Sofias - Halmahera

Tucker Shallow on St. Vincent is one of our favourites for a relaxed afternoon dive, especially if you’re keen on spotting the smaller, shyer stuff. It’s a gentle wall, not too deep, topping out around 17 metres, which means plenty of light filters through, even on overcast days. We love how the reef just drops off, creating these little ledges and overhangs where you’ll often find nurse sharks snoozing, tucked away from the current. Visibility here averages around 8 metres, sometimes more, sometimes a bit less, but it's usually enough to really appreciate the details. Look closely, and you might spot a Saddle Stargazer buried in the sand, or a Pearl Blenny peeking out from its coral home. We’ve seen quite a few turtles here too, usually just cruising along the wall. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants a long, unhurried dive without too much effort. You’re not fighting current, you’re just enjoying the scenery.

Location
Halmahera, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.455100, 127.691700
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 Sofias

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 Sofias

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 are the typical depths encountered when diving at Sofias?
When diving at Sofias, divers can expect a maximum depth of 21 meters. This headland features a marginal reef with beautiful coral blocks that gently drops to a sandy plateau, offering a diverse depth profile within this range.
What marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to find at Sofias?
Divers at Sofias will discover a vibrant underwater world, teeming with sea life and beautiful coral blocks. You can expect to encounter Humphead Parrotfish, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Clown Triggerfish, and Black clownfish. The site also boasts Halfbeaks, Butterfly fish, Barrel Sponges, Feather Stars, Table Corals, and Soft corals. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Sofias considered a difficult dive site, and what skill level is recommended?
Sofias is considered an intermediate difficulty dive site. This means it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications and are comfortable with a range of underwater conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive at Sofias for the most favorable conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Sofias for the most favorable conditions. For general information on dive seasons and planning your trip, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Sofias?
The provided information does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at Sofias. However, as it is an intermediate site, divers are generally expected to possess a certification level commensurate with this difficulty.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like at the Sofias dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual current or visibility conditions at the Sofias dive site. Divers should always consult with local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.