Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2027
February 03 - February 14 , 0
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!
Stunning Reefs & Corals
Shark Encounters
Free Photo Workshops
Nitrox Included
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?
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 Single Cabin
Air Conditioning (AC)En Suite BathroomLaundry ServiceNitroxDouble Occupancy
$9,390p/p
Damai I Cabin 7
Air Conditioning (AC)En Suite BathroomLaundry ServiceNitroxDouble Occupancy
$6,275p/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.
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
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 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.
DAMAI I's Cabin 1 and 2
Cabins 5, 6 & 7
En-suite Bathrooms
Read the reviews of the Damai I here.
Photo Gallery
About the Trip Leader
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 28 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
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 2026
- Payment 3: $1,200 due 1 August 2026
- Balance: due 1 November 2026
Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2027
Book now and experience adventure
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by Jenny Hanna
