Indonesia: Forgotten Islands & Eastern Arc
Exquisite Indonesia: Journey Through Raja Ampat’s Biodiversity, FakFak’s Hidden Gems, Triton Bay’s unique ecosystems, and the Forgotten Islands of Southeast Indonesia
Aboard the luxurious
Damai I with Richard and Wendy's
'Our Beloved Seas' expeditions
November/December 2026
Richard and Wendy share a deep connection with Indonesia, a place they proudly consider their second home. Damai provides the perfect platform to explore these enchanting isles. This itinerary promises some of the island chain’s most spectacular diving, with countless endemic and newly discovered marine species awaiting us. The diversity is truly astounding, with even two species on this trip alone deserving special mention, which are yet to be described (we’ll learn about these during Rich’s talks)! Divers can look forward to an exciting blend of muck diving, vibrant reefs, and thrilling explorations. What an extraordinary trio of adventures!
Expedition Highlights:
Raja Ampat's incredible biodiversity - the biodiversity hotspot that begins our adventure
Jamal's Dottyback (Manonichthys jamali) - one of Richard's favorites among the new species described from the FakFak peninsula
Triton Bay's endemic fishes and incredible dive sites
Forgotten Islands exploration - extraordinary dive sites that are rarely visited
Nusa Tenggara endemics in the Alor and Timor region with nutrient-rich waters from the Indonesian flowthrough
Expert marine biology presentations by Dr. Richard Smith
Select from three 11-night journeys aboard the luxurious live-aboard Damai I, a 40-metre traditional phinisi.
Trip Details:
Trip 1
Sorong (Raja Ampat) to Kaimana (Triton Bay)
15-16th November 2026 (11 nights)
Please contact us for prices and availability.
Starting at $7,480 for a Deluxe cabin twin share.
-
Trip start: 5th November 2026
Trip end: 16th November 2026
Prices start from: $7,480.00
Availability: Contact us about availability
Depart from: Sorong
Return to: Kaimana
-
Sorong to Kaimana
This itinerary will begin around the biodivesrity hotspot of Raja Ampat, but swiftly head towards the FakFak peninsula to go in search of the new species that have been described from the reagion over the past few years. We know of some that will be high on our wishlist, for Richard one of his favourites is Jamal’s Dottyback (Manonichthys jamali). We will make our way past the incredible waterfalls at Momon and finish up in Triton Bay.
-
Inclusions:
Food & Beverages
Diving
Marine life talks by Dr Richard Smith
Airport transfers to meet Damai
Nitrox
Exclusions:
Port & Harbour Fees
Long Distance Fuel Fees (if required)
Airfares, both domestic and international
Spirits and wine (one serve of wine is provided with dinner)
Trip 2
Kaimana (Triton Bay) to Saumlaki (Forgotten Islands)
18th – 29th November 2026
Please contact us for prices and availability.
-
Trip start: 18th November 2026
Trip end: 29th November 2026
Prices start from: $7,480.00
Availability: Contact us about availability
Depart from: Kaimana
Return to: Saumlaki
-
Kaimana to Saumlaki
Picking up in Triton Bay and the incredible sites and endemic fishes there, we will head out to explore the chain of islands that make up the ‘Forgotten Islands’. These really are some extraordinary sites to dive and we’re excited to be heading back. Of course, we’ll have a list of critters we’ll be hunting for. We end up in Saumlaki. Saumlaki is on the island of Yamdena, which is one of the Tanimbar Islands. Did you know that their isolation has led to many endemic island species evolving here? There’s a cockatoo (Goffin’s cockatoo), known only from these remote and rarely visited islands!!
-
Inclusions:
Food & Beverages
Diving
Marine life talks by Dr Richard Smith
Airport transfers to meet Damai
Nitrox
Exclusions:
Port & Harbour Fees
Long Distance Fuel Fees
Airfares, both domestic and international
Spirits and wine (one serve of wine is provided with dinner)
Trip 3
Saumlaki (Forgotten Is.) to Kupang (Alor & Timor)
1-12th December 2026
Please contact us for prices and availability.
-
Trip start: 1st December 2026
Trip end: 12th December 2026
Prices start from: $7,480.00
Availability: Contact us about availability
Depart from: Saumlaki
Return to: Kupang
-
Saumlaki to Kupang
Starting off in the Forgotten Islands, we’ll head westwards along a chain of islands that we intend to explore. Then reaching the Alor and Timor region the underwater conditions are impacted by the Indonesian flowthrough and nutrient rish water that it brings. So many Nusa Tenggara endemics will be on our wishlist for this section. What an adventure!
-
Inclusions:
Food & Beverages
Diving
Marine life talks by Dr Richard Smith
Airport transfers to meet Damai
Nitrox
Exclusions:
Port & Harbour Fees
Long Distance Fuel Fees
Airfares, both domestic and international
Spirits and wine (one serve of wine is provided with dinner)
About the Damai I
The Damai I was built in 2009 in Tanjung Bira, South Sulawesi, by Pak Hadji Baso, combining traditional Indonesian shipbuilding with modern liveaboard requirements. This 40-meter traditional wooden yacht brings over 25 years of expertise exploring Indonesia's most biodiverse waters, with deep knowledge of the Coral Triangle's vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Accommodation & Comfort
With just 7 air-conditioned staterooms, the Damai I offers personalized service to small groups. Cabin options range from 18-square-meter single cabins to spacious 40-square-meter master suites, all featuring queen or king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, and premium amenities including unique toiletries, hairdryers, and power outlets compatible with most devices.
Living Spaces
Three large deck areas provide plenty of space for relaxation in both sun and shade, perfect for post-dive discussions or simply enjoying the Indonesian seascape. The air-conditioned salon and bar create a cozy atmosphere for unwinding between dives, while massage and spa treatments are available for those seeking extra relaxation.
Dive Operations
The vessel's dive facilities include large individual stations with personal rinse tanks, plus two custom tender boats for comfortable access to remote dive sites. With 3 experienced dive guides and 1 certified instructor onboard, the 4:1 guest-to-guide ratio ensures plenty of attention for finding specific species and accommodating different diving interests within the group.
Camera & Photography Setup
Underwater photographers will appreciate the dedicated camera room with separate workstations for each photographer, integrated charging stations (110v and 220v), and ample space for camera maintenance and image review between dives.
Dining & Refreshments
Three gourmet meals are prepared daily by the onboard chef using locally sourced ingredients, offering a mix of buffet and à la carte dishes. Snacks are provided between dives, and soft drinks, beer, and a complimentary glass of table wine with dinner are included. Guests can bring their own wine or spirits (1 liter per person customs limit).
This setup works particularly well for Richard's marine biology expeditions, where time to search for specific species like pygmy seahorses and endemic fish is essential, and the intimate group size allows for detailed natural history presentations and personalized guidance.