Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2027
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!
Stunning Reefs & Corals
Shark Encounters
Free Photo Workshops
Nitrox Included
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 #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
Includes FREE optional photo workshop
25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure
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.
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
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.
Dive Conditions
Average water temperatures in Raja Ampat are in the low to mid-80s. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended.
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
Visa, hotels, and food ashore before and after the cruise
Gratuity
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 3 contain a double bed. Cabin 5 and 6 are the biggest cabin 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 air-conditioned.
DAMAI I's Cabin 1 and 2
Cabins 5, 6 & 7
En-suite Bathrooms
Read the reviews of the Damai I here.
Trip Price
Trip starts from $7,055 per person.
Damai I Double Cabin
Air Conditioning (AC)
En Suite Bathroom
Laundry Service
Nitrox
Double-occupancy
$7,055
per person
Damai I Master Cabin 5
Air Conditioning (AC)
En Suite Bathroom
Laundry Service
Nitrox
Double-occupancy
$7,605
per person
Damai I Master Cabin 6
Air Conditioning (AC)
En Suite Bathroom
Laundry Service
Nitrox
Double-occupancy
$8,375
per person
Damai I Small Double
Air Conditioning (AC)
En Suite Bathroom
Laundry Service
Nitrox
Double-occupancy
$6,290
per person
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $1,200 to book your spot
- Payment 2: $1,200 due 1 January 2026
- Payment 3: $1,200 due 1 August 2026
- Balance: due 1 November 2026
Extend your trip
Trip Leader
Dan Bishop
Dan is an accomplished underwater photographer based in northern Virginia. He did his first dive at age 14 and has been an avid photographer for more than 28 years. Initially a skydiving photographer and videographer, Dan transitioned his focus to the underwater world, driven by a desire to capture the ocean's stunning beauty. Dan is skilled in both wide-angle and macro photography and has a passion for sharing his knowledge with others, particularly in a structured workshop environment.
View more of Dan's work here: DanBishopPhotography.com
Check availability
and start planning your perfect trip
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