Seahorse Liveaboard • Halmahera & Raja Ampat
Dive among the colorful reefs of Misool and the pristine waters of Halmahera. A route teeming with unique sharks, enormous schools of fish, and spectacular underwater landscapes.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Liveaboard Trip from Halmahera to Raja Ampat
This unique liveaboard combines two of Indonesia’s most impressive dive destinations: Raja Ampat and Halmahera. During this trip, you’ll sail from Sorong to Ternate and discover a vast variety of underwater landscapes, from the iconic reefs of Misool to the relatively unknown waters of Halmahera. It is precisely this combination that makes this route so special.
The first few days are dedicated to Misool, the southern part of Raja Ampat. This area is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world and is known for its colorful soft corals, spectacular rock formations, and enormous schools of reef fish. Here you can come face to face with manta rays, barracudas, tuna, and the remarkable wobbegong—a carpet shark that lies perfectly camouflaged on the reef. Macro photography enthusiasts will also be in for a treat thanks to the presence of pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and countless other tiny reef dwellers.
After Raja Ampat, the liveaboard crosses the Molucca Sea toward Halmahera. This less-visited area offers a completely different diving experience. Current-filled straits, seamounts, and colorful reefs attract large schools of fish, reef sharks, and pelagic species. At the same time, the healthy coral reefs and rich biodiversity ensure that underwater photographers will also find plenty to enjoy here.
Above water, you’ll enjoy secluded islets, lagoons, and volcanic landscapes. For those looking for a diverse diving trip with abundant marine life, spectacular reefs, and an adventurous itinerary off the beaten path, this liveaboard is an excellent choice.
Best Time to Visit for a Diving Vacation to Halmahera & Raja Ampat
This route is only operated in April and May. During this period, conditions in both Misool and Halmahera are generally at their best, with abundant marine life, good visibility, and a high chance of encountering manta rays, reef sharks, and large schools of fish.
The departure dates
The Sea Horse is an exclusive liveaboard and can accommodate only 16 people per trip. In addition, the boat only sails this route in April and May. As a result, it fills up quickly.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit Recommendations for Diving in Raja Ampat & Halmahera 
The water has a pleasant temperature, so a 3mm wetsuit may be sufficient. You will make up to 4 dives a day, so if you get cold easily, a 5mm may be nicer.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Days 1–3 | The Trip to Halmahera
Your adventure begins with the trip to Indonesia. For this liveaboard, you’ll fly to Ternate, the gateway to Halmahera. Halmahera is the largest island in the Moluccas. Depending on the airline you choose, you’ll travel via Jakarta, after which you’ll take a domestic flight to Ternate. The total travel time is usually 2 to 3 days.
To allow for any delays along the way, we recommend arriving at least one day before the liveaboard departs. If desired, we can arrange comfortable accommodations in Jakarta or Ternate, depending on flight schedules.
Upon arrival at Ternate Airport, you’ll be welcomed by the crew of the MSY Seahorse and escorted to the ship. On board, you’ll receive a welcome drink, meet the crew, and get a safety briefing. Cabins will also be assigned, and the final diving formalities will be completed. Once everyone is on board, the adventure begins and the ship sets course for the spectacular dive sites of northeastern Indonesia. Take some time to explore the ship, settle into your cabin, and look forward to the dives scheduled for the coming days.
Day 4 | Volcanic Dives near Tidore and Ternate
The first day of diving takes place around the volcanic islands of Tidore and Ternate. The underwater landscapes are distinctly different from those of the previous dive sites and consist of steep reef slopes, volcanic formations, and colorful coral gardens.
The reefs are home to schools of reef fish, snappers, surgeonfish, and fusiliers, and sea turtles are also frequently spotted. Countless smaller creatures hide among the coral, making these dives a great opportunity to combine wide-angle and macro photography. Depending on conditions, there’s a chance of encountering hunting trevally, barracuda, and other pelagic species passing by the reefs. Thanks to the sheltered location, conditions are often calm.
After the dive, there will be plenty of time left to enjoy the view of the distinctive volcanoes of Tidore and Ternate.
Days 5–8 | Diving around Halmahera
These days, you’ll be diving in the waters off Halmahera. This region is much less well-known than Raja Ampat, but it’s definitely one of Indonesia’s most beautiful diving destinations. Over the next few days, you’ll be diving in the Patienti Strait and around the Goraichi Islands, where currents bring nutrient-rich water and create a massive concentration of fish.
The underwater landscapes consist of seamounts, rocky islets, and colorful reefs teeming with soft corals. Blacktip reef sharks are a common sight here and are seen on many dives. In addition, tuna, Spanish mackerel, giant trevally, and other pelagic species migrate through the area. Large schools of surgeonfish, sweetlips, parrotfish, and snappers create impressive underwater scenes. In addition to the large marine life, Halmahera also offers excellent opportunities for macro photography, with numerous unique small reef dwellers hiding among the coral.
Day 9 | Pulau Pisang
Days 10–13 | Diving around Misool
Day 14 | Disembarkation and Return Trip
After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to the crew and disembark in Sorong. From here, your return trip to the Netherlands begins, but you also have the option to extend your stay in Indonesia.
You can choose to spend a few more days at one of the small-scale resorts in Raja Ampat. From these resorts, you can continue diving or snorkeling on the colorful reefs for which the region is famous. In addition, the tropical islands offer a relaxing setting to unwind after your liveaboard trip. Several resorts are located on private islands, ensuring peace and quiet, natural beauty, and a personal atmosphere.
This itinerary is also available in the opposite direction. In that case, you’ll start in the Moluccas and end in Raja Ampat, which makes it easy to stay at a resort after the liveaboard.
If you’d prefer to stay longer in the Moluccas, there are plenty of options for that as well. This archipelago is known for its rich history as a center of the spice trade, its impressive volcanoes, and its authentic character. From Ternate, you can explore the historic Spice Islands, climb a volcano, or get a taste of local life on the surrounding islands.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from this liveaboard in Halmahera & Raja Ampat?
Wobbegongs & epaulette sharks
Misool is one of the best places in the world to spot two unique shark species. The wobbegong, also known as the carpet shark, is often perfectly camouflaged on the reef. During night dives, there’s also a chance to see the rare epaulette shark (walking shark). This small shark uses its fins to move across the reef and is found almost exclusively in Eastern Indonesia and Papua.
The Last Paradise on Earth
Between dives, you’ll visit some of Raja Ampat’s most beautiful landscapes. Near the ranger station, young blacktip reef sharks swim in shallow, crystal-clear water that serves as a natural nursery. A short walk takes you to the viewpoint overlooking the famous Love Lagoon, where you can gaze out over a lagoon surrounded by limestone islets.
Halmahera’s Pristine Reefs
Halmahera is one of Indonesia’s least-visited diving destinations. Large schools of reef fish, tuna, Spanish mackerel, and blacktip reef sharks gather around seamounts, small islands, and currents-rich passages. The colorful soft corals and healthy reefs make this area particularly attractive to underwater photographers who enjoy diving off the beaten path.
Seahorse
The liveaboard and onboard facilities
The Seahorse is a traditional Indonesian phinisi, 33 meters long, specially designed for divers who want to explore Indonesia’s remote and most spectacular dive sites. The boat is part of the Wallace Dive Cruise, a fleet consisting of two boats. The Ambai is also part of this fleet.
The boat was built in 2005 and underwent a complete renovation in 2018, with a focus on comfort, safety, and functionality. It can accommodate up to 16 guests, who are looked after by an experienced team of 12 crew members and 4 divemasters. Thanks to its wide 8.5-meter hull, the Seahorse offers plenty of living space, both indoors and outdoors. The spacious decks provide ample room to relax between dives, while the common areas invite guests to share their experiences with fellow travelers.
The boat has the authentic look and feel of a traditional sailing schooner, but with the modern amenities you’d expect from a comfortable liveaboard. For diving, the boat uses two large, custom-built aluminum dinghies, making getting on and off the boat easy and comfortable.
On board the Seahorse, guests stay in spacious cabins designed with comfort in mind for multi-day diving trips. The liveaboard has a total of eight cabins, consisting of five twin cabins and three cabins with a double bed. This ensures that suitable accommodations are available for both solo travelers and couples.
All cabins are equipped with air conditioning and a private bathroom with hot water. The cabins are practically furnished, with plenty of space for personal luggage and diving gear. Towels and toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste are included.
The combination of traditional Indonesian touches and modern amenities creates a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere on board.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation aboard the Seahorse is available starting at € 5.610 per person, based on two people sharing a cabin. The diving trip can be extended as desired. A number of items are included as standard in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this liveaboard trip to Indonesia? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from € 5.610 p.p.
- 11 nights in a double cabin or shared twin cabin
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Drinking water, coffee/tea, fruit juices, snacks
- Diving package with up to 33 dives
- Starlink Internet (5G)
- Listed land excursions
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flights from € 1.200 p.p.
- Dive & Travel Insurance
- Visa to Indonesia (approx. €30)
- Port & Park Fees (€300)
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Rent diving equipment (€ 400)
- Rent an SMB (€ 50)
- 15L tank (€ 75)
- Full-body massage, 45 minutes (€ 30)
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Frequently asked questions about this liveaboard
The liveaboard
There are only a few departure dates for this specific itinerary. However, the Seahorse sails on several different itineraries in Indonesia, so you can also choose different dates and explore another part of Raja Ampat or Indonesia.
The Seahorse sails various routes in Indonesia. These different routes depart from various islands in Indonesia and vary in duration.
- Komodo National Park
- Banda Sea (Forgotten Island – Ring of Fire)
- Raja Ampat & the Banda Sea
- Raja Ampat Ultimate
- Raja Ampat & Triton Bay
- Raja Ampat, Halmahera, and Lembeh
Yes, 5G Starlink internet is included with your stay.
Diving general
For this trip, you must have at least an Advanced Open Water certification with a minimum of 30 logged dives.
During this trip you will make different types of dives: reef dives, drift dives and deep dives. You will always receive a clear briefing beforehand.
The dive sites are nearby. You dive from the dinghy, which always drops you off right at the starting point of the dive site.
Yes, the goal is to do one night dive every day.
You can only take a Nitrox specialty course here. Other courses are not offered.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are available.
No, there are 100 cu ft tanks. These are larger tanks, but converted to liters, that’s 13 liters. These are the largest tanks on the boat. Using a larger tank costs NZD 147 per trip.
Yes, if you bring your own side-mount equipment, this isn’t a problem at all.
Yes, the use of nitrox is included.
Yes, that’s possible. Renting a full set costs NZD 78 per day. You have 10 dive days, so you’ll pay a total of NZD 784. A dive computer and flashlight are also included in this price. Would you like to rent an SMB? This costs NZD 10 per day.
You leave your diving equipment on the dive deck of too boat.
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