Ternate & Tidore Diving Sites

Situs Penyelaman Ternate Tidore

The waters around Ternate and Tidore are among Indonesia's best diving destinations, featuring pristine coral reefs, abundant pelagic fish, and occasional sightings of large marine life. Multiple dive operators and resorts cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced divers.

Things to do

• Coral Garden Dive — Explore vibrant shallow coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, ideal for beginners and intermediate divers seeking macro photography opportunities.
• Barracuda Point — Navigate deeper waters around this famous pinnacle site where schools of barracuda, trevally, and occasional sharks patrol strong currents.
• Mola Mola (Sunfish) Seasonal Diving — Encounter rare ocean sunfish during cooler months (June–September) in deeper waters off Ternate's eastern slope.
• Night Dive at Pulau Maitara — Witness nocturnal marine behavior and bioluminescence around the historic volcanic island visible from both Ternate and Tidore.
• Pelagic Fish Encounter at Pulau Hiri — Dive open-water sites where jacks, snapper, and tuna schools create dramatic encounters in nutrient-rich channels between islands.
• Wreck Diving: Japanese WWII Sites — Explore historically significant wreck sites from World War II scattered in deeper waters around the islands.
• Macro and Critter Dive at House Reef — Investigate sandy slopes and rubble zones near resort dive sites for nudibranchs, seahorses, and other small cryptic marine life.

Food to try

• Tinutuan — A savory rice porridge commonly eaten for breakfast, flavored with garlic, ginger, and served with salted fish or anchovies.
• Cakalang Fufu (Smoked Fish) — Whole fish or fish chunks smoked over coconut husks, a regional specialty that pairs with steamed rice and sambal matah.
• Ikan Bakar Ternate — Grilled whole fish marinated in coconut milk, spices, and wrapped in banana leaves, reflecting the islands' seafaring tradition.
• Papeda — A starchy sago-based staple food from eastern Indonesia, served as a thick paste alongside fish curry or broth.
• Coto Ikan (Fish Soup) — A fragrant broth with turmeric, galangal, and chilies, served with chunks of fresh local fish and accompanied by steamed rice.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Marine Sanctuaries — Several diving areas are protected marine reserves; always follow local dive operator guidelines and obtain necessary permits to preserve coral and fish populations.
• Learn Basic Indonesian Phrases — Dive operators and locals appreciate visitors who use simple Indonesian greetings and dive terms, enhancing safety communication underwater and building goodwill.
• Ramadan Diving Considerations — During Ramadan, some restaurants and shops close midday and services may be limited; plan dives early morning and respect local fasting practices.
• Island-Hopping Etiquette — When visiting Ternate and Tidore, acknowledge the historical rivalry between the sultanates with neutral enthusiasm for both islands' unique heritage and diving offerings.