Nukila Dive Center

Located in Ternate, Nukila Dive Center sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle in Indonesia. As the first established dive operator in Maluku Utara, the centre provides a gateway to some of the most diverse and historically significant waters in the region.

The area is defined by its volcanic landscape and its complex maritime history. From the submerged remains of Second World War vessels to the unique geothermal vents found in local waters, the diving here offers a rare combination of history and natural biodiversity.

The team at Nukila is composed of highly experienced professionals, including one qualified dive instructor and five certified Dive Masters. This staffing structure ensures that you are guided by experts who possess an intimate knowledge of the local reefs, currents, and marine life.

As an SSI affiliated centre, they maintain a professional approach to safety and instruction. The staff's deep understanding of the North Maluku ecosystem allows them to tailor dives to your level, whether you are exploring shallow reef flats or venturing further afield.

The centre offers a range of training programmes through the SSI system. Divers can begin their journey with introductory courses and progress through to advanced certifications.

While the specific course list is updated regularly, the professional team is equipped to handle standard SSI training requirements for those looking to expand their skills in the region.

The centre operates its own private dive boat, the Flabellina. Introduced in late 2025, this vessel is designed to provide a higher level of comfort and efficiency when travelling to more remote dive sites.

Using the Flabellina allows for exclusive access to sites that are often out of reach for smaller operations. The boat is configured to handle both day trips and night dives, ensuring you can reach the best locations for endemic species and historical wrecks.

Nukila Dive Center provides a full range of rental equipment for divers who prefer not to carry their own kit. This includes everything from regulators and BCDs to fins and masks.

The centre is noted for having the most comprehensive selection of diving equipment in the Maluku Utara region, ensuring that you can find the right fit for your diving style.

The marine life in this part of the Coral Triangle is exceptionally diverse. You will regularly encounter various reef fish and healthy coral gardens. Larger pelagics, including dolphins and blacktip reef sharks, are part of the local ecosystem.

For those interested in macro photography, the area is a specialist's dream. The reefs and jetties are home to an abundance of nudibranchs and other small, intricate critters that thrive in the sheltered habitats.

The region is particularly famous for its endemic walking sharks, which can be spotted during night dives at sites like Tugulufa and Falajava. These unique creatures, along with swirling schools of fish, make the local biodiversity truly stand out.

The diving in Ternate is influenced by the volcanic nature of the archipelago. Some sites, such as Tanjung Soasio, feature unique geothermal activity including gas bubbles and freshwater vents.

The region offers a variety of environments, from the sheltered reef flats of Pulau Hiri to the more dynamic underwater terrain found at Jikomalamo.