Diving expeditions led by marine biologist Dr Richard Smith & Wendy Brown
Have you ever wanted to swim with whale sharks, learn about the private lives of pygmy seahorses, or explore the world's most pristine coral reefs? Join Dr. Richard Smith and Wendy Brown for an unforgettable dive experience.
Dr Richard Smith - the world's leading pygmy seahorse expert - personally leads diving expeditions to some of the planet's best and most fascinating dive destinations, combining his expertise as a marine biologist with his passion for underwater photography.
Richard's expedition experience spans over a decade, beginning at Wakatobi Dive Resort in southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, where he served as the in-house naturalist during his PhD research. He later became the resident marine biologist aboard the liveaboard Dewi Nusantara around Raja Ampat, Indonesia, before launching his own expeditions in 2013.
Since 2014, Richard has partnered with Wendy Brown to lead 'Our Beloved Seas' scuba diving expeditions for divers passionate about marine life and exploration. Wendy brings extraordinary credentials to this partnership - after establishing the onboard services and training programs for Eurostar, she spent over twenty years in Indonesia working at both Wakatobi Dive Resort and establishing from inception the country's top liveaboard operation on Dewi Nusantara as cruise director. With over 20,000 dives under her belt, Wendy possesses unparalleled knowledge of Southeast Asia's underwater landscapes and dive operations.
This dynamic partnership combines Richard's marine biology expertise with Wendy's exhaustive knowledge of Southeast Asia's dive sites and decades of hospitality excellence, ensuring guests experience both world-famous destinations and hidden underwater gems with the highest level of professional service and safety.
Our Ethos
Expert Marine
Biology Education
Each expedition features Richard's engaging presentations covering marine biology, animal behavior, underwater photography, and marine ecology. These educational sessions deepen your understanding and appreciation of the amazing creatures and ecosystems you'll encounter on every dive.
Luxury Small-Group Experience
Our expeditions operate from the world's most luxurious resorts and liveaboards, creating an intimate environment for like-minded divers to learn and explore together. With Wendy's two decades of experience at Indonesia's premier dive resort and liveaboard, she ensures every aspect of your accommodation and diving experience meets the highest standards of luxury and professional service.
Conservation
Impact
We're deeply committed to marine conservation, donating a percentage of proceeds from each expedition to carefully selected conservation organizations. We’ve supported Conservation International, Save Our Seas Foundation, Project Seahorse, Galapagos Conservation Trust, and the Marine Megafauna Foundation.
Join an Upcoming Expedition!
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Indonesia: From West to East
October/November 2025
Breathtaking Indonesia: Exploring Halmahera’s west coast to the Togian Islands, Ambon and across to Triton Bay all aboard the luxurious Damai I.
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Maldives: Male to Hanimaadhoo
February 2026
Explore rarely visited atolls in the northern Maldives. Choose between two bespoke ‘Our Beloved Seas’ charters of Carpe Vita live-aboard.
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Indonesia: Forgotten Islands & Eastern Arc
November/December 2026
Exquisite Indonesia: Journey Through Raja Ampat’s Biodiversity, FakFak’s Hidden Gems, Triton Bay, and the Forgotten Islands of SE Indonesia aboard Damai I.
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Philippines: Further Off the Beaten Path
February 2027
We’re heading back to take a deeper dive into the Coron Islands and explore an entirely new area! Three x 10 night trips aboard Atlantis’ new Infiniti live-aboard.
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Indonesia: Enchanting Isles from Timor to Sangeang
November/December 2027
Awe-Inspiring Indonesia: Journeying from remote Timor & Sumba to Komodo’s endemism hotspot. Onwards to our favorite sites around Sangeang and the captivating Muck Magic of Bima Bay! Choose one of three trips aboard the stunning Damai I.
What guests are saying
“AMAZING! Richard is able to make scientific talks hugely entertaining. I learnt so much, and every dive after the talks I found myself on the hunt for the new critters I had just learnt all about. Brilliant!”
“The talks enhance the diving experience and encourage new interest outside the obviously spectacular! Friendly, approachable organisation.”
“Rich’s talks were an added bonus to the trip. Very clear, informative and although I have been diving for years I learnt new information. Encouraged lots of discussions within the group and made one more aware of reef creature’s behaviours.”
Past Expeditions
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Halmahera, Indonesia
March 2025
Unexplored Halmahera from Raja Ampat to Ternate, exploring the northern and eastern coasts of wonderful Halmahera. All aboard the luxurious Damai II. Join Richard and Wendy’s ‘Our Beloved Seas‘ expeditions in the heart of the Coral Triangle.
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Raja Ampat, Indonesia
March 2025
Visit Indonesia’s extraordinary Raja Ampat Islands. 11 nights, 12 days aboard the luxurious Dewi Nusantara. Join Richard & Wendy on this ‘Our Beloved Seas‘ expedition and hunt for rare and unusual animals with the experts.
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Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
February 2025
Amazing behaviours and rare species with the experts. 9 nights, 10 days at the luxurious Lembeh Resort. Join Richard & Wendy of Our Beloved Seas to explore the lush muck magic of Lembeh Strait and its curious creatures.
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Fiji
October/November 2024
Fijian Exploration and Fantastic Diving aboard Nai’a. Choose between our two trips on Fiji’s Premier liveaboard. Join Richard and Wendy’s ‘Our Beloved Seas’ expedition in search of Fiji’s unique fishes.
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Solomon Islands
June/July 2024
Visit the Remote & Pristine Coral Reefs of the Solomon Islands. 11 & 10 night trips aboard the Bilikiki. Join Richard and Wendy’s ‘Our Beloved Seas’ expeditions in the most easterly corner of the Coral Triangle.
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Philippines: Off the Beaten Path
February 2024
Philippines: Off the Beaten Path. Two x 10 night trips aboard Atlantis’ Azores. Join Richard and Wendy’s ‘Our Beloved Seas’ expedition to explore some of the less frequently visited areas of the Philippines.
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New Ireland & New Hanover, PNG
October 2023
Visit Papua New Guinea’s Remote New Hanover & New Ireland. Join one of our back to back 10 night expeditions aboard Walindi Resort’s brand new MV Oceania.
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Milne Bay, PNG
February/March 2023
Visit Papua New Guinea’s Unique Milne Bay. Join one of our three 10 night expeditions aboard Walindi Resort’s brand new MV Oceania.
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Indonesia: East Timor, Alor & More…
November/December 2022
Explore the diversity of Indonesia from exotic East Timor, to Alor and Beyond. Aboard the luxurious Damai I, we’ll enjoy the range of Indonesia’s dives.
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Indonesia: South to North
November 2019
Explore the diversity of Indonesia from South to North. Aboard the luxurious Dewi Nusantara, we’ll enjoy the range of Indonesia’s dives.
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Tubbataha Reef, Philippines
April 2019
Unparalleled in Asia, Tubbataha Reef is a reef to behold. A special 8 night itinerary aboard Philippine Siren.
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Anilao, Philippines
April 2019
Visit the Philippine’s answer to Lembeh Strait. Enjoy the latest ‘Muck Magic III’ trip for 7 nights at Buceo Resort
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Lord Howe Island, Australia
February 2019
A Hunt for the Elusive Endemics of Lord Howe Island. Join this very special trip with Richard and renowned photographers Darren Jew and Jasmine Carey in search of the unique and rare fishes of this Australian World Heritage paradise.
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Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia
July/August 2018
Explore pristine and remote Papua’s Cenderawasih Bay. Experience true frontier diving in luxury aboard Dewi Nusantara
What guests are saying
“A great experience to share our diving with Dr Richard – an inspiration, who gave another perspective to my view of the ocean realm.”
“Richard manages to explain lots of scientific detail in an entertaining and amusing way and makes finding the endemic fishes a real achievement on a dive – even when they’re not the most exciting fish on the reef.”
“We joined Richard’s group tour in Fiji and found the whole experience to be enjoyable and very informative. We can highly recommend any future tours.”