Diving in Halmahera
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Halmahera's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Halmahera, ecoregion. This region features 32 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Halmahera has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Halmahera (1)
Popular Spots in Halmahera (32)
Giovannis Point
Giovannis Point is located at coordinates -0.400200, 127.724300 and is accessible via shore entry. The site features a coral garden and a small cave, situated in a channel between two islands. Divers should be aware of the strong currents that can occur in this area. Marine life includes Black Tip Reef Sharks, which are frequently observed, along with schools of Grunts and Yellow Tail Fusiliers. Emperor Angelfish are also common in this habitat. The underwater landscape is characterized by Great Table Corals and Barrel Sponges.
Hol Sulamadaha
Hol Sulamadaha features dense coral gardens and is located approximately 30 minutes from the center of Ternate. Divers and snorkelers may encounter various marine life, including green turtles, nudibranchs, flatworms, snappers, fusiliers, sweetlips, butterfly fish, groupers, damselfish, and gobies. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for both scuba diving and snorkeling activities.
Igo Nyoga
Igo Nyoga is located a short 5-minute boat ride from Kusu Island. The dive site features a gradual slope with coral coverage extending down to a depth of 25 meters. Divers may encounter strong currents in this area. The shallow regions are rich in a variety of corals, providing a habitat for diverse marine life. Notable species include Blacktip Reef Sharks, Bumphead Parrot Fish, Snappers, Sweet Lips, Fusiliers, and various types of Seahorses such as Bargibanti, Pontohi, and Denise.
Kusu East Two Coconut
Kusu East Two Coconut is located on the North-East side of Kusu Island, approximately 5 minutes from Nabucco Spice Island Resort. The site is identifiable by two coconut palms and features a diverse underwater landscape, particularly towards the eastern section. Divers may encounter strong currents at times. The area is home to Black Tip Reef Sharks that navigate among the coral blocks, as well as Humphead Parrotfish and Titan Triggerfish. The reef showcases a variety of both soft and hard corals, along with Gorgonias.
Kusu South
Kusu South is accessed via a shore entry, located at coordinates -0.457300, 127.706600. The dive typically begins in the bay on the southern side of Kusu Island, with divers drifting southwest towards the Kusu Island Resort. The reef is rich in marine life, featuring well-camouflaged species such as Stonefish and Scorpionfish, which can be difficult to spot. Additionally, divers can expect to see more prominent species like Crocodilefish and Clownfish throughout the dive.
Mimmas Point
Mimmas Point is located near the Sabatang headland, accessible via a shore entry. The dive site features a gently sloping sandy and rocky seabed adorned with coral blocks. Divers can observe schools of Blue Triggerfish, while Bannerfish and Angelfish can be found sheltering beneath the Table Corals. Black Tip Reef Sharks are also present in the area, adding to the site's diverse marine life.
Mujiu
Mujiu is situated in a bay approximately 5 minutes by boat from Kusu Island Resort. The dive site features a slope with excellent coral coverage, including both hard and soft corals. Divers may encounter varying currents depending on the tide. The marine life is diverse, with sightings of blacktip reef sharks, bumphead parrotfish, damsel fish, and even bargibanti seahorses.
Nabucco Outer Reef 1
Nabucco Outer Reef 1 is a dive site accessible from the shore, located at coordinates -0.451500, 127.700100. The site features a diverse underwater landscape with depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including colorful reef fish, soft corals, and hard corals. The area is known for its clear visibility, typically around 20 meters, which enhances the diving experience. Conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for potential currents. This site is suitable for scuba diving, making it ideal for divers looking to explore a rich marine ecosystem.
Nabucco Outer Reef 3
Nabucco Outer Reef 3 is accessed from the shore and features a diverse underwater landscape. The site offers depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, providing opportunities to explore various marine habitats. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including colorful reef fish, and possibly larger species such as sharks and rays. The conditions can vary, so it is advisable for divers to be prepared for potential currents. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 25 meters, making it suitable for divers with some experience.
Nabucco Spice Island
Nabucco Spice Island is located on the north side of Kusu Island and serves as the house reef for Extradivers Nabucco Spice Island Resort. This dive site can experience strong currents, which vary with the tides. Divers can explore a diverse underwater ecosystem featuring both hard and soft corals. Notable marine life includes various species of reef sharks, Humphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, and Barracuda, along with a wide array of other reef fish.
Nanas Reef
Nanas Reef is located approximately 20 minutes by boat from Nabucco Spice Island Resort. This isolated reef is situated in a sheltered bay, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels. The site is home to a diverse array of marine life, including Nudibranchs, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Batfish, Parrotfish, Octopus, Scorpionfish, Stonefish, and Picasso Triggerfish, among others.
North Of Maitara
The dive site north of Maitara features a wall dive with depths ranging from 15 to 30 meters. Divers can expect to see various reef fish, corals, and some larger marine species. The entry to the site is typically accessed by boat.
Ochi Mokoko
Ochi Mokoko is accessible via shore entry and features a marginal reef that gently slopes down to a sandy plateau at approximately 20 meters. The site is suitable for divers of all experience levels. Marine life includes giant pufferfish, porcelain sea slugs, filefish, giant moray eels, triggerfish, scorpionfish, stonefish, and blacktip reef sharks, providing a diverse underwater experience.
Proco House Reef
Proco House Reef is located at Proco Island Bamboo Resort, with direct access from the resort's jetty. This dive site features a small bay where divers can comfortably perform safety stops beneath the jetty. The reef is known for its rich biodiversity, showcasing a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, pygmy seahorses, and reef sharks. The underwater landscape is characterized by a heavily overgrown reef, providing an engaging environment for divers.
Pulau Pokal
Pulau Pokal is located just off a small island, approximately five to ten minutes northeast of Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort. The dive site features a diverse underwater landscape characterized by blocks and gullies. Divers should be prepared for strong currents, which are often present in the area. Marine life includes Blacktip reef sharks, frequently seen with Remora attached beneath them. Additionally, divers can encounter Stonefish, Scorpionfish, Giant Pufferfish, Titan Triggerfish, and a variety of both soft and hard corals.
Sabatang Kecil 2
Sabatang Kecil 2 is located on the eastern coast of Sabatang, accessible via a boat ride of 15 to 20 minutes from Nabucco Spice Island Resort. The dive site features a steeply sloping terrain with craggy formations and notable coral heads. Gorgonias can be found starting at a depth of 15 meters (approximately 45 feet). The reef is adorned with Gold Mouth Sea Squirts and is home to various marine life, including Yellow-horned Ribbon Eels and Varicose Wart Slugs.
Sali Bay East Freestyle
Sali Bay East Freestyle is located at the eastern end of Sali Bay and can be accessed via shore entry. The site is known for its strong currents, particularly around a headland, which can create challenging conditions with vertical currents in certain areas. Divers may encounter Black Tip Reef Sharks along with a variety of typical marine life found in the region. The strong current can make it difficult to pause and observe the surroundings.
Seromadopo
Seromadopo is situated in a bay approximately five minutes by boat from Kusu Island Resort. The dive site features a slope characterized by boulders and a rich coverage of coral. Divers may experience varying currents depending on the tidal conditions. The marine life here is diverse, with opportunities to see larger species such as Bumphead Parrotfish and Blacktip Sharks, as well as smaller creatures like Fusiliers, Batfish, Nudibranchs, Moray Eels, Ribbon Eels, Candy Crabs, and Pygmy Seahorses.
Sofias
Sofias is a shore dive site located at coordinates -0.455100, 127.691700. The area features a marginal reef characterized by vibrant coral blocks that support a diverse array of marine life. The reef descends to a sandy plateau, providing a unique habitat for various species. Notable marine life includes Humphead Parrotfish, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Clown Triggerfish, Black Clownfish, Halfbeaks, and a variety of butterfly fish. The reef is also home to barrel sponges, feather stars, table corals, and soft corals, contributing to its ecological richness.
Tafraka
Tafraka is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 0.876800, 127.319300. The dive features a slope topography with a maximum recommended depth of 25 meters. Divers may encounter various marine life, including two dugongs, tuna, turtles, and schools of small pelagic fish. Additionally, the site is home to nudibranchs, flatworms, and parrotfish. The travel time to reach this dive site is approximately 5 minutes.
Tanjung Bakau 1
Tanjung Bakau 1 is a marginal reef located at coordinates -0.475500, 127.684600, accessible via shore entry. The site features a coral garden that descends to a sandy bottom at a depth of 20 meters. It is a sheltered area, providing a habitat for various marine species. Divers can observe camouflaged Scorpionfish among the coral blocks, while Humphead Parrotfish and Garden Eels are typically found on the sandy substrate. Blacktip Reef Sharks are often seen patrolling the vicinity.
Tanjung Bakau 2
Tanjung Bakau 2 is a shore dive site characterized by a marginal reef featuring coral blocks and rocky pinnacles. The terrain gently slopes, providing a diverse underwater landscape. Marine life includes hard corals, octopus, banded boxer shrimps, giant moray eels, and shoals of glassfish. Divers can also observe gorgonian corals and clownfish residing alongside their partner shrimps in bubble anemones.
Tanjung Bakau 3
Tanjung Bakau 3 is a shore dive site located at coordinates -0.466600, 127.690900. The dive begins at a marginal reef characterized by a coral garden that descends to a sandy seabed at a depth of 25 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including nudibranchs, giant moray eels, feather stars, stag coral, glassfish, blue triggerfish, and titan triggerfish. The site is known for its rich biodiversity and offers a unique underwater experience.
Tanjung Dehibira
Tanjung Dehibira is situated on Pulau Sali Kecil, approximately 10 minutes by boat from Kusu Island Resort. The dive site features a sloping reef with extensive coral coverage. Divers may experience varying currents depending on the tidal conditions. The marine life here is diverse, offering encounters with species such as Bumphead Parrotfish, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Fusiliers, Batfish, Nudibranchs, Moray Eels, Ribbon Eels, Candy Crabs, and Pygmy Seahorses.
Tanjung Duva Duva
Tanjung Duva Duva is situated on Pulau Sali Kecil, approximately 10 minutes by boat from Kusu Island Resort. This dive site features a slope with substantial coral coverage. Divers may experience varying currents influenced by the tide. The marine life here is diverse, with sightings of Bumphead Parrotfish, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Fusiliers, Batfish, Nudibranchs, Moray Eels, Ribbon Eels, Candy Crabs, and Pygmy Seahorses.
Tanjung Duva Duva
Tanjung Duva Duva is located at the northern cape of Sali Island, accessible via a shore entry. The site is situated in a channel between two islands and is known for its strong currents, making it suitable for experienced divers. The marine life includes a variety of soft corals that thrive in the current conditions, as well as abundant nudibranchs and mantis shrimp. Divers can expect to see typical sea life of the region, enhancing the macro diving experience.
Tanjung Gorua
Tanjung Gorua is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates -0.415500, 127.724100. The site features a coral garden that is relatively sheltered and rich in marine biodiversity. Divers can expect to see a variety of species including Bannerfish, Grunts, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Batfish, and large schools of Fusiliers and Sweetlips. The reef is characterized by Table Corals and Barrel Sponges, providing a vibrant underwater landscape for exploration.
Tanjung Neraka
Tanjung Neraka is located approximately 5 minutes by boat from Kusu Island, positioned at a corner of Bacan. The dive site features a slope with substantial coral coverage and is characterized by potentially strong currents. Divers can explore two distinct areas depending on the current direction: one to the north and another to the south. Marine life commonly observed here includes blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, Bumphead Parrotfish, snapper, and sweetlip. Additionally, divers may encounter various seahorse species such as Bargibanti, Denise, and Pontohi, along with Nambrotha and Flabellina.
Tanjung Neraka
Tanjung Neraka is located at coordinates -0.461000, 127.691900 and is accessible via shore entry. The dive site features a marginal reef characterized by a sloping terrain of broken coral interspersed with attractive coral heads. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including schools of glassfish, anemones hosting shrimps, giant moray eels, and blacktip reef sharks. Additionally, the area is home to various nudibranchs and both hard and soft corals found on isolated coral blocks.
The Overhang Kusu South
The Overhang at Kusu South is located on the southwestern corner of Kusu Island, accessible via a shore entry. This dive site features a rugged reef structure characterized by boulders and coral heads, providing habitats for various marine species. Divers can expect to see batfish, blue-spotted stingrays, humphead parrotfish, titan triggerfish, as well as lobsters and shrimps. The site offers a varied landscape with gullies that can provide shelter from occasionally strong currents, making it suitable for divers with some experience.
Tomajiko, Hiri Island
Tomajiko on Hiri Island is a wall dive site accessible from the shore. The dive features a vertical wall that reaches a maximum depth of 25 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including colorful soft corals, sea fans, and schools of fish such as snappers and damselfish. Additionally, sightings of parrotfish, tunas, moray eels, nudibranchs, flatworms, turtles, and napoleon fish are common in this area.
Wreck Taman Nukila
Wreck Taman Nukila is situated near a city park in Ternate, approximately five minutes from local accommodations. The site features a significant shipwreck, the KM. Pari Wreck, located at depths ranging from 15 to 23 meters. Additionally, there is another vessel, a result of illegal fishing, which was intentionally sunk by the Navy at a depth of 19 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including snapper, fusilier, sweetlips, butterflyfish, cardinalfish, angelfish, grouper, damselfish, anthias, wrasse, parrotfish, boxfish, pufferfish, gobies, moray eels, frogfish, nudibranchs, and flatworms.