Expedition Biru Halmahera & Misool | 14-24 April 2027
Join Expedition Biru on an extraordinary voyage through two of Indonesia’s most spectacular and remote marine regions: the wild waters of Halmahera and the legendary reefs of Misool, south Raja Ampat.
Far from the crowds, this expedition explores a world of pristine coral gardens, dramatic underwater landscapes, uninhabited islands and pelagic wildlife. In true Expedition Biru fashion, we combine world-class diving with marine science, conservation storytelling and the raw beauty of eastern Indonesia, limited to a group of 14 guests, ensuring quality over quantity.
Hosted by Wendy Mitchell and Iris Uijttewaal, founders of Expedition Biru.
The Expedition
Our voyage begins in Halmahera, a remote island region at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the northern part of the Moluccas archipelago. Known for its exceptional biodiversity, nutrient-rich waters and thriving coral reefs teeming with fish, Halmahera remains one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets.
From vibrant coral slopes and fish-filled reefs to encounters with macro life and pelagic species, including the occasional whale shark and manta ray, every dive reveals part of the productivity of this wild ecosystem.
We then continue south towards Misool, the jewel of Raja Ampat. Towering limestone islands rise from turquoise waters, creating one of the most breathtaking marine landscapes on Earth: vast schools of fish, sharks, rays and rare critters thriving in some of the most biodiverse coral reefs on the planet.
Raja Ampat is renowned for having the most biodiverse coral reefs on Earth, home to over 2,000 species of reef fish and more than 600 species of hard coral. Halmahera is believed to rival this biodiversity. As one of Indonesia’s least-explored marine regions, much of its underwater world remains scientifically under-surveyed, with new discoveries continuing to emerge.
The Phinisi: Ilike
This expedition sails aboard the Ilike, the same traditionally-built phinisi used on Expedition Biru’s Triton Bay and Misool departures. She accommodates up to 16 guests in 8 cabins, each with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. Social areas include an indoor seating area and two sundecks with loungers, the perfect place to relax between dives or unwind with a beer at sunset while enjoying the spectacular Indonesian sunsets. Onboard chefs freshly prepare a mix of Indonesian and international cuisine, served in the outdoor seating area, sheltered from the wind. Two tenders take guests to the dive sites, and the boat is equipped with Nitrox, a dedicated camera station and a large dive deck with outside showers.
For this departure, bookings are capped at 14 guests across 7 cabins, keeping the group smaller than the boat’s full capacity.
Read the full Ilike liveaboard profile for the complete cabin layout, deck plans and more photos.
Key Trip Details
| Trip type | Marine biodiversity diving liveaboard, conservation-focused |
| Region | Halmahera & Misool, Raja Ampat (eastern Indonesia, Moluccas) |
| Duration | 11 days / 10 nights |
| Dives | Approximately 30 |
| Diving level | Advanced Open Water certification, minimum 50 logged dives |
| Maximum guests | 14 aboard the Ilike |
| Price | From EUR 5,045 / USD 5,760 per person |
Inclusions
- Approximately 30 dives
- All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, water
- Airport transfers
- Raja Ampat culture & history lecture
- Marine science & conservation lecture
- Underwater photography guidance
- Post-trip Expedition Biru photo package
Exclusions
- Flights to/from ports
- National park, port and fuel fees
- Dive equipment rental
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Crew gratuities
What Guests Say
This trip was one of the best adventures I have ever had. The abundance of coral, and from oceanic manta rays to pygmy seahorses, the marine life made every dive a memorable experience. The hosts’ passion for the ocean and dedication to conservation made it a luxury to spend time with the team and listen to their stories. I will definitely return!
Xavier Lopez
Expedition Biru went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience. They showed us unique dive sites, islands and beautiful viewpoints. Their warmth and enthusiasm made the experience even more special, always sharing their knowledge on marine life, conservation, photography and the local culture. I highly recommend this trip!
Cecily Chwoyka
Dive the Indonesian archipelago, with purpose.
Expedition Biru runs small-group liveaboard expeditions through the wildest, least-dived corners of eastern Indonesia. Founded by Wendy Mitchell and Iris Uijttewaal, each voyage pairs serious diving with marine science, conservation storytelling and years of on-the-ground experience in the region.
Every expedition is capped at a small group, hosted aboard a traditionally-built phinisi, and shaped by its destination: hammerhead seamounts and spice-trade history in the Banda Sea, the reefs of Raja Ampat and Misool, and the untouched waters of Halmahera. What stays constant is the team, the conservation focus, and the commitment to the region.
Your Expedition Leaders, Iris & Wendy
This expedition is hosted by Wendy Mitchell and Iris Uijttewaal, the founders of Expedition Biru. Since falling in love with Indonesia back in 2014, they have spent over a decade managing conservation-focused diving operations in the country, most of it in Raja Ampat. Cruise directing liveaboards and managing NGOs, they have visited every corner of the archipelago’s 1,700 islands, learning the dive sites, the currents, the local culture and the local language along the way.
Their passion for Indonesia’s cultures and underwater world made them fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, and gave them both a camera habit, always with conservation in mind. Wendy has worked with organisations including Greenpeace and Oceanographic Magazine; Iris, who still lives on a five-square-kilometre island in the heart of Raja Ampat, has had her photography published in National Geographic Traveller UK.
Their deep ties with local communities and years spent exploring Indonesia’s remotest reefs mean you’re not just joining a liveaboard, you’re joining insiders who reveal hidden dive sites, share regional history, and help you see each encounter through the lens of conservation. Expect expert guidance underwater, engaging evening workshops, and an atmosphere that feels more like a passionate community than a tour.
My six years spent on Arborek, a tiny island in the heart of the archipelago, are testament to my love for this region. Everything here feels vividly alive; the coral reefs, the rich culture, even the skies painting stunning sunsets and sunrises. It’s unbeatable.
Iris Uijttewaal
Cruise directing a liveaboard in this region taught me more than just its dive sites, it gave me a language, friendships, and a deep love for this place. Sharing it with others comes naturally, and I hope it inspires people to protect what’s beneath the surface.
Wendy Mitchell
Past Expeditions
Expedition Biru has been running small-group liveaboard voyages in Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea for several seasons, each one fully hosted by Wendy and Iris themselves. Here’s what past guests have said about joining them.
It was my first liveaboard experience, and the group they put together worked out amazingly. With the team’s intimate knowledge about the dive spots and area, I learned a lot about the region and culture of Raja Ampat. I can’t wait to get back!
Sigrun Eis, Raja Ampat expedition
My Raja trip was beyond my expectations. On this very unique expedition, we were treated like royalty. It is evident that they love what they do and they know what they’re doing. It was truly the perfect trip. Wendy and Iris nailed it!
Heather Doran, Raja Ampat expedition
Our Why
Often described as one of the last strongholds of thriving coral reefs, eastern Indonesia remains extraordinary, yet it is not immune to change. The impacts of warming seas are increasingly visible, from coral stress to shifting fish populations and fewer large pelagics. In response, our liveaboard expeditions were designed to directly fund opportunities for young local women to enter the dive industry and marine conservation sector.
We provide PADI dive certifications and structured dive internships, equipping participants with internationally recognised qualifications, practical experience, and ongoing mentorship. We collaborate exclusively with women-owned dive operators, and all training is delivered by female instructors, creating strong role models while ensuring financial support flows back into women within the industry.
Over the past year, Persila and Pinjalin, two young women from Arborek, have completed their PADI Open Water certifications and are about to begin their Advanced Open Water training. Watching their confidence grow underwater has been one of the program’s proudest milestones. Each booking on an Expedition Biru voyage increases the program’s capacity to train more women, equip them with dive gear, and continue long-term mentorship once the course is complete.
Conservation runs through every part of the program, not just who is trained but what they’re trained to do. Reef monitoring, species surveys and photography all feed into the same goal: building a generation of local divers who can document and protect their own reefs.
Info & Booking Request
Any question about this expedition or want to join one? We reply within 24hrs.
