Diving Regions of Indonesia

  
WORLD CLASS DIVING IN Manado

The dominating volcanic landscape creates a dramatic backdrop to the world-class diving available in North Sulawesi. Conditions are generally calm all year round, and the deep waters offer excellent visibility. The seas are home to many unusual species, ranging from the prehistoric ‘coelacanth’ fish through to reef shark, green turtles, napoleon wrasse and dugongs. Diving in the region is concentrated over two areas: Bunaken National Marine Park and the Lembeh Straits.

Dive Bunaken National Marine Park

The Bunaken National Marine Park has won numerous international conservation awards and is home to the majority of the dive sites the resorts visit. Most of the reefs are rich and unspoilt, offering pristine and abundant soft coral and fish life in huge concentrations. The night diving is spectacular, providing frequent encounters with rare nocturnal creatures. For a change of scenery, the Molas wreck is remarkably intact for a WWII ship.

Diving in and around Bunaken is predominantly wall diving and drift diving. There are also numerous beautiful coral slopes suitable for novice divers. The variety of both fish and soft coral is outstanding, and marks out this area as one of the most bio diverse marine environments in the world. With visibility around 25m and water temperature 26-30 C, this is an excellent destination for underwater photographers and naturalists alike.

Schools of Barracudas and Jacks, Green Sea Turtles and reef sharks, Sea snakes and Napoleon wrasses are among the resident inhabitants of the steep coral walls fringing Bunaken Island.

Dive Lembeh Straits

The Lembeh Strait is world-famous for its macro life and is accessible from Dive into Lembeh and neighbouring resorts. This is arguably one of the finest destinations in the world for macro and photography enthusiasts.

Lembeh plays host to a cornucopia of weird and wonderful creatures. Diving is over shallow black sandy slopes where seahorses and nudibranches are found in abundance. Many of the species that are encountered are simply not found elsewhere. Inimicus devilfish, dwarf lionfish, scorpion fish, puffer fish, mimic octopus, pegasus sea moths, frogfish, ribbon eels and flying gurnards to name but a few.

The Lembeh strait is a unique dive destination and a haven for experienced divers who are looking for species that are unusual and rarely seen. The dive guides and instructors are extremely experienced in locating and identifying the many unusual species that are encountered.

DIVE East Kalimantan

Located in the Sulawesi Sea, on the coastal shelf of East Kalimantan, the Derawan Islands offer that rare combination of big and small underwater life. They include Derawan, Sangalaki, Kakaban, Maratua, Panjang and Samama Island and submerged reefs and islets. 

Located in a biodiversity hotspot, the islands feature 872 species of reef fishes, 507 species of coral, and invertebrates including protected species such as giant clam, two different sea turtles and coconut crab. Some of the islands harbour the largest green turtle nesting sites in Indonesia. Travel between the months of September–November for increased likelihood of seeing larger species.

Twin Centre Trips

Twin centre trips are a great way to enjoy a diving experience in two contrasting regions, without the need for two separate trips. It’s very rare that you can find a 10 -15 night dive trip offering such wide variety as you can in Indonesia. You can encounter a vortex of barracuda, mantas and turtles in East Kalimantan and combine this with the coral garden of Bunaken, or the critter capital of the world Lembeh. 

We are pleased to offer twin centre trips combining both sides of Manado, an ideal blend of colour and abuance on the Bunaken side and world-class muck diving on the Lembeh side. We also offer twin centre trips combining Manado and East Kalimantan. You may also want your trip to include a stopover in Balikpapan to see the Orang Utan Conservation, proboscis monkey, the sun bear of Kalimantan or some Dayak culture, if time permits. 

Our most popular Resorts for Twin Centre Trips

Murex MAnado

With its onsite dive centre, Murex Manado is a comfortable diver's resort. The management have a hands-on, personal and friendly approach, making your stay a very welcome one. The resort has undergone substantial investment, with a fantastic dive centre upgrade and new facilities.

Under European management, Murex Manado dive trips are always led by a dive leader who is an experienced guide and Instructor. The management team has a programme of vessel upgrades and facility improvements in place to enhance guest comfort and enjoyment. 

Dive into Lembeh Resort

Nestled in Kasawari Bay, Dive into Lembeh Resort is a 'boutique style' hotel built with divers in mind. With just nine sea view private bungalows, guests enjoy personal service and great diving on the house reef. The resort has been likened to a comfortable 'land-based liveaboard'.

British owned and managed, this lovely small hotel is located on the mainland of the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.  A true macro photographer’s paradise, the resort is just off the north-east coast of Sulawesi and is famous for its 'muck diving' on black volcanic sand.  Muck diving is all about spotting weird and wonderful underwater critters, species that you would normally not find during a regular dive.

Virgin Cocoa island Resort

Virgin Cocoa Island Resort is a deluxe, intimate island resort just off the coast of East Kalimantan. Sitting proud on a private, white sandy beach, this small and exclusive lodge is guaranteed to help busy minds begin to switch off.

With just 18 beach bungalow, clients can enjoy the simply and chic furnished rooms finished in modern style. The resort is calm and built for relaxation after diving. The superior suits are based on the lagoon's edge, complete with private terrace. The resort's outstanding location offers the chance to see mantas and schooling barracuda. Macro fans can enjoy pygmy seahorses, blue-ring octopus and frogfish.

Indonesia will appeal to divers looking for world-class diving in uncrowded dive sites. Members of the Regaldive team have visited Indonesia and they would be pleased to help you to plan your Indonesian diving adventure. 

To find out more, call our friendly team on 01353 659999, or visit: Dive into Indonesia

Adrenaline-charged drifts, amazing quantities of colourful fish and chance encounters with pelagics - mantas, whale sharks and many shark species - are the order of the day here. With the island nation of the Maldives covering some 35,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean, it’s the ideal place for divers to explore.

Atolls, Reefs, Kandus and Thilas

The Maldives boasts an incredible number of dive sites. With the development of previously inaccessible areas, new dive sites are being established in atolls ranging from Huvadhoo in the south, to Haa Alifu in the North.

The diverse nature of dive sites in the Maldives makes it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Within each atoll, there are sheltered reefs that are suitable for less experienced divers. By contrast, experienced divers will enjoy some of the best drift dives in the world. Channels into the atolls generate fast tidal flows, which in turn attract many of the pelagics for which the Maldives are renowned.

Maldives Liveaboards to Suit All Budgets

Joining a liveaboard really does give you the flexibility to experience Maldives diving at its best. Here, the diving is completely defined by currents. Liveaboard itineraries are designed to take advantage of seasonal fluctuations to take in the sites that offer the best diving at that moment in time. Add to this the fact that you can visit a number of different atolls on a single itinerary, some with little or no tourism development, and you can see why a liveaboard option is a great choice for divers who are mostly interested in diving... and diving only.

Regaldive offer a choice of liveaboard vessels in the Maldives, catering to a diverse range of budgets and diving needs. Whether you are thinking of a luxury boat with plenty of space and all of the mod-cons, or if you would prefer a 'basic' standard, budget friendly liveaboard, or perhaps something in-between, Regaldive have an option to suit you. 

Regaldive’s most popular liveaboards include: Emperor Serenity, Emperor Voyager, Emperor Atoll, Carpe Diem, Amba and Ari Queen.

Land-based Maldives Options

If you are looking for a land-based Maldives dive trip, Regaldive have a wide selection for you. Divers can enjoy a true diving getaway, combined with the charm of an authentic Maldivian experience. So, if you are looking for elegant accommodation in a beautiful setting, or a small, low-key resort offering good value, or perhaps something between the two, Regaldive have plenty of suitable choices in their programme.

Some of Regaldive’s Maldives resorts have been likened to a 'liveaboard on dry land'. Every island in the Regaldive programme provides an excellent and varied range of boat dives. 

If you care to picture world class diving, combined with fine house reefs, beautiful lagoons, lovely beaches, shady palm trees and a laid back atmosphere, you will be well on the way to designing your ideal land-based Maldives holiday.

Regaldive offer a wide range of land-based and liveaboard trips to the Maldives. Resorts in their programme include the Islands of: Vilamendhoo, Eriyadu, Reethi Beach, Ellaidhoo, Medhufushi and Dhigurah.

To find out more, call our friendly team on 01353 659999, or visit: Diving in the Maldives

As part of an extended trip arranged by the Department of Tourism and Philippine Airlines I had the pleasure of staying at two stunning, but very different, dive centres: Atlantis Dumaguete and Atlantis Puerto Galera.

Atlantis Dumaguete

Only an hour's transfer from the charming and small Dumaguete airport, the Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete is a haven for diving and relaxation. Situated amongst lush vegetation the resort is perfect for divers who want to get away from it all. In addition to the wide range of room types, the resort boasts an impressive dive centre with training facilities and a purpose-built camera room, a small shop and reception, a wonderful pool and spa area with a number of treatments available, and a cosy open-plan restaurant and bar with stunning views across the bay towards Apo Island.

The dive centre offers up to five dives per day, plus special trips including dusk dives with the beautiful mandarin fish. Given the choice of a night dive or a dive with the mandarins on my first night, it was a no-brainer. Seeing mandarin fish has always been on my “dive wish list”, so I couldn’t put my fins on quick enough! I am delighted to say that the Atlantis Dive Guide did not disappoint, and I spent an hour on a shallow reef watching these beautiful creatures perform their mating dance.

Thanks to my body clock being properly confused by the 7 hour time difference, I was up early on day two to spend a peaceful couple of hours sat at the edge of the restaurant watching the world go by and gazing at Apo Island across the bay: our morning’s destination.

Apo Island is a flourishing marine reserve offering a combination of wall and reef diving featuring all of the usual reef critters, plus sea snakes and some of the largest turtles that I have ever seen. 

Dumaguete is also renowned for its macro diving: it's just a short boat trip along the bay and divers are accompanied by eagle-eyed Dive Guides happy to show them all the delights of this macro-rich environment.

During my stay at Dumaguete I also managed brief visits to our other resorts Pura Vida Resort and Atmosphere Resort and Spa.

Chris - the owner of Sea Explorers - kindly met me and was my guide for Pura Vida. The resort is situated right on the beach and is set out amongst lush gardens and foliage. A well-equipped dive centre offers up to five dives a day and they can tailor their dive site visits according to the guest requests.

I was then taken to Atmosphere Resort and Spa - an award-winning resort - where I was shown around the beautiful grounds by Saila, the Sales Manager, before meeting owners Matt and Gabi Holder. 

Facilities include a state of the art dive centre (PADI CDC rating), infinity pools, luxury spa and wellness retreat and a choice of dining options. The rooms are especially comfortable and the resort is set in attractive landscaped gardens.

Diving is in small groups with good house reef dives, excellent macro along the Dauin coastline and regular trips to Apo Island. Especially popular with photographers, the dive staff includes a resident Marine Biologist. The dive centre also has a dedicated camera room which is air conditioned and has all of the facilities required to keep underwater photographers in camera luxury heaven.

Their strength is as a luxury experience in beautiful setting, with a very friendly vibe. Lots of land-based activities are also available to keep non-diving guests entertained. Matt and Gabi have a passion for wine and often host wine tasting events. They also have a tree-house setting for special occasions and events.

Atlantis Puerto Galera

After only two nights in Dumaguete it was time to pack our bags and fly back to Manila where we would take an onward transfer to Puerto Galera for the next stop in our adventure.

From the airport, a 2.5 hour journey by private transfer took us to Batangas Port, where we were met by boat to take us on our final leg to Sabang, Puerto Galera.

The vibrant resort of Sabang is reached by a picturesque hour long boat trip. The resort has a succession of hotels, dive centres, bars and restaurants all built into the steep hillside. 

Atlantis Dive Resort Puerto Galera is a short walk from the pier. Entering the hotel area, we were greeted by the sight of the '50 Bar' clientele sharing a beer after their day’s diving. This activity was accompanied by the sounds of the 70s and 80s, supplied by Ton-Ton – Senior Bartender, DJ and all-round good guy. It was a rare pleasure being handed a cold beer by this gent as I walked past the bar in my dive kit after that evening’s night dive.

Beyond 50 Bar is the well-equipped dive centre, purpose-built camera room, reception and Toko’s restaurant; serving some of the tastiest food that I ate on my travels. The restaurant leads to the training pool and spa, and finally to the guest rooms. The rooms are reached by a series of steps heading off in various directions from the main dining area. 

The diving is a mixture of macro and reef diving, with an emphasis on the standard reef experience. It is worth noting that Puerto Galera is right in the middle of the Coral Triangle and boasts an abundance of stunning colours on the reefs. 

One of our highlights of our far-too-short two night stay was a trip to Verde Island: one of the jewels in the crown of this area. Featuring an abundance of marine life and dramatic walls, a trip to this location should be an essential part of any diver’s stay with Atlantis.

Apart from Verde Island, Atlantis also has a superb house reef: we did a night dive here just after we arrived on our first night and were impressed by the colours of the soft coral and the abundant marine life, including giant frogfish and sea snakes.

Following a delicious last night meal with the rest of my group it was early to bed ready for the departure the following morning. However, we managed to squeeze in a cheeky early morning dive on a local wreck before finally heading back to Manila for our final night and the flight home.

Featuring an array of diving – from macro and stunning wall dives to WWII wrecks - the Philippines has something for every diver. 

Two nights at each location was nowhere near long enough, so I am aiming to spend longer in the Philippines next year to more fully experience the outstanding variety of diving that the Philippines has to offer.

To find out more about diving in the Philippines, call our friendly team on 01353 659999, or visit: Diving in the Philippines

With over 7,000 islands surrounded by one of the richest marine environments in the world, the Philippines promises a spectacular diving holiday.

Forming the tip of the Coral Triangle, these waters are unmatched as the global centre of marine biodiversity and are home to many thousands of fish and coral species. Discover historic wrecks, plentiful macro life, dramatic wall dives, turtles, mantas, sharks and whale sharks. Due to its outstanding range of diving and incredible natural beauty, the Southeast Asian paradise of the Philippines is now firmly established as a top dive destination for UK divers. 

Special Offers on Atlantis Azores Liveaboard Trips:

9 night Cebu Trips in November and December 2017

Atlantis Azores is a spacious 16 person liveaboard perfectly designed for the needs of divers. This liveaboard is a popular choice with first time and repeat guests, plus groups of divers. 

• Great savings on 9 night special itinerary around Cebu departing from Atlantis Dumaguete on 11 November 2017 or 9 December 2017
• 9 night trips starting from just £2,549pp boat only - Save up to £900
• Liveaboard trips can be combined with Atlantis Resort land-based stays to maximise the enjoyment of your trip.

Great Savings at Atlantis Dumaguete and Puerto Galera Dive Resorts: 

Save up to £330 on 7 night trips

Set in beautiful beach front and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the Atlantis Dive Resorts cater specifically for divers looking to access some of the best diving in the Philippines. Choose from Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete or Atlantis Dive Resort Puerto Galera, or combine the two!

• Save up to £330pp on 7 night trips
• Valid for arrivals between 1 June and 15 December 2017 - NB: This offer is now extended until 31 January 2018
• Twin centre trips can be arranged between both Resorts 

Combining the renowned Filipino hospitality with a true melting pot of cultures, when you visit the Philippines an unforgettable diving holiday awaits.

For more details, or to make a booking, please give our friendly team a call 01353 659999.

SAVe up to £290 on 7 night trips 

Great savings are currently available for 7 night stays in the Maldives resorts of Bathala and Filitheyo:

• Bathala – Save up to £250 based on a 7 night stay
• Filitheyo – Save up to £290 based on a 7 night stay

Offers are valid for travel between 1 May 2017 and 31 October 2017

Dive pack Savings 

Massive savings are currently available on Dive Packs with Werner Lau:

• Book one dive pack and your buddy gets the same dive pack at 50% off

Offer is valid for all arrivals from 15 May 2017 to 31 June 2017

MASSIVE LIVEABOARD SAVINGS WITH EMPEROR DIVERS
- UP TO 30% OFF & FREE NITROX

SAVE UP TO £885 ON MALDIVES LIVEABOARDS - BOOK BY 18 APRIL 2017

• Emperor Leo from £862 boat only
• Emperor Serenity from £1,124 boat only
• Virgo from £973 boat only
• Emperor Voyager from £836 boat only

SAVE ON RED SEA LIVEABOARDS - BOOK by 18 april 2017

• Emperor Asmaa from £902 including flights
• Emperor Elite from £1,043 including flights
• Emperor Superior from £989 including flights

Call the Regaldive team on 01353 659999 to book your next diving adventure.

Book by 18 April 2017 to benefit from these great savings. 

We have just added even more terrific deals to our liveaboard selections for you. We are also giving you a chance to Win a Ski Trip to France for Two when you book your diving holiday with Regaldive by 28 February 2017. 

There are further savings on some products, including some amazing offers on liveaboards available NOW!

Example Savings:

LIVEABOARD TRIPS: SAVE UP TO £1,476PP

• SAVE up to £736pp on Bahamas liveaboards
• SAVE up to £223pp on Caribbean liveaboards
• SAVE up to £1,045pp on Cocos Island Liveaboards
• SAVE up to £596pp on Fijian liveaboards
• SAVE up to £1,476pp on Galapagos liveaboards
• SAVE up to £1,145pp on Indonesian liveaboards
• SAVE up to £530pp on Maldives liveaboards
• SAVE up to £786pp on Oman Liveaboards
• SAVE up to £870pp on Palau liveaboards
• SAVE up to £325pp on Philippines liveaboards
• SAVE up to £150pp on Red Sea liveaboards 
• SAVE up to £600pp on Sudan liveaboards
• SAVE up to £746pp on Thailand Liveaboards
• SAVE up to £693pp on Truk Lagoon liveaboards

Our February Savings  are available from 16-24 February 2017 only. Enquire today to benefit from these terrific savings!

* For February Sale Terms and Conditions, please see here

GREAT SAVINGS ON RED SEA DIVE PACKS iN MARSA ALAM & EL GOUNA

Regaldive are also offering a great range of Dive Pack Offers with Emperor Divers including:-

• Marsa Alam Buy 5 days’ boat diving (10 dives) for just £164 
• El Gouna Buy 5 days’ boat diving (10 dives) for just £164

Valid for diving taken from:

• 1 March 2017 to 31 August 2017 and 
• 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2017

5 Day Dive Pack Offers are only available for new bookings made from 16 February 2017.

Save on Diving and Accommodation Packages with MERCURE Manado, Indonesia - Save up to £154pp 

Great savings of up to £154 per person are now available on dive trips to Indonesia staying at Mercure Manado Tateli Beach Resort.  

• 7 Night Stay at Mercure Manado Tateli Beach Resort including 6 days' boat diving, full board & transfers
  Was £769pp Now £692pp - SAVE UP TO £77
• 10 Night Combo Trip: Twin Centre staying at Mercure Manado Tateli Beach Resort including 9 days' boat diving, full board & transfers
  Was £1,292pp Now £1,172pp - SAVE UP TO £120

Flights are not included but may be booked through Regaldive. Valid for stays taken by 31 December 2017. Book by 10 March 2017.

Call us on 01353 659999 or email us for a quote TODAY

Win a Ski Holiday to France for Two People!

Book your diving holiday with Regaldive in February 2017 and you will be entered into our competition to win an exciting 7 Night Ski Holiday to France for two people. 

This fabulous seven night prize** is worth up to £2,250 and is based on two people sharing one room at Xtra Chalet Le Curling, Espace Killy Ski Area, Tignes, flights from the UK, transfers and lift passes, courtesy of Regaldive’s sister company Inghams, the ski & snowboard holiday experts. 

So, if you are a diver with an interest in skiing, or if you fancy learning to ski, this is the one for you!

** Please see our blog article for further details, including Terms and Conditions

RED SEA – DIVE PACK SAVINGS with emperor divers

5 DAY DIVE PACK OFFER:

• Marsa Alam Buy 5 days’ boat diving (10 dives) for just £164 
• El Gouna Buy 5 days’ boat diving (10 dives) for just £164

Boat diving includes 2 dives per day with guide, tanks, weights, weight belt, transfers to/from your hotel, all port fees and surcharges. 

Valid for diving taken from:

• 1 March 2017 to 31 August 2017 and 
• 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2017

These offers are only available for new bookings made from 1-24 February 2017.

BOOK TODAY to benefit from these great savings. 

Call the Regaldive team on 01353 659999 to book your next diving adventure.

With its on site dive centre, Tasik Ria Resort is a comfortable diver's resort. The management have a hands on, personal and friendly approach, making your stay a very welcome one. The resort has undergone substantial investment, with a fantastic dive centre upgrade and new facilities.

Our special offers packages allow you to explore beautiful Bunaken National Park from  Tasik Ria Resort for 7 nights, or combine Tasik Ria Resort with Lembeh for a 10 night trip. Packages are available with or without flights.

STAY AT TASIK RIA RESORT - Save up to £185 per person

From £742pp - Includes: Transfers, 7 nights full board twin share, 18 boat dives, 50% discount on nitrox fills, Free Sea View room upgrade (subject to availability), 1 hour massage, 1 night dive

From: £1,462pp - Includes: International flights, transfers, 7 nights full board twin share, 18 boat dives, 50% discount on nitrox fills, Free Sea View room upgrade (subject to availability), 1 hour massage, 1 night dive

Book by 31 January 2017 for travel to be completed by 31 December 2017.

Combo Trip: Tasik Ria Resort & Dive Into Lembeh - SAVE up to £185

From £1,275pp - Includes: Transfers, 5 nights Seaview Room at Tasik Ria on full board basis, 12 boat dives, 1 hour massage + 5 nights in Sea View Room at Dive into Lembeh on full board basis, 12 dives by speedboat, 50% discount on nitrox fills

From £1,995pp - Includes: International flights, transfers, 5 nights Seaview Room at Tasik Ria on full board basis, 12 boat dives, 1 hour massage and 5 nights in Sea View Room at Dive into Lembeh on full board basis, 12 dives by speedboat, 50% discount on nitrox fills

Book by 31 January 2017 for travel to be completed by 31 December 2017.

Please Note: No further discounts (Dive Show / Affiliate partnerships etc) are available with these packages.

Boutique Beach is a small hotel built by divers for divers. British designed and managed, this 'boutique style' hotel has only six rooms ensuring personal service for every guest that aims to deliver the best diving experience possible. 

Save over £300pp on 7 Night All Inclusive Stays + Diving

Book by 15 December 2016. 

All Inclusive refers to room, all meals, unlimited soft drinks & water, local juices, mocktails and up to 3 dives, along with boat charges, or excursion and snorkeling.

ALL INCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION AND DIVING PACKAGES 

• 22 October 2016 to 29  December 2016 - from £1,013pp 
• 11 January 2017 to 30 April 2017 - from £1,198pp

Includes: Boat transfer, 7 nights twin share in a Double Deluxe room, 3 meals per day, Unlimited soft drinks & water, 2 dives per person per day, Tanks & weights

ALL INCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION AND DIVING PACKAGES WITH FLIGHTS

• 22 October 2016 to 29  December 2016 - from £1,865pp
• 11 January 2017 to 30 April 2017 - from £2,049pp

Includes: International flights from UK, boat transfer, 7 nights twin share in a Double Deluxe room, 3 meals per day, Unlimited soft drinks & water, 2 dives per person per day, Tanks & weights

To find out more, call our friendly team on 01353 659999 or see: Boutique Beach