Wildlife Spotting
Spot island endemics and marine megafauna: Togean macaques, coconut crabs, sea turtles, dugongs and more in their natural habitats across reefs, forests, and beaches.
Overview
No sanctuaries. No reserves. No fences. The wildlife here has never been managed or relocated. It lives where it always has — because these islands have been left alone.
What you'll do
Nature writes the script. A morning snorkel might become a turtle swim, or a jungle walk can reveal a Tarsier. We adapt to what the wild offers.
Best time
Wildlife is present year-round. April through October offer the best chance to spot dugongs and dolphins. Night walks are best after rain — that's when the forest floor comes alive.
At a glance
- Field guide
- 15 species: 7 in the sea, 8 on land
- Jellyfish Lake
- Lake Mariona, where thousands of stingless Mastigias jellyfish, 8-10 cm across, live: day 4 on the 8-, 10- and 12-day cruises, day 3 on the dive cruise
- Sea turtles
- Green turtles graze seagrass around Kadidiri at 2-8 m; hawksbills feed on the reef walls
- Tonkean macaques
- Troops in the forest of Malenge, best early morning or late afternoon
- Night walks
- Tarsiers and the Togian boobook owl are active at dusk on most Togean islands
- Best season
- April to October for dugongs and dolphins; the rest year-round
On our cruises
- Jellyfish Lake: day 4 of the 8-, 10- and 12-day cruises; day 3 of the dive cruise.
- Malenge forest and macaques: day 3 on every cruise.
- Mangroves on the way back to Pagimana: the second-to-last day of every cruise.
Good to know
Always at a respectful distance. No feeding. No chasing. Patience is key — the best sightings go to those who wait.
Questions
Can I swim with the jellyfish?
Yes. The jellyfish in Lake Mariona have lost almost all of their sting, so you can swim among them. Do not use sunscreen in the lake, and move slowly.
Will I see a dugong?
Possibly, but not reliably: dugongs are present in Togean seagrass bays and sightings are rare. April to October gives the best chance.
Ready to see it for yourself?
Our cruises run from Luwuk through the Togean archipelago. Check the departure schedule, or message us and we'll help you pick the trip that fits.