Epica, Indonesia

Small liveaboard, suits for groups and families.  Serious value for money. Friendly crew and dive guides. The best dive site of Damper Straight and Raja Ampat

Boat interior and exterior
A traditional fishing boat that has been fully transformed into a diving vessel, with a focus on sustainability. This open, airy boat features two decks, including a cozy sun deck atop the captain's cabin. The lower deck of has six guest cabins equipped with air conditioning and comfortable bunk beds, providing accommodation for up to 12 guests. Whether you're on a budget or seeking a Raja Ampat liveaboard experience, the boat offers the perfect combination of affordability and convenience. Enjoy the luxury of in-room air conditioning while waking up to breathtaking ocean views right outside your door.
The upper deck serves as a vibrant communal space where guests can unwind and enjoy various activities. Relaxation options include comfortable bean bags for lounging, a hammock for those seeking a peaceful nap, and a selection of fish books for browsing, fostering a deeper understanding of marine life. This deck is not only a place for leisure but also a hub for dining. Guests can savor delicious buffet-style meals served in this area, providing a chance to indulge in a diverse range of culinary delights while enjoying the open-air ambiance. In the evenings, a spacious table offers ample room for gathering and engaging in friendly card games, fostering a sense of camaraderie among guests.

Dive deck
The liveaboard is well-equipped to meet the divers' needs, providing essential amenities such as DIN Adaptors and Rinse Hoses. The dedicated dive deck serves as a convenient hub for preparing and organizing equipment, ensuring a smooth diving operation. Additionally, the boat offers tenders specifically designed for diving purposes, enabling easy access to dive sites and maximizing diving opportunities for all guests.
To ensure optimal diving experiences, this liveaboard strictly maintains small groups with a maximum of four divers per guide. These groups are thoughtfully divided based on individual experience levels, allowing each diver to fully enjoy their underwater exploration.

Safety
Safety equipment includes GPS, radio VHF/DSC/SSB, oxygen, and first aid kits.

Itineraries
Embarking on an unforgettable journey from Waisai, the liveaboard takes you on a remarkable diving adventure, exploring approximately 19 of Raja Ampat's most breathtaking sites. As the boat navigates through the awe-inspiring Dampier Strait, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse underwater wonders surrounding Kri, Mansuar, Arborek, the Fam Islands, and Yanggalo.
The rich biodiversity of this destination is nothing short of astonishing. With nearly 75% of the world's known hard coral species, a staggering 1,400 species of reef fish, 17 types of mollusks, 13 marine mammal species, and five of the world's seven sea turtle species, this area is a haven for marine life enthusiasts. Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant colors, intricate ecosystems, and fascinating encounters with a multitude of marine species throughout your journey in this extraordinary region.

When to Go
The Dampier Strait in Raja Ampat offers an extraordinary diving experience throughout the year, showcasing its stunning underwater beauty and thriving marine life. Each season brings its own unique charm and highlights, allowing divers to explore this underwater paradise in different ways. From October to April, the dry season envelops the region, bringing clearer skies and calmer seas. This period is considered the peak diving season in Raja Ampat, including the Dampier Strait. Under the warm tropical sun, divers can enjoy excellent visibility, sometimes exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), revealing the intricate details of the vibrant coral reefs and the rich marine life that call them home. During this time, the Dampier Strait becomes a hub of activity as various marine species congregate to feed and mate. Schools of colorful reef fish navigate through the crystal-clear waters, while curious sea turtles glide gracefully among the corals. November to April is particularly known for increased sightings of majestic manta rays, gracefully dancing through the currents. It's an awe-inspiring sight to witness these gentle giants as they gracefully glide above you.
Another highlight of the Dampier Strait is the opportunity to encounter the world's largest fish, the magnificent whale shark. From October to December, these gentle giants often visit the area, creating an exhilarating experience for lucky divers who get to swim alongside these majestic creatures.
The water temperature in the Dampier Strait remains comfortably warm throughout the year, ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F). This allows divers to explore the underwater wonders in comfortable conditions, making each dive a delight