Damai I Liveaboard overview

By
Yvonne Press
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Yvonne is a TDI instructor trainer and rebreather instructor with more than two decades of diving experience. After learning to dive on the Great Barrier Reef,...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, and the Forgotten Islands – the list of destinations covered by the Damai I liveaboard reads like the equivalent of a ‘Who’s Who’ of Indonesian diving destinations.

Aside from covering these crowd-pleasers, this liveaboard also travels to some hidden gems. East of Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay allows you to explore WWII wrecks. You could also be diving the one-of-a-kind Salvador Dali sponges of Gorontalo or exploring the little-dived reefs of Halmahera and Kalimantan.

Those looking for something less off the beaten track could discover Bali’s manta rays and mola mola from a liveaboard base? Every single itinerary promises an unforgettable trip.

Damai I allows you to explore Indonesian diving in comfort and safety. Designed in Tanjung Bira, south Sulawesi, this vessel was built by one of Indonesia’s most prestigious and experienced boat builders. Damai I combines centuries of traditional skills and decades of experience in boat building with modern safety technology.

Read on for our in-depth review of the Damai I.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

Things we like:

  • Beautifully designed yacht crafted by one of Indonesia’s most renowned boatbuilders
  • Excellent ratio of dive guides to divers
  • Outstanding camera facilities
  • Great combination of familiar and off-the-beaten-track itineraries

Things we don't like:

  • No internet access

Diving on the Damai I liveaboard

Unlimited buddy diving – need we say more? Actually, we do. The Damai I also offers one of the best diver-to-guide ratios in the region, with a maximum of four divers following one guide or instructor. This means not only will divers have plenty of opportunity to explore underwater, but they will also have experts close by when it comes to navigating currents, finding the best spots for pelagic species, and seeing some of the strange macro life this archipelago has to offer.

 All of Damai I’s journeys have been scheduled to make the most of Indonesia’s seasons— think of it as being in the right place at the right time to get the most out of your diving.

Damai I has some of the best facilities for photographers out of all the liveaboards in Indonesia, but let’s start with the dive deck itself. Each diver has their own sizable dive station with an individual rinse tank. Underwater photographers will love the camera room with separate workstations and charging stations for everyone. That means you never need to wait for others to finish before looking after your camera or preparing for the next dive.

Speaking of dives, all dives are done from the liveaboard’s two high-speed tenders, ensuring you reach your destination quickly and comfortably. It’s a great way to make sure you descend in exactly the right place. 

Highlights:

  • Unlimited buddy diving
  • Excellent space for underwater photographers
  • Individual dive stations and rinse tanks for every diver
  • 4:1 guide to diver ratio

Onboard the Damai I

The Damai I is so much more than a vessel that delivers you to your dive site. Booking a space on this 131-foot (40 m) yacht opens the door to incredible diving while indulging in a luxurious environment and outstanding personal service. When you’re not exploring Indonesia’s seas, take advantage of relaxing massages and other spa therapy treatments, all of which are included in the liveaboard cost.

All of Damai I’s seven cabins are spacious and well-equipped, but if you’re looking for a true treat, consider choosing one of the master staterooms. Stateroom five is located to the rear of the lower deck and is exceptionally large, as well as offering panoramic views. You can choose between a king-size bed or two large single beds, and the cabin features two wardrobes, desks, bedside tables, and four reading lights.

Located to the rear of the main deck, stateroom six may be slightly smaller than stateroom five, but it more than makes up for that with a private balcony. Of the remaining five standard cabins, three can be converted from double to twin beds, so they’re ideal for sharing.

When you’re not diving or spending time in your cabin, you’ll be spoiled for choice in a relaxation space that offers three dedicated deck areas with a combination of shade and spaces for sun worshippers.

Highlights:

  • Beautifully designed, traditional wooden interiors
  • Private balcony on one of the master staterooms
  • Massages and spa treatments available as part of your liveaboard package
  • Three relaxation areas offer plenty of space to enjoy the scenery between dives

Dining on the Damai I

The Damai I’s culinary team has one goal—to make guests feel like they’re dining in a four-star restaurant with unparalleled ocean views. As a diver on this liveaboard, you’ll be treated to three gourmet meals every day. Some meals are served buffet-style while others will be delivered a la carte, but all are chef-prepared.

Despite the remote locations the Damai I visits, the chefs never compromise on food quality. The team stocks the boat in advance but also uses locally grown produce and regularly transports food to the boat. Aside from the main meals, divers can enjoy snacks throughout the day.

For many divers, a sunset beer or a glass of wine with their dinner rounds out a successful day of diving, so enjoy a free glass of table wine, beer, or a soft drink with your evening meal. The crew also offers wine by the bottle for purchase, and guests are welcome to bring their own wine and spirits.

Because of the remoteness of some of the departure points, the culinary team asks divers to let them know of any dietary requirements well in advance to make sure specific ingredients reach the boat in time.    

Highlights:

  • Enjoy 4-star cuisine with incredible ocean views
  • Combination of buffet and a la carte meals available
  • One glass of wine included with dinner

Things we like:

  • Beautifully designed yacht crafted by one of Indonesia’s most renowned boatbuilders
  • Excellent ratio of dive guides to divers
  • Outstanding camera facilities
  • Great combination of familiar and off-the-beaten-track itineraries

Things we don't like:

  • No internet access
Key Facts
Year Built 2009
Max Divers 12
Price Range Luxury
Trip Length 8+ Nights
Internet No
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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