Epica, Indonesia

Name: Best of Dampier (Waisai - Waisai)
Start: 2026-11-21
End: 2026-11-27
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.

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Date

Itinerary

Price

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23 Aug

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

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31 Aug

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,650

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08 Sep

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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16 Sep

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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24 Sep

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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02 Oct

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

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 2 spaces left

05 Nov

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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13 Nov

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

FULL

21 Nov

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: 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
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

9.6 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

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

9.6 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
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
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

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

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

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

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

76 reviews

9.2 Superb
76 Verified Reviews

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9.2 Superb
Choong P
Malaysia

Amazing dive experience and living a boat
The encounter of different varieties of underwater fishes which may hard to be seen in other part of the world. The dolphins and whale sharks that swim around the boat while sailing across the different island. The friendly and helpful crews give the most comfortable trip on the boat
Recommended for
The best view above and underwater. The experience dive guide put the safety and comfort as the priority of each guest
02 Mar, 2020

9.6 Exceptional
Geoffrey M
United Kingdom

Amazing trip and so glad I booked onto Epica!
Diving amongst huge shoals of fishes, the pristine coral reefs and the astonishing biodiversity. The whole dive team and boat crew were superb too. Loved the little hike up to the viewpoint on Pyanemo island and the beach BBQ on the last night was a nice touch as well.
Recommended for
The dive guides, the boat crew and the fabulous diversity of marine life.
10 Dec, 2019

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

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

9.2 Superb
David G
Austria

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

9.6 Exceptional
Audrey H
France

Fabulous
I did a 7d/6n cruise aboard Epica which was fabulous. The dive sites are great, there is a bit of daily navigation but without being excessive which allows us to rest between dives. The boat is open which gives an impression of freedom, with places in the sun, others in the shade, mattresses and poufs which is very pleasant to rest. The cabins are small but comfortable with AC, shower and toilet correct and clean. The meals were all excellent! And the team was really very professional, listening to our desires while remaining discreet and non-invasive. Juanita the dive director was really very nice, very professional and very attentive to everyone! I recommend 100%
Recommended for
Dive site. Professionalism of the team. Excellent meal.
04 Oct, 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

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
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

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

6.8 Review score
Anthony S
Canada

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

9.6 Exceptional
Guylaine F
France

Great cruise for a first experience in Raja Ampat
All the dives were superb, especially the one at Manta Reef but far too many divers at the same time: the price of success
Recommended for
Choice of sites, attention of the crews, experienced dive guideAll
01 Feb, 2023

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

9.6 Exceptional
Becky Y
Canada

Budget liveaboard, but delivered the dives at Raja Ampat with a Bang!
I learned that Epica is owned by Scuba-Republic which also owns the Jaya Liveaboard that takes divers to both the Raja Ampat and Komodo. The company also runs the Bira Diver Camp in South Sulawesi. With a wealth of experience, it was no wonder that Epica was expertly run. Due to its basic, no frill (but ever so clean, well-maintained and cheery!) boat, wholesome but not fancy meals and somewhat small sleeping quarters, Epica’s price is a lot lower than the more luxurious boats at Raja Ampat. Cheap does not mean cutting corners on this boat! Matt, the Dive Leader Extraordinaire, ran a tight ship, and took his job very seriously. He made sure that all the dives were well-organized and all the details, big and small, were taken care of (He and Shali, the dive master, gave us the most thorough pre-dive briefings that I‘ve ever come across!) and that everything went smoothly on the trip! For Heaven’s sake, Matt and Shali even played card games with us EVERY single evening to keep us happy and engaged! The Epica Captain and the crew were equally attentive and very capable! So, all 5 of us divers just enjoy our dives and had the times of our lives on this totally customers- oriented liveaboard. Among the many wonderful marine creatures that we came cross in Raja Ampat, we were very lucky as we saw many majestic giant manta rays in our 2 dives at the manta cleaning station at the Blue Magic dive site. In one dive, they kept coming to us for a solid hour! (My GoPro went out of battery and SD card!) Woebegong sharks, the very unique-looking sharks indigenious to Raja Ampat, were seen quite often in our dives. Honestly, even on our first dive (a check dive) at a site near Waigeo Island (our departure point) that was known to be murky, we came across a huge cuttlefish that camouflaged and changed its colors and textures right in front of our eyes! How exquisite!
Recommended for
Giant manta rays, Dive Masters and the crew, price
03 Mar, 2018

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

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

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

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

9.6 Exceptional
sheana M
United States

Incredible trip!
We saw so many incredible things like Pygmy seahorses, tons of reef mantas swimming above us, 2 oceanic rays (this was rare!), octopuses, sharks like black and white tip reefs and wobbegongs. Our dive master Rolly was awesome, the food was good, things happened on schedule (I love the punctuality!) and the weather was superb. I’ll remember this forever
Recommended for
Oceanic mantas rays, octopuses, and wobbegongs
25 Feb, 2024