon, in a nearby bay, but it depends on the guest arrival times. Nevertheless, set up your dive gear on the dive deck and wait for dinner to be served. Your diving vacation has just started!
Days 2-9
The marine biodiversity in Halmahera is exceptional and its pristine coral reefs offer exceptional conditions for scuba diving and snorkeling; it is a secret gem with so much still to be discovered. You will have the chance to do some wreck diving and experience some of the best coral gardens that Indonesia has to offer. Dive sites range from ridges, pinnacles, caverns, swim-throughs, muck and ancient volcanoes, creating a diversity of diving and coral habitats. Schooling reef fish such as spadefish and surgeonfish, and bait balls attract numerous hunters, tunas, and mackerel and you can also search under the docks at Makian and Lilai for critters. Other encounters can include hammerheads, barracuda, oceanic whitetip sharks, mantas, mobulas, bumphead parrotfish, trevallies, Napoleon wrasse, bonitos and wahoo.
You will soon discover why Raja Ampat is considered as a world class diving destination. Enjoy the abundance of tropical fish around pristine soft and hard corals, including snappers, soldierfish and anthias. The macro marine life is also excellent. From frogfish to pygmy seahorses, pipefish to nudibranchs (of every form and colour!). A wide angle lens will also be necessary for your pictures to snap as trevallies, barracudas, mantas and sharks, plus the endemic spotted wobbegong, even in shallow waters.
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
Day 10
Time for farewells as you have reached the end of your safari. Enjoy breakfast with your fellow divers before heading to Ternate airport or hotel, depending on your plans.
Note this itinerary may be operated in reverse. Please see above for specific ports of departure and return.
Halmahera Island (10 Days / 9 Nights - 27 Dives)
Trip highlights: turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track
Dive sites and activities: Halmahera: Tidore, Bacan, Kusu, Strait of Patinti, Tolimau, Goraichi, Pulau Obi, Pulau Gomumu
Day 1
The White Manta staff will meet you at Ternate Airport and take you to the pier to embark on the amazing White Manta liveaboard. Relax and drink a welcome fruit juice while the tour leader introduces the boat, facilities and crew. There might be a check dive in the afternoon. So set up your dive gear on the dive deck and wait for dinner to be served. Your diving vacation has just started!
Days 2-9
The marine biodiversity in Halmahera is exceptional and its pristine coral reefs offer exceptional conditions for scuba diving and snorkeling; it is a secret gem with so much still to be discovered. You will have the chance to do some wreck diving and experience some of the best coral gardens that Indonesia has to offer. Dive sites range from ridges, pinnacles, caverns, swim-throughs, muck and ancient volcanoes, creating a diversity of diving and coral habitats. Schooling reef fish such as spadefish and surgeonfish, and bait balls attract numerous hunters, tunas, and mackerel and you can also search under the docks at Makian and Lilai for critters. Other encounters can include hammerheads, barracuda, oceanic whitetip sharks, mantas, mobulas, bumphead parrotfish, trevallies, Napoleon wrasse, bonitos and wahoo.
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
Day 10
Time for farewells as you have reached the end of your safari. Enjoy breakfast with your fellow divers before heading back to Ternate airport or hotel, depending on your plans.
Lembeh Strait & Togian Islands (12 Days / 11 Nights - 30 Dives)
Trip highlights: turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Lembeh Strait, Bayat Bay, Gulf of Tomini: Gorontalo, Togian Islands: Una Una, Batudaka, Kadidiri, Walea, Pulau Dua. Visit local village of the Bajau (nomadic sea gypsies)
Day 1
Land at Manado Airport, and take a transfer to Bitung Harbour in Lembeh where you can finally see this amazing liveaboard. Relax and drink a welcome fruit juice while the tour leader introduces the boat, facilities and crew. There will be a check dive in the afternoon, in a nearby bay, depending on your arrival time. There will alslo be a night dive before dinner is served and the sets sail for Gorontalo. Your diving vacation has just started!
Days 2-11
No place on the planet gives you the chance to see more shy critters than the Lembeh Strait, such as the mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, harlequin shrimps, skeleton shrimps, seahorses, frogfish and innumerable nudibranchs. Day after day you will want to extend your bottom time!
You will then experience the Dali sponges of Gorontalo and the vibrant reefs and pinnacles of the amazing Togian islands. You may encounter huge schools of blacktail barracuda, schooling bigeye trevally, and passing pelagics such as tuna, as well as great macro life and some wreck diving. At Gorontalo, if there are reports of whale sharks in the area, some time will be dedicated to seeking out encounters with the ocean's biggest fish. Meet the local sea gypsies, the Bajau people, and search for the endemic Banggai cardinalfish.
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
On the last full day of the tour there are 2 dives at Palau Dua on the schedule before the boat heads on to port.
Day 12
Time for farewells as you have reached the end of your safari. Enjoy breakfast with your fellow divers before heading to Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport or a hotel in Luwuk, depending on your plans.
Note this itinerary may be operated in reverse. Please see above for specific ports of departure and return.
Lembeh Strait & Togian Islands (11 Days / 10 Nights - 28 Dives)
Trip highlights: turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Lembeh Strait, Bayat Bay, Gulf of Tomini: Gorontalo, Togian Islands: Una Una, Batudaka, Kadidiri, Walea, Pulau Dua. Visit local village of the Bajau (nomadic sea gypsies).
Day 1
Land at Manado Airport, and take a transfer to Bitung Harbour in Lembeh where you can finally see this amazing liveaboard. Relax and drink a welcome fruit juice while the tour leader introduces the boat, facilities and crew. There will be a check dive in the afternoon, in a nearby bay, depending on your arrival time. There will alslo be a night dive before dinner is served and the sets sail for Gorontalo. Your diving vacation has just started!
Days 2-10
No place on the planet gives you the chance to see more shy critters than the Lembeh Strait, such as the mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, harlequin shrimps, skeleton shrimps, seahorses, frogfish and innumerable nudibranchs. Day after day you will want to extend your bottom time!
You will then experience the Dali sponges of Gorontalo and the vibrant reefs and pinnacles of the amazing Togian islands. You may encounter huge schools of blacktail barracuda, schooling bigeye trevally, and passing pelagics such as tuna, as well as great macro life and some wreck diving. At Gorontalo, if there are reports of whale sharks in the area, some time will be dedicated to seeking out encounters with the ocean's biggest fish. Meet the local sea gypsies, the Bajau people, and search for the endemic Banggai cardinalfish.
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
On the last full day of the tour there are 2 dives at Palau Dua on the schedule before the boat heads on to port.
Day 11
Time for farewells as you have reached the end of your safari. Enjoy breakfast with your fellow divers before heading to Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport or a hotel in Luwuk, depending on your plans.
Note this itinerary may be operated in reverse. Please see above for specific ports of departure and return.
Halmahera & Lembeh (10 Days / 9 Nights - 26 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Lembeh Strait: Aw Shucks, Nudi Retreat and Hairball; Pulau Tifore, Halmahera: Bacan, Kusu, Strait of Patinti, Tolimau, Goraichi, Tidore
Day 1
The White Manta staff will meet you at Ternate Airport and take you to the pier to embark on the amazing White Manta liveaboard. Relax and drink a welcome fruit juice while the tour leader introduces the boat, facilities and crew. There might be a check dive in the afternoon. So set up your dive gear on the dive deck and wait for dinner to be served. Your diving vacation has just started!
Days 2-9
The marine biodiversity in Halmahera is exceptional and its pristine coral reefs offer exceptional conditions for scuba diving and snorkeling; it is a secret gem with so much still to be discovered. You will have the chance to do some wreck diving and experience some of the best coral gardens that Indonesia has to offer. Dive sites range from ridges, pinnacles, caverns, swim-throughs, muck and ancient volcanoes, creating a diversity of diving and coral habitats. Schooling reef fish such as spadefish and surgeonfish, and bait balls attract numerous hunters, tunas, and mackerel and you can also search under the docks at Makian and Lilai for critters. Other encounters can include hammerheads, barracuda, oceanic whitetip sharks, mantas, mobulas, bumphead parrotfish, trevallies, Napoleon wrasse, bonitos and wahoo.
No place on the planet gives you the chance to see more shy critters than the Lembeh Strait, such as the mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, harlequin shrimps, skeleton shrimps, seahorses, frogfish and innumerable nudibranchs. Day after day you will want to extend your bottom time!
Wake up with a light breakfast followed by the 1st dive of the morning. Later a hot breakfast including hot coffee, toast and eggs will set you up for the 2nd dive. By midday you should have seen enough marine life to quiz fish identities with the tour leader during lunch. Try some of the Indonesian local cuisine that the buffet has on display, as well as more Western dishes such as Italian pasta or steaks. The Thai head chef is regarded as one of the best in the region.
Then it may be time for a well-deserved period of relaxation back in your cabin or on the sundeck. You will hit the water again after the briefing introduces the 3rd dive. The 4th dive takes place just before dinner, when you can experience the nocturnal fish and their night hunting, as well as the change in behaviour of the diurnal fish that you saw on the previous dives.
Day 10
Time for farewells as you have reached the end of your safari. Enjoy breakfast with your fellow divers before heading to Manado airport or hotel, depending on your plans.
Note this itinerary may be operated in reverse. Please see above for specific ports of departure and return.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
