Breathtaking Indonesia:
Exploring from Halmahera’s west coast, to the Togian Islands, Ambon & to Triton Bay
Aboard the luxurious
Damai I with Richard and Wendy's
'Our Beloved Seas' expeditions
October/November 2025
Indonesia is Richard and Wendy's second home, and these waters hold some of their most treasured diving memories. This spectacular itinerary through the heart of the Coral Triangle offers an incredible mix of muck diving, pristine reefs, and exploration - with more endemic and newly discovered species than almost anywhere else on Earth.
Expedition Highlights:
Walea Soft Coral Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus waleananus) in the Togian Islands
Endemic walking shark (Hemiscyllium halmahera) around Halmahera
World-class muck diving in Ambon
Triton Bay'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 I, a 40-metre traditional Indonesian vessel crafted specifically for small-group diving expeditions.
Damai I 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)
15-26th October 2025
Please contact us for prices and availability.
Starting at $6,810 for a Deluxe cabin twin share.
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Trip start: 15th October 2025
Trip end: 26th October 2025
Prices start from: $6,810.00
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 west to the Togian Islands where we will be hunting for the many endemic species including coral blennies and a flasherwrasse. Not least though, the Walea Soft Coral Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus waleananus) will be top of out list!
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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
Gorontalo (Togian Islands) to Ambon
28th October – 8th November 2025
Please contact us for prices and availability.
Starting at $6,810 for a Deluxe cabin twin share.
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Trip start: 28th October 2025
Trip end: 8th November 2025
Prices start from: $6,810.00
Availability: Contact us about availability
Depart from: Gorontalo
Return to: Ambon
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We start in Gorontalo, fabeled for its incredible Dali sponges before again spending some time in the Togian Islands, somewhere that we have been trying to get back to for many years. After that we sail eastwards towards Ambon and it’s incredible muck diving, hopping between the islands on the way.
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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
Ambon to Kaimana (Triton Bay)
10-21st November 2025
Please contact us for prices and availability.
Starting at $6,810 for a Deluxe cabin twin share.
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Trip start: 10th November 2025
Trip end: 21st November 2025
Prices start from: $6,810.00
Availability: Contact us about availability
Depart from: Ambon
Return to: Kaimana
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Starting with muck in Ambon we will head east, likely stopping at Nusa Laut, then over to Momon and the incredible ocean waterfall. Afterwards we will head to Tritron Bay, one of our favourite areas to explore. So many endemics and unusual fishes!
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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.