Forgotten Islands

A chain of rarely-dived islands — Romang, Damar, Nyata and Dai — with healthy walls few divers ever see.

A lone volcanic cone ringed by hundreds of sea snakes and schooling hammerheads — one of the wildest dives on Earth.

Villages along the route still live by sail and barter, welcoming the few yachts that pass each season.

Smoking islets rising straight from deep water, with reefs fed by the upwelling.

Open-water passages with whales, dolphins and, often, nothing but horizon for a day.

When can you charter the Forgotten Islands?

Only September to November, the brief calm season in the southern Banda Sea. Outside this window the crossings are too exposed, so the route runs just a few weeks each year.

How long is a Forgotten Islands expedition?

Ten to fourteen nights. The islands are spread across open ocean between Timor and Banda, so it is a true one-way expedition, usually between Maumere/Alor and Saumlaki/Ambon.

Who is the Forgotten Islands route for?

Experienced divers and seasoned travellers seeking genuine remoteness — uncharted reefs, sea-snake islands and cultures rarely visited. It is a bucket-list expedition, not a relaxed beach charter.

Where do Forgotten Islands charters start?

They are one-way crossings — typically from Maumere (Flores) or Alor in the west, or Saumlaki/Ambon in the east, depending on wind and season.

What kind of yacht is needed?

A capable, fully-crewed expedition phinisi or motor yacht with long range, full dive support and an experienced cruise director — this is remote, self-sufficient cruising.