Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2026
February 02 - February 13 , 2026
Stunning Reefs & Corals
Shark Encounters
Manta Ray Encounters
Free Photo Workshops
Why Join This Trip- Inclusions & Exclusions
- Trip Type
- Trip Overview
- Accommodations
- Photo Gallery
- About the Trip Leader
- How to Get There
- Payment Schedule
Why join this Trip?
Cabin 7 is a smaller cabin shared with the Trip Leader
Damai I Double Cabin
Air Conditioning (AC)En Suite BathroomLaundry ServiceNitroxDouble Occupancy
$7,040p/p
Damai I Master Cabin 5
Air Conditioning (AC)En Suite BathroomLaundry ServiceNitroxDouble Occupancy
$7,590p/p
Damai I Master Cabin 6
Air Conditioning (AC)En Suite BathroomLaundry ServiceNitroxDouble Occupancy
$8,360p/p
Damai I Cabin 7
Air Conditioning (AC)En Suite BathroomLaundry ServiceNitroxDouble Occupancy
$6,275p/p
Damai I Single Cabin
Air Conditioning (AC)En Suite BathroomLaundry ServiceNitroxDouble Occupancy
$9,390p/p
OptionalLand Extensions
Inclusions
Exclusions
Trip type
Photography Workshop
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.
Read more about the trip
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 2023 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.
Weather Conditions
Average Raja water temperatures in Raja Ampat are in the low to mid-80s. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended.
Read the reviews on diving Raja Ampat here.
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
Accommodations
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 4 contain a double bed. Cabins 5 and 6 are the biggest cabins 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 airconditioned.
Damai I's Cabin 1 and 2
Cabins 5, 6 & 7
En-suite Bathrooms
Read the reviews of the Damai I here.
About the Trip Leader
Mike Smith
Mike Smith is a professional photographer currently living in Singapore. A British citizen, he was born in Africa and was brought up in Asia and South America while attending British boarding schools. Mike retired early from a corporate executive career to follow his long held dream to be a professional photographer. Around the same time Mike resumed his love of diving and it was a natural progression take his camera with him. Mike has dived extensively throughout South East Asia and always with his camera. Specialising in macro photography and specifically creative lighting techniques underwater, he has built up an extensive portfolio of images, some of which can be found on his website mjsphotostudios.com. Mike’s goal in leading workshops, first and foremost, is that everyone has a fun time and leave feeling they've learned something new and created images they are proud of.
How to Get There
Flight Information
The trip will begin and end in Sorong (airport code SOQ). The recommended route is to fly internationally to Jakarta and then take a domestic transfer to Sorong. We recommend arriving into Sorong at least 1 day before embarkation to allow time to rest and for delayed flights/baggage.
Recommended hotels in Srong are the Swiss BelHotel and the Aston. You will be transferred from your hotel to the boat on embarkation day.
On departure day, guests can book a flight out at any time.
We are happy to assist you with flight suggestions and hotel bookings if required.
Flight Package
Our group trips attract guests from all over the globe and many of our customers prefer to book their own flights to take advantage of mileage points or credit card discounts. For these reasons, flights are not included in our group trip packages.
However, we are more than happy to work with you to find the best travel itinerary for your trip and will gladly give suggestions and advice, even if you make the final booking. We will check through your travel reservations at any time to ensure they fit with the trip schedule and can give recommendations on transit hotels and day tours where needed.
If you would like us to book flights and transit hotels for domestic and/or international travel on your behalf, we are also happy to arrange this. Please be advised that there is a ticketing fee for this service.
Contact Us for more information.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $1,200 to book your spot
- Payment 2: $1,200 due 1 January 2025
- Payment 3: $1,200 due 1 August 2025
- Balance: due 1 November 2025
Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2026
Book now and experience adventure
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by Jenny Hanna
