In May of 2024, dive travelers have a unique opportunity to combine exploration with altruism. Starting on the day of May 5th, the Damai 1 Liveaboard will set out on a ten-day cruise to Indonesia's remote and storied Forgotten Islands, then move on to take in top dive sites in the Banda Sea and southern Raja Ampat.
Divers will board in the port of Saumlak on the island of Yamdena and cruise some 500 miles to Saron, West Papua, passing through one of Indonesia's top-rated but seldom-visited island groups along the way. This itinerary showcases a stunning range of underwater landscapes and marine life, as this region is both biologically rich and geologically diverse, with a mix of volcanic and coral islands.
Over the course of a ten-day trip, divers will visit pristine hard coral reefs and vibrant soft coral groves, hunt for rare species in fecund muck diving sites, dive big walls and navigate precipitous offshore pinnaces and current-washed channels teeming with fish life. A highlight of the route are sites in the Forgotten Islands such as Nil Desperandum, which is a seamount known for a resident population of schooling hammerhead sharks, the coral gardens and Napoleon wrasses of Nus Leur Atoll and the soft coral-festooned walls of North and South Terbang. The Damai 1 then continues north through the Banda Sea to take in the kaleidoscopic reefs and unrivaled biodiversity of Misool.
This special trip is organized to raise funds for the Misool Foundation, which is dedicated to safeguarding some of the most biodiverse reefs on Earth. Founded in 2005, this private charity funds and manages a 300,000-acre marine protected area and conducts projects such as coral restoration, manta ray research, local educational initiatives and community-based waste mitigation and recycling.
Damai Liveaboards has made substantial discounts to normal trip pricing. With a majority of 2024 sailings on the Damai 1 either sold out or already heavily booked, this special week also represents one of the year's best chances to dive the Forgotten Islands, as sailings are only available at certain times of the year when sea conditions are most favorable.
To learn more, contact your Caradonna agent.
Misool Foundation protects a 300,000-acre area in South Raja Ampat and has enforced a no fishing back since 2005. Dive Damai is donating 100% of its profits to the Misool Foundation.
Dates: 05 – 15 May 2024
You’ll be joined by some of the Misool and Misool Foundation team, to learn about how this area transformed from ground zero for shark finners to a booming marine ecosystem. You’ll visit the Misool Ranger stations, plant your own corals on the reef restoration sites, and gather data for important manta ray research in Raja Ampat.
The rate will be ONLY USD3,500 per person, the rate does not include Harbour Fees (USD400), Park Fees (USD180), Nitrox (USD10) per day and other variables such as Rental Gear, Spa or Laundry Services.
All divers will have a link to the foundation, so that they can send a donation, keeping in mind that the usual rate for this trip would be USD6,150. We hope they will be generous in their efforts.
Please help the Misool Foundation by reaching out to your diving community and sharing this opportunity to collaborate and at the same time to have a wonderful trip though some of the best reefs in the world.