Explore The Wonders Of Indonesia
Maumere-Saumlaki Forgotten Islands
Maumere to Saumlaki. Where diving becomes true exploration: The Forgotten Islands
This expedition sails you deep into one of Indonesia’s most remote frontiers. From Maumere’s sunlit reefs, we push eastward, sailing through Alor, Komba Volcano, and the Forgotten Islands, eventually arriving in the mysterious Tanimbar seas around Saumlaki, a corridor where coral kingdoms and pelagic giants converge.
Our voyage begins off Flores, in Maumere. Sailing to the east, we arrive at Ipet, where gentle currents and prolific reefs set the tone. Here soft corals glow in hues of lavender and mint, pygmy seahorses hide among gorgonians, and schools of fusiliers carve streaks of silver in the blue. Overhead, rays and reef sharks occasionally drift past in silence, their silhouettes sliding across the light-dappled sea.
Continuing eastward, we reach the fiery slopes of Komba Volcano, an active volcanic island that rises dramatically from the Banda Sea. Diving here is unlike anywhere else — black sand slopes bubble with volcanic gas, creating an otherworldly scene where vibrant coral gardens flourish amid geothermal activity. Schools of trevallies and fusiliersshimmer against the dark backdrop, while nudibranchs, frogfish, and other macro marvels thrive in the warm, mineral-rich waters. Above the surface, you can often see plumes of smoke or ash drifting from the crater, a reminder that nature here is very much alive.
From there, we enter the straits of Alor, a region that combines some of the richest biodiversity in Indonesia with dramatic seascapes. Here, crystal-clear waters hide astonishing macro treasures, mimic octopus, rhinopias, blue-ringed octopus, and nudibranchs of every shape and color. The powerful currents that sweep these passages also bring in larger life: schools of tuna and trevallies, reef sharks, even mola mola in the right season. In Alor, the underwater world is as intense and unpredictable as the landscapes above, where traditional villages cling to volcanic slopes.
As we chart further east, the scenery deepens in mystery. Walls of black volcanic rock plunge into cobalt depths. Steep drop-offs host schooling jacks, reef sharks, and the occasional hammerhead. Every slope pulses with micro-life, frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipefish, all thriving in this less explored wilderness.
Finally, we reach the forgotten seas around Saumlaki. Here isolation is our only witness. Remote coral atolls, forests of soft corals swaying in the surge, and walls draped with immense sea fans await. Pelagic encounters — barracudas in schools, reef sharks patrolling, mantas soaring, even the possibility of whales — reward those who venture this far. The sunsets over these distant waters, with dolphins at the bow, bring the perfect close to days filled with discovery.
The Forgotten Islands: an odyssey of wild seas, ancient rituals, and unforgettable encounters.
Indonesia’s “Forgotten Islands” – also known as the Southeast Moluccas (Maluku Tenggara) – are not a single destination, but rather a 1,000 km long chain of archipelagos stretching from Timor to West Papua on the island of New Guinea.
Undeveloped, distant from population centers and far off any beaten path, these “Forgotten Islands” have been largely isolated from the rest of Indonesia and the world.
The terrain of these islands varies from forested mountainous peaks in the Inner Banda Arc (Wetar, Roma, Damar, Nila), with peaks as high as 868 m on Damer, to the flat easternmost Aru and Kei island groups, dominated by savannah, mangroves and broadleaf forests.
Culturally, most of the Austronesian peoples of Maluku Tenggara share deep connections, with similar languages, myths, and traditional beliefs.
They are known for their powerful woodcarvings and sculptures depicting ancestral figures, their distinctive hand-woven ikat fabrics, and their plaited bamboo and palm baskets, each piece carrying the mark of generations of tradition.
The islands are home to more than a dozen ethnic groups, each with its own language, music, and rituals. The most prominent are the Abui people, known for their striking traditional attire, harmonious chants, and symbolic dances performed in sacred stone circles.
Villages like Takpala offer glimpses into a way of life preserved for generations. Handwoven ikat textiles, rhythmic gong music, and storytelling through dance are all part of the living culture here. Guests are often welcomed with warmth and ceremony, making cultural excursions as memorable as any dive.
Folklore is rich with tales of ancestral spirits, sea creatures, and sacred mountains — stories passed down through songs and ceremonies that still mark the seasonal cycles and rites of passage.
Come join us on this rare voyage, exploring wild frontiers, Forgotten Islands, and timeless beauty from Maumere to the remote seas of Saumlaki.
Tentative Itinerary
The itinerary may be adjusted at the discretion of the captain and cruise director based on weather conditions, which can sometimes be unpredictable, as well as the group’s overall experience. The goal is to offer the best possible diving and snorkeling sites according to the group’s interests and skill levels.
Day 1 – MAUMERE – Maumere Bay
Flight to Maumere. Transfer to the Seven Seas, setting up gear meanwhile we are steaming out and afterwards we’ll do a general briefing, after some refreshments and lunch.
Day 2 – IPET
Ipet Island, diving, beach and flying foxes.
Ipet and Watu Peni coastal zone is located on the northeastern coast of Adonara Island, next to the deep channel that separates Adonara from Lembata. The coastline features steep slopes and rocky outcrops, with the seafloor dropping rapidly into deep water. The area is shaped by volcanic activity.
A pearl farm operates near Ipet. It produces Akoya or South Sea pearls using suspended lines and baskets in protected reef zones. The farm supports the local economy and helps limit boat traffic and fishing activity in the surrounding area. The strait is part of a migration route for blue whales, which pass through the area seasonally, mainly between September and December, and March to May, as they move between feeding and breeding areas in the Banda and Savu Seas. Dolphins are also sometimes seen.
Ipet area on the northeastern coast of Adonara has steep underwater terrain, including drop- offs, vertical walls, and a coral ridge called Ipet Ridge. The reef is in good condition with hard and soft corals, sea fans, and sponges. Common marine life includes white-tip and blacktip reef sharks, fusiliers, trevallies, and turtles. Ipet Drop Off is a deep wall dive with current, while Ipet Ridge offers a gentler slope with good opportunities for spotting small marine species.
Watu Peni, located close to shore, is primarily dived at night. It features a sloping reef with coral bommies and sandy areas. The site is known for calm conditions and high macro biodiversity. Typical night-time sightings include decorator crabs, bobtail squid, cuttlefish, octopus, sleeping parrotfish, moray eels, frogfish, and bluespotted stingrays.Bioluminescent plankton may also appear. The site is more protected than Ipet and suitable for less experienced divers.
After a full day of diving, we’ll have the chance to see flying foxes emerge from the coastal forest near Ipet. As the sun begins to set, these large fruit bats take flight, moving silently overhead as they head out across the strait to forage for the night. It’s a peaceful and memorable way to end the day by the sea.
Day 3 – KOMBA
Where a volcano breathes fire above and pristine reefs bloom below.
Komba Volcano — also known as Mount Batutara — is an active volcanic island rising dramatically from the Banda Sea between Flores and Alor. It is one of Indonesia’s most spectacular natural wonders, famous for its regular volcanic eruptions that can often be seen from miles away at sea.
Diving around Komba is unlike anywhere else in the archipelago. Black sand slopes bubble with volcanic gas, creating a surreal and dynamic seascape where vibrant coral gardens flourish amid geothermal energy. The contrast between the dark volcanic substrate and the bright corals and sponges makes for stunning underwater photography.
Marine life here thrives in the nutrient-rich waters. Divers can encounter schools of trevallies, fusiliers, reef sharks, and an abundance of macro life, from nudibranchs and frogfish to ornate ghost pipefish. The volcanic minerals infuse the surrounding waters, supporting an unusually dense concentration of life.
Above the surface, Komba’s smoking crater is a mesmerizing sight. Periodic eruptions send clouds of ash and glowing lava cascading down its slopes, illuminating the night sky in flashes of orange and red. The experience is both humbling and exhilarating , a vivid reminder of nature’s raw power and constant transformation.
Day 4 – ALOR AREA
Pulau Pura and Ternate.
In the heart of the Alor Strait lies Pura, a small volcanic island where every dive pulses with energy and life. Here, the ocean is raw, powerful, and wildly beautiful.
The waters around Pura are renowned for their nutrient-rich waters, which attract an explosion of marine life. Massive schools of jacks, barracudas, and fusiliers swirl in silver tornadoes, while Napoleon wrasses, giant groupers, and reef sharks glide through deep canyons and coral-covered slopes.
During the right season, lucky divers may even encounter Mola mola (sunfish) or hammerhead sharks. But what truly sets Pura apart is its biodiversity: pristine coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and muck diving sites teeming with bizarre and beautiful critters: rhinopias, mimic octopus, pygmy seahorses, and an endless variety of nudibranchs.
Clown Valley (aka Apuri Bay): Home to one of the largest concentrations of anemones and clownfish on the planet.
The volcanic islands of Ternate, in the Alor Strait, lies one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets: a series of dive sites where thriving reefs, and where every descent feels like a front-row seat to a marine symphony.
Munaseli (Yellow Corner): It is one of Alor’s most thrilling and dynamic dive sites. Fueled by deep ocean currents and pristine waters, this site is a magnet for pelagic life and dramatic underwater action. Chances for sightings of hammerheads and mola mola, but also the constant presence of pelagics like gray reef sharks, blacktip sharks, giant trevallies, bonitos, and schools of fusiliers in every direction.
Babylon: Located on the southern coast of Ternate Island, this site is a classic vertical wall dive, descending from shallow coral gardens into depths of 25 to 30 m or more, with exceptional visibility often reaching 25–30 m, a sloping reef full of soft corals, reef fish, and occasional pelagic visitors.
Day 5 – ALOR AREA
Pulau Pura and Takpala Village visit.
Pasir Merah (Red Sand): Located north of Pura, this site features volcanic red sandy slopes with bubbling gas vents, a hallmark of Pura’s volcanic seabed. It’s teeming with macro life including mandarin fish, hairy shrimp, and even bamboo sharks and nurse sharks at deeper sections.
Bakalang Jetty: Dive beneath the weathered pillars of Bakalang Jetty, where soft corals cling like marine tapestries and frogfishes uses them as a hidden place. Rays and schooling batfish may dance in the blue beyond, but it’s the bold texture and color of macro life that steals the show here. With clear water and gentle conditions, this site is a macro magician’s dream and a perfect intro to Alor’s muck scene.
After our last dive, we’ll head inland to visit Tapkala, a traditional Abui village located in the hills above Kalabahi. The village preserves ancestral customs, with houses built from natural materials and arranged around a central ceremonial area. We’ll be welcomed by the locals with traditional dances and have the chance to learn about their culture, rituals, and way of life.
On the way back to the boat, we can stop at the local market in Kalabahi if we still have some energy left, to soak in the atmosphere and see a bit more of island life before returning onboard.
Day 6 – PULAU WETAR & PULAU REONG
Tanjung Nunukae is a captivating dive site located off the west coast of Wetar Island, part of the Forgotten Islands region.
The dive begins on a shallow plateau that gradually tapers off before plunging into a steep vertical wall adorned with massive sea fans, vibrant cup corals, and colorful sponges. The nutrient-rich waters attract an impressive array of marine life. Divers can expect frequent sightings of mobula rays, manta rays, dogtooth tuna, bigeye trevally, reef sharks, and swirling schools of fusiliers and barracuda, creating a vibrant and action-filled underwater environment.
Pulau Reong, located northwest of Wetar Island in Indonesia’s Banda Sea, offers spectacular diving in one of the country’s most remote and pristine marine environments. The site features steep walls, terraced reefs, and vibrant coral coverage, including soft corals, sea fans, and sponges. Its dramatic underwater landscape supports a wide variety of marine life.
Divers can expect regular sightings of dogtooth tuna, bigeye trevally, giant trevally, barracuda, and reef sharks. The reef is alive with schools of fusiliers, anthias, redtooth triggerfish, and other reef fish. Moray eels are commonly seen along the wall.
Currents are moderate to strong, making it ideal for drift diving. Visibility is excellent, typically ranging from 25 to 30 meters, with dive depths extending from shallow reef flats to deep vertical walls.
The closest village to Pulau Reong is Nabar, located on the northwest coast of Wetar Island. Pulau Reong sits just offshore from Nabar, making it the nearest inhabited point to the dive site. We’ll go for a walk near the coastline to spot saltwater crocodiles that are known to live in the area.
Day 7 – PULAU NYATA & PULAU ROMANG
Pulau Nyata is a remote and rarely visited island, located about 4 miles east of Pulau Romang, offering exceptional diving for those exploring this isolated region by liveaboard. The underwater terrain around the island features dramatic slopes, deep drop-offs, overhangs, and swim-throughs.
Dives typically begin along the western edge of the island, where reefs slope gradually before plunging into deeper waters. As you drift along the reef, the structure becomes more complex, with swim-throughs and natural tunnels that attract marine life and provide thrilling passages to explore.
Divers can expect encounters with reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, barracuda, as well as black snappers and midnight snappers patrolling the reef edge. The area is also home to massive barrel sponges, soft corals, and large sea fans, making it a beautiful site for wide-angle photography. Shallower areas support schools of fusiliers, anthias, and redtooth triggerfish, with occasional sightings of turtles and Napoleon wrasse.
Currents can be moderate to strong, offering exciting drift diving conditions.
Waterfall Ridge is a fantastic dive site off the west coast of Pulau Romang in Indonesia.
The dive begins along a narrow ridge that drops into deeper water, covered with hard and soft corals, whip corals, and large sea fans. The area is lively with marine life, Napoleon wrasses, reef sharks, and fusiliers are commonly seen cruising along the reef.
After exploring the ridge, we cross a short channel to the main island, where you’ll see volcanic gas bubbles rising from the black sand seabed, a unique underwater sight.
The dive wraps up with a memorable finish as we surface beneath a freshwater waterfall that flows into the sea. The waterfall area is also great for snorkelers, with clear, shallow water and plenty to see close to the surface.
Day 8 – PULAU TELANG & PULAU KITAL
Pulau Telang and Pulau Kital are two remote gems, offering divers and snorkelers the chance to explore pristine reefs. Diving around these islands reveals gently sloping reefs covered in hard coral bommies, with vibrant, healthy top reefs teeming with life. The underwater landscape is perfect for relaxed yet exciting dives, with excellent visibility and calm conditions.
Marine life is diverse and rewarding. Large nurse sharks are often seen cruising slowly along the reef, while lucky divers may encounter the curious and majestic silvertip shark, which occasionally appears in the blue. The area also attracts snappers, turtles, and other reef fish throughout the dive.
Beyond diving, the experience is enhanced by the setting itself. These isolated islands are stunning above the surface, with the opportunity to land on an idyllic beach for sunset, a peaceful and scenic end to the day. On the way to and from the sites, dolphins are often seen riding the bow wave of the speedboats, adding a memorable touch to the journey.
Day 9 – PULAU KELAPA
Pulau Kelapa is a small island located in the Tanimbar archipelago, part of Maluku province in eastern Indonesia. Nestled between Pulau Moa -the largest and most populated island in the group- and Pulau Sermata, is relatively small but notable for its lush tropical vegetation. The island is dominated by abundant coconut palms, which give the island its name (“Kelapa” means coconut in Indonesian). Its natural landscape features sandy beaches and dense greenery, offering a serene and untouched environment typical of the remote Tanimbar Islands.
The diving around Pulau Kelapa is excellent, featuring a variety of underwater environments. Divers can explore more exposed corners with strong currents that bring in abundant marine life, as well as more protected walls with cracks where you can see diverse fish life including red snappers, longfin snappers, bigeye trevallies, fusiliers, dogtooth tuna, and occasionally hammerhead sharks. The walls are often adorned with beautiful sea fans and colorful sponges, and electric clams can also be found nestled in the cracks, adding unique highlights to the dive sites. Dolphins often hang out around the area, adding an extra touch of excitement.
We end the day with a unique night dive to encounter the amazing flashlight fish an unforgettable underwater experience. These fascinating creatures use their glowing light organs under their eyes to communicate with each other by flashing or turning off their light, helping them stay together or warn of danger. At night, they use this light to attract tiny prey like plankton, making hunting more effective. The glow also confuses predators, and the fish can hide their light by covering or rotating the organs to disappear into the darkness. They often swim in schools but can also be seen tucked inside cracks in the reef. Their light comes from special organs called photophores, which house bioluminescent bacteria that produce a natural chemical glow.
Day 10 – PULAU TEUN
Pulau Teun, dominated by an active volcano, presents a remarkable underwater landscape shaped by dramatic geological forces. Above the surface, you can often see smoke rising from the volcano’s crater and notice a distinct sulfur smell in the air, a constant reminder of the island’s volcanic activity. Divers explore steep walls, ancient lava ridges, and cavernous overhangs, all adorned with vibrant hard and soft corals. Thanks to its remote location, the island’s reefs remain in exceptional condition.
The nutrient-rich waters draw in open-ocean predators and migratory species. Common sightings include dogtooth tuna patrolling reef edges, curious Napoleon wrasse near the ridges, schools of jacks and barracudas, bumphead parrotfish, mobula and eagle rays moving through open water, and reef sharks, including blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef species patrolling the area. Hammerhead sharks can also be seen passing through the area.
Pulau Teun is also home to a small village called Mesa, where locals maintain traditional ways of life, adding cultural richness to this remote and wild island.
Day 11 – PULAU SERUA
About 70 nautical miles northeast of Pulau Teun lies Pulau Serua, a small volcanic island that is home to a charming village featuring a scenic church situated on a hill. While Pulau Serua is known for this picturesque church, the main diving spots are found nearby around Pulau Keka. This area offers steep underwater walls covered with hard and soft corals, as well as impressive barrel sponges. Its remote location has helped keep the reefs in excellent condition.
The nutrient-rich waters attract a variety of open-ocean predators and migratory species. Divers often see dogtooth tuna cruising along the reef edges, Napoleon wrasse, schools of jacks, fusiliers, great barracuda, and turtles. Olive sea snakes are also a common sight. Pulau Keka is especially known as a hotspot for hammerhead sharks, which are observed during early mornings and late afternoons if lucky.
In addition to diving, Pulau Kekeh offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, as well as kayaking and paddle surf.
Day 12 – NILDISPERANDUM
Nil Desperandum is a remote atoll far to the south, untouched by development. The name means “Never despair” in Latin. It comes from a shipwreck in the early 1800s: a British ship hit the reef, and the crew was stranded for weeks. They survived on fish, coconuts, and rainwater. When rescued, the captain’s log ended with: “All is not lost. Nil desperandum.” The name stuck as a reminder of survival and hope.
It’s a ring of coral surrounding a quiet lagoon, with steep outer reef walls dropping into deep ocean. The reef remains wild and unspoiled.
Diving along the outer wall, you’ll find barrel sponges, fusiliers, snappers, barracudas, dogtooth tuna, and turtles. It’s one of the best places to see hammerhead sharks when the conditions align.
Day 13 – DAWERA
Dawera Island, located in Indonesia’s Maluku province within the Tanimbar Islands, is renowned for its abundant marine biodiversity and pristine coral ecosystems.
The island offers exceptional diving opportunities, especially along dramatic vertical walls where divers can encounter a diverse array of marine life. From vibrant reef fish to larger species like barracudas and reef sharks, the underwater world here is rich and varied. In addition, unique and fascinating creatures such as pygmy seahorses, colorful nudibranchs, and elusive mantis shrimps add to the experience. The coral formations -both hard and soft varieties- create stunning underwater landscapes that captivate visitors.
During the visit, we will explore the local village, where the community welcomes guests with heartfelt traditional ceremonies. These cultural experiences provide a meaningful connection to the island’s heritage and highlight the villagers’ strong commitment to preserving their natural environment.
Day 14 – KARANG BARASADI & NUSTABUN
Located approximately 40 nautical miles from Saumlaki, this remote reef formation offers a pristine underwater environment that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. The site boasts a diverse and vibrant seascape, including healthy coral gardens rich in marine life, dramatic reef walls that drop into the deep blue, and expansive sandy patches that provide a perfect contrast to the colorful coral formations. These features make it an exceptional location for wide-angle underwater photography, offering countless opportunities to capture the dynamic interplay of light, texture, and marine species.
The biodiversity here is notable. Divers can expect to encounter a wide variety of reef-associated species, including gobies, parrotfish, and damselfish. The sandy areas are also great for observing smaller species that prefer open or less-structured habitats. In addition to the resident reef life, pelagic species such as tuna may occasionally pass by, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the dive.
Sometimes, divers may also encounter schools of bumphead parrotfish.
Near Saumlaki, we’ll complete our last dive at Pulau Nustabun, a small, uninhabited island featuring a sandy slope with scattered coral heads and rubble. This environment is ideal for spotting a variety of small marine creatures.
The sandy bottom, coral heads and rubble offer shelter for numerous small animals. Expect to see anemones, leaf scorpionfish, and various nudibranch species. This spot is also known for mantis shrimp and occasionally frogfish.
Pulau Nustabun is a fitting place to wrap up diving near Saumlaki. After the dives, we’ll unwind on the island’s white sandy beach, sipping fresh cocktails and swimming in the turquoise shallows, a perfect ending to a day of adventure and serenity in one of Indonesia’s most remote corners.
Day 15 – SAUMLAKI
Disembarkation. Fly to Bali/Jakarta and transfer to flights home or resorts.
For more on the Seven Seas, see: www.thesevenseas.net
