Scuba Republic

Our dive trip began with a bit of confusion during the meet and greet at the jetty, likely due to another boat from the same operator departing at the same time. We were also asked to arrive at 11 AM, but ended up waiting an hour before we were taken to the boat. The safety briefing was given to us, but it was a very short and felt somewhat general, leaving many details unclear that we had to figure out later. For example, there were not enough life jackets in the cabin for everyone; we had to request them separately. Later we learned that KM Ocean Pure caught fire on 31.12. in the Waigeo area, fortunately all guests were rescued. Unfortunately, the cleanliness of the boat, cabin, pillows, and mattresses was concerning. It was evident that neither the cabin nor the entire boat had been properly cleaned in a while. The floors were dirty, and we found various dead insects under the mattresses, along with live cockroaches that were attempted to be exterminated at our request. The common areas, including bean bags and textiles, were also quite dirty. We were aware that there were two bathrooms for guests, but we were surprised to learn that those were also facilities for the crew, making a total of 24 people sharing the same. During the trip facilities were not well-maintained and had an unpleasant odor. There was only a small rinse station for cameras and computers, but there were no rinsing options for wetsuits, clothes, or shoes, which contributed to an unpleasant smell on the dive deck. On a positive note, the dive briefings were clear, and the dives in the Central Raja Ampat area were truly enjoyable. The dinghy driver was very helpful. The food on board was basic, consisting of rice and noodles with some sides. The snacks between lunch and dinner were modest, such as popcorn or cookies. The crew was friendly and helpful, and they even assisted us in purchasing ferry tickets from Waisai to Sorong, which was a nice touch. Overall, while there were some enjoyable aspects of the trip, there were also several areas that could use significant improvement, particularly regarding cleanliness. We hope that these issues will be addressed for future guests.

Loved it ! Would go back in a heartbeat . One of the best liveaboard trips I’ve ever done … and have certainly done a few ! Massive thanks to Brad and Resi who kept us safe and so comfortable in the water . As a diver for over 30 years …. You notice the small stuff …. Attention to detail in the briefs and making sure everyone diving to limits and profile perfect . The crew amazing !! Like a military operation getting us in and out of water . Absolutely loved it ! Very spoilt . Food 5 stars …. Like not a single bad meal ! You realise how good Epica is ! It’s a “ rustic “ boat but that’s half the charm !! Can’t recommend highly enough ☝️