Molucca Sea to the Sangihe Islands:
Venturing where few divers visit in search of rare species and untouched reefs
Aboard the luxurious
Damai II with Richard and Wendy's
'Our Beloved Seas' expeditions
February/March 2028
Wendy pioneered the diving in Indonesia’s northern most reaches in the early 2000’s and is very excited to return to her old stomping grounds. This trio of trips promises untouched exploration in search of new species and with an important goal in mind.
Starting in Halmahera, we will make our way clockwise round the Molucca Sea, finally extending up to the Sangihe Islands where underwater volcanoes and fascinating creatures rule.
Expedition Highlights:
Walea Soft Coral Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus waleananus)
Endemic walking shark (Hemiscyllium halmahera) around Halmahera
Exploration along Taliabu Island and around the tip to North Sulawesi to the Sangihe Islands.
World-class muck diving in Lembeh Strait
Tomini Gulf’s incredible biodiversity and endemic species
Expert marine biology presentations by Dr. Richard Smith
Select from three 11-night journeys aboard the luxurious live-aboard Damai II, a 40-metre traditional Indonesian vessel crafted specifically for small-group diving expeditions.
Damai II offers intimate small-group expeditions with just 7 staterooms, three large deck areas for relaxation, and purpose-built facilities for serious divers and underwater photographers.
Trip Details:
Trip 1
Ternate (Halmahera) to Gorontalo (Togian Islands) - the southerly route
17-28th February 2028
Please contact us for prices and availability.
Starting at $8,915 for a Deluxe cabin twin share.
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Trip start: 17th Feb 2028
Trip end: 28th Feb 2028
Prices start from: $8,915.00
Availability: Contact us about availability
Depart from: Ternate
Return to: Gorontalo
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Starting on the highly diverse island of Halmahera, famed for its endemic walking shark (Hemiscyllium halmahera), we will head south through the dotted volcanoes and on to the island of Taliabu, ending up on Gorontalo.
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Inclusions:
Food & Beverages
Diving
Marine life talks by Dr Richard Smith
Airport transfers to meet Damai
Nitrox
Exclusions:
Port & Harbour Fees
Long Distance and Fuel Surcharge Fees (if required)
Airfares, both domestic and international
Spirits and wine (one serve of wine is provided with dinner)
Trip 2
Gorontalo (Togian Islands) to Bitung (Lembeh Strait)
1-12th March 2028
Please contact us for prices and availability.
Starting at $8,915 for a Deluxe cabin twin share.
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Trip start: 1st March 2028
Trip end: 12th March 2028
Prices start from: $8,915.00
Availability: Contact us about availability
Depart from: Gorontalo
Return to: Bitung
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We start in Gorontalo, fabeled for its incredible Dali sponges and with interesting muck diving before spending some time in the Togean Islands and around Una Una. After that we sail around the southern coast of north Sulawesi towards Bitung, ending in Lembeh Strait
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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
Bitung (Lembeh Strait) return
14-25th March 2028
Please contact us for prices and availability.
Starting at $8,915 for a Deluxe cabin twin share.
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Trip start: 14th March 2028
Trip end: 25th March 2028
Prices start from: $8,915.00
Availability: Contact us about availability
Depart from: Bitung
Return to: Bitung
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We will take a little time to muck dive in the strait, but primarily heading up the island chain towards Sangihe Island. On our way, there are incredible reefs, muck dives and active underwater volcanoes.
-
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 II
The Damai II 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.