Description
Boat
Ambai measuring 32m in length and 7.5m in width, with average cruising speed at 8 knots per hour. It started operations since July 2012. Traditionally built in Sulawesi, built from Iron wood and other tropical hard wood, the design is especially conceived as a dive liveaborad.
Ambai will bring you on an amazing diving liveaboard in Indonesia by a professional dive team from France.
The air-conditioned restaurant on the main deck also serves as the place to brief divers before each dive. There is a large flat screen in the middle of the room: photographers and videographers use it to present their captures and footage at the end of the day.
There is a large shadow deck lounge areas and a beautiful relaxing sun deck complete the common parts, both with comfortable sitting area for relaxation.
The photographers will enjoy a dedicated room for the maintenance and preparation of their cameras, as well as a large screen in the lounge to share pictures and videos.
At the rear of the deck, a large dive deck extended by a platform offers an easy and direct access to the three dive tenders. Also well equipped with personal dive lockers, rinse tanks are conveniently located for washing dive equipment and cameras. The aft of the dive deck is equipped with fin storage and two fresh water showers.
Ambai offers four great Indonesian local dive guides and a western PADI instructor will accompany you underwater and make all your dives a safe and enjoyable experience.
Cabin
Ambai has 8 double guest cabins, It can welcome up to 16 divers in absolute comfort:
All cabins are equipped with individually-controlled air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom with hot shower and ample storage for personal belongings.
NB: every bathroom has a separate toilet and shower, with ample water pressure for everyone!
2 Sea view Cabins (#7, #8):
Located on the upper deck, each cabin comes with one double bed, seaview windows.
4 Twin/Double Cabins (#1 - #4):
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with double bed and single bunk above, portholes.
2 Twin Cabin (#5, #6):
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with two single bunk beds, portholes
Diving
- 3 to 4 dives per day, depending on conditions and route.
- No dive on the embarkation and disembarkation day.
- Only 1 - 2 dives will be provided on the last diving day.
- All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
- Divers should be AOW with 50 logged dives or above.
- Sea kayaks available for use free of charge.
Other Informations
- Nitrox：Available free of charge for Nitrox divers
- 15L Tanks：Available with additional cost
- REBREATHER Dive：Not available at the moment
- Technical Dive：Not available at the moment
- Dive Equipment Rental：Available with additional charge
- Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
- Wi-Fi Internet ：Complimentary for all guests onboard
- Laundry Service：Available with additional cost
- Massage Service：Available with additional cost
- Payment on board：By cash (IDR/USD/EUR/CHF)
- Crew Number：18, including 4 dive guides
Itineraries
Ultimate Raja Ampat | 11D/10N - 13D/12N | Oct - Apr
The most popular Raja Ampat liveaboard itineraries, and the one to choose if you want to experience the best diving in Raja Ampat. You will visit and dive Misool and Dampier Strait, renowned for its world-class wide-angle dives, one-of-a-kind soft corals, and a density of fish like nowhere else in the world. Also known for its manta rays and amazing macro dives at Batanta. In North Raja Ampat, you will see firsthand Wayag’s iconic landscape, with lots of small islands and turquoise water, alongside some great dives. We always include at least non-diving activities during our cruise such as beach hopping, beach barbecues, a climb in Wayag for its breathtaking view, local village tours, jellyfish lake trip, Blue River visit, and a trek to see the birds of paradise.
Raja Ampat Misool & Dampier Strait | 10D/9N | Oct - Apr
If you’re short on time but want to dive the best of Raja Ampat, then this is the itinerary for you. We will take you to the same dive sites and areas as the Raja Ampat Ultimate itinerary, minus the North, guaranteeing a spectacular time for divers and non-divers alike.
Banda Sea | 12D/11N or 15D/14N | Sep - Nov
You'll across the Ring of Fire and the forgotten islands, steeped in history and blessed with some of the finest diving in the country, with an immense variety and volumes of both large and small species. We visit many different islands and a great variety of dive sites. To make the experience unique, our itineraries mostly combine the Banda Sea with another great destination like Raja Ampat, Alor, Triton bay, Ambon etc.
Triton Bay | 12D/11N or 15D/14N | Nov - Mar
The destination is special: although superb, we never devote an entire cruise. Thus Triton Bay is either at the beginning or at the arrival of a cruise which also visits the Raja Ampat, the Banda Sea and its Ring of Fire or even, in 14 nights, both! In our safaris, we take you not only to dive and cruise Triton Bay in Kaimana District but also to the famous Raja Ampat and the northern part of the Banda Sea and the Ring of Fire!
Halmahera | 11D/10N or 15D/14N | April & May
This off the beaten track destination is a gem. Located in the center of the Coral triangle, right on the equator with one of the lowest density of population of Indonesia, Halmahera archipelago has everything a nature lover is expecting...and even more. As far as diving and snorkeling are concerned, Halmahera has all types of diving: wrecks, muck dives, pelagic, drift dives, walls, and everywhere those so colorful corals surrounded by schools of small and big fish.
North Sulawesi & Wakatobi | 11D/10N or 15D/14N | May - Aug
Two itineraries that visit the East coast of Sulawesi and the Togian islands and end in Luwuk. Beautiful dive sites on the East coast in the areas of Ratatotok, Tanjung Flesko, and Gorontalo (fabulous walls and whale sharks !). We then dive the best spots of the Togian islands, especially around the islands of Una2. the two last days are spent in the Tompotika area.
Wakatobi is a beautiful diving zone Jacques Cousteau defined as an underwater Nirvana. Macro is well represented but not only. Walls, cliffs, ridges, dries, pinnacles... incredible seascapes, pristine beaches, hundreds of species of corals and fishes.
More
| Destinations | Triton Bay, Banda Sea, Raja Ampat, Halmahera, Sulawesi |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Nitrox support, Sidemount Friendly, Watersport equipment, Camera Station, Massage or Spa, Wi-Fi, Laundry |
| Languages spoken | English, French |
Schedules & routes
| Date | Duration | Destination | Departure - Arrival | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20/08/2026 to 29/08/2026 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $5,627.00 $4,220.00 | Detail |
| 01/09/2026 to 10/09/2026 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $5,627.00 $4,220.00 | Detail |
| 12/09/2026 to 21/09/2026 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $5,774.00 | Detail |
| 24/09/2026 to 08/10/2026 | 14 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ambon | From $8,981.00 | Detail |
| 11/10/2026 to 23/10/2026 | 12 nights | Banda Sea | Ambon - Saumlaki | From $7,698.00 | Detail |
| 26/10/2026 to 07/11/2026 | 12 nights | Banda Sea | Saumlaki - Sorong | From $7,698.00 | Detail |
| 10/11/2026 to 21/11/2026 | 11 nights | Triton Bay | Sorong - Kaimana | From $7,057.00 | Detail |
| 23/11/2026 to 04/12/2026 | 11 nights | Raja Ampat | Kaimana - Sorong | From $7,057.00 | Detail |
| 08/12/2026 to 19/12/2026 | 11 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,877.00 $6,189.00 | Detail |
| 22/12/2026 to 03/01/2027 | 12 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $7,502.00 $6,751.00 | Detail |
| 07/01/2027 to 18/01/2027 | 11 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $7,057.00 | Detail |
| 21/01/2027 to 01/02/2027 | 11 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,351.00 | Detail |
| 04/02/2027 to 13/02/2027 | 9 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $5,196.00 | Detail |
| 16/02/2027 to 25/02/2027 | 9 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $5,196.00 | Detail |
| 28/02/2027 to 12/03/2027 | 12 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,928.00 | Detail |
| 15/03/2027 to 27/03/2027 | 12 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,928.00 | Detail |
| 30/03/2027 to 10/04/2027 | 11 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,351.00 | Detail |
| 13/04/2027 to 24/04/2027 | 11 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,351.00 | Detail |
| 27/04/2027 to 09/05/2027 | 12 nights | Halmahera | Sorong - Bitung | From $6,928.00 | Detail |
| 12/05/2027 to 23/05/2027 | 11 nights | Sulawesi | Bitung - Luwuk | From $6,351.00 | Detail |
| 15/07/2027 to 24/07/2027 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $4,619.00 | Detail |
| 27/07/2027 to 05/08/2027 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $4,619.00 | Detail |
| 08/08/2027 to 17/08/2027 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $4,619.00 | Detail |
| 20/08/2027 to 29/08/2027 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $5,774.00 | Detail |
| 01/09/2027 to 10/09/2027 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $5,774.00 | Detail |
| 12/09/2027 to 21/09/2027 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $5,774.00 | Detail |
| 24/09/2027 to 08/10/2027 | 14 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ambon | From $8,981.00 | Detail |
| 11/10/2027 to 23/10/2027 | 12 nights | Banda Sea | Ambon - Saumlaki | From $7,698.00 | Detail |
| 26/10/2027 to 07/11/2027 | 12 nights | Banda Sea | Saumlaki - Sorong | From $7,698.00 | Detail |
| 10/11/2027 to 22/11/2027 | 12 nights | Triton Bay | Sorong - Kaimana | From $7,698.00 | Detail |
| 25/11/2027 to 07/12/2027 | 12 nights | Raja Ampat | Kaimana - Sorong | From $7,698.00 | Detail |
| 10/12/2027 to 21/12/2027 | 11 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $7,057.00 | Detail |
| 25/12/2027 to 06/01/2028 | 12 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,928.00 | Detail |
| 07/01/2028 to 17/01/2028 | 10 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $5,774.00 | Detail |
| 20/01/2028 to 30/01/2028 | 10 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $5,774.00 | Detail |
| 02/02/2028 to 11/02/2028 | 9 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $5,196.00 | Detail |
| 14/02/2028 to 23/02/2028 | 9 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $5,196.00 | Detail |
| 26/02/2028 to 06/03/2028 | 9 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $5,196.00 | Detail |
| 09/03/2028 to 21/03/2028 | 12 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,928.00 | Detail |
| 24/03/2028 to 03/04/2028 | 10 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,921.00 | Detail |
| 08/04/2028 to 20/04/2028 | 12 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,928.00 | Detail |
| 23/04/2028 to 03/05/2028 | 10 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $5,774.00 | Detail |
| 06/05/2028 to 18/05/2028 | 12 nights | Halmahera | Sorong - Bitung | From $6,928.00 | Detail |
| 21/05/2028 to 01/06/2028 | 11 nights | Sulawesi | Bitung - Luwuk | From $7,057.00 | Detail |
| 15/07/2028 to 24/07/2028 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $4,619.00 | Detail |
| 27/07/2028 to 05/08/2028 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $4,619.00 | Detail |
| 08/08/2028 to 17/08/2028 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $5,774.00 | Detail |
| 20/08/2028 to 29/08/2028 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $4,619.00 | Detail |
| 01/09/2028 to 10/09/2028 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $4,619.00 | Detail |
| 12/09/2028 to 21/09/2028 | 9 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ternate | From $4,619.00 | Detail |
| 24/09/2028 to 08/10/2028 | 14 nights | Halmahera | Ternate - Ambon | From $8,532.00 | Detail |
| 10/10/2028 to 22/10/2028 | 12 nights | Banda Sea | Ambon - Saumlaki | From $7,313.00 | Detail |
| 26/10/2028 to 07/11/2028 | 12 nights | Banda Sea | Saumlaki - Sorong | From $7,313.00 | Detail |
| 10/11/2028 to 22/11/2028 | 12 nights | Triton Bay | Sorong - Kaimana | From $7,313.00 | Detail |
| 25/11/2028 to 07/12/2028 | 12 nights | Raja Ampat | Kaimana - Sorong | From $7,313.00 | Detail |
| 10/12/2028 to 21/12/2028 | 11 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,351.00 | Detail |
| 25/12/2028 to 06/01/2029 | 12 nights | Raja Ampat | Sorong - Sorong | From $6,928.00 | Detail |
Prices & conditions
| Destination | Duration | Cabin | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raja Ampat | 9 nights | Double/Twin Bed Cabins | From $5,196.00 |
| Raja Ampat | 9 nights | Twin Bed Cabins | From $5,196.00 |
| Raja Ampat | 9 nights | Double Bed Cabins Sea View | From $5,387.00 |
| Raja Ampat | 10 nights | Double/Twin Bed Cabins | From $5,774.00 |
| Raja Ampat | 10 nights | Twin Bed Cabins | From $5,774.00 |
| Raja Ampat | 10 nights | Double Bed Cabins Sea View | From $5,986.00 |
| Raja Ampat | 11 nights | Double/Twin Bed Cabins | From $6,877.00 $6,189.30 |
| Raja Ampat | 11 nights | Twin Bed Cabins | From $6,877.00 $6,189.30 |
| Raja Ampat | 11 nights | Double Bed Cabins Sea View | From $7,129.00 $6,416.10 |
| Raja Ampat | 12 nights | Double/Twin Bed Cabins | From $7,502.00 $6,751.80 |
| Raja Ampat | 12 nights | Twin Bed Cabins | From $7,502.00 $6,751.80 |
| Raja Ampat | 12 nights | Double Bed Cabins Sea View | From $7,777.00 $6,999.30 |
| Sulawesi | 11 nights | Double/Twin Bed Cabins | From $6,351.00 |
| Sulawesi | 11 nights | Twin Bed Cabins | From $6,351.00 |
| Sulawesi | 11 nights | Double Bed Cabins Sea View | From $6,584.00 |
| Banda Sea | 12 nights | Double/Twin Bed Cabins | From $7,313.00 |
| Banda Sea | 12 nights | Twin Bed Cabins | From $7,313.00 |
| Banda Sea | 12 nights | Double Bed Cabins Sea View | From $7,582.00 |
| Triton Bay | 11 nights | Double/Twin Bed Cabins | From $7,057.00 |
| Triton Bay | 11 nights | Twin Bed Cabins | From $7,057.00 |
| Triton Bay | 11 nights | Double Bed Cabins Sea View | From $7,316.00 |
| Triton Bay | 12 nights | Double/Twin Bed Cabins | From $7,313.00 |
| Triton Bay | 12 nights | Twin Bed Cabins | From $7,313.00 |
| Triton Bay | 12 nights | Double Bed Cabins Sea View | From $7,582.00 |
| Halmahera | 9 nights | Double/Twin Bed Cabins | From $5,627.00 $4,220.25 |
| Halmahera | 9 nights | Twin Bed Cabins | From $5,627.00 $4,220.25 |
| Halmahera | 9 nights | Double Bed Cabins Sea View | From $5,833.00 $4,374.75 |
| Halmahera | 12 nights | Double/Twin Bed Cabins | From $6,928.00 |
| Halmahera | 12 nights | Twin Bed Cabins | From $6,928.00 |
| Halmahera | 12 nights | Double Bed Cabins Sea View | From $7,183.00 |
| Halmahera | 14 nights | Double/Twin Bed Cabins | From $8,532.00 |
| Halmahera | 14 nights | Twin Bed Cabins | From $8,532.00 |
| Halmahera | 14 nights | Double Bed Cabins Sea View | From $8,845.00 |
Included
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- VAT and local taxes
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
- Soft drinks
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- Nitrox fills
- Use of Kayaks or/and SUPs
- Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
- Boat accident insurance
- Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
- Cabin cleaning service
- Wi-Fi
Not included
- Domestic flights in destination country
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic beverage
- Dive equipment rentals
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Massage/Spa service
- Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
- Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
- Crew gratuity
Useful information
Triton Bay
Best time for diving
November to April, most liveaboards visit Triton Bay during the Raja Ampat diving season, as from June the winds and rain can cause unpleasant sea conditions. However, rain is possible in West Papua anytime, not just in rainy season.
Some sites are subject to strong currents here, and the visibility in Triton Bay might change abruptly. Rarely exceeding 20 meters, it can lower to less than 10 meters, especially after a lot of raining in Triton Bay. Most of diving is shallow dives, no more than 35 meters.
About temperatures
Air : generally ranges between 25°C - 31°C year-round.
Sea : averaging around 26°C - 27°C from May to October, 29°C - 30°C from November to April.
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 mm full wetsuit for November to April, a 5 mm full wetsuit for May to October.
Diver requirement
Suitable for most divers, however, on a number of sites in Triton Bay, a certain level of currents is necessary to attract interesting fish activities. So divers should be ok with the currents. You can find out more informations about diving in Wakatobi here : Triton Bay
Embarkation / Disembarkation
The nearby airport is Kaimana airport (KNG) in West Papua. However, liveaboards may utilize different ports depends on the itinerary, as often liveaboard trips will combine Triton Bay with other destinations like Raja Ampat, Banda Sea, so please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Banda Sea
Best time for diving
October to November & March to April, the seas are generally calmer during these months and in October to November there is higher chance to see hammerhead sharks. From May to August the surface conditions can get quite rough.
The visibility is generally good to excellent in Banda Sea areas, except in Ambon bay and in other bays for critter dives. Currents are low to moderate on most of the sites, however, strong currents may occur at times.
About temperatures
Air : range between 25°C - 31°C year-round.
Sea : range between 26°C - 29°C year-round.
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 mm full wetsuit throughout the year.
Diver requirement
Most dive sites are suitable for all levels with a few exceptions that are suitable only for advanced divers. You can find out more informations about diving in Banda Sea here : Banda Sea
Embarkation / Disembarkation
The embarkation / disembarkation can be in Ambon (AMQ), Kaimana (KNG), Maumere (MOF), Sorong (SOQ), Waisai (RJM), Saumalaki (SXK) etc. As some of the Banda Sea trip will combine with other destinations like Raja Ampat, Halmahera, Triton Bay. So please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Raja Ampat
Best time for diving
Mid October to April, the wind then picks up in May until the end of August, causing rougher seas and this means Misool area in the south will be shut from June to September. From July until September the diving in the north still can be enjoyable. The visibility can vary from 10 - 30 meters, current can be from mild to strong at times.
About temperatures
Air : fairly constant between 25°C - 31°C year-round.
Sea : it is warm all year round, about 27°C - 31°C
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 mm full wetsuit throughout the year.
Diver requirement
Intermediate to Advanced level. You can find out more informations about diving in Raja Ampat here : Raja Ampat
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most of the embarkation / disembarkation will be in Sorong (SOQ).
Few liveaboards also departs from Waisai (RJM).
The easiest to fly through to & from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG), Bali (DPS), or Manado (MDC).
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Halmahera
Best time for diving
October to November and March to May, Halmahera can be dived all year round, but due to the monsoon season, from June to September it can be windy and the sea can be rough. And from December to February is considered as the rainy season.
Visibility is usually very good, ranging from 20-30 meters, Inside the bays the visibility may be less. Currents can be strong in the straits, weak in the areas protected by the islands.
About temperatures
Air : generally ranges between 25°C - 32°C year-round.
Sea : it is warm all year round, about 27°C - 31°C
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 mm full wetsuit throughout the year.
Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels, however, divers should have some experience to enjoy the drift dives there. You can find out more informations about diving in Halmahera here : Halmahera
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Depending on which itinerary you choose, the embarkation / disembarkation can be in Bitung > Manado (MDC), Ternate (TTE), Bacan (LAH/WUB), or Morotai (OTI). The international airport with the best connections is Jakarta (CGK). You can also route through Bali (DPS) if you prefer.
However, some liveaboard trips will combine Halmahera with other destinations like Sulawesi (Lembeh), Raja Ampat, then the embarkation and disembarkation will be different. So please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Sulawesi
Best time for diving
April to October, with peak season being July and August - it's also the best time to spot whales and dolphins (however, in the peak season, it's usually gonna be super busy, so you need to book your space long ahead). The diving can still be great in late March, November and early December, but the rain are generally a daily occurrence in these months, then the rainiest months will be between January and February but still can have good dives if you don't mind the rain.
The visibility range between 20 - 40 meters, currents are different from one location to another, some have minimal-to-no current, while some other sites can experience strong currents that attract big pelagic fish.
About temperatures
Air : range between 23°C to 32°C throughout the year.
Sea : between 26°C - 29°C, with the Lembeh Strait can be as low as 25°C/26°C during the summer (July/August).
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 mm wetsuit throughout the year.
Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels. Especially the photographers! You can find out more informations about diving in this area here : Sulawesi
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Depending on the liveaboard and the itinerary you chose, it can be Manado (MDC), Kendari (KDI), Luwuk (LUW). Or some itineraries also combined North & Centra Sulawesi with other destinations such as Halmahera, Raja Ampat, Wakatobi (in South Sulawesi). So please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
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