This Halmahera liveaboard trip is designed to bring divers to all corners of this remote and diverse archipelago. North of the Banda Sea and west of the world-famous Raja Ampat lies this underpopulated island and its neighbouring archipelago of volcanoes, sandy beaches, and mangroves. Divers can visit the drop-offs in south Bacan to see barracuda, explore the islands of Goraici for schooling reef fish and giant bait balls, and finally, hunt under the docks at Makian and Leilei for little critters. The Damai has been specifically designed for divers; the vessel offers large dive stations with individual rinse tanks and a camera room with separate workstations.
Project Focus: The purpose of this trip is to conduct fish surveys to support REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Click here to learn more about participating in fish surveys on a REEF Field Survey Trip!
Best Suited For: Divers
Accommodations: The Damai I has been designed to offer a personal service dedicated to small groups. The vessel has 7 staterooms with a choice of single cabins, twins, doubles, or two spacious master cabins. All are furnished with either queen- or king-sized beds, en-suite toilets, and showers. You can see the details of the vessel and rooms here.
Diving: The trip package includes 3-4 dives a day, subject to weather and schedule. Nitrox is available by request for an additional charge. Average water temperatures are mid to low 80s, and current is expected on some dives. A 3-5mm wetsuit is recommended based on cold tolerance. Also enjoy the personal attention from the guides at a ratio of 4-1. SMBs are required.
Pricing, Inclusions, and Other Fees
| Double Occupancy Diver | |
| Standard Cabin | $7,645 |
| Master Cabin 5 | $8,195 |
| Master Cabin 6 | $9,515 |
Your Package Includes: 11 days of accommodation on Damai I, all meals, snacks, 3-4 dives daily based on location, tanks, weights, and weight belt.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $400 will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar, and REEF survey materials. The REEF Program Fee applies to all divers and any attendee age 18 or older.
Other Costs Paid to REEF: There is a $390 Port and Park fee of $30 that will be collected before the trip. These fees are subject to change before the trip.
Additional Fees - Not Included: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF – Flights and optional Nitrox. Gratuities are not included and are at each individual's discretion.
Cancelation policy
Adjustments to REEF Field Survey Trips Policies: Due to the higher prices and high demand for this trip, there will be alterations to our standard policies and payment schedule.
Deposit and Payment structure: $1000 deposit upon booking, 50% of the balance due 12 months before departure, the final Balance remaining, and REEF Fee 180 days before departure.
More than 12 months before departure date: Full refund minus $300 per person processing fee.
Between 12 months and 180 days prior to departure date: 75% of the total amount on hand with REEF at the date of cancellation is NON-refundable,
Less than 180 days prior to departure date: No refunds available
Registration
To reserve your space, email trips@REEF.org or call 305-588-5869. A $1,000 per person deposit will be due to confirm your reservation. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
Indonesia Travel Info
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN. Dive insurance is required for this trip.
How to Get There: Participants should make arrangements to fly into Ternate (TTE), arriving at least one day before departure on Sunday, April 14. Participants should make arrangements to depart from Ternate on Thursday, April 25. It is recommended that you arrive a day early to avoid any delays.
Transfers: Two-way ground transfers on arrival and departure are included (hotel or airport - Damai I - hotel or airport).
Passports, Documentation and Visas: A passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months, A return ticket, or an onward ticket to another country. Please note these may change, and participants are responsible for making sure they meet entry requirements.
COVID-19 Considerations: It is the participant's responsibility to ensure that they understand and comply with all local requirements (for entry and visit as a tourist) of the host destination, and for exit and entry requirements for their home country. Be prepared for your plans to change. Be sure your travel insurance covers COVID-related issues. No travel is risk-free during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example, due to a new COVID-19 variant. Please be aware that REEF is not a travel agent. We are doing our best to interpret the information provided by our trip vendor and the host country’s government COVID-19 webpages. We encourage everyone to do their own research, interpretation, and due diligence. Please see REEF’s COVID-19 Considerations and Vaccine Policies section in our REEF Field Survey Trips Policies page for more information.