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 an exclusive coral-focused dive trip 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, Vincent Chalias will lead a unique expedition 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 trip isn’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, this trip will open your eyes to the rich diversity of reef life, and the role we can all play in protecting it.
Trip Led By Vincent Chalias
December 8 - 20, 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.
The 2025 Coral Adventure Itinerary
The trip's itinerary travels 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.
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.
