Awe-Inspiring Indonesia:
Enchanting Isles from Timor to Sangeang
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!
Aboard Damai I with Richard and Wendy's
'Our Beloved Seas' expeditions
November/December 2027
With Indonesia as their second home, Richard and Wendy’s bond with this breathtaking region makes this voyage truly extraordinary. Aboard Damai I, we’ll chart an enchanting course from Kupang to Labuan Bajo and on to the Muck Magic of Bima Bay and Sangeang IIsland, uncovering some of the most spectacular diving on offer. From vibrant reefs teeming with life to the hidden treasures of muck diving, every dive promises discovery. Add to that a dazzling array of endemic and newly discovered marine species, and you have an adventure that’s as thrilling as it is unforgettable. Let’s dive into the muck magic!
Expedition Highlights:
Sangeang Island's exceptional muck diving - one of our most requested destinations with abundant nudibranchs and fascinating critters
Bima Bay's muck magic - an absolute mecca for muck diving with incredible species diversity and unique behaviors
Remote Timor and Savu Island biodiversity - rich endemic species including fish typically found only in Thai waters discovered on previous expeditions
Little-known Sumba exploration - a highly promising region for new discoveries
Komodo National Park - concluding dives at Richard and Wendy's favorite sites
Sumbawa's east coast secrets - promising bays accessible only during December's golden window
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 Indonesian vessel built in Tanjung Bira, South Sulawesi, by the most prestigious builder in the area.
Damai I offers intimate small-group expeditions with just 7 staterooms ranging from 18 sq meters single cabins to 40 sq meters master cabins, three large deck areas for relaxation, and purpose-built facilities including large dive stations with individual rinse tanks, a dedicated camera room with separate workstations, and integrated 110v and 220v charging stations for photographers.
Trip Details:
Trip 1
Kupang (Timor) to Labuan Bajo (Komodo)
8-19th November 2027
Please contact us for prices and availability.
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Trip start: 8th November 2027
Trip end: 19th November 2027
Prices start from: $7,715.00
Availability: Contact us about availability
Depart from: Kupang
Return to: Labuan Bajo
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Explore the remote western tip of Indonesian Timor, discovering Rote and Savu Islands' rich biodiversity and endemic species. Previous expeditions have uncovered fish typically found only in Thai waters! Continue west to little-known Sumba before concluding at Komodo National Park's spectacular diving sites.
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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 (if required)
Airfares, both domestic and international
Spirits and wine (one serve of wine is provided with dinner)
Trip 2
Labuan Bajo (Komodo) to Bima (Sumbawa)
21st November – 2nd December 2027
Please contact us for prices and availability.
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Trip start: 21st November 2027
Trip end: 2nd December 2027
Prices start from: $7,715.00
Availability: Contact us about availability
Depart from: Labuan Bajo
Return to: Bima
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From Komodo's gateway, venture to Sumbawa's east coast and spend extensive time at Sangeang Island - one of the most requested destinations for exceptional muck diving. Conclude with the legendary muck diving of Bima Bay, renowned for its species diversity and unique marine behaviors.
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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
Bima (Sumbawa) to Labuan Bajo (Komodo)
4-15th December 2027
Please contact us for prices and availability.
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Trip start: 4th December 2027
Trip end: 15th December 2027
Prices start from: $7,715.00
Availability: Contact us about availability
Depart from: Bima
Return to: Labuan Bajo
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Maximize time in Bima Bay and around Sangeang Island, exploring previously unvisited sites. Venture to Sumbawa's southeast corner during the exclusive December window when promising bays become accessible. Weather-dependent routing ensures optimal diving conditions.
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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)
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.