Raja Ampat & Forgotten Islands
October & November | Sorong to Kei Islands or Kei Islands to Sorong
12 nights | Misool, Pisang Islands, Momon, Pulau Koon, Kei Islands
Itinerary Highlights
Visit a group of islands accessible only from a liveaboard for a few weeks every year. This trip takes you away from the crowds and then through one of the most biodiverse areas in the world
- Near solitude with hardly another boat in sight
- A wonderful combination of exploration in the Forgotten Islands and world-class diving in southern Raja Ampat
- Beautiful islands, iconic rock formations and abundant marine life of Misool
- A day diving around Pulau Koon – home to the aptly-named ‘Too Many Fish’ dive site
Itinerary Description
It’s all in the name…
Because the Forgotten Islands can be enjoyed only for a few weeks per year due to the seasonal wind pattern, this opportunity to explore an off-the-beaten-track destination is not to be missed.
The Forgotten Islands are a remote and lesser-known group in the Moluccas – an archipelago spread over a 1000km-long chain on the eastern side of the Banda Sea.
Our knowledge of this area means we take you to the best locations where you will enjoy a combination of wall dives, current swept seamounts and beautiful coral gardens – not to mention encounters with schooling bumphead parrotfish, tornadoes of trevallies and barracudas, hunting tunas and passing hammerhead and reef sharks.
However, not only does this itinerary show you the isolation of the Forgotten Islands, it takes you to the world-famous Raja Ampat including the breathtaking Misool – listed third in REEF’s (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) list of species-rich dive sites worldwide.
There are plentiful opportunities to explore the gin-clear water and tropical beaches, see the varied topography both in and out of the water, and witness exciting fish life and seldom dived reefs.
Don’t miss out on this amazing adventure!
Dive Sites
Click dive site markers for detailed descriptions.
Your holiday will be different to any other. We tailor our trips individually according to weather conditions, sightings and seasons.
Here is a sample of the sites we might visit.
Specific dive sites and areas we may visit are not guaranteed. They are at the discretion of our cruise director/captain, based on weather conditions, to ensure we provide the best possible sightings and prioritise your safety.
Daram
- Andiamo -
Andiamo is comprised of two small islets west of Candy Store. The marine life on the reef is magnificent, with healthy soft and hard corals, schools of fish such as fusillers, anchovies, barracuda and Jacks.
- Candy Store -
Enjoy one of the most beautiful walls in Southern of Raja Ampat with Candy Store. Clusters of fish gather on the north facing pinnacles such as fusillers, anchovies, giant trevally, spanish mackerel. Huge and beautiful elephant ear sponges, sea fans, and soft corals decorate the western end of the dive site.
- Two Tree -
Two Tree offers a rich plateau where you can spot schools of barracuda, trevally, beautiful soft coral, sea fans, black coral tree and octopus.
Fiabacet
Some examples of possible dive sites that you may visit:
- Boo Windows -
Boo Windows was named after the tunnels and the swim through piercing its shallow section. This amazing site has a dramatic topography. Following the ridge heading west, expect to see grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasse, schools of batfish, even ghost pipefish and leaf fish.
- Tank Rock -
Tank Rock (Batu Kecil) is one of the best dive sites in Raja Ampat. A submerged ridge connects Tank Rock to Nudi Rock, and with favorable conditions, you may even be able to dive all the way to Fiabacet’s middle island. It's one of the most extensive and wonderful reef systems in the area. Beautiful fish life surround stunning soft and hard corals.
- Nudi Rock -
Nudi Rock got its name because of the nudibranch-like shape of the island as well as the abundance of nudibranchs that can be found hiding in the corals. The submarine landscape, with soft corals and sea fans in some areas, and hard corals in other areas is fantastic. Find all kinds of fish here in abundance – anchovies, snappers, groupers, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda and tunas too.
- Magic Mountain (Shadow Reef) -
This seamount sits in the depths of Misool with its peak rising to 5 meters. A cleaning station for the different species, Magic Mountain has it all with biodiversity at its best here. Schools of trevalies, napoleon wrasse, groupers, different species of barracudas, sharks, Spanish mackerels, and last but not least Oceanic Manta Rays are often hovering around to get cleaned. Some dolphins and whale sharks have also been spotted there…
- Whale Rock -
Whale Rock has a great variety of pygmy seahorses (Denise or Barbiganti species). To explore this site, we will cross over a little channel in between two small islands. Linked together by an underwater reef and a pinnacle, Whale Rock is full of fish.
Balbulol
Some examples of possible dive sites that you may visit:
- No Contest -
No Contest is a captivating reef ridge dive with a sweet spot at its west end. The western edge is buoyed for easy descent and ascent. Here, you'll find two stunning pinnacles with dramatic undercuts, overhangs, and soft coral growth, attracting barracuda, trevally, batfish, and snappers. Exercise caution with strong currents, especially during ascent. Dive when the current is manageable, as it may pick up during the dive.
- Love Potion No 9 -
Explore this dive site by beginning on the island's NE-side. Head south to find the captivating "sweet spot," a long 3-peaked ridge that rises to within 12m of the surface. Cross a small 25m gap at the SE-corner to reach the ridge, adorned with stunning sea fans and soft corals. Return to the island's protection after admiring the ridge's beauty.
- Plateau -
The sweet spot is the "plateau" at the west tip of the island. Depending on the current, start diving from the north or south side, and let it carry you around to the west tip. Expect abundant soft corals, fans, and schooling fish here. The plateau's top is at around 8m depth. It's a great alternative dive when "No Contest" or "Love Potion #9" are not suitable due to strong currents.
- Pet Rock -
Start on the island's NW-side, swimming west along the adorned wall. At the W-corner, head about 25-30 meters away to find a twin-peaked pinnacle. Continue another 25-30 meters to discover a lower profile dog-leg-shaped ridge. Best coral growth is on the N and W sides of the pinnacle and ridge. Return to the island for a protected ascent.
Pelee
Some examples of possible dive sites that you may visit:
- Kaleidoscope -
Located on the western side of Pele Island, Kaleidoscope Ridge is one of the best dive sites in the area. The reef is a beautiful narrow slither of coral, with a sloping and steep side. A kaleidoscope of stunning colors, huge sea fans and fantastic fish life will make this a dive to remember.
- Pelee's Playground -
Pelee’s Playground is located on the most Western side of Waaf island. Witness schools of anchovies being tracked by trevallies, bonitos, and look out into the blue to see if you can spot a squadron of Mobula rays.
- Toblerone -
Toblerone is a shallow reef with a very large tunnel which dissects the dive site from north to south. The top of the reef is covered with healthy bommies and hard coral gardens.
Wayilbatan
Some examples of possible dive sites that you may visit:
- Barracuda Rock -
Barracuda Rock sits on a sandy bottom with a pretty plateau, and a macro filled undercut. Schooling fish such as trevally, barracuda and reef sharks can be spotted throughout the dive. The slope is made up of a series of limestone steps and beautiful black coral bushes.
- Dunia Kecil -
Dunia Kecil in Indonesian language means 'small world'. Itd is a small rock on the western side of the Wahil Channel, compact enough to be circumnavigated in one dive. The top section is filled with wonderful soft corals, and the walls are covered with huge sea fans where different kind of pygmy sea horses can be spotted.
- Four Kings -
Four Kings is a highlight in Misool! These four underwater pinnacles are full of fish and linked by a ridge. Four Kings is one of the best places to observe schools of anchovies getting hunted by the numerous predators. Action guaranteed.
- Wedding Cake -
This rock located in the lagoon of Wayil, has a mushroom shape with numerous overhangs. It lies from South to North.
Sorong
Pisang Islands
The Pisang archipelago is a breathtaking destination for diving, with pristine coral reefs teeming with a vibrant array of marine life. Diving off the surrounding islands, you will be mesmerized by the stunning giant elephant ears, and be surrounded by swirling schools of fish, graceful mantas, and curious turtles.
Momon Peninsula
Spectacular landscapes with waterfalls dropping from an emerald forest direct into the sea. We will dive on seamounts trying to spot some large pelagic as tunas, sharks or mantas. Excellent macro on sheltered reefs and also the opportunity for a hike to the waterfalls.
- Kiti-Kiti Waterfall -
The Kiti-kiti waterfall located at the Nusalasi Bay Coastal Park Conservation Area is known for its unique and exotic nature. The destination is relatively unknown to tourists due to its remote location far from the urban centre of Fakfak regency. The waterfall’s uniqueness is due to the fact that it flows downstream directly to the sea. The areas surrounding the waterfall gives view to mountains, lush greenery, and the clear blue waters.
- Teluk Sebakor -
Teluk Sebakor is known for its vibrant underwater world. Beneath the gentle waves, colorful coral reefs teem with a myriad of marine species, from graceful sea turtles and playful schools of tropical fish to elusive seahorses and fascinating crustaceans. The rich biodiversity of the bay makes it a diver's dream come true, with countless opportunities for awe-inspiring encounters with the wonders of the deep.
Beyond diving, adventurers can explore the lush surroundings of Teluk Sebakor. Trekking through the dense rainforests, visitors might catch glimpses of exotic bird species and rare flora. Local communities extend a warm welcome, offering insights into their unique culture and traditions.
Pulau Koon
This small island is famous for its large fish aggregations because the area has been preserved from fishing for centuries. Expect large schools of batfish, snappers, surgeons, trevallies, barracudas, nice pelagic action and a lot of turtles! Pulau Koon also boasts stunning corals in clear waters which provide excellent visibility.
Kurkap
A small island with a beautiful beach where we dive the surrounding reef. There is impressive topography with walls, overhangs, nice hard corals, giant seafans, barrel sponges... Don't forget to look in the blue to see tunas and spanish mackerel hunting!
Villoch Reef
A seamount north of Pulau Bui. Nice walls and fish action. The reef's shallow waters are perfect for long, leisurely dives and underwater photography.
Ultima Frontera
A spectacular offshore seamount where every dive can be full of action. We never really know what we are going to see but you can expect large animals and fish schools. Depending on the current, we can do multiple dives there offering the chance for fantastic exploration.
Karang Huisman
A big reef allowing several different dives. Patrolled by dogtooth tunas and giant trevallies, the reef has some very healthy corals and large seafans.
Karang Rembang
Another big reef where different dives are possible. Expect a lot of barrel sponge and seafans and for the tunas to hunt in your bubbles! Schools of snappers, beautiful turtles, excellent walls - this is a very nice dive site.
Karang Telegraph
A seamount that is rarely visited. We try to dive there when the current is running to witness the dramatic fish action and see pelagic predators hunting the thick schools of fusiliers.
Pulau Nusreen
A really nice hard-coral garden that is perfect for a lazy afternoon dive. Pulau Nusreen offers serene diving with its beautiful coral gardens and abundant marine species. You will see turtles, moray eels and a lot of reef fish; the macro is good on the sandy bottom and the site is perfect for relaxed dives, allowing divers to enjoy the tranquil environment.
Kei Islands
Also Important
Check Dive & Depart
Once onboard there will be a safety briefing, crew introduction, complete and check dive paperwork, cabin allocation and boat orientation. The first dive is a check dive.
Return
On the last diving day, 2 dives are available in the morning whilst observing the rule of no diving within 24 hours of reaching altitude. We return to port and moor overnight. Evening is time to pack up diving equipment and settle any outstanding bills ready to depart the following morning.
Itinerary Experience
Advanced, 50 dives
This itinerary is not for beginners with many dives below 18m and currents can vary from medium to extremely strong. We recommend that you have 50 logged dives and require that you are a Deep Diver/Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent to join this trip. Divers may find many dives challenging and may be asked by the Cruise Director to skip dives that are not suitable for their diving experience. Diving is from zodiacs to give precise entry and exit points.