Gonton Packet - Halmahera

Banc Gutta Tella, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, isn’t just another reef in Djibouti. This place has a real pulse to it. Drop in and you’re immediately enveloped by the density of the coral. We're talking massive formations of honeycomb coral and brain coral, some of them so old they look like ancient sculptures. Then there’s the fire coral, a vibrant orange against the deeper blues, making you remember to watch your buoyancy. We’ve had some cracking dives here, often spotting Blue-spotted Stingrays gliding over the sandy patches between the coral heads. And keep an eye out for the Longfin Bannerfish, their dorsal fins trailing elegantly as they pick their way through the reef. It’s a site that feels alive, not just visually but almost audibly, with the subtle crackles and pops of the reef. We’d suggest an early morning dive if you can swing it; the light filtering through the water really brings out the colours of the Galaxea and Cactus corals. It's a proper healthy reef, and perfect for divers who appreciate intricate coral structures as much as the fish life.

Location
Halmahera, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
0.648889, 128.882780
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: SUAKA PULAU KECIL KABUPATEN HALMAHERA TENGAH

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 Gonton Packet

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 Gonton Packet

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