Be one of the first to experience the remote reefs of Halmahera in northern Indonesia. On this 10 day snorkeling tour we will spend our time gliding over the the vibrant shallow coral reefs of this secluded corner of Indonesia while we indulge in all the amenities and comforts of our boutique tropical island resort.
Halmahera is the large odd-shaped island just west of the Raja Ampat area. The area we’ll be exploring is in the south around a small island called Kusu Island. This area is fantastic for snorkeling, offering us unlimited access to a truly amazing house reef and of course all the other nearby reefs which are only 5-20 minutes by boat. Halmahera is relatively new on the snorkeling scene as the area just didn’t have the infrastructure to support tourism really at any level. Now, with several small airports and this one brand new resort, we can indulge in the endless reefs, clouds of colorful reef fish, the lush tropical environment, and delicious food day after day.
This snorkeling safari is escorted by a Snorkel Venture team member.
Marine Life Guide
This tour is partnered with Thrive Conservation. Find out how we support Thrive Conservation via this tour here.
Day 1 - Arrive in Jakarta
Fly to Kusu Island Resort
9 Nights Snorkeling in Halmahera
There will be local guides and your Snorkel Venture tour leader in the water on all snorkels, pointing out interesting things to see and assisting with whatever you may need. They will also enter the water to do a current check and decide if our plan should be altered slightly or if we will snorkel in that spot. If there is current, we will always drift with it. The snorkel boats can always pick us up down current at the end of the snorkel.
After our snorkel, we will return to the resort for a quick snack. After a little break, we hit the water again for another snorkel session on a nearby site. We return to the resort for a delicious lunch. After a little post-lunch siesta we’ll prepare for the third snorkel session of the day, followed by more snacks. You will not go hungry on this safari. For those that are keen, we can also organize a sunset or night snorkel on the house reef or one of the other nearby reefs. The reefs here really come alive at night, and it’s highly recommended you try at least one night or sunset snorkel as it’s a completely different experience. Critters like octopus, moray eels, lobsters, and even the elusive walking shark can be found walking around the reefs at night.
We will offer 3 – 4 snorkel sessions a day. You are not obliged to participate in them all.
Throughout our time at Kusu Island Resort, the house reef is open for snorkeling any time you choose. We will do several snorkels here in the day and at night, but if you and your buddy wanted to explore it more, it’s always available.
Dinner is a 3-course meal.
Evenings are spent looking through fish ID books, reviewing the day’s photos and sightings, chatting in the spacious lounge, or enjoying the night sky from your giant porch.
Return to Jakarta
On the final day of the trip will check out of the resort together and transfer to the Labuha Airport for a flight back to Jakarta where we will bid farewell to one another.
Please speak to a member of our team if you would like to extend your time in Indonesia, either for more snorkeling or land tours.
Kusu Island Resort
Kusu Island Resort occupies the southern portion of Kusu island and includes a white sandy beach, mangroves, a manicured pathway through the jungle which connects the resort’s water sports center next to the pier with all the villas and the restaurant. The resort also has a beautiful natural lagoon complete with a sort of “blue hole” as well as a trail that leads to a light trek around the island. Just off the shore is a stunning hard coral reef that surrounds the entire island.
At the moment there are eight villas with near-identical layouts. Four are built right over the water with mangroves on either side of each, and the other fours are just around the corner and run along the white sand beach. All the villas feature a large porch with a set of stairs leading to the beach or right into the water. Each porch is equipped with a pair of sun loungers, a coffee table, and even a really clever and comfortable wooden hammock built right into the porch’s floor. There’s also a freshwater shower on each porch in case you decide to go for a quick dip and want to rinse off after.
Inside each villa, you’ll find a large comfortable bed with mosquito nets, a big sofa and coffee table, a wardrobe with ample storage, and a long wooden desk. Each villa has its own ensuite bathroom which features a stunning open-air shower made out of driftwood that looks right up at the jungle canopy above. One of the cool things about the villas, or the resort as a whole, is the woodwork. No detail was too small for the owners and nearly everything is hand-made right on the island and a lot of it is made from pieces of wood found washed up on the beach. If you appreciate good woodwork, the craftsmanship of this resort will give you something else to explore outside the beautiful reefs, islands, food, and beaches.
Kusu Island Resort also features its own restaurant which is also built right at the water’s edge and has a breathtaking view of the sea. Unless you want your meal delivered to your room, this is where all the meals will be served. This area also functions as a sort of lounge area as well where you can meet up for evening drinks or just relax with a book.
The water sports center features two buildings with a giant deck area nestled into the mangroves equipped with freshwater showers, sun loungers, and little tables to relax around between snorkel sessions. One of the buildings is a secure gear-up area where everyone has their own snorkel locker. In the other building, you have an air-conditioned camera room where everyone can keep and charge their cameras without cluttering up their own villas with camera bits and cables. Outside of this room is a sort of mini-bar/living room area where you can enjoy freshly prepared juices, ice water, or even sip on a chilled coconut straight from the tree between snorkel sessions.
Please note that Kusu Island Resort does not have 24 hour power. The resort turns off the generator that powers the resort at midnight and then back on again at 6:00 am. The rooms do remain cool with the sea-breeze throughout the night, particularly with the balcony doors open.
Snorkel Boats
Kusu Island Resort’s snorkeling boats are spacious fiberglass speedboats with enough room to easily store snorkeling equipment. The boats do not have a toilet on board but do offer a full canopy for sun protection and a ladder to help exit the water. The average distance from the resort is 5-20 minutes.
On this page you will find our Tour Dates & Pricing (see below contact form), a Booking Form and Details of Payment schedule including deposit and final balance. If you have any further questions please complete the form and we will reply within 24-48hrs.
Make an Enquiry or Book this Tour
Tour Dates 2023
22 October – 1 November 2023
5275.00 USD per person
Single Person Supplement: 1750 USD
How to book your place
Initial deposit to secure your booking $400 per person
12 Months before departure interim deposit of $600 per person
6 Months before departure interim deposit of $1000 per person
Balance due 3 months before departure
Includes:
- 1 Night in a standard room in the Jakarta Airport Hotel, with breakfast
- Internal flights in economy class with 44lbs checked luggage Jakarta – Labuha – Jakarta
- Group transfers
- 9 nights accommodation at Kusu Island Resort full board (all meals) in Deluxe Villa / Twin Share
- 24 Guided Boat Snorkel Sessions
- Unlimited house reef snorkeling
- Accompanied by a member of the Snorkel Venture team
Excludes:
- Snorkel gear rental
- Gratuities and sundries
- Alcoholic beverages
- Marine park fees are currently not applicable in this area. This is subject to change.
- Travel and health insurance
- Spa services
