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Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2026

Join us in Raja Ampat for some of the most amazing diving in the world on the luxurious Damai I liveaboard. Free daily photo workshops included!

50% discount due to last-minute cancellation WAS $7,040 NOW ONLY $3,520

Book this Trip
Book this Trip

Stunning Reefs & Corals

Shark Encounters

Why Join This Trip

  • Discover why our Raja trips are the pinnacle of diving with insane biodiversity

  • Raja is considered by many to be their No. 1 top bucket list dive destination in the world

  • 11-night route dives the absolute best of Raja, including top north & south dive sites

  • With only 12 guests, the Damai I delivers the top luxury liveaboard experience in the world

  • Manta rays, wobbegong sharks, mind-blowing corals and schooling fish, highest marine diversity in the world

  1. Guided group trips-
  2. Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2026
Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2026 - image
Macro
Feb 2, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026

Manta Ray Encounters

Free Photo Workshops

  • Includes FREE optional photo workshop

  • Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure.

  • 25% discount on photo gear rental from Bluewater Photo

  • Trip overview

    Trip Overview

    The jewel-like islands of Raja Ampat are caressed by a convergence of swift nutrient-rich currents. Here the pulse of marine life thrives from the sea floor to the surface where the kaleidoscope of corals can start in less than a meter of water.

    There are sites that are so pristine and packed with growth, that a photographer is hard-pressed to find a spot to place a steadying finger. Exotic sea life and macro critters abound, of course, and photo opportunities border on overwhelming. But at the end of the day, the most memorable moments for us are what can rarely be captured in digital format: the incredible experience of drifting along miles of exquisite reef brimming with a rainbow of hues and activity, the likes of which few have ever experienced.

    Read all about our 2025 trip to Raja Ampat here.

    Dive DamaiDive Damai

    The Damai I has been specifically designed for cruising and diving in the tropical waters of Indonesia, with passenger well-being always the top priority. Equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment, the DIVE DAMAI fleet sets a new standard for safety as well as comfort, service and passenger amenities.

    Of course, even the best ship is only as good as her crew, and this is another area where DIVE DAMAI shines. Every trip is managed by a highly qualified and experienced western cruise director, complimented by an ever-helpful Indonesian crew, all of whom are dedicated to making your diving holiday the trip of a lifetime.

    Marine Life To Photograph

    Raja Ampat has one of the highest numbers of fish species of anywhere on the planet. Here are just a few examples of marine life you're likely to see: wobbegong sharks, jacks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, trevally, bumphead parrotfish, pygmy seahorses, batfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, barramundi cod, and a good variety of nudibranchs.

    If you look a little deeper when the current picks up, you can see reef sharks at most sites, especially at places like Blue Magic and Sardines. These are also prime locations for schooling fish, which tend to gather when the current is running. At such times, its not unusual to be surrounded by clouds of fusiliers and surgeonfish in mid-water, while legions of sweetlips completely obscure large coral heads below.

    See also: Raja Ampat Dive Travel Guide

    Raja Ampat 2023Raja Ampat 2023

    Sample Itinerary

    The itinerary can be variable and will be planned according to the direction of the trip leader and cruise director on board. They will have a good idea at that time of the conditions at the various locations. A typical itinerary would include the following locations:

    • Days 1 - 3: Dampier Strait, Arborek, Waigeo, Aljui Bay (all considered to be Northern Raja Ampat)
    • Days 4 - 7: Move to "Southern Raja Ampat" - Bo'o, Fiabacet, Daram, Balbulol
    • Days 8 - 10: Slowly move north back to Sorong - Batanta, Yanggefo, Kri, etc.

    Diving Conditions

    Raja Ampat offers exceptional diving conditions between December and February, as this falls within the calm season. This time of year provides warm waters and relatively predictable weather, making it ideal for diving adventures. 

    • Water Temperature - 80F~86F (27C~30C) degrees year-round
    • Depth Range - Ranging from 30 to 70 feet 
    • Diving Difficulty - Air temperatures are reliably constant, with a daytime average maximum of 89F (32C) and a nightly minimum of 77F (25C)

    Read the reviews on diving Raja Ampat here.

    Recommended Scuba Gear

    • 3mm wetsuit. Browse Wetsuits at Bluewater Photo
    • SMB. The Mares Dive Marker Buoy is our choice!
    • Skins. Check out these sharkskins.
    • Snorkel gear. We recommend the Cressi ZS1 & Corsica Snorkeling Package
    • Travel BCD. Read our Best Travel BCD Article
    • Travel regulator. We suggest Mares Ultra 62X Dive Regulator

    Trip Inclusions

    • FREE daily photo workshops and tutorials

    • FREE Nitrox

    • Accommodations in a standard cabin, double occupancy

    • All meals and drinks while on board (excluding wine and spirits) - one glass of wine per person each night will be complimentary

    • Unlimited daytime diving and night dives (as per request and schedule permitting)

    • Full rental gear

    • Tanks, weights, and weight belts

    • Laundry service

    • Massages

    • Land tours and group activities organized by Dive Damai during the cruise

    • Government taxes

    • Return transfers to/from the vessel to/from the airport or hotel on the day of embarkation and disembarkation, within a distance of 20km

    Trip Exclusions

    • All vessel port and harbour fees ($440 per person, subject to change)

    • National Park/maritime areas entrance fee ($150 per person, subject to change)

    • Dive insurance MANDATORY

    • Travel insurance MANDATORY -ask us about our preferred partner plan

    • Airfare to and from Sorong - please ask us for airfare assistance if required

    • Visa, hotels, and food ashore before and after the cruise

    • Gratuity

    Book this Trip

    Accommodation

    About The Damai I

    The vessel has 7 staterooms with a choice of single cabins, twins, doubles or two spacious master cabins. Cabins 1 and 3 can be configured with a double bed or two single beds, while Cabins 2 and 4 contain a double bed. Cabins 5 and 6 are the biggest cabins at 40sq. meters and 35sq. meters, respectively. Both can have a king-sized bed or two large single beds and offer an amazing view of the ocean. Cabin 6 also comes with its own private balcony. Cabin 7 can be configured with a king double or twin beds and has direct access to the sun deck. All cabins come complete with a desk, wardrobe, reading lights, and a bedside table. All rooms are also fully airconditioned.

    Arenui LiveaboardDamai I

    Damai I's Cabin 1 and 2

    Damai IDamai IDamai I

    Cabins 5, 6 & 7

    Damai IDamai I

    En-suite Bathrooms

    Read the reviews of the Damai I here.

    Trip Price

    Trip starts from $3,520 per person.

    Payment Schedule


    • Deposit: $1,200 to book your spot
    • Payment 2: $1,200 due 1 January 2025
    • Payment 3: $1,200 due 1 August 2025
    • Balance: due 1 November 2025
    Book this Trip

    Extend your trip

    Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of the Indonesia before or after your workshop in Raja Ampat with Bluewater. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! Lembeh and Wakatobi are amazing destinations nearby that offer a range of additional unique experiences. Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your reservation:


    Raja Ampat 2023 Raja Ampat 2023

    Cabin 7 is a smaller cabin shared with the Trip Leader

    Read More

    Trip Leader

    Damai I Double Cabin - image

    50% OFF

    Damai I Double Cabin

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $7,040

    $3,520

    per person

    Mike SmithMike Smith
    Read more about Mike Smith

    Mike Smith

    Mike Smith is a professional photographer currently living in Singapore. A British citizen, he was born in Africa and was brought up in Asia and South America while attending British boarding schools. Mike retired early from a corporate executive career to follow his long held dream to be a professional photographer. Around the same time Mike resumed his love of diving and it was a natural progression take his camera with him. Mike has dived extensively throughout South East Asia and always with his camera. Specialising in macro photography and specifically creative lighting techniques underwater, he has built up an extensive portfolio of images, some of which can be found on his website mjsphotostudios.com. Mike’s goal in leading workshops, first and foremost, is that everyone has a fun time and leave feeling they've learned something new and created images they are proud of.

    Read more about Mike Smith

    Inquire about this trip

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    Damai I Master Cabin 5 - image

    Damai I Master Cabin 5

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Damai I Master Cabin 6 - image

    Damai I Master Cabin 6

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Damai I Small Double - image

    Damai I Small Double

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Damai I Double Cabin - image

    50% OFF

    Damai I Double Cabin

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $7,590

    per person

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $8,360

    per person

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

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    per person

    Laundry Service

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $7,040

    $3,520

    per person

    Damai I Master Cabin 5 - image

    Damai I Master Cabin 5

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $7,590

    per person

    Damai I Master Cabin 6 - image

    Damai I Master Cabin 6

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $8,360

    per person

    Damai I Small Double - image

    Damai I Small Double

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    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $6,275

    per person