Indonesia

Forgotten Islands – The Southern Route

The Forgotten Islands are part of a remote archipelago in the southeast corner of the Moluccas (Maluku Tenggara). Despite the remote feeling in other parts of Indonesia (such as Alor or Banda), the Forgotten Islands are isolated even by Indonesian standards, covering a 1,000 km long chain of islands staring at Timor and extending up to West Papua. The Tanimbar group of around 65 islands that separate the Banda Sea from the Arafura Sea include the island of Yamdena where the capital Saumlaki is where this cruise begins.

There are many groups of islands in this area and the Forgotten Islands are relatively undiscovered and still being explored. The exact itinerary around these islands will depend exclusively on the weather and current conditions. Also due to the big distances between island groups some of the days will include three day dives before heading off in the afternoon and travelling overnight. When the next location is closer and there are anchorage spots in sheltered bays we will offer a fourth dive, usually a night dive.

Dive sites in the Forgotten Islands are characterised by endless reefs and spectacular deep walls covered in soft corals, sea fans and huge sponges. These islands usually experiences amazing visibility and warm water around 27-30C (81-86F). Here are the names of the islands we may visit (weather permitting) during your cruise:

Dai Island (3-4 dives)

This small island in the northern part of the Babar group of islands is our first stop from Saumlaki. The villagers on this island still practice traditional hunting with bow and arrow. Steep slopes provide hunting grounds for schooling barracuda and trevally. Large sea fans on the reef are surrounded by very healthy reef fish life.

Teun/Nila/Nil Desperandum (3-4 dives)

Teun, Nila and Serua, often referred to as TNS, are all small, very remote volcanic islands only accessible by liveaboard, located just east of Damar. You will feel as if you have reached the ends of the earth and that may be why there is a growing interest in diving in this zone. Although the sites here remain relatively unexplored, experiences so far have revealed tremendous diving potential and splendid coral reefs. Close to the small island of Nila are two atolls Dusborgh and Nil Desperandum. Weather permitting we will spend two days in this area, making a small bay on the east side of the island of Nila our base. There is also a night dive opportunity here. Nil Desperandum means “don’t despair” possibly referring to a ship wrecked here centuries ago. It is a big atoll with very deep drop offs. Schooling sharks have been spotted in the deep here with a chance to see hammerhead, silky and grey reef sharks.

Nila/Dusborgh (3-4 dives)

Dusborgh is a submerged atoll with a surrounding reef that reaches all the way up to the surface. The reef then slopes steeply to deep walls. As with all of the Forgotten Islands the walls are covered in huge sponges and sea fans. With the amazing visibility keep an eye into the deep for passing pelagics.

Pulau Damar/Nusleur/Terbang (4 dives)

Close to the big island of Damar the small islands of Nusleur, Terbang Utara and Terbang Selatan are surrounded by pristine beaches that stretch out to coral reefs that then drop down to the most beautiful, untouched walls. From top to bottom, the reef is an explosion of different colours and forms and seems to be in constant motion from the swarms of fish darting about. You may find yourself floating in the midst of a huge school of fish as the sea creatures here appear quite curious, perhaps because they are generally not used to seeing many divers. Another unique attraction in this area is the wall of sulphur formed as a result of its proximity to the volcano on Damar. There is a possibility to visit a village on Damar where there is also a black sand night dive.

Gunung Api (3 dives)

Gunung Api is a volcano whose summit reaches 245m (800 feet) above sea level but also extends downwards until hitting the seabed at some 4,000m (13,000 feet). As the island formed by the volcano is around 200 km (120 miles) from the nearest landfall, it naturally attracts all the surrounding fish life that have made their home on the steep drop-offs and walls. For some inexplicable reason an extraordinarily high number of banded and olive sea snakes live at Gunung Api. It is truly a unique spot that never ceases to amaze divers. Above water, immediately upon arrival, the boat becomes surrounded by thousands of frigate and brown-breasted boobie birds. Here you feel like a true explorer.

Pulau Wetar/Reong (3 dives)

Not many people can say that they have dived Wetar Island. It has several calm bays where interesting critters can be found as well as swift drift dives between Wetar and Reong that takes you past a spectacularly coloured wall. The small island of Reong, which lies off the northwest coast of Wetar, presents a change in scenery as it is made of limestone. Reef sharks, barracuda and trevallies frequently visit these waters. Other delights can be found while diving the impressive walls and a site full of diverse marine life. Tanjung Nunukae on Wetar Island is generally characterised by shallows forming a plateau that narrows as it goes deeper until it drops off abruptly, forming a very nice wall swathed in gigantic sea fans, cup corals and impressive sponges. Divers have come across both mobula and manta rays here. Currents are generally moderate to strong.

Pura Island (north)/Kalabahi Bay (4 dives)

Dives in the Alor/Pantar Strait promise a variety of thrills as the sites present a wide array of exciting possibilities, with topography ranging from dramatic shear drop-offs, spurs jutting out from the shore mingling together with shallow reefs where the light brings out the full colour of the dazzling corals covering all surfaces. The water temperature can be a little cooler in this area dropping from the normal 28/29 degrees Celsius (82-84 Fahrenheit) to a possible 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). Here you can see the famous Pura Island villagers splash out of their wooden dugout canoes diving underwater with homemade goggles made out of wood and the ends of glass bottles. During the day we will also look out for large pelagics who use the Pantar Strait as a thoroughfare. If there are any sightings of whales, dolphins or even Mola Mola we may forego a dive and head out in the tenders with snorkelling gear to see if we can have a lucky encounter.

Yan Village

At Yan Village there are several wonderful spots to dive. Walls covered in sponges topped with shallow hard coral reefs where you can spot the elusive Mandarin fish to black sandy slopes where fans of macro will get their fill too. Some examples of the critters here are frogfish, weedy scorpionfish, all sorts of nudibranchs and yellow, blue and black ribbon eels.

Clown Valley

One exceptional dive site on Pura Island is probably the only place in the world where you will see this phenomenon. The entire reef is completely covered in anemones of all shapes and sizes. Enjoy a drift dive along this site and enjoy the abundant fish life, with thousands of colourful anthias and damsels dancing off the Reef.

 WHAT DOES PACKAGE INCLUDE?

• Full board accommodation in double/twin deluxe cabin
• The shore activities/excursions according to the program
• Soft drinks, water, tea, American/Balinese coffee
• Five meals per day
• Diving activities (up to 4 dives/day)
• Dive cylinders, weights and weight belts
• Transfer from/to embarkation/disembarkation airport
• Administration/port clearance fee
• National Parks Entrance Fee
• Fuel Surcharge
• Government taxes

Special Oceanic Ventures Connoisseur Club Benefit: Welcome massage (1/2 hour per person)

Other activities that can be arranged: Kayaking, Limited visits on shore in some locations

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

• International and domestic air transportation
• Hotels and meals before and after the cruise
• Alcoholic drinks, espresso, cappuccino
• Dive equipment rental (other than dive cylinders, weights and weight belt)
• Nitrox refills
• Massages and Spa treatments (other than welcome massage)
• Travel insurance
• Onboard purchases
• Private tours
• Laundry
• On-board telecommunications
• Crew gratuities
• Fuel surcharge, estimated at approximately 100 USD/person/cruise
• Administrative/Port Clearance Fee, estimated at approximately $150 USD/person/cruise
• Transfer Air, Estimated at $250 per person each way
• Park Fee, estimated at $70 – $220 USD/person/cruise depending on the itinerary
• The estimated fees will be confirmed three months prior to departure

FARE?

Amount is in USD and per person double, discounted for cash & club membership plus extras see detail below based on trip. Please note that the price is the published one, per person in a deluxe cabin.  There is a $50 USD per person per night supplement for the 2 master cabins (Rama & Shinta).  Cabins will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  Additionally, there are some other additional costs not included in the cruise fee as noted above.

Deposit Required :

• Initial Deposit Due:                       $1,500 pp person per trip ($500 pp person for trips multiple trips).
• Additional Deposits Due:             9 month prior, 6 month prior
• Balance Due:                                  100 days prior
• Extras & Extensions:                    Due at or before final payment

Available Dates

2016	September 17-28, 2016
2018	April 14-26, 2018   North Forgotten Islands
2020	October 2020

Paperwork Needed

A complete a Cruise Application and Waiver Agreement by each person will need to be completed at the time of booking.

Please complete the credit card from and return it to us.

We require diving insurance for all participants and strongly recommend trip insurance.

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All prices are subject to change until booked and ticketed.

As with most small island properties, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces. We always recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems.  There are no refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Travel Insurance (ie: comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance) purchased at the time their reservation is made, may help protect guests from financial disappointment if they are prevented from making their scheduled trip due to illness or family illness, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or yacht from making its scheduled trip.

We require diving accident insurance. For your convenience below are links to Dive Assure . Both organizations offer Travel Insurance and Dive Accident Insurance and be purchased via our web site at https://oceanicventures.net/travel-insurance/.  Both Dive Assure and Travel Guard have a family plan. Dive Assure is diving insurance and also has a travel insurance option.

Please review the other terms and conditions.  Please remember, making a deposit means you agree with the terms.

Please plan to bring a copy of your logbook, c-card, and diving insurance.

As with all international travel, your passport Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity at the end of your trip.

You are responsible to make sure your passport is valid for travel.