Last Updated on December 14, 2023 by kuncumi
Last Updated on December 14, 2023 by kuncumi
After an incredible 13-day journey through the mesmerizing waters of Indonesia, the Sorong to Bitung cruise has come to an end, leaving in its wake a trail of unforgettable memories and awe-inspiring underwater experiences.
The adventure commenced with a warm welcome at Sorong airport, setting the tone for the days ahead. As the journey unfolded, each day brought new wonders and underwater marvels, showcasing the rich biodiversity and vibrant marine life that the region is renowned for.
The exploration of Dampier Strait marked the beginning, offering a taste of the underwater wonders with check dives at Mioskon, followed by the enchanting Sardine Reef and Manta Sandy. Night dives added a touch of mystery, revealing a different realm beneath the surface.
The heart of the expedition took us to Misool, a paradise for divers with its stunning dive sites like Balbulol, Love Potion, Farondi Caves, Boo, Shadow Reef, and many more. The underwater landscapes painted with colorful soft corals, schools of fish, and unique marine species created a visual feast for the senses.
Pisang Island, with its untouched and vibrant reefs, provided a peaceful and breathtaking retreat. The diversity of marine life, from Nudis to big Murray eels, added to the enchantment of each dive.
The journey continued to South Halmahera, where the Patinti Strait unfolded its wonders. Proco Island, Saleh Besar, Kusu, and Pulau Nanas offered diverse underwater panoramas, from mini canyons to vibrant coral gardens, showcasing the incredible variety of life beneath the surface.
The exploration of West Halmahera revealed hidden gems like Pulau Goweba, Pintu Manis, Pulau Laigoma, and more. The walls, pinnacles, and tunnels provided thrilling encounters with napoleons, jackfish, bump head parrots, and a kaleidoscope of marine life.
Tidore offered a unique diving experience with Failonga Island, Maitara Island, and Tanjung Rum, showcasing large sea fans, snapper fish, fusiliers, and sharks. The transition to Bitung marked the beginning of the Lembeh leg, known for its world-class muck dives and the fascinating Mawali wreck.
As we disembark in Bitung, the memories of the Sorong to Bitung cruise linger – a tapestry of vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and the thrill of exploring some of the best dive sites in Dampier Strait, Misool, Sulawesi, and Halmahera. Until the next underwater adventure, where the depths reveal more secrets and the beauty of the ocean continues to captivate.
More About SeahorseDives: Approximately 36 dives in total
Experience: Advanced Open Water – 50 minimum logged dives required.
Itinerary Extras: Raja Ampat Park, port & distance fees: 250 €/pax (paid onboard)
Leaving Sorong, we directly go to Dampier strait for two days then to Misool. Cross over to the west coast, a few days of diving west and South of Halmahera, with a mix of sites for macro and some other fishier, stop on some small islands in the middle of Molucca sea Halmahera. The cruise will end in Bitung, after some dives in the Molucca sea.
Reception at Sorong airport. Transfer to the boat. Welcome drink, briefing. Departure in the afternoon.
Dampier strait. Check dive ain Mioskon, 2 dives in Dampier (Sardine reef et Manta Sandy). Night dive. Night Navigation to Misool.
Balbulol / Farondi, 3 plongées. Love potion, No contest, Farondi caves Iles Daram, Andy’s Ultimate, Andiamo, Candy store. Night dive. Boo, Shadow reef, Yellet. Fiabacet, 4 dives. Tank rock, nudi rock, Dunia kecil. Night dive. Pelee. 4 kings, Kaleidoscope, Pele’s playground. Overnight navigation to Pisang island.
Pisang Island. 3 dives. Such a beautiful and untouched reef. Extraordinary colors especially at the end of the dive close to the pinnacles. A lot of colorful soft coral beautiful morning dive with dream landscape. Nudis, boxer crab, turtle, big Murray eels, solo big barracuda, no current, great viz.
Patinti Strait. Proco island: Blacktips, grey reef sharks, tasars, dogtooth tuna, mini canyons, and overhangs… Saleh Besar, drifting in the channel with a succession of mini-canyons and rock blocks… Very fishy. Kusu: very nice garden coral, millions of glassfish, nice coral, Pygmy, leaf fish, school of sweetlips under a small rock, bamboo shark, and hundreds of reef fish Pulau Nanas: very nice spot beautiful and colorful coral. Glass fish schools, various nudis, blue hairy crab, lobster, scorpionfish, crocodile fish
Pulau Goweba, a small group of islands in West of Pulau Siko. In the North, pinnacles, rocks, and splendid walls go straight to the outside of the reef then go down to 50 meters. Some napoleons as well as jackfish and bump head parrots. A tunnel waits for us at 10 meters. Pintu Manis is the best dive in Goriachi. Extended rock from West to East that owns a superb coral. Blacktips, napoleons, tasars, sweetlips, etc… Pulau Laigoma, nice drifting in shallow water, perfect for a first dive of the day. Blacktips, bump head parrots, tasars, and beautiful hard corals in the 5 meters. Batu Tajam: blacktip, napoleon, big sweetlips. Ecuador: blacktip, big red scorpionfishes, nudis, crabs, nice and quiet reef. Lilai jetty: hectic current, black manta passing by near the jetty, bamboo sharks. Pipefish, crabs
In Tidore, we dive on Failonga Island which takes about 40 minutes from Ternate, which is located between Tidore Island and Halmahera Island. It has diverse large sea fans and snapper fish hordes, fusiliers, sweetlips, and sharks. Dives on Maitara Island and Tanjung Rum, which has a solid and very hard coral cover with colorful reef fish such as butterflies, damsel, anthias, wrasse, and many more. Navigation to Bitung.
World-class muck dives and wreck diving Mawali wreck). 6 dives out of the 100’s collection of the strait. Hairball, TK3, Air Bajo 3, Bianca (mandarin fish), Nudi falls, Coral garden, etc…
Disembarkation in Bitung
Spots : Dampier Strait – Misool – Sulawesi – Halmahera
Included: VAT, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Beach BBQ, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Extra Dives, Nitrox, Kayaks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Stand Up Paddleboard, Water Ski, Beach Towels, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels, WiFi internet.
Required Extras: Fuel Surcharge (100-200 EUR), National Park Fees (150-250 EUR).
Optional Extras: Dive Insurance, Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages, Nitrox Course, Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses, Snorkel Gear, Snorkeling Guide, Laundry / Pressing Services (1-2 EUR per item), Massage (20 EUR per activity).
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Certificate: Advanced Open Water
30 minimum logged dives required
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Certificate: Advanced Open Water
30 minimum logged dives required
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Maumere – Ambon
42 Dives
Certificate: Advanced Open Water
30 minimum logged dives required
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L. Bajo – L. Bajo
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Certificate: Advanced Open Water
30 minimum logged dives required
Raja Ampat
27 Dives
Certificate: Advanced Open Water
30 minimum logged dives
Alor
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Certificate: Advanced Open Water
30 minimum logged dives required