Discover a Coral Paradise with Ocean Gardener and Murex Resorts in 2025
Are you a coral enthusiast, ocean lover, or passionate diver ready for an unforgettable adventure? Join Ocean Gardener for two exclusive coral-focused dive trips in 2025, hosted in partnership with Murex Resorts in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
At Ocean Gardener, our mission is to educate, inspire, and restore — and there’s no better way to do that than by diving straight into the coral reefs around North Sulawesi. This year, Nicole Helgason and Vincent Chalias will lead two unique expeditions designed for divers who want more than just beautiful reefs — they want knowledge, purpose, and connection.
Why Join an Ocean Gardener Trip?
Imagine swimming over thriving coral reefs, identifying rare and beautiful coral species, learning how to distinguish LPS from SPS, and even participating in hands-on coral restoration at our active nursery sites. These trips aren’t just about diving — they’re about transforming the way you see coral reefs. Whether you’re a seasoned coral nerd or just getting started, these trips will open your eyes to the rich diversity of reef life, and the role we can all play in protecting it.
Trip 1 with Vincent Chalias
October 1–13, 2025
Vincent Chalias has dedicated his life to studying corals. Over the past 25 years, he has developed a deep understanding of the biology and ecology of the reefs and the life they sustain.
He started the first Indonesian commercial coral farms in the year 2000. In 2016, he started a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people and training volunteers to conserve and restore coral reefs. His NGO, Ocean Gardener, has now planted over 80,000 corals all over Indonesia.
Vincent was also instrumental in helping to set up Murex Resorts’ very own artificial reef and coral racks sited just off Bangka Island.
Trip 2 with Nicole Helgason
December 8 - 20, 2025
Nicole Helgason is not only the co-founder and marketing director of Ocean Gardener in Bali, Indonesia – she is also a professional scuba diving instructor with nearly two decades of experience exploring and documenting coral reefs worldwide.
Her passion extends to creating educational content about corals and reef aquariums, contributing to coral conservation efforts through her travels and work.
Through Ocean Gardener, which she co-founded in 2016, Nicole utilizes her extensive experience in coral farming to further education and reef restoration, with the aim of raising global awareness about the vital importance of coral reefs.
The 2025 Coral Adventure Itinerary
Both trips follow the same itinerary across three incredible regions of North SulawesiManado
Manado Bay
Kick off your journey with dramatic walls, fringing reefs, and massive colonies of Euphyllia — including Hammer, Frogspawn, and Bubble corals.
We’ll dive sites bursting with SPS diversity and survey the reef’s health while soaking in the region’s breathtaking underwater topography.
BANGKA
Bangka Island
Famed for its soft coral pinnacles and kaleidoscopic reefscapes, Bangka is a macro and coral lover’s dream. Expect clouds of anthias, large Acropora tables, and deep-water plating coral formations.
You’ll visit our coral nursery and contribute directly to ongoing reef restoration.
Lembeh
Lembeh Strait
No coral tour is complete without a stop in the world’s muck diving capital.
While best known for weird and wonderful critters — think Mimic Octopus, Blue-Rings, Frogfish, and more — Lembeh also boasts surprising coral diversity, including classic LPS like Lobos, Wellsos, and Blastos nestled among volcanic sand slopes.
Download Sample Package Below
Passport to Paradise - 12 Nights ItineraryTRIP 1 with Vincent Chalias
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TRIP 2 with Nicole Helgason
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Stay in Comfort, Dive in Style
Your home for this adventure? The award-winning Murex Resorts, known for top-tier hospitality, knowledgeable local guides, and seamless service. These aren’t just dive lodges — they’re sanctuaries for divers who want to explore with purpose and relax in paradise.
From spacious rooms and delicious meals to their legendary Passport to Paradise dive program, Murex makes it easy to explore three regions in one trip, without the hassle of repacking or flying between destinations.
