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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!

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 #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 2027
Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2027 - image
Reefs
Feb 3, 2027 - Feb 14, 2027

Free Photo Workshops

Nitrox Included

  • 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.

    Dive Damai indoor dining areaMV Ambai sundeck with couches and tables

    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.

    Raja Ampat Dive Sites

    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

    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 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.

    Dive Damai Cabin 1Large bed in wooden cabin

    DAMAI I's Cabin 1 and 2

    Large bed and spacious accommodationsOutdoor terraceComfortable accommodations of Cabin 7

    Cabins 5, 6 & 7

    Large ensuite bathroomToilet and sink

    En-suite Bathrooms

    Read the reviews of the Damai I here.

    Trip Price

    Trip starts from $7,055 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
    Book this Trip

    Extend your trip

    Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of Indonesia before or after your trip with Bluewater. Flying all that way merits a multi-faceted vacation! Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your trip reservation:

    Fish swarm around corals Breath-taking corals in Raja Ampat A school of yellowfish swim past

    Read More

    Trip Leader

    Damai I Double Cabin - image

    Damai I Double Cabin

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $7,055

    per person

    Dan BishopDan Bishop
    Read more about Dan Bishop

    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 30 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 

    Read more about Dan Bishop

    Inquire about this trip

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    and start planning your perfect 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

    Damai I Double Cabin

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Nitrox

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    per person

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

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    per person

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

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    per person

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $7,055

    per person

    Damai I Master Cabin 5 - image

    Damai I Master Cabin 5

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $7,605

    per person

    Damai I Master Cabin 6 - image

    Damai I Master Cabin 6

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $8,375

    per person

    Damai I Small Double - image

    Damai I Small Double

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    En Suite Bathroom

    Laundry Service

    Nitrox

    Double-occupancy

    $6,290

    per person