Raja Ampat Photo Workshop on the Damai II 2023

2023 RAJA AMPAT UNDERWATER PHOTO WORKSHOP

Join us from November 26 to December 7, 2023 for some of the most amazing diving in the world on one of Indonesia's most luxurious liveaboards with a maximum of only 12 divers! 

WHY JOIN THIS TRIP?

• 25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
• Arguably the best diving in the world: highest number of fish and coral species in the world, great macro, amazing reefs and much more
• FREE daily photo workshops
• Great itinerary with unlimited diving covering Raja Ampat’s best dive sites
• One of Indonesia’s most luxurious liveaboards: the Damai II
• All-inclusive price: taxes, port fees, full rental gear, laundry, massages, Nitrox, beer and 1 glass of wine at dinner included (park fee excluded).  Package is usually priced at $37/night for a total of $370.

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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 the BWT trip to Raja Ampat in 2022 here.

The Damai II 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.

Watch footage from our 2022 Raja Ampat Underwater Photo Workshop:

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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, it’s 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

December Conditions

Average Raja water temperatures in December are in the low to mid-80s. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended.

Read the reviews on diving Raja Ampat here

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Inclusions

• All meals, snacks, soft drinks, beer, and one glass of wine at dinner. Additional wine and spirits extra.
• Unlimited diving, including night dives. Maximum diver to guide ratio of 4:1
• Full rental gear: BCD, regulator, 3mm or 5mm wetsuit, mask, fins, and computer
• Tanks, weights, weight belts, pony bottles (spare air) and dive torches
• Nitrox
• Laundry service
• Massages
• Land tours and group activities organized by Dive Damai during the cruise
• Government taxes
• All vessel port and harbor fees
• Transfers to and from Sorong airport or a local hotel on the day of embarkation and disembarkation

Exclusions

• Park fee (IDR 1,000,000), to be paid separately onboard, subject to change
• Airfare to and from Sorong. We can work with the Damai concierge team to assist in arranging your travel within Indonesia.
• Gratuity
• Dive insurance (compulsory) - we recommend DAN!
• Travel Insurance: click here to learn more about our preferred plan

TRIP TYPE

This trip is a PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP. It will be led by one of our photo instructors and will include daily underwater photography tutorials, in-water photography support, and one-to-one advice and guidance as required.

What to expect from our Photo Workshops

• Daily photo workshops - Your photo instructor will schedule seminars each day on topics including, but not limited to, equipment type and selection, the concept of underwater photography, lighting and composition techniques, and post-processing. They will also include additional topics relevant to the location and your experience.
• In-water support - Where possible, each dive group will spend time underwater with the photo instructor, receiving in-water support and guidance on their shooting techniques.  Participants can also request in-water assistance during the workshop and the photo instructor will do his or her best to accommodate all requests. 
• Consecutive days of practice & review - Each day you will have the opportunity to practice the techniques and skills learned in the previous day’s tutorials. If you are new to underwater photography you will likely see a vast improvement in just a few days.
• Daily photo image reviews - You are strongly encouraged to bring your laptop, a thumb drive, edit your photos, and submit your shots for review from both the instructor and your peers. These are fun and interactive sessions encouraging you to improve throughout the trip.
• Quality time with fellow photographers - Both new and experienced photographers from past workshops have expressed the advantages of joining a trip with like-minded divers with a passion for underwater photography.
• Suitable for everyone - New and experienced photographers are welcome on all our trips. Gain the necessary skills to start shooting great photos, increase your confidence in finding the best underwater shots, or hone specific skills. We also encourage non-photographers to join, as many of them really enjoy the daily photo reviews, learning about underwater photography, and some have even returned to a photo workshop with an underwater camera setup!

Enjoy free, unlimited access to a wealth of knowledge and advice from your photo instructor.

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Trip Schedule

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 December 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.

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About The Damai II

The below deck accommodation has been designed to accommodate single or twin occupants in a level of luxury not seen on another vessel in Indonesia. Each cabin boasts a private shower and head with a queen-size bed and a separate day bed. The cabins measure approximately 20sq.mts (225 sq.ft) each and have been finished with the highest quality furnishings. The stern staterooms are over 400 sq.ft each and boast their own private deck with loungers, a super-king size bed, day beds, two desks and ensuite shower and separate head.

Read the reviews of the Damai II here.

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Flight Information

The trip will begin and end in Sorong. When the time comes (no sooner than 1 year before departure) we can assist you with flight suggestions and booking if you prefer. Getting to Raja Ampat generally takes at least 2 layovers/connections, and will require roughly 2 days of travel.  

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ABOUT THE TRIP LEADER

Erik Lukas is an active diver and photographer based in Los Angeles, CA. He is a volunteer scuba diver at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA. You can expect to find Erik diving many of the amazing Pacific Ocean sites of Southern California, camera in hand, at any chance he can get.

See more of Erik’s photography at www.seeundersea.com or on Instagram @seeundersea.

"I am passionate about underwater photography in general and have a special love for macro subjects. For me the things that are hardest to spot hold the most interest. Documenting the commensal and symbiotic relationships is for me the most interesting…the smaller and more bizarre the better. I also have a passion for sharing my knowledge with others. My goal with all of my workshops is to ensure each guest leaves with a group of images that they are proud to share." Read more about Erik here.

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Payment Schedule

• Deposit: 15%
• Payment 2: 15% Due 11/1/22
• Payment 3: 30% Due 4/1/23
• Payment 4: Balance, Due 7/1/23

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SEE also:

Raja Ampat Dive Travel Guide 

Damai II Liveaboard: Amenities, Cabins, Reviews & More... 

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Photo Gallery 

Raja Ampat Underwater Photos from Previous Trips

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TRIP DOCUMENTATION

A resource of information for guests who have signed up for the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions