Indonesia: Timor to Sangeang Nov/Dec ’27

Indonesia: Timor to Sangeang Nov/Dec ’27

Indonesia: Enchanting Isles from Timor to Sangeang

November/December 2027

Awe-Inspiring Indonesia: 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!

All aboard the luxurious Damai I

Join Richard and Wendy’s ‘Our Beloved Seas‘ expeditions in the heart of the Coral Triangle

Kupang (Trip 1 start)

Labuan Bajo (Trip 1 end, Trip 2 start)

Bima (Trip 2 end, Trip 3 start)

Labuan Bajo (Trip 3 end)

Trip 1: Kupang (Timor) to Labuan Bajo (Komodo) 
8-19th November 2027

Contact us about availability

Trip 2: Labuan Bajo (Komodo) to Bima (Sumbawa)  
21st November – 2nd December 2027

Contact us about availability

Trip 3: Bima (Sumbawa) to Labuan Bajo (Komodo)
4-15th December 2027

Contact us about availability

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!

TRIP ONE

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

TRIP TWO

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

TRIP THREE

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

Trip I:

Kupang > Labuan Bajo

We begin our journey toward the western tip of Indonesian Timor, heading west to briefly explore the island of Rote before continuing to Savu Island. Both islands are rich in biodiversity and home to many endemic species, making them fascinating to explore. On a previous trip, we even discovered fishes typically found only in Thai waters! As we travel west to Sumba, we will continue exploring this little-known but highly promising region. Finally, we’ll make our way to Komodo National Park, where we’ll likely wrap up the trip with a few dives at some of our favorite sites.

Trip II:

Labuan Bajo > Bima

Starting in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo, we’ll head west to explore the east coast of Sumbawa. From there, we’ll continue to Sangeang, where we’ll spend the bulk of our diving. We visited a few years ago, and it remains one of our most requested destinations. The area is known for its exceptional muck diving, with an abundance of nudibranchs and fascinating critters. After Sangeang, we’ll head to Bima Bay—an absolute mecca for muck diving. The diversity of species and unique behaviors make it an unforgettable experience.

Trip III:

Bima > Labuan Bajo

For our final trip, we’ll spend time in Bima Bay and around Sangeang Island, hopefully exploring sites we haven’t had a chance to visit yet. After that, we plan to venture to the east coast and southeast corner of Sumbawa Island, where many promising bays await exploration. These areas can only be visited during the golden window around December. Of course, weather conditions can be unpredictable, so our plans will depend on that. But with such a rich and diverse region, we’ll never run out of places to explore!

* Of course exact route sometimes change to do weather, but this is our planned itinerary as it stands!

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

Inclusions:
Food & Beverages
Diving
Marine life talks by Dr Richard Smith
Airport transfers to meet Damai
Nitrox
Laundry
Dive gear

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 $7,715.00 for a Deluxe cabin twin share

Register your interest or join the waitlist

6 + 1 =

The talks enhance the diving experience and encourage new interest outside the obviously spectacular! Friendly, approachable organisation

Martin

United Kingdom

Days to departure

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

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!

Madeleine

Australia

Philippines: Off the Beaten Path II – Feb ’27

Philippines: Off the Beaten Path II – Feb ’27

Philippines: Further Off the Beaten Path – Feb 2027

We’re heading back to take a deeper dive into the Coron Islands and explore an entirely new area!

Three x 10 night trips aboard Atlantis’ new

Infiniti liveaboard

Join Richard and Wendy’s ‘Our Beloved Seas’ expedition to explore some of the least frequently visited areas of the Coral Triangle

Coron Islands (start and end Trips 1 & 2, start Trip 3)

Trips 1 & 2: Coron is full of newly discovered micro-endemics and some yet to be named!

Cuyo Archipelago

Puerto Princesa (end Trip 3)

29th Jan – 8th Feb ’27

Trip 1: Coron return

Spaces – Contact us about availability
22nd Feb – 4th March ’27

Trip 3: Coron to Puerto Princesa 

Spaces – Contact us about availability
10-20th February ’27

Trip 2: Coron return

Spaces – Contact us about availability

As one of the six Coral Triangle countries, the Philippines boasts unparalleled marine biodiversity. We’ve explored several locations across the region, but one place truly called for a revisit: Coron.

During our February 2024 trip, we encountered all three Altricthys brooding micro-endemic damselfish species—plus, Rich discovered what is likely a new species in this genus. We also documented a dottyback that had never been photographed alive, and Wendy captured an eerie, ghost-like image of the elusive and beautiful Labracinus atrofasciatus—the only known photo of this fish in the wild.

The moment we left, we knew we had to return. So when Atlantis announced their new liveaboard, offering more space and greater comfort, we jumped at the chance to charter two more trips. This time, we’ll revisit sites in Coron and the Calamianes Islands, hoping to rediscover some of these rare fishes, while also venturing to the remote Cuyo Archipelago in search of even more new species.

We can’t wait!

TRIP ONE

Trip start: 29th January 2027
Trip end: 8th February 2027
Prices start from: US$ 7,880
Availability: Spaces
Depart from: Coron
Return to: Coron

TRIP TWO

Trip start: 10th February 2024
Trip end: 20th February 2024
Prices start from: US$ 7,880
Availability: Spaces
Depart from: Coron
Return to: Coron

TRIP THREE

Trip start: 22nd February 2024
Trip end: 4th March 2024
Prices start from: US$ 7,880
Availability: Spaces
Depart from: Coron
Return to: Puerto Princesa

We start and end the trips in Coron, which is a direct flights from Manila. We will explore and revisit some of the sites around Coron and the Calamianes Islands that we visited in 2024. We will then head out to the Cuyo Archipelago to really go off the beaten path we some real gems in our sights! The third trip starts in Coron, then explores around Western Coron (weatrher permitting) heading part Linapacan and down the eastern side of Palawan visiting some offshore islands on the way.

Atlantis has a new liveaboard, which is much bigger and comfortable. It technically accommodates 25 divers, but we are capping the group at 18 allowing us ample space. It has a large camera room, and a huge comfortable salon.

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Trip 3 heads south along the east coast of Palawan and ends in Puerto Princesa

Food & Beverages
Nitrox
Diving
Marine life talks by Dr Richard Smith

Exclusions
Ground transfers
Marine Park Fees (paid on board)
Alcoholic beverages
Dive and travel insurance (which are mandatory)

Prices start from $7,880.00 per person twin share

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!

Madeleine

Australia

Days to departure

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Register your interest or join the waitlist

7 + 2 =

The talks enhance the diving experience and encourage new interest outside the obviously spectacular! Friendly, approachable organisation

Martin

United Kingdom

Indonesia: Forgotten Islands Nov/Dec ’26

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

4 + 10 =

The talks enhance the diving experience and encourage new interest outside the obviously spectacular! Friendly, approachable organisation

Martin

United Kingdom

Days to departure

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

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!

Madeleine

Australia

Indonesia: West to East Oct 2025

Indonesia: West to East Oct 2025

Indonesia: From West to East

Togians, Ambon & On…

October/November 2025

Breathtaking Indonesia: Exploring Halmahera’s west coast to the Togian Islands, Ambon and across to Triton Bay

All aboard the luxurious Damai I

Join Richard and Wendy’s ‘Our Beloved Seas‘ expeditions in the heart of the Coral Triangle

Ternate (Trip 1 start)

Ambon (Trip 2 end, Trip 3 start)

Gorontalo (Trip 1 end, Trip 2 start)

Kaimana (Trip 3 end)

Trip 1: Ternate (Halmahera) to Gorontalo (Togian Islands) 
15-26th October 2025

Contact us about availability

Trip 2: Gorontalo (Togian Islands) to Ambon  
28th October – 8th November 2025

Contact us about availability

Trip 3: Ambon to Kaimana (Triton Bay) 
10-21st November 2025

Contact us about availability

Both Richard and Wendy have a long history with Indonesia, and it is certainly their second home. Damai offers a wonderful way for us to explore these enchanting isles. This itinerary also offers some of the island chain’s most spectacular diving. Many many endemic and newly discovered marine species will be on our radars. There are almost too many to mention. A top animal for Richard specifically will be the Walea Soft Coral Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus waleananus) in the Togian Islands. There will be a wonderful mix of muck, reef and exploration. What an exciting trio of trips!!

TRIP ONE

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

TRIP TWO

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

TRIP THREE

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

Trip I:

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 flahserwrasse. Not least though, the Walea Soft Coral Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus waleananus) will be top of out list!

 

Trip II:

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 along the islands on the way.

 

Trip III:

Starting with muck in Ambon we will nead 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!

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

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)

Please contact us for prices. Starting at $6,810 for a Deluxe cabin twin share

Register your interest or join the waitlist

8 + 12 =

The talks enhance the diving experience and encourage new interest outside the obviously spectacular! Friendly, approachable organisation

Martin

United Kingdom

Days to departure

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

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!

Madeleine

Australia

Solomon Islands – June/July 2024

Solomon Islands – June/July 2024

Solomon Islands – June 2024

Visit the Remote & Pristine Coral Reefs of the Solomon Islands

11 & 10 night trips aboard the Bilikiki

Join Richard and Wendy’s ‘Our Beloved Seas’ expeditions in the most easterly corner of the Coral Triangle

Solomon Islands

Remote and Pristine Coral Triangle Reefs
11-22nd June 2024

Full – Contact us for waitlist

22nd June – 2nd July 2024

*CABIN & FEMALE SHARE AVAILABLE – contact us

The reefs of the Solomon Islands fall within the fabled ‘Coral Triangle’, which comprises six countries including parts of Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea.  The further you stray from these reefs, the fewer the number of species they accommodate. Several new species have been described recently from its reefs such as Burt’s Damselfish (Chrysiptera burtjonesi), Lynn’s Pipefish (Festucalex rufus) and Marinda’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus marinda). Richard has joined Bilikiki on four previous trips and knows the reefs well and is excited to see what other species we are able to find.

 

 

TRIP ONE – 11 nights

Trip start: 11th June 2024

Trip end: 22nd June 2024

Prices start from: US$ 7,925

Availability: Full – contact us for waitlist

Depart from: Honiara

Return to: Honiara

TRIP TWO – 10 nights

Trip start: 22nd June 2024

Trip end: 2nd July 2024

Prices start from: US$ 7,230

Availability: Female Share / Cabin available

Depart from: Honiara

Return to: Honiara

 

 

 

The Solomon Islands has an amazing array of varied, rarely visited dive sites. Bilikiki Cruises does not have a fixed itinerary for dive sites but goes to the best spots possible for the conditions and the interests of our guests.
We will likely visit the Russell Islands, Mary Island and the Florida Islands to dive the stunning reefs of these areas. We also visit a village to see custom singing and dancing and to see traditional life.
We also visit the Marovo Lagoon area of the Western Province. We will also plan to stop at other villages to see the famous wood carvings of the area. Here you will have to chance to see and buy hand made carvings and other amazing traditionally made items. Village visits are arranged during the surface intervals so as not to effect the number of dives offered per day.  
The Solomon Islands is known for amazing coral reefs as well as bountiful World War II wrecks.

 

 

In 1989 MV Bilikiki sailed as the first full service luxury live aboard dive vessel in the Solomon Islands. She is a large, stable, comfortable vessel and consistently rated one of the best live aboards in the world.
 
MV Bilikiki has 10 deluxe cabins, eight with a double bed and single bunk and two with twin single beds and no bunk (cabins #1 & 2). All cabins are air conditioned and have their own en-suite. There is a large sundeck, comfortable lounge and camera area and spacious dive deck. Her large size and a hull that was built for South Pacific seas are two main reasons why guests from around the world still say that “the Bilikiki” is one of the most spacious and comfortable vessels that they have travelled on.

Food & Beverages

Diving

Land tours

Marine life talks by Dr Richard Smith

Transfers from Honiara Airport

 

Prices start from $7,230 per person

 

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!

Madeleine

Australia

Days to departure

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Register your interest or join the waitlist

11 + 6 =

The talks enhance the diving experience and encourage new interest outside the obviously spectacular! Friendly, approachable organisation

Martin

United Kingdom