SULAWESI LIVEABOARDS – TRIP INFORMATION & SAMPLE ITINERARIES

Lembeh, Sangihe, Bangka, Bunaken Liveaboard (10D/9N)

This trip is a perfect blend of experiences, starting with the famous macro diving of Lembeh, moving on to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Sangihe, exploring the pristine reefs of Bangka, and finishing with the world-renowned walls of Bunaken.

Trip Highlights:

• Lembeh Strait: Critter hunting on black sand slopes with an expert guide.

• Sangihe Islands: Diving on an active underwater volcano and remote reefs.

• Bangka Island: Pristine coral gardens and schools of fish.

• Bunaken Marine Park: Spectacular wall dives, huge sponges, and sea turtles.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & First Dives in Lembeh

• We will organise a taxi to collect you from either Manado Airport (MDC) or your hotel to take you to the meeting point.

• We then transfer you to Jelajahi Laut.

• We’ll give you our welcome briefing and a tour around the boat, then you’ll get ready to enjoy your first check dive to get acquainted with the gear and the local conditions, where you’ll enjoy your first check dive in the famous Lembeh Strait.

• Possible Dive Sites: Start with a classic muck dive at a site like Hairball or Jahir to immediately immerse yourself in the world of unique critters like frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish.

Days 2-3: Lembeh Strait & Journey to Sangihe

• Dedicate the morning of Day 2 to more muck diving in Lembeh to find specific critters on your wish list.

• Possible Dive Sites: Nudi Falls, Police Pier, or Tanjung Kusu.

• The boat will begin its journey north toward the Sangihe Islands in the afternoon or evening.

Days 4-5: Sangihe Islands – Volcanic Reefs

• The liveaboard will arrive in the Sangihe archipelago, a remote region known for its volcanic activity and untouched reefs.• Possible Dive Sites:

o Mahengetang: Dive on an active underwater volcano! You’ll see bubbles rising from the seafloor and a unique ecosystem.

o Parape Island: A remote spot with pristine reefs and a high chance of encountering larger marine life.

Day 6: Bangka Island – Colorful Coral Gardens

• The vessel will cruise south to Bangka Island, which lies between Lembeh and Bunaken. This area is famous for its vibrant soft corals and clear water.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Lihaga Island: Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and healthy reefs.

o Tanjung Arus: A sloping reef with a wide variety of corals and schooling reef fish.

Days 7-8: Bunaken Marine Park – Wall Diving Mecca

• The boat will make a short journey to the world-renowned Bunaken Marine Park.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Lekuan I, II, or III: A series of famous wall dives with incredible visibility, huge sponges, and numerous sea turtles.

o Fukui: A sloped reef known for its large schools of bannerfish and a chance to see eagle rays.

o Mandarin City: A perfect spot for a dusk dive to watch the mesmerizing mating dance of the mandarin fish.

Days 9-10 : Final Dives & Journey to Manado

• Enjoy the last couple of days in Bunaken.

Important

This is a sample itinerary only; the final route may vary.

Weather and tides play a big role in safety and planning, which is why the Cruise Director and Captain plan every day accordingly.

For any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us beforehand or chat with the Cruise Director on the boat.

Please note: Before booking your return flight, our last dive will be on the final day of the trip, and we will arrive back at Manado Harbour around 3-4pm – please observe the 24-hour no-fly surface interval.

Upon arrival at the harbour, we will organise a transfer for you to take you to your hotel, you’ll need to get your return flight from Manado Airport (MDC).

Bunaken, Bangka, Sangihe, Lembeh Liveaboard (10D/9N)

This trip is a perfect blend of experiences, starting with the world-renowned walls of Bunaken, exploring the pristine reefs of Bangka, moving on to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Sangihe, and finishing with the famous macro diving of Lembeh.

Trip Highlights:

• Bunaken Marine Park: Spectacular wall dives, huge sponges, and sea turtles.

• Bangka Island: Pristine coral gardens and schools of fish.

• Sangihe Islands: Diving on an active underwater volcano and remote reefs.

• Lembeh Strait: Critter hunting on black sand slopes with an expert guide.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & First Dives in Bunaken

• We will organise a taxi to collect you from either Manado Airport (MDC) or your hotel to take you to the meeting point.

• We then transfer you to Jelajahi Laut.

• We’ll give you our welcome briefing and a tour around the boat, then you’ll get ready to enjoy your first check dive to get acquainted with the gear and the local conditions, where you’ll enjoy your first check dive in the world-renowned Bunaken Marine Park.

• Possible Dive Sites: Start with a wall dive at a site like Lekuan I, II, or III, known for incredible visibility, turtles, and huge sponges.

Days 2-3: Bunaken Marine Park & Journey to Bangka

• We’ll dedicate the morning of Day 2 to more wall diving in Bunaken.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Fukui: A sloped reef known for its large schools of bannerfish and a chance to see eagle rays.

o Mandarin City: A perfect spot for a dusk dive to watch the mesmerizing mating dance of the mandarin fish.

• Jelajahi Laut will begin her journey east toward Bangka Island in the afternoon or evening.

Day 4: Bangka Island – Colourful Coral Gardens

• Jelajahi Laut will arrive at Bangka Island. This area is famous for its vibrant soft corals and clear water.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Lihaga Island: Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and healthy reefs.

o Tanjung Arus: A sloping reef with a wide variety of corals and schooling reef fish.

Days 5-6: Sangihe Islands – Volcanic Reefs

• We’ll cruise north to the Sangihe archipelago, a remote region known for its volcanic activity and untouched reefs.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Mahengetang: Dive on an active underwater volcano! You’ll see bubbles rising from the seafloor and a unique ecosystem.

o Parape Island: A remote spot with pristine reefs and a high chance of encountering larger marine life.

Days 7-8: Lembeh Strait – Muck Diving Mecca

• Jelajahi Laut will begin her journey south and arrive in the famous Lembeh Strait.

• Dedicate two full days to exploring the diverse muck diving sites of Lembeh.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Hairball or Jahir: Classic muck dives to find frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish.

o Nudi Falls: A sloping reef with a wide variety of nudibranchs.

o Police Pier: An excellent spot for night diving to find snake eels and other nocturnal creatures.

Day 9-10: Final Dives & Departure from Lembeh

• Enjoy a final couple of days in Lembeh to find specific critters on your wish list.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Tanjung Kusu, Mawali Wreck, Hairball or Jahir to immediately immerse yourself in the world of unique critters like frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish.

Important

This is a sample itinerary only; the final route may vary.

Weather and tides play a big role in safety and planning, which is why the Cruise Director and Captain plan every day accordingly.For any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us beforehand or chat with the Cruise Director on the boat.

*Please note: Before booking your return flight, our last dive will be on the final day of the trip, and we will arrive back at Bitung Harbour around 3-4pm – please observe the 24-hour no fly surface interval.

Upon arrival at the harbour, we will organise a transfer for you to take you to your hotel, you’ll need to get your return flight from Manado Airport (MDC).

Lembeh to Luwuk Liveaboard (12D/11N)

This trip offers a diverse journey that begins with the famous muck diving of Lembeh, transitions to the unique, sponge-covered walls of Gorontalo, and then moves into the pristine waters of the Togian Islands before ending in the remote Banggai Archipelago near Luwuk.

Trip Highlights:

• Lembeh Strait: An extended stay for in-depth critter hunting and macro photography.

• Gorontalo: Unique wall dives, huge sponges, and the possibility of encountering whale sharks.

• Togian Islands: Pristine coral gardens, WWII wrecks, and diverse marine life in the sheltered Gulf of Tomini.

• Luwuk: The final destination, a gateway to the Banggai Archipelago’s remote reefs.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & First Dives in Lembeh

• We will organise a taxi to collect you from either Manado Airport (MDC) or your hotel to take you to the meeting point.

• We then transfer you to Jelajahi Laut.

• We’ll give you our welcome briefing and a tour around the boat, then you’ll get ready to enjoy your first check dive to get acquainted with the gear and the local conditions, where you’ll enjoy your first check dive in the famous Lembeh Strait.

• Possible Dive Sites: Start with a classic muck dive at a site like Hairball or Jahir to immediately immerse yourself in the world of unique critters like frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish.

Days 2-3: Lembeh Strait – The Muck Diving Mecca

• Dedicate two full days to exploring the diverse muck diving sites of Lembeh. This allows for a comprehensive search for the area’s many bizarre and beautiful critters.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Nudi Falls: A sloping reef with a wide variety of nudibranchs.

o Police Pier: An excellent spot for night diving to find snake eels and other nocturnal creatures.

o Tanjung Kusu: Famous for its pipefish and seahorses.

o Mawali Wreck: A Japanese WWII wreck, providing a break from the sand and a habitat for schools of fish.

Day 4-5: Gorontalo – Walls and Whale Sharks

• Jelajahi Laut will make her way to the Gorontalo region. This area is famous for its vertical walls and the potential for big animal encounters.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Olimbui Wall: A deep wall covered in giant sponges and schools of fusiliers.

o Whale Shark Spot: Gorontalo is one of the few places where you might encounter resident whale sharks.

Days 6-10: Togian Islands – The Heart of Tomini Bay

• We will continue south into the calm, sheltered waters of the Togian Islands. This area offers some of the healthiest reefs in the region.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Una Una: An active volcanic island with massive sponges and huge schools of barracudas at sites like Apollo and Fishomania.

o B24 Bomber Wreck: A well-preserved WWII bomber that rests in shallow water, creating a unique habitat for marine life.

o Batu Gila: A famous seamount known for its high fish activity and a chance to see reef sharks.

o Jellyfish Lake: A topside excursion to a unique, land-locked lake where you can snorkel with thousands of non-stinging jellyfish.

Days 11-12: Luwuk Area & Final Dives

• Arrive in the Luwuk region, preparing for the final dives of the trip. The diving here is remote and offers a glimpse into the less-travelled parts of the Banggai Archipelago.

• Possible Dive Sites: Explore local reefs and pinnacles around the Luwuk area, with a final farewell dive. The specific sites will depend on the day’s conditions, but you can expect a mix of colourful reefs and potential macro life.

Important

This is a sample itinerary only; the final route may vary.

Weather and tides play a big role in safety and planning, which is why the Cruise Director and Captain plan every day accordingly.

For any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us beforehand or chat with the Cruise Director on the boat.

*Please note: Before booking your return flight, our last dive will be on the final day of the trip, and we will arrive back at Luwuk Harbour around 3-4pm – please observe the 24-hour no-fly surface interval.

Upon arrival at the harbour, we will organise a transfer for you to take you to your hotel, you’ll need to get your return flight from Luwuk Airport (LUW).

Luwuk to Lembeh Liveaboard (12D/11N)

This trip offers an incredible blend of diving experiences, starting with the pristine reefs and pelagic action of the Banggai Islands and Togian Islands. As you travel north, you’ll encounter the dramatic walls of Gorontalo before ending the trip with world-class macro diving in Lembeh Strait.

Trip Highlights:

• Banggai Islands & Tompotika: Exploring remote, seldom-dived reefs with an opportunity to see the endemic Banggai cardinalfish.

• Togian Islands: Diving in the sheltered waters of Tomini Bay, home to pristine coral gardens, atolls, and even a WWII wreck.

• Gorontalo: Encountering dramatic, sponge-covered walls and the possibility of seeing whale sharks.

• Lembeh Strait: The ultimate finale for macro enthusiasts, with an endless variety of rare and unusual critters on black sand slopes.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Luwuk & Embarkation

• We will organise a taxi to collect you from either Luwuk Airport (LUW) or your hotel to take you to the meeting point.

• We then transfer you to Jelajahi Laut.

• We’ll give you our welcome briefing and a tour around the boat, then you’ll get ready to enjoy your first check dive to get acquainted with the gear and the local conditions, where you’ll enjoy your first check dive in the Banggai Archipelago.

Days 2-3: Banggai Archipelago & Tompotika Region

• The first dives of the trip will be in the remote and stunning Banggai Archipelago. This area is known for its incredible biodiversity.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Pulo Dua: A series of pinnacles and ridges with vibrant soft corals and fish- filled reefs.

o Batu Gong: A pinnacle that breaks the surface, attracting schooling fish and offering great macro-opportunities.

• The Tompotika Peninsula, near Luwuk, is a less-dived area with both excellent macro and reef sites.

Days 4-7: Togian Islands – The Heart of Tomini Bay

• Jelajahi Laut will cruise north into the Gulf of Tomini to explore the Togian Islands. This area is known for its calm, clear waters and diverse coral ecosystems.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Una Una: An active volcanic island with massive sponges and huge schools of barracudas at sites like Apollo and Fishomania.

o Kadidiri: Dive the famous seamount Batu Gila (Crazy Stone), known for its high fish activity and a chance to see reef sharks.

o B24 Bomber Wreck: A well-preserved WWII bomber that rests in shallow water, creating a unique habitat for marine life.

Days 8-9: Gorontalo – Dramatic Walls and Whale Sharks

• We’ll continue our journey north to Gorontalo. This region is famous for its vertical walls and unusual marine life.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Gorontalo Walls: Dive along dramatic vertical walls adorned with unique, swirling soft corals and large sponges.

o Whale Shark Spot: Gorontalo is one of the few places where you might encounter resident whale sharks.

Days 10-12: Crossing to Lembeh & The First Muck Dives

• Jelajai Laut will complete her final leg of the journey toward North Sulawesi. Your first dives in this region will be a mix of reef and muck.

• Possible Dive Sites:

o Lembeh Strait: Upon arrival, you’ll be introduced to the black sand slopes with a dive at a site like Hairball or Nudi Falls, where you’ll find frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and various nudibranchs.

Important

This is a sample itinerary only; the final route may vary.

Weather and tides play a big role in safety and planning, which is why the Cruise Director and Captain plan every day accordingly.

For any special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us beforehand or chat with the Cruise Director on the boat.

*Please note: Before booking your return flight, our last dive will be on the final day of the trip, and we will arrive back at Bitung Harbour around 3-4pm – please observe the 24-hour no-fly surface interval.

Upon arrival at the harbour, we will organise a transfer for you to take you to your hotel, you’ll need to get your return flight from Manado Airport (MDC).

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