Underwater Treasures of Raja Ampat and Halmahera May 4-15, 2026

I’m very excited to announce two new trips for Snorkeling Etc. The first trip combines the very best of Raja Ampat with the rarely visited pristine reefs of Halmahera.

The second voyage begins in Halmahera and continues to the beautiful reefs around Bangka island and ends in Lembeh, the critter capital of the world.  There will even be a time to visit Tangkoko National Park where you can see Tarsiers, the smallest known primate, and black Macaque monkeys.
It’s going to be awesome. Join one or both voyages. If a little is good a lot is better!

During the first 10-day voyage we’ll have the luxury of time to explore the super awesome, super fishy reefs of Raja Ampat and Halmahera.

Raja Ampat and Halmahera are located in the heart of the Coral Triangle home to the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs. 75% of the world’s coral species and a whooping 1,700 species of fish are found here.  Snorkeling in Indonesia is unique not only for the sheer volume of marine life but also due to the variety of accessible marine habitats including vibrant coral gardens, sea mounts and magical mangroves.
Fusiliers, butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeons, bannerfish, triggerfish and squadrons of jacks and barracuda are typical sights. Other underwater highlights may include a variety of octopus, cuttlefish, wobbegong sharks, turtles, mobulas and majestic mantas.

May 4-15, 2026 The morning of May 4 you’ll board the lovely and spacious Seahorse liveaboard in Sorong. After a boat orientation, the anchor comes up and the adventure begins!

The rhythm of the days on a live-aboard snorkel trip is fun and flexible.  Perhaps you’ll want to start your day watching the sunrise and stretching on the upper deck. After a breakfast of mouth-watering goodies we’ll have a snorkel briefing and slip into the water for a leisurely morning snorkel.  After lunch and time for a rest we’ll jump back in the water and explore a new underwater wonderland.
Each guided snorkel session lasts approximately 2 hours. Any time you you want to take a break there will be a skiff nearby where you can take a rest or return to the Seahorse.  When possible there may be a dusk or night snorkel.

The Captain and the Cruise Director will put the best possible trip together based on the prevailing conditions. The focus will be on quality time on beautiful, shallow reefs ideal for snorkeling.

The first half of the trip will be spent snorkeling the best Raja Ampat has to offer in the dynamic Dampier Straits and the spectacular coral gardens of Misool. Many of my favorite sites are in the Dampier straits. Kri, Sawandarek, Friwenbonda have such prolific fish life, it’s hard to know which way to look.
Misool features fantastic snorkel sites like Gorgonian passage with unreal sumptuous soft coral gardens. And around Boo windows and Magic Mt. larger schools of fish and both reef and oceanic mantas can be seen.

No matter how many times I’ve been in Raja Ampat, I’m always blown away by the beauty and sheer magnitude of marine life.  The reefs are teeming with life and host hard coral gardens, lush colorful soft corals and gorgonians.
It’s truly astonishing.

The voyage will continue on the “road less traveled” to remote reefs of Halmahera.
Located in the Moluccas, west of Raja Ampat is the island of Halmahera and neighboring archipelago.

This rarely visited region features dramatic volcanoes and beautiful beaches. The pristine reefs offer a profusion of soft corals exploding with anthias, the pinnacles are full of schooling fish, the walls covered in stunning soft corals and sea fans.
In the black sand habitats, look for seahorses, cuttlefish, leaf fish, scorpionfish and frogfish.

The nutrient rich currents enable the proliferation of an astounding number of fish including surgeonfish, bumphead parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, jacks, sharks and rays!
Traveling by liveaboard, you’ll be able to explore the full diversity of this remarkable archipelago.

Halfway between Misool and Halmahera is Palau Pisang, an oasis in the middle of the sea.  This very fishy reef is known for known for colorful soft coral and its dreamy landscape.

The Pantini Strait between Halmahera and Bacan islands has stunning reefs.
Kusu Island and neighboring islands are within a 5-mile marine protection zone.  Commercial fishing is not allowed and the reefs reflect this protection allows the opportunity to see everything from hundreds of reef fish, sweetlips, sharks and mantas down to macro critters like leaf fish, ghost pipefish and weird and wonderful nudibranchs.

The dramatic seascape around Proco, Dehabira, and Saleh islands feature mini canyons, channels, and phenomenal reefs. Currents can bring in tuna, barracuda, black tip and grey reef sharks. Brightly colored anthias, and schools of reef fish and glass fish, scorpion fish, crocodile fish and walking sharks can be found throughout this area.

The locals of the Goraichi islands have been actively protecting their reefs and they are bursting with colorful hard and soft corals and schooling reef fish. Sharks and manta and often spotted here.  The expedition come to an end in Ternate.

May 15, 2026  Travelers departing today will disembark the Seahorse in Ternate. Onward flights can be scheduled anytime of day. Your explorations don’t have to end!  Why not stay and join the following fabulous voyage from Ternate to Lembeh!

THE SEAHORSE

The MSY Seahorse is a newly-refurbished 33m (108 ft) Phinisi-style liveaboard boat, run by Wallacea Dive Cruises, who have successfully run exceptional voyages for over 20 years.

The classic beauty of the Seahorse Liveaboard combines traditional craftsmanship with all the modern conveniences and safety features.
The spacious sun deck has a lounge area with a cover for shade.  Photographers will love the large dedicated camera room.
The bright and airy restaurant serves up healthy, gourmet meals.  The head chef prepares excellent meals with plenty fresh fruits and vegetables. Specials diets are happily catered to.

Identification books of flora and local fauna are available on board, and the snorkel guides or the skipper will always help you to identify the strange animal you just saw underwater!
There are two complimentary kayaks on board to use when conditions allow.

The snorkel sites are reached by two spacious 22 feet custom-built  tender boats.  There is a 4:1 snorkeler-to-guide ratio.

The 8 spacious cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms with hot water. Towels and toiletries, soap and shampoo are provided in each cabin. On the lower deck, cabins 1-5 have twin beds, cabin 6 has a double bed.
Cabins 7 and 8 on the main deck are sea view, double-bedded cabins.

TRIP COST:
$7250  per person based on double occupancy, in a twin or double bedded cabin on lower deck  
$7650 per person based on double occupancy in a sea view cabin on upper deck. 

PRICE INCLUDES:
♦  Airport to boat transfers on group arrival and departure days
♦ 11 nights on the Seahorse liveaboard May 4-15, 2026
♦  All meals & snacks. Drinking water, soft drinks and hot drinks, espresso
♦  All guided snorkels (1 guide /4 snorkelers)
♦  Snorkel excursions and meals on board the Seahorse liveaboard
♦  Port and park fees of $218.00 per person
♦  Fuel Surcharge of $109 per person

PRICE EXCLUDES:
♦  International Airfare
♦  Travel Insurance
♦  Alcoholic beverages (okay to BYOB)
♦ Massage
♦  Personal Expenses
♦  Gratuities

TRIP LEADERS:
This expedition will be led by one or more of the follow trip leaders

Wendy Simon, CEO/Founder of Snorkeling Etc and Robert Irwin, Master cribbage player of the universe 

Carol May and Chris Wilkinson:

 

 

 

Carol and Chris are recently retired science teachers. Their background in marine biology gives them a deep understanding and appreciation of the marine environment. They are certified marine mammal naturalists and have 20 years guiding and organizing multi-day outdoor expeditions. They are passionate about snorkeling and adventure travel.
Chris and Carol are skilled photographers. Carol’s underwater photography has been recognized in several publications, including the journal of Wildlife photography. Chris is a devoted GoPro user with a special focus on pelagics.

We hope you can join this unique and incredible adventure.
For more information contact:
Wendy Simon/CEO and fellow snorkel addict
831 254-5001
Wendy@Snorkelingetc.com