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LIVEABOARD
EPICA
24m | 6 CABINS - 12 pax | 4 CREW
Epica Liveaboard is a budget liveaboard, sailing in Raja Ampat all year-round and offers different itineraries depending on the season and length of the cruise. They all have one thing in common – they are designed to make the most of your experience in Raja Ampat!
A traditional fishing boat, completely refitted for diving with sustainably planted trees. She may not be the biggest boat in the area, but definitely one of the faster ones!
About Epica
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The upper deck serves as a common area where you can lounge in a bean bag, take a nap in the hammock, and browse through fish books. This is also where all our buffet-style meals are served. A big table provides ample room to gather in the evening for a round of cards.
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The lower deck sits just above the ocean and contains 6 guest cabins with AC and bunk beds, accommodating up to 12 guests.
Cabins are basic and without frills but are equipped with AC, power sockets, and fans for your convenience. Two shared bathrooms provide freshwater showers, shampoo, and soap to keep up with basic hygiene.
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Conveniently located at the stern on the lower deck is our dive prep area. Here we fill the tanks, set up equipment, and get ready for our dive adventures. Often, we get to jump directly from the Epica onto the sites. Others may require us to take a quick trip in our tender.
“Epica is your best choice for a Raja Ampat budget liveaboard, while still enjoying the comfort of an in-room AC and the luxury of opening your door to a breezy, beautiful ocean view.”
Tours we offer
The Best of Dampier
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
We explore the reefs around Kri, Mansuar, Arborek, the Fam Islands, and Yanggalo.
USD 1.730
(IDR 26.815.000)
Dampier
& Misool
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
Welcome to one of the most extraordinary environments on the planet.
USD 2,160
(IDR 33.480.000)
Wayag
& Dampier
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
New Tour for 2025!
USD 2,395
(IDR 37.120.000)
Itinerary
Coming Soon
Epica takes you on a 7-day journey through the Dampier Strait – the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity.
Starting and ending our adventure in Waisai we dive approximately 19 of the most spectacular sites Raja Ampat has to offer. On our way through the Dampier Strait, we explore the reefs around Kri, Mansuar, Arborek, the Fam Islands, and Yanggalo.
The Dampier Strait separates the islands of Waigeo and Batanta and is part of the Indonesian Throughflow, channelling a gigantic volume of water from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean and back. These currents carry with them millions of eggs and larvae that supply the region with both genetic diversity and food. A buffet for sea creatures of all sorts!
Almost 75% of the world’s known hard coral species, 1400 species of reef fish, 17 types of mollusc, 13 marine mammal species and five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in the area.
A descriptions of typical dive trips, actual trips may vary due to weather conditions, or guest’s preference. We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee the dive site conditions.
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We meet up in front of the tourist information centre in Waisai at 11 am, where we will board the Epica.
Once on board, we make sure all the necessary paperwork is in order, allocate your cabins, set up dive equipment and brief you on the boat and dive safety procedures.
After lunch, we depart to our first dive site in central Raja Ampat. The check dive is usually at Friwen Bonda, a beautiful reef teeming with colourful fish.
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Raja Ampat is littered with tiny villages that feature rugged wooden jetties. Among the coral-encrusted pylons, you find a dazzling amount of sergeant majors, snappers and sweetlips gently swaying in the clear water.
We start the day with a drift dive at Sardine or Chicken Reef. Both sites are seamounts with a shallow top that gently slopes down to about 30m. Schools of snappers, fusiliers and surgeonfish provide a snack for pelagic predators such as barracuda, giant trevallies or reef sharks.
As we slowly move towards Arborek Island we explore the south side of Pulau Mansuar where two spectacular jetty dives wait for us at Yenbuba and Sawandarek village. The latter is also a cleaning station for sea turtles.
A land visit at Arborek gives you a chance to meander through the picturesque village and watch a fiery sunset on the white sandy beach. We conclude the day with a night dive at Arborek jetty.
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Whether you climb on top of a hill to admire the stunning view of Piaynemo or plunge into the depths of the underwater realm, it’s not just the destination, but also the journey that changes your perspective of the world.
For the first dive, we visit the well-known Manta Sandy, a cleaning station for reef mantas.
While enjoying our big breakfast, we cross over to the Piaynemo area where we dive Melissa’s Garden, named after the pioneer Max Ammer’s daughter.
Batu Rufas – dive site number three – is on the east side of Piaynemo and features a very photogenic submerged arch.
We conclude our day with a trip to the iconic viewpoint at Piaynemo. 341 steps lead to a platform where we can observe one of nature’s most artistic designs. The spectacular view is composed of the turquoise sea framed by jungle, where a handful of karst islets jut dramatically out from the calm surface of the lagoon.
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For day four, we stay in the neighbourhood. Fam provides some awesome, fishy dives that simply cannot be missed.
We start our day at My Reef where we play with massive aggregations of schooling fishes like fusiliers, jacks and snappers. The top of the seamount lies at 12m and is a popular chillout place for the tasselled Wobbegong shark.
Moving on to Kerou Channel we hope for current! The spectacular drift dive rushes us past a rich, coral covered reef where huge sea fans hold on for dear life feeding on the current. But don’t worry – there are also some sheltered areas where we can search for pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and other colourful reef critters.
On the northside of Piaynemo lies Barracuda Point, where we do our last dive of the day before crossing over to Pulau Yanggefo for the night.
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On our fifth day we swim side by side with massive aggregations of fish gathering around completely submerged reefs. One of our favourite pastimes is watching them hunt.
A morning dive at Citrus Ridge is a sure way to put a smile on your face. Teeming with fish the reef is coated in yellow and orange soft coral creating a fresh and happy backdrop for large schools of barracudas, playful sharks and hungry tunas.
We follow up with Mayhem where the name of the dive site says it all.
Heading back towards Arborek we stop at Lalosi for dive number three.
For all those who have missed browsing through seagrass and sand looking for small creatures, welcome to our favourite night dive site. The muck dive at Saporkren is full of surprises. From seahorses, to flamboyant cuttlefish, to swimming wobbegongs – a spectacular dive is almost guaranteed.
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This is the last full day to show off the biodiversity in Raja Ampat. We chose lush, healthy reefs in the Dampier Strait, that foster a large number of species. From pygmy seahorses to mantis shrimp to sharks – chances are we see them all.
Depending on the tide we start our day at Sardine or Chicken Reef.
On the eastern tip of Pulau Kri lies the famous Cape Kri, record holder for the most fish species found in one dive.
Our third and last dive of the day is at Mioskon, also called “Bat Island” because of its residential fruit bat population. At dusk they fly to the bigger islands to snack on fruit and return at dawn to settle in the trees for the day.
The sunset can be enjoyed on the white sandy beach of Mioskon with a cold beer in your hand. If you’re lucky and weather permits.
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The last day starts early. Really. But it’s worth it, trust us. We try to be the first to jump at Blue Magic, a cleaning station for oceanic mantas. The dive site can be a wee bit ‘currenty’. But while you cling to a rock and your jaw is locked tightly around your regs and you leave a horizontal stream of bubbles behind you, hundreds of schooling jacks, grey reef sharks, spanish mackerel and hopefully a few graceful mantas will make it all worthwhile. The last dive will be finished by 10 am at the latest.
Back on board, we gently prepare you for your departure. This includes a debriefing, delicious food, a group photo and plenty of time to gather your items while pondering how your belongings ever fit in your backpack when you left home.
After lunch, we say our tearful goodbyes and drop you off at the harbour – hoping the goodbye is not forever!
Diving will be finished by 10am or earlier. If you are returning to Sorong the same day, you will be ready to board the ferry by 2pm. Expected arrival in Sorong is 4pm.
Welcome to one of the most extraordinary environments on the planet - Worldclass diving, snorkeling, kayaking and SUPing though lagoons surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. Experience breathtaking viewpoints, birdwatching, cultural visits and Nature Hikes - Raja Ampat offers something for everyone!
A Raja Ampat Cruise brings you to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, located in the very heart of the coral triangle. Unspoilt, remote and packed with life it is home to 75% of all known corals species and close to 1500 species of fish including at least 35 that are endemic to the region.
All private Trips can be customized in terms of itinerary, sites and activities with your Cruise Director on board - also taking into consideration weather and ocean conditions - the below itinerary is meant to give you a feel for the different areas of Raja Ampat along the route.
A descriptions of typical dive trips, actual trips may vary due to weather conditions, or guest’s preference. We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee the dive site conditions.
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Welcome to the “4 Kings” – as you get on your Phinisi Schooner your adventure will start directly in the heart of Raja Ampat. Meet the crew, listen to a safety briefing, get a tour of the boat and get settled on board as we start our journey.
Just a short navigation away lies Mioskon island – this small island is located between the larger islands of Gam, Waigeo and Kri and the waters surrounding it is perfect for your first diving sessions in Raja Ampat. Get your first feeling of the amazing waters of the region and be prepared to be stunned by the biodiversity of marine life that will greet you as you enter the water.
For Divers/Snorkelers:
Mioskon, Friwen, Lau Lau, Batu LimaOther Activities:
Coconut crabs, flying foxes, beach visit -
Welcome to Misool – this chain of tiny islands in the southeast of the main island creates a network of hidden coves, thriving lagoons, impressive cliffs, striking caves, photogenic limestone overhangs, mangrove corridors and stretches of sparkling beaches.
The area is also a controlled MPA of 1220 Square kilometers and a role model for conservation in partnership with the local community.
The islands around Misool are grouped into several island clusters: Balbulol, Daram Wayilbatan, Yilliet –each satellite island group offers a full-day itinerary with several sites, so the places mentioned in this itinerary are only a few examples and there are plenty of alternatives – regardless of the exact sites chosen, Misool is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.
For Divers/Snorkelers:
Farondy, Three Sister Rock, Blue Hole, Magic Mountain, Boo Windows, Nudi Rock, Fabiacet, Gamfi, and Kaleidoscope.Other Activities:
Heart-shaped “Love Lagoon” (underwater) cave exploration prehistoric cave paintings Kayaking/SUP/Tender explorations Pearl farm visit friendly Jellyfish Lake. -
A cluster of rocky limestone domes makes up the Penemu Islands. Draped with tiers of green vegetation, the islets encircle a shallow green bay and a walking trail along the rocky hills leads to a look out with magnificent views of the lagoon, its outlying islands, and the ocean beyond. Take out the dinghy to discover the lagoons and limestone scenery at sunset nearby or take to a paddleboard or a kayak and enjoy the waters at your own pace.
Here we also have Melissa’s Garden – an extraordinary site famous for its amazing display of hard coral fields. This place is home to one of the largest populations of fish in the area. Especially during a brisk current, you can see an enormous parade of fish and marine animals. After, venture out to some of the most celebrated snorkeling and diving sites in the area, where turtles float over intricate coral gardens and meet large schools of game fish congregating in nutrient-rich currents.
For Divers/Snorkelers:
Melissas Garden, My Reef, Batu Rufus, Keruo Channel, Anitas ReefOther Activities:
Piaynemo viewpoint, Rufus viewpoint, explore lagoon. -
Dampier Strait is a true beauty with its white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, iridescent reefs, and a backdrop of lush rainforest. The strait that flows between Waigeo and Batanta is rapidly becoming known as having some of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in Raja Ampat as a result of the nutrient-rich ocean currents passing through.
The area also offers various land excursions into the jungle and mangroves and the chance to get u early to see the Birds of Paradise to perform their morning ritual. Other bird sightings in this area include Cockatoos, Huge Hornbills, Frigates, Eagles and Colorful Parrots.
For Divers/Snorkelers:
Blue Magic, Carpe Kri, Chicken Reef, Yenbuba Jetty, Sawandarek, Manta Sandy, Arborek Jetty, Citrus Ridge, Mayhem.Other Activities:
Bird Watching with a local Papuan guide, Russell Wallace hut, White beaches and visit local village. -
WAISAI - FAREWELL
After a final breakfast on board, bid farewell to the ship and her crew as the tenders deliver you back to port for a transfer to the airport or hotel. The trip will be finished by 10am or earlier. If you are returning to Sorong the same day, you will be ready to board the ferry by 2pm. Expected arrival in Sorong is 5 pm.
General information
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3 meals per day, fruit and light snacks
Drinking water, tea, and coffee
Fresh towels and linens
Dive guide
Weights, weight belts, and tanks (DIN tanks available)
Transfers between Waisai harbour and Scuba Republic Base Camp, for guests staying there before or after the liveaboard trip.
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Marine park fees:
for foreign nationals IDR 1,000,000 per year,
for Indonesian citizens IDR 350,000Local dive contribution:
foreign/Indonesian nationals IDR 500,000 per tripHarbour fee: 100 USD
Crew gratuities (recommendation: approx. 10% of trip cost / person)
Private guide (inquire for current prices and availability)
Refresher or course dives (inquire for current prices and availability)
Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
Flights
Insurance
Ferry and transfers between Sorong and Waisai
*VIP transfers to/from the Sorong airport or hotels nearby can be arranged on request for 50 USD/person one-way. Please arrange when booking. We aim to catch the 9am ferry. This condition can change because Ferry schedule changes are outside our authority.
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Full sets of dive equipment available for rent (excluding computer) at per trip price:
- 7D/6N 140 USD
- 9D/8N 180 USDOr per piece, per day:
- BCD: 5 USD
- Regulator: 5 USD
- Boots & Fins: 4 USD
- Wetsuit: 4 USD
- Mask: 2 USD
Computer (not available)