Epica, Indonesia

Name: Best of Dampier (Waisai - Waisai)
Start: 2026-09-08
End: 2026-09-14
Location: Indonesia

9.2 Superb

Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly

from $ 236 / 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.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

Select

12 Jun

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

FULL

20 Jun

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

FULL

28 Jun

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

FULL

06 Jul

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

FULL

14 Jul

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

FULL

22 Jul

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

FULL

30 Jul

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

FULL

07 Aug

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

FULL

15 Aug

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

Select Cabin available

23 Aug

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

Select Cabin available

31 Aug

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

Select Cabin available

08 Sep

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

Select Cabin available

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

Required Extras: Environment Tax, National Park Fees (1,700,000 IDR), Port Fees (100 USD).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Local Transfers, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses (30-190 USD), Snorkeling Guide.

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

7.7
Crew

9.3
Food

9.8
Diving

9.7
Value

9.3

9.2 Superb
Jinliang Z
Hong Kong

Marvelous trip in Raja Ampat
Diving is Raja Ampat is next level experience. Doing this with Epica is an extraordinary memory that will never be forgotten, especially for those with limited budgets and wild spirits!
Recommended for
People on board are really nice.. Diving experience was amazing.. The schedule was well organized and everyone has enjoyed themselves fo the 7 days..
10 Apr, 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
Genis C
Spain

Amazing liveaboard for a very reasonable price
All the dives have been incredible, the divemasters know the area perfectly. In addition, their experience and patience allow both beginner and experienced divers to enjoy a 10 trip!
Recommended for
Dive sites, experience and proximity of the divemasters and food
29 Jan, 2020

Translated from Spanish

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

9.6 Exceptional
Venkitaraman R
India

Excellent guides and staffs. great service . awesome food.
Excellent guides and staffs. great service . awesome food. Had loads of fun diving . The Director , Rachael made sure that we dive in right dive sites . Our Dive guides - Erica, Fenly and ED were top notch . made our divinhg really comfortable and exiting at t'he same time.
Recommended for
D
13 Dec, 2023

9.6 Exceptional
Borja G
Spain

Amazing
Great crew, great group and spectacular diving.
Recommended for
Diving, food, company
21 Jun, 2024

Translated from Spanish

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

10 Exceptional
Laura V
Spain

Amazing
Diving spots, food.. everything!
Recommended for
Diving instructors and crew!
08 May, 2023

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

8.4 Very good
Marco Lorenzo Flavio C
Italy

Wake up. Dive. Enjoy. Repeat
Every day was a surprise, every dive was amazing. The crew of the boat make everything to make you feel at home and our dive guides were amazing, not only underwater. The boat is basic, but who need a fancy yacht when you already have everything you need for diving and enjoying one of the best spot in the world?
Recommended for
Raja Ampat underwater corals and marine life; Our dive guides Fandy and Josh; The peace of the night
28 Mar, 2019

72 reviews

9.2 Superb
72 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

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

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

9.2 Superb
Olivier P
France

Don't hesitate, you have to go!
Very satisfied with this liveaboard. Very friendly participants and a perfect, dynamic and attentive supervision. Just like the crew and the chef who delighted us throughout the stay A bit of aging diving equipment as far as the one I got is concerned, but sufficient. The cabins that had put me off at the registration are finally pleasant thanks to their direct access to the deck. Eric is a really efficient organizer and guide. It was great
Recommended for
Dives and guide. Meals. Crew service.
23 Nov, 2025

Translated from French

7.6 Good
Kristin H
United States

Amazing diving and wonderful guides
By far, the quality of the diving was the highlight of the trip. All the central Raja Ampat dives were gorgeous. The guides were knowledgeable and safe. Another highlight was the short hike up to the look out in pianemo geo.
Recommended for
The guides were great, food was good and the diving was fantastic.
18 Oct, 2019

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
Mathilde C
France

Amazing Diving Week on EPICA – Highly Recommended!
I had an amazing week diving on the EPICA liveaboard, and I highly recommend it! The crew and Brad, the captain, were fantastic, super professional and friendly, creating such a great atmosphere on board. I also completed my Advanced Open Water certification during the trip, which was a great way to learn and improve step by step throughout the week. The food was Incredible! Tata is an amazing chef, every meal was delicious. Great dives, an awesome team, and an unforgettable experience. Don’t hesitate to book!
Recommended for
The dive sites. The crew. The food.
21 Nov, 2024

9.2 Superb
David G
Austria

Great experience
Awesome team
Recommended for
Very friendly crew. Good food. Great atmosphere.
11 Jan, 2025

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

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

8.0 Very good
Pei chin K
Taiwan

I'm very happy.
The diving experience was very enjoyable and fulfilling. For the price, I feel I could come back again.
Recommended for
The food was delicious.. The diving atmosphere is great.. Very cheap.
25 Feb, 2026

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

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

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

9.2 Superb
Brett O
United States

Fantastic trip!
Diving with epica was perfect. The food was great, the Indonesian crew was fantastic, and the diving was amazing. The room was definitely no frills (two bunk beds with AC), but i only went there to sleep at night. Spent most time in the water or up top relaxing. I might suggest putting guests on the other side of the boat, as the generator operating the ac is quite loud for guests at night. The 7 days trip was perfect for me, though i can see more hardcore divers adding a few days to get a little further north. Everything we did could have been done by day trips from the Wassai area, which was fine with me as this was my first time in Raja.
Recommended for
Dive master Chris. Early morning dives. Local crew smiles.
28 Aug, 2024

9.2 Superb
Gabriel G
Austria

Amazing trip with an amazing crew!
The crew on boat was brilliant and the diving spots amazing. I had a wonderful week on Epica and I ate some if the best dishes I have eaten during my travels in Indonesia.
Recommended for
Diving spots, Food, Crew
11 Mar, 2024

Translated from German

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
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

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

9.2 Superb
david T
Australia

great budget option to see amazing Raja Ampat
great budget option. cabins above deck are nice and airy (with a/c if needed). Good common area upstairs. Local Papuan dive guides very experienced.
Recommended for
great group atmosphere with small bunk rooms encouraging everyone to spend time together in the common area rather than in their cabin. very experienced local Papuan guides. good boat leader trying hard to time dives so we had sites to ourselves rather than when multiple other boats visiting.
06 Apr, 2025

8.8 Fabulous
Maurice L
Netherlands

Absolutely fantastic
It's a budget friendly boat so do not expect anything fancy. It's the crew, the diving and the freshly made food that makes the trip fantastic. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is on a budget and still wants to dive the highlights of the Dampier Strait.
Recommended for
The crew, the diving, the food
02 Dec, 2022