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Diving on Epica liveaboard
Epica’s Raja Ampat expeditions promise spectacular diving adventures within the Indonesian throughflow’s rich currents. From wall dives to drifts, to serene shallow coral reefs, the voyage reveals diverse underwater landscapes.
Witness the fusion of currents at sites like Cape Kri and Blue Magic, offering rewarding marine life encounters with wobbegong sharks, giant mantas, and vibrant reef critters.
Dives from the Epica liveaboard are conducted directly from the back of the boat or from tenders, ensuring convenient access to varied dive spots. Embarking from Waisai, the Epica offers three distinct itineraries in Raja Ampat, from six nights with 19 dives up to nine nights with 27 dives. Each itinerary is meticulously curated to include remote locations and land excursions.
While no specific qualifications are mandated, intermediate to advanced diving skills are recommended to fully appreciate the sometimes challenging conditions in Raja Ampat. For safety and comfort, all diving is done in small groups according to experience level, with a maximum ratio of four divers per guide. Epica offers gear rentals at a surcharge for those who wish to pack light.
Highlights:
- 1:4 guide-to-diver ratio
- Up to 27 dives per trip
- Marine life including wobbegong sharks and manta rays
- Three itineraries in Raja Ampat
Onboard Epica
The Epica, a transformed traditional fishing boat with a focus on sustainability, offers a budget-friendly experience for up to 12 guests across its two decks. The lower deck houses six basic yet comfortable cabins with air conditioning, fans, power sockets, and cozy bunk beds.
Two shared bathrooms are equipped with freshwater showers, shampoo, and soap. Despite not being the largest vessel, the Epica stands out as one of the faster boats in the area, prioritizing efficiency during travel.
The upper deck serves as a vibrant communal space for relaxation and interaction among guests. Comfortable bean bags and a hammock offer ideal spots for lounging or enjoying a peaceful nap. Dive enthusiasts can peruse the on-hand fish ID books while they relax. This area also doubles as a dining space, and, in the evenings, the spacious table encourages social gatherings and friendly card games.
The dive deck, located at the stern on the lower deck, offers plenty of space to put on and take off gear before and after dives. Epica offers essential amenities, such as DIN adaptors and rinse hoses, to facilitate smooth dives.
Highlights:
- Hammock on the upper deck
- AC in rooms
- Focus on sustainability
Dining onboard Epica
Meals aboard the Epica offer a delightful mix of local and international cuisine, freshly prepared and served family-style on the upper deck. The dining experience primarily revolves around buffet-style meals, providing a diverse and fresh selection of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The culinary team is attentive to dietary restrictions and preferences, given enough advance notice.
The trip includes drinking water, tea, and coffee as part of the package. Guests can also purchase beer and soda at reasonable prices.
Highlights:
- Mix of local and international cuisine
- Caters towards dietary requirements
- Dietary restrictions catered to
Things we like:
- Budget-friendly
- Cruises year-round in Raja Ampat
- Mix of land excursions and diving
Things we don't like:
- Shared bathrooms
- Nitrox is not available
- Only bunk beds available
- 4 crew for 12 guests
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2016 |
| Max Divers | 12 |
| Price Range | Budget |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | No |
| Nitrox | No |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | No |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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