Unexplored Halmahera
March 2025 - Field Notes
Expedition Overview
Dates: March 6-17, 2025
Route: Sorong (West Papua) to Ternate (Halmahera)
Vessel: MY Damai II
Leaders: Dr. Richard Smith & Wendy Brown
Itinerary Highlights
Our 11-day expedition explored the pristine northern and eastern coasts of Halmahera, navigating from Raja Ampat's legendary waters to the historic spice island of Ternate. The journey showcased some of the most untouched diving in the heart of the Coral Triangle.
Key Destinations:
Northern Halmahera's remote dive sites, including Morotai Island
Eastern coastline exploration
Traditional spice island culture in Ternate
Diving Experience
Marine life talks by Dr. Richard Smith
Small group intimacy with just 10 guests
Luxury accommodations aboard the 40-meter Damai II
The Damai II Experience
Our floating base camp provided uncompromising comfort with spacious outdoor decks, massage facilities, and a crew-to-guest ratio of 18:10 ensuring personalised service throughout the expedition.
Images from the expedition showcase the incredible biodiversity and pristine coral reefs that make Halmahera one of Indonesia's most exciting diving frontiers.
Exciting sightings
Randall’s Coralblenny (Ecsenius randalli) - endemic to Halmaera
Red phase Steephead Parrotfish
Talbot’s Damselfish with tongue-biter parasite seemingly not recorded before
Juvenile Slender Grouper
Range Extensions
Chin-strap Flasher Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus) - described in 2021 we extended the species’ known range from Sulawesi eastwards to Halmahera’s west coast.
Paine’s Fairy Wrasse (Paracheilinus paineorum) - described in 2016 and previously only known from western Indonesia, including Borneo, Sulawesi, Java, Komodo & Flores. This was the first record from Halmahera.
Redmargin Triplefin (Enneapterygius rubrimarginatus) - first described in 2024 and our sighting extended its known range far eastwards from north Sulawesi to Halmahera!
