Giovannis Point - Halmahera

Las Palmas Reef is a relaxed drift, perfect for an afternoon or, better yet, a night dive. We love that it’s usually mellow, no ripping currents here, just a gentle push along a sandy slope dotted with coral heads. The max depth of 18m means plenty of bottom time, and we often find ourselves lingering over the details. During the day, look for queen conchs moving slowly over the sand and big schools of bluestriped grunts hanging out under ledges. We've seen bonefish cruising the edges, too. But at night, Las Palmas really comes alive. The resident octopus often makes an appearance, flowing across the reef. We always spot spiny lobsters waving antennae from crevices, and the king crabs are usually out foraging. Keep an eye peeled for playful squid hovering in the dive lights, changing colours as they investigate you. It's an easy, rewarding dive for anyone who appreciates the slower pace and wants to see the reef's nocturnal shift.

Location
Halmahera, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.400200, 127.724300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: KKP3K Pulau Sali, Gane Barat Utara

Best Time to Dive in Halmahera

The warmest water temperatures in Halmahera occur in November, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 28.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.0°C
  • February: 28.8°C
  • March: 29.1°C
  • April: 29.5°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.6°C
  • July: 29.0°C
  • August: 28.5°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 29.4°C
  • November: 30.1°C
  • December: 29.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Halmahera

Nearest Dive Centres to Giovannis Point

Marine Life in Halmahera

Home to 141 recorded species including 69 reef fish, 48 hard corals, 7 seagrass & algae, 4 clams & mussels, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Giovannis Point

Based on average water temperature of 29.3°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth range at Giovannis Point?
At Giovannis Point, divers can expect a maximum depth of 25 meters. This makes it a suitable reef dive for various certification levels, allowing ample bottom time to explore its vibrant marine life.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Giovannis Point?
Divers at Giovannis Point will be delighted by a beautiful coral garden, featuring Great Table Corals and Barrel Sponges, along with a pretty little cave. Marine life commonly includes Black Tip Reef Sharks patrolling the area, alongside shoals of Grunts and Yellow Tail Fusiliers, and the vibrant Emperor Angelfish. You can learn more about these species in our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Giovannis Point, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Giovannis Point is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site, primarily due to the often strong currents present in the channel between the two islands. While not ideal for absolute beginners, divers with some experience and comfort in current will find it a rewarding dive in Halmahera.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Giovannis Point for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal conditions at Giovannis Point. For the most current information on seasonal conditions and marine encounters, we recommend consulting local dive operators or checking our When to Dive section for general guidance on the region.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving at Giovannis Point?
Given that Giovannis Point is an intermediate dive site with often strong currents, an Advanced Open Water certification or experience diving in currents is highly recommended. While the maximum depth of 25m is within Open Water limits, comfort and proficiency in navigating currents will greatly enhance your dive experience.
What are the typical current strengths, visibility, and water temperatures at Giovannis Point?
At Giovannis Point, divers should anticipate often strong currents, as the site lies in a channel between two islands. The average visibility is excellent, typically around 22 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef. Specific water temperature data for this site in Indonesia is not provided in the current context.