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5-Day Gorontalo & Bolsel Dive Expedition (9 Dives)

5 daysSample route
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About this tour

Embark on a 5-day scuba diving expedition across the waters of Gorontalo and Bolaang Uki (Bolsel) in North Sulawesi. Experience close encounters with whale sharks, dive iconic marine spots like Olele and Biluhu, and discover untouched coral walls

What's included4

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off transfers (AC vehicle + driver)
  • 9 guided boat dives with professional divemasters (1:4 guide-to-diver ratio)
  • Dive boat charters, tanks, weights, and weight belts
  • Daily lunch, water, refreshments, snacks, and towels on the boat

Not included3

  • Marine Park Entry Fees (~€11 per person)
  • Breakfast and dinners
  • Personal dive/travel insurance and crew gratuities

Where you go

5 stops · 5 days

  1. Jalaluddin Airport (Gorontalo)

    1 day

    Day 1
    Discover Gorontalo
  2. Botubarani Whale Shark Dive & Biluhu Reef Dives (3 Dives)

    1 day

    Day 2
  3. Biluhu Coral Wall Dives (3 Dives)

    1 day

    Day 3
  4. Olele Marine Park Dives (3 Dives)

    1 day

    Day 4
  5. Hotel Check-out

    1 day

    Day 5

Tour highlights

  1. 01Arrival in Gorontalo & City Hotel Transfer
  2. 02Botubarani Whale Sharks & Biluhu Dives (3 Dives)
  3. 03Biluhu Coral Reefs & Wall Diving (3 Dives)
  4. 04Olele Marine Park & Salvador Dali Sponges (3 Dives)
  5. 05Check-out & Airport Departure

Dive with whale sharks, explore Salvador Dali sponges, and discover vibrant coral walls across Gorontalo and Bolsel.

Itinerary in detail

The route, day by day. Every day can change with who is travelling, so treat this as the shape of the trip rather than a fixed schedule.

Day 1

Arrival in Gorontalo & City Hotel Transfer

  • Pick up from Jalaluddin Airport (GTO) by private driver and transfer to your hotel in Gorontalo.
  • Check into accommodation, meet the dive crew for gear fitting and safety briefings, and enjoy a relaxed evening in the city.

Day 2

Botubarani Whale Sharks & Biluhu Dives (3 Dives)

  • Head to Botubarani for a dive with wild whale sharks in shallow coastal waters.
  • Proceed by dive boat to Biluhu for two afternoon reef dives along dramatic limestone coral drop-offs.
  • Enjoy lunch and refreshments served on the dive boat between surface intervals.

Day 3

Biluhu Coral Reefs & Wall Diving (3 Dives)

  • Set out for a full day of 3 boat dives around Biluhu's reef systems, famous for massive gorgonian fans and unique macro life.
  • Relax on board during surface intervals with lunch, water, and snacks provided.
  • Return to Gorontalo in the late afternoon for dinner at leisure.

Day 4

Olele Marine Park & Salvador Dali Sponges (3 Dives)

  • Voyage to Olele Marine Park for 3 boat dives over pinnacles and coral gardens.
  • Swim alongside schooling reef fish and inspect the rare Salvador Dali sponges (Petrosia lignosa), found exclusively in this region.
  • Return to the hotel in the late afternoon to rinse gear and observe the mandatory 24-hour no-fly interval before departure.

Day 5

Check-out & Airport Departure

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and complete check-out.
  • Transfer to Jalaluddin Airport (GTO) for your departure flight.

Questions about this trip

Answered by the team who runs it.

Sulawesi time

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Are gear rentals available if I don't bring my own equipment?

Yes, full dive gear sets (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, booties, fins, mask) are available for rental at €17 (~€19) per day.

What experience level is required for this dive trip?

An Open Water Diver certification (or higher) with reasonable buoyancy control is required. Some sites feature wall drop-offs and mild currents suitable for all certified divers.

What is special about the Salvador Dali sponges in Gorontalo?

The Salvador Dali sponge (Petrosia lignosa) features intricate, surreal carved patterns on its surface resembling melting artwork, and is uniquely abundant along the reef walls of Gorontalo.

So, ready to start?

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