Epica, Indonesia

Name: Best of Dampier (Waisai - Waisai)
Start: 2027-01-17
End: 2027-01-23
Location: Indonesia

9.2 Superb

Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly

from $ 224 / day Check dates

“The crew is incredible: a mix of experienced western and local dive instructors. ”
Tobias Z, Germany

Highlights

Budget-friendly liveaboard to explore Raja Ampat
Maximum 4 divers per guide for a personalized experience
Visit famous panoramic viewpoints in Raja Ampat

The Epica liveaboard offers a budget-friendly way to explore Raja Ampat. She is simple but comfortable, catering to 12 guests in 6 basic twin cabins. Cabins are above deck to catch the ocean breeze and share 2 bathrooms with fresh-water showers. Meals are freshly prepared, offer a mix of local and international cuisine, and are served 'family-style' on the upper deck. The large upper deck is also kitted out with hammocks and bean bags, making it a great place to relax between dives and enjoy the incredible sunset at the end of the day.

Groups are kept to a maximum of 4 divers per guide and split according to experience levels so everyone can make the most of their diving. Enjoy the rich, diverse underwater world with a chance to see amazing marine life, from cool critters to large pelagic life such as manta rays and various species of sharks. You will also have the chance to visit one of the famous panoramic viewpoints in Raja Ampat. The trips on Epica are designed to make the most out of your experience in Raja Ampat when traveling on a budget.

Book online today to reserve your space.

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Date

Itinerary

Price

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18 Oct

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 2,395

FULL

28 Oct

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

FULL

05 Nov

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

FULL

13 Nov

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

FULL

21 Nov

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

FULL

29 Nov

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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07 Dec

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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15 Dec

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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22 Dec

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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30 Dec

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

Select Cabin only 1 space left

09 Jan

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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17 Jan

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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Included: VAT, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Land Excursions, Cabin Towels, WiFi internet.

Required Extras: National Park Fees (Rp2,000,000), Port Fees ($140).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Private Dive Guide (Rp750,000 / day), Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses ($30-190), Snorkeling Guide (Rp750,000 / day).

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

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Boat features

Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Sun Deck
Non-Smoking Rooms
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Outdoor Dining
Available for Charter
Local & International Crew
Leisure Deck

Food & Drinks

Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Beer available
Full-board Option
Snacks All Day
Buffet style
Western Food
Local Food
Set Menu Dinner

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year built: 2016

Length: 24 meters

Engines: Mitsubishi 200p

Max guests: 12

Number of cabins: 6

Number of bathrooms: 2

Tenders: 3.5 meters with 15hp Yamaha

Water capacity: 3600 liters

Boat navigation and safety

GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Oxygen
First Aid Kits

Epica Reviews

9.2 Superb

Vessel

7.8
Crew

9.3
Food

9.8
Diving

9.7
Value

9.3

9.6 Exceptional
Amélie S
France

Memorable
This trip was memorable and it is thanks in part to the team! A big thank you for this whole adventure.
Recommended for
The atmosphere. Security. The dives.
26 May, 2026

Translated from French

9.6 Exceptional
chris C
Australia

Amazing
The diving in raja ampat is amazing, so much life and variety of species to see. The dive and boat crew were fantastic, went above and beyond to look after all the divers. The amount of work they all put in was seriously impressive. My Seven days on the Epica was filled with moments of laughter, and a relaxing vibe. Thanks to all involved for a memorable trip.
Recommended for
Exellent dive masters and boat crew, fantastic food
30 Dec, 2022

10 Exceptional
Sofía B
Uruguay

The best trip
The diving spots I enjoyed the most were chicken reef and Melissa’s garden, was absolutely magical. What made the trip so amazing was the good vibes from the manager and the kind hearts of the crew ❤️
Recommended for
The diving, the crew and the experience
16 Aug, 2023

9.2 Superb
Heike C
Germany

We were only with 5 people on the boat, so we had a lot of space and the lack of comfort was well compensated.
The dive sites are awesome, also the shore excursions were super nice and brought a great change, with only 5 people on the boat everyone was super relaxed
Recommended for
The crew is outstanding, great guys, always in a good mood + 100% service-oriented, really take care of everything and always provide fun and a good mood
07 Jun, 2023

Translated from German

9.6 Exceptional
Paula J
Canada

Worth every penny!
The diving was incredible. The food was delicious. An excellent dive, eat, sleep, repeat experience. The two shore excursions were absolutely lovely. Manta cleaning stations. Amazing coral. Fish doing fish stuff in multitudes. Can't ask for much more.
Recommended for
Experienced guides & crew. Quality food. Quality of dive briefings.
11 May, 2026

9.2 Superb
Alexandra M
France

Best liveaboard ever :)
The night dives are incredible (encounter with all kinds of creatures)Some sites where we are completely surrounded by huge schools of fish The exchange continues with our dive guides always present both underwater and on the boat, always ready to answer our slightest question and ask us if everything is okay. The excursion At sunset of the fabulous pianemo.The young and dynamic atmosphere of all the staff.
Recommended for
The biodiversity of the sites, the quality of the organization, the professionalism and the friendliness of the crew
07 Nov, 2019

Translated from French

10 Exceptional
katie P
United Kingdom

Amazing week on the Epica
Every day was a highlight, sardine reef was the best dive and so exciting to do a night dive for the first time!
Recommended for
The diverse marine life, the staff on the Epica and the food! a
08 Oct, 2019

10 Exceptional
Maik R
Germany

Great time on Epica
I had a great tim on Epica Liveaboard… everything was good organized and the cruise director mad a fantastic job! He talked with the dive guides about the dive sides and always looked for safety and great dives! The food was fantastic thank you TaTa, the Girl with the loud voice 😊. The crew always helps us at revelry situation and was amazing friendly! The boot is a budget boot but have everything you need for having a great time! I liked the Jung guests how just want to have fun and great dives. Erroneous was happy and wi had a great time with Mantas, Sharks Nudies, Pygmy’s ….. I will come back!!!
Recommended for
Great Team. Amazing Dives. Very good organized.
04 Nov, 2024

9.2 Superb
Laurence N
France

Almost perfect
The dive sites superb.Manta rays.Sunrises and sunsets.
Recommended for
Professionalism of the staff, the outings on land, the food.
18 Oct, 2023

Translated from French

8.8 Fabulous
Caroline J
France

Superbe experience
The spots chosen by the team all lived up to our expectations!! The dives were amazing. Our dive guide did everything so that we could enjoy it to the fullest and knew how to share with us the pleasures and surprises of the ocean, whether in macro or for bigger ones. Looking forward to going back one of these days!!
Recommended for
The dive sites were amazing, we ate well, the team on board was great
03 May, 2024

Translated from French

76 reviews

9.2 Superb
76 Verified Reviews

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9.6 Exceptional
Grace S
Australia

Absolutely beautiful diving, amazing staff and serious value for money
Every dive brought something completely different, barracuda and trevally schools, rays, huge jump head parrotfish and the most beautiful, pristine coral. Raja ampat is absolute paradise, with stunning sunsets every evening. The Epica and it’s amazing staff made it an unforgettable experience
Recommended for
The staff!
21 Aug, 2019

8.0 Very good
Barbara H
Switzerland

Diving in a easy going boot in Raja Ampat mpat
Well organizerd, safety First, very good food. Good group.
Recommended for
The briefing of Erik, 6 stars. Nice and lovely crew. Good Air condition in the cabine.
01 Dec, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Denis G
Germany

A week in paradise
We stayed at Epica for a week.The personal highlight was the dive site "Melissas Garden".A great variety of fish and great intact reefs.We were more than satisfied with the professional crew and with Karin as our guide!She found even the smallest seahorses and thus fulfilled a dream of my friend to see them in the water.
Recommended for
The professional crew, especially Karin our guide. The dive sites with the intact reefs. The food on board.
02 Jun, 2026

9.2 Superb
INHEE J
South Korea

Make myself at home
I earned confidence of diving through this trip, thanks to Josh, who is my diving guide. Under the sea world is different from in Maldives, which was my previous trip. Here I could see more coral reefs and fish friends in and around them.the bottom line is I fully enjoyed being part of the sea world for 1300 hours.
Recommended for
Dive sites, dive guide, staff attitude
30 Sep, 2019

9.2 Superb
Amparo D
Spain

Diving in Paradise
From each dive I have a lot of wonderful memories. This place so far from everything is a paradise. And our Dive Masters who accompanied us on each dive and know the area perfectly made this an unforgettable trip.
Recommended for
The dive guides. The travelling companions. The paradise that is Raja Ampat.
24 Apr, 2025

Translated from Spanish

8.4 Very good
Tobias Z
Germany

Basic boat paired with very professional diving
The boat is really basic, but this is what we expected. Surprisingly, the cabins have an AC though. The crew is incredible: a mix of experienced western and local dive instructors. One night the local instructors even played music for us.
Recommended for
The crew (especially the cruise director). The non-diving activities (e.g. snorkeling in mangroves). The selected dive sites (e.g. mud diving).
06 Apr, 2025

10 Exceptional
Oliver S
United States

Great!
Two Americans on epica for the week, 19 dives, great food but lots of fried food. Always rice, veggies and protein, we are vegan and always had tofu or tempeh. Easy accommodations with AC! 12 people on board plus staff, two bathrooms. Great staff, always excited to see you! Diving with groups of 3-4. Great experience! Top dives in raja Ampat!
Recommended for
Staff excitement, locations, evening trips
19 Mar, 2024

8.4 Very good
Bastian S
Germany

Very enjoyable dive cruise
Manta Ridge, followed by many other fantastic dives during the week. Crew is a highlight on its own - thanks for an unforgettable week 🙏
Recommended for
Diving, Crew and Food
08 Mar, 2023

10 Exceptional
Rivkah J
United States

MAGIC!!!
The boat was very well organized and comfortable. The atmosphere was great and crew was friendly and professional. Food was great. The dive sites were above and beyond my imagination. Definitely one of the best experiences I've ever had!!! Highly recommended!!
Recommended for
Crew, food, comfort
31 May, 2019

10 Exceptional
Ines B
Germany

Unforgettable time, loved it!
Loved my time on board of the Epica! It‘s not my first liveaboard and some of them were fancier, but I never had a better time than here. Staff is always friendly and helpful, the boat was very clean, food was great too (good choices for vegetarians!) and diving was amazing. Schedule is awesome and great mix between diving and land excursions. If you‘re looking for a budget option to dive Raja Ampat, look no further. Big thanks to Josh and his amazing crew!
Recommended for
Friendliness Vibe Diving
14 Jan, 2020

9.2 Superb
Issie A
New Zealand

Best experience of my life so far
Seeing the underwater wonders Meeting new friends Being in such a beautiful natural environment
Recommended for
Amazing dive guides, fantastic staff and a great atmosphere on board
07 May, 2020

8.8 Fabulous
Saku S
Finland

Simple, but great liveaboard boat with excellent crew!
I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere on the boat. Crew was amazing and other guests very friendly and nice. The boat is simple, but everything that one would need is there! Food is very good! Diving in Raja Ampat is amazing and with this liveaboard you get to dive at best dive sites!
Recommended for
Amazing diving, Excellent Crew, Superb diving!
04 Nov, 2023

8.8 Fabulous
John H
United Kingdom

Wonderful Dive site unique to the Raja Ampat
Rare opportunity to see Raja Ampat special creatures and fish in fantastic locations.
Recommended for
The guides were very knowledgeable, Unique locations and the wonderful guests
21 Nov, 2022

8.8 Fabulous
Michaël J
France

If budget is your main constraint, this LA is definitely worth the price for the Raja Ampat experience
This is probably the cheapest liveaboard you can have in Raja Ampat, but then still "not cheap". The comfort on the boat is minimal, but the truth is when diving 3 or 4 times a day, this is really not an issue. Everybody during the week loved the experience. The diving is absolutely amazing, the staff was extremely nice, and I also enjoyed the extra activities (local village visit, islands, last evening beach bonfire). Because of the cheap price and no nitrox, the general level was skewered toward beginners, but that didn't impact my experience cause we had a nice group of more experienced divers. The dives were relatively easy all week along anyway.
Recommended for
Diving. Islands. Staff.
09 Mar, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Tjaž K
Slovenia

Best liveaboard we ever had.
When we came on the I thought that we booked wrong trip since the boat didn’t look nice at all. But after few hours we got used to it and we had the best liveaboard we ever had. Honestly the rooms are not comfortable, but everything else is perfect. Its perfect for young people, solo travelers, you wont get rich old people on that boat. They costumize the trip regarding your wishes, avoid going on crowded places, food is amazing, crew is amazing, guides are amazing. If i come back to raja ampat i will definitely choose Epica again. No need for luxury if you’re having time of your life ;))) Thank you Epica, thank you Brad for making this trip awsome!!! 🤗
Recommended for
Brad - instructor. Boat. Destination.
15 Nov, 2024

9.2 Superb
Pat H
United Kingdom

An unforgettable week of world-class diving
We had a fantastic week on Epica. Brad our cruise director was completely dedicated to ensuring the diving was world-class. On this trip we often saw amazing creatures such as manta rays, sharks, turtles and wobbegongs. Rikson our dive guide was an absolute expert at finding hidden treasures such as seahorses, nudibranches, octopus and mantis shrimp. The sheer variety of sealife was extraordinary. In addition to 3-4 dives a day, Brad threw in a few extras such as a viewpoint visit, desert island sunset and an unforgettable snorkeling trip in the mangroves. The crew, including the very smiley and enthusiastic cook Tata, looked after us really well. The food was really tasty with lots of fresh fruit and veg. The cabins were very small with bunk beds (but do have AC) and the toilets are shared. The upper deck is a really nice place to eat, hang out and watch the dolphins leaping by. Epica had a friendly atmosphere, underpinned by an emphasis on safety, proper dive briefings and a good grasp of what the divers wanted to experience.
Recommended for
Quality of diving. Skill of dive leaders. Friendly atmosphere.
28 Feb, 2025

10 Exceptional
Justin G
Canada

HUGE Manta Rays
Absolutely incredible Melanistic Manta Ray sightings. I highly recommend the Epica.
Recommended for
The nature. The instructors. The staff.
13 Mar, 2026

10 Exceptional
Nicolas C
France

Amazing crew and dive guides for the friendliest liveaboard of Raja Ampat
Our liveaboard on Epica with the Scuba Republic team was perfect! The young spirit of the crew and dive guides is really appreciated as well as their professionalism about the dive sites we visit throughout the 10 days. Dive sites are the best we have encountered seeing many wonderful species such as manta rays, 5-6 shark species, lots of macro and beautiful coral gardens very healthy and colourful. Food is amazing and always served as soon as you need it and the "chill area" and sundeck is a great plus to relax between dives ! Even if the boat is not the biggest you will find, it is good for 14 divers + crew. I highly recommend this trip if you are looking for a younger and funnier alternative to more "experienced and serious dive groups" on liveaboard..!
Recommended for
Wonderful dive sites, great atmosphere on the boat, professional equipment
28 Nov, 2019

9.6 Exceptional
stephan S
Netherlands

Professional and friendly guidance
Diving, underwater world, fantastic Raja Ampat, and the good protection of the nature park.
Recommended for
Diving, Christmas board special, fun
07 Jan, 2024

Translated from Dutch

8.8 Fabulous
Remy V
Netherlands

The Epica has been a perfect trip. Good diving. Friendship and enjoying together.
The journey on the Epica was amazing. The divemasters (Juanita, Rickson, Baldus) were so friendly and professional. They know all the spots were specific fish and marine life can be found. They were also great fun to hang out with playing cards etc. Baldus is a great singer on the guitar aswell. I felt very safe during the trip and really sad when it was over.
Recommended for
Great crew. Amazing diving. Amazing divers.
18 Aug, 2025