The Halmahera Research Crossing
The Halmahera Crossing expedition is all about building baseline data in some of Indonesia’s least studied regions.
Embark on a rare liveaboard crossing from Misool to Lembeh, exploring the untouched reefs and wild seascapes of Halmahera along the way. From manta cleaning stations and steep coral walls to black-sand muck dives, this trip connects three of Indonesia’s most iconic diving regions in one voyage.
Alongside the epic diving, this is also a science expedition. Our team leads rapid reef assessments in some of the least studied waters in Indonesia, collecting valuable data while you dive. It’s the perfect mix of exploration, research, and adventure - with just 10 spaces available.
By joining, you’ll become part of the research team - helping create rapid reef assessments that can be used for future comparative studies and conservation planning.
Together we’ll deploy BRUVS, conduct roving fish surveys, and collect benthic and water quality samples across remote and understudied sites. Every participant contributes directly to the science, with co-authorship on any resulting reports or publications.
Field science, at diver's pace.
The same rapid-assessment methods as the Banda crossing, condensed into six days - ideal for a first taste of contributing to reef research without a fortnight at sea.
- +Guided ecological monitoring on every dive
- +BRUV deployment and review
- +Data logged toward regional conservation planning
- +Co-authorship credit on the resulting publication
- 01
Up to four dives a day
- 02
Deploy BRUVs and conduct fish surveys
- 03
Discover untouched reefs
- 04
Visit manta ray cleaning stations
Advanced Open Water and above.
- Days 1-3
Jump onboard for a check-out dive before heading south to Misool’s towering limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons. Explore hidden bays, visit Love Lagoon viewpoint and Baby Shark Beach, and enjoy a night dive among the reef’s nocturnal life.
- Days 4-7
Next stop is West Halmahera, where calm bays and crystal-clear waters reveal vibrant coral gardens, dramatic reef slopes, and an abundance of schooling fish. The area’s warm currents bring exceptional visibility and diverse marine life, making each dive a colorful experience. Between dives, we’ll visit a fisherman village in the Mufari area, stroll through a coconut plantation on Tifure, and relax on pristine beaches surrounded by swaying palms and turquoise seas.
- Days 8-10
The last stop of our journey takes us to Lembeh Strait, famed for its extraordinary muck diving and rare critter encounters. Explore black-sand slopes and sheltered bays by day, then enjoy a night dive to discover the strait’s fascinating nocturnal life. We’ll end the voyage in Bitung, North Sulawesi, with memories of unique marine treasures and stunning seascapes.
Indo Ocean Project
Research partner
A marine-conservation organisation running research projects across Indonesia. Their scientists lead the survey work aboard, and the data every guest helps gather feeds published reef research - which is why you leave as a named contributor, not a passenger.
Visit Indo Ocean ProjectIn collaboration with Indo Ocean Project
This expedition has sailed.
It has already run its course - but if it is the kind of journey that calls to you, tell us, and we will share the next one like it.
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