Epica, Indonesia

Name: Best of Dampier (Waisai - Waisai)
Start: 2026-12-22
End: 2026-12-28
Location: Indonesia

9.2 Superb

Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly

from $ 249 / 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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24 Sep

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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02 Oct

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

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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

FULL

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

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29 Nov

7 Days / 6 Nights

$ 1,750

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

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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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

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
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

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

Translated from French

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

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

9.6 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
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

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

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
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

76 reviews

9.2 Superb
76 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

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
Borja G
Spain

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

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

9.2 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

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

9.2 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
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

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
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
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

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

9.6 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

10 Exceptional
Laura V
Spain

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

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

8.4 Very good
Angus K
United Kingdom

Excellent Raja Ampat
Amazing diving and other excursions. The group dynamic 5 different types of shark, 5 different types of ray. Thousands of fish and stunningly beautiful coral!
Recommended for
The group, the crew, the diving
29 Jan, 2020

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

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

9.6 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