Indonesia: Forgotten Islands Nov/Dec ’26
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 Southeast Indonesia
Aboard the luxurious Damai I
Join Richard and Wendy’s ‘Our Beloved Seas‘ expeditions in the heart of the Coral Triangle
Sorong (Trip 1 start)
Kaimana (Trip 1 end, Trip 2 start)
Saumlaki (Trip 2 end, Trip 3 start)
Kupang (Trip 3 end)
Trip 1: Sorong (Raja Ampat) to Kaimana (Triton Bay)
5-16th November 2026 (11 nights)
Contact us about availability
Trip 2: Kaimana (Triton Bay) to Saumlaki (Forgotten Islands)
18th – 29th November 2026
(11 nights)
Male Share Available – Contact us about availability
Trip 3: Saumlaki (Forgotten Is.) to Kupang (Alor & Timor)
1-12th December 2026
(11 nights)
Female & Male Share Available – Contact us about availability
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! Divers can look forward to an exciting blend of muck diving, vibrant reefs, and thrilling explorations. What an extraordinary trio of adventures!
TRIP ONE
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
TRIP TWO
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
TRIP THREE
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
Trip I:
Sorong > 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.
Trip II:
Kaimana > 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!!
Trip III:
Saumlaki > 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!
MY DAMAI I was built in Tanjung Bira, South Sulawesi, by Pak Hadji Baso, the most prestigious builder in the area in 2009. The collaboration of traditional skills with years of experience in the Indonesian liveaboard diving industry has created a remarkable vessel.
MY DAMAI I have been designed to offer a personal service dedicated to small groups. With an overall length of 40 meters (130 feet) and a beam of over 8 meters (26 feet) the vessel has 7 staterooms with a choice of single cabins, twins, doubles or two spacious master cabins. With sizes ranging from 18 sq meters / 194 sq feet for the single cabin to 40 sq meters / 430 sq feet for the master cabin, all are furnished with either queen- or king-sized beds, en-suite toilets, and showers.
The vessel has been designed with three large deck areas for relaxing in sun or shade and enjoying rejuvenating massage and spa treatments. Specifically designed for divers, the vessel offers large dive stations with individual rinse tanks, a camera room with separate workstations, and an integrated 110v and 220v charging station for each photographer.
Our Beloved Seas Indonesia Itinerary *Exact routes can vary depending on weather conditions
Inclusions:
Food & Beverages
Diving
Marine life talks by Dr Richard Smith
Airport transfers to meet Damai
Nitrox
Laundry
Dive gear rental
Exclusions:
Port & Harbour Fees
Long Distance Fuel Fees
Airfares, both domestic and international
Spirits and wine (one serve of wine is provided with dinner)
Please contact us for prices. Starting at $7,480 for a Deluxe cabin twin share
Register your interest or join the waitlist
The talks enhance the diving experience and encourage new interest outside the obviously spectacular! Friendly, approachable organisation
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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!
