Epica, Indonesia

Name: Best of Dampier (Waisai - Waisai)
Start: 2026-10-28
End: 2026-11-03
Location: Indonesia

9.2 Superb

Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly

from $ 235 / 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

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

16 Sep

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

Select Cabin available

24 Sep

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

Select Cabin available

02 Oct

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

Select Cabin available

10 Oct

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

FULL

18 Oct

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 2,395

FULL

28 Oct

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

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 (Rp1,700,000), Port Fees ($100).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Local Transfers, 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.

Pay by bank transfer or online with

Best Price Guaranteed

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

9.2 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
Lando E
Germany

Amazing time in Raja Ampat
It was my first liveaboard and it was such a great experience. The dives were amazing and the crew was so friendly and always had a smile on their face, I enjoyed it so much. Food was amazing, too, everything was well planned and prepared, I can't recommend it more.
Recommended for
Corals. Crew. Diving.
22 Jun, 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

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
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

10 Exceptional
Theodore O
United States

Good for snorkelers as well
Excellent trip. I went as a snorkeler not a diver but also had a great experience. Brad and Rikson always arranged a good drop point or different approach for dive sites for me. Boat driver, Donny, was attentive and kept track of my location as well as the divers even if they were a bit different. Very safe. Side excursions added a lot.The crew were great.
Recommended for
Well organized and on schedule. Sites! Many of the "big ones" but some less-traveled as well. Food.
12 Feb, 2025

10 Exceptional
Tom P
Belgium

The perfect liveaboard for the price!
Everything
Recommended for
Very friendly crew (shout out to director Josh), great food and good schedule
17 Dec, 2019

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

9.2 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

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

Translated from German

76 reviews

9.2 Superb
76 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

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

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

9.6 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

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

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

9.6 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
Johannes B
United States

Great value for money, friendly and knowledgeable staff
Highlights of the trip were the epic dives followed by great food and vibe above water. No luxury here but great diving with great people for a budget price.
Recommended for
Amazing dive sites, value for money and friendly staff
03 Dec, 2017

8.8 Fabulous
Edward H
United Kingdom

Amazing trip with world-class diving on a budget boat
Amazing trip with world-class diving on a budget boat
Recommended for
value for money. Quality and Diversity of diving. Friendly crew.
28 Aug, 2025

10 Exceptional
Jessica W
United States

Epic experience
It is difficult to pinpoint because there were so many. The diving was magical. I have never seen such a variety and great numbers of fish and sea life and the coral/plant life of the reefs were stunning. This is the diving that can bring you to tears of joy. The shore excursions were great too, especially the trip to the Pianemo Viewpoint and the beach BBQ.
Recommended for
Phenomenal diving: from sea creatures to coral and reef variety. Outstanding crew: our dive guides and crew made the trip unforgettable. Quality of the trip for the price cannot be beat.
28 Mar, 2019

9.2 Superb
Diana K
United States

An Epic-a Experience
The Epica liveaboard was a wonderful experience! I went in July and got to see some amazing marine animals, the most beautiful corals, and most of the dive sites were only our group or very few other people since it was off season. The reefs were amazing and we even got to see a manta (despite time of year)! The trip had 18 dives and they were all so wonderful, I can't pick one as my favorite. Raja Ampat does not disappoint and totally lives up to the hype. I came here as a new diver and was nervous that I wouldn't be able to hold up but Josh and Stefan quickly helped and guided me to becoming an advanced diver. They're both extremely knowledgeable about the area - both on land and under water. Josh and Stefan went above and beyond to make sure that the trip was amazing and that everyone was having a great experience. In fact, the entire crew of the Epica were amazing and wonderful. The crew were so kind, keep the boat running smoothly, made sure all the gear was good to go, tanks filled, and the chef is amazing. The food was always great and they are accommodating to any food allergies. I feel like 7 days wasn't enough, I could have gone for a few more.
Recommended for
Dive location, guides, food
21 Aug, 2019

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
Femke F
Netherlands

Fantastic trip
It was 9 fantastic days at the Epica! From the start there was immediately a warm welcome by the crew! Everything was clearly explained and before each dive there was a good briefing by the cruise director Brad. The loft on the boat was great, and the trips in between were super beautiful. You won't be short of anything on the Epica, I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Recommended for
Good food!. Helpful crew. Fantastic guide.
05 Dec, 2024

Translated from Dutch

6.8 Review score
Anthony S
Canada

Speechless
Diving sites, friendly crew and value
Recommended for
The diving, crew, value
08 Mar, 2023

9.2 Superb
Antoine F
Canada

Amazing trip
Wonderful experience onboard Epica. Raja Ampat diving is really something else and the crew and dive guides made the trip great. The boat is really basic you get what you pay for. I definitely recommend Epica for divers looking for an affordable way to dive in Raja Ampat.
Recommended for
Dives. Crew friendliness. Activities.
20 Nov, 2024

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
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
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
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

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

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