Raja Ampat Photo Workshop on the Damai I Feb 2027

Supreme Luxury Raja Ampat Peak Season Liveaboard 2027

Photography Workshop

Join us from February 3 - 14, 2027 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?

• Discover why our Raja trips are the pinnacle of diving with insane biodiversity
• Raja is considered by many to be their #1 top bucket list dive destination in the world
• 11-night route dives the absolute best of Raja, including top north & south dive sites
• With only 12 guests, the Damai I delivers the top luxury liveaboard experience in the world
• Manta rays, wobbegong sharks, mind-blowing corals and schooling fish, highest marine diversity in the world
• Includes FREE optional photo workshop
• Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure. 

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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 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.

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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

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

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Inclusions

• FREE daily photo workshops and tutorials
• FREE Nitrox 
• Accommodations in a standard cabin, double occupancy 
• All meals and drinks while on board (excluding wine and spirits). One glass of wine per person each night will be complimentary. 
• Unlimited daytime diving and night dives (as per request and schedule permitting)  
• Full rental gear 
• Tanks, weights, and weight belts 
• Laundry service 
• Massages 
• Land tours and group activities organized by Dive Damai during the cruise 
• Government taxes 
• Return transfers to/from the vessel to/from the airport or hotel on the day of embarkation and disembarkation, within a distance of 20km

Exclusions

• All vessel port and harbour fees ($440 per person, subject to change) 
• National Park/maritime areas entrance fee ($150 per person, subject to change) 
• Dive insurance MANDATORY
• Travel insurance MANDATORY
• Airfare to and from Sorong. Please ask us for airfare assistance if required 
• Visa, hotels, and food ashore before and after the cruise 
• Gratuity

Trip Type

This trip is a PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP. It will be led by one of our photo instructors who will provide daily instructional tutorials, in-water photography support (when appropriate), and one-to-one advice and guidance, as required. Each workshop offers a bespoke syllabus, crafted by the trip leader and detailed on the trip webpage. While our Photography Workshops are aimed at divers with an interest in underwater photography, anyone is welcome to join.

Learn more about what's included in this trip type.

Trip Syllabus

This workshop will include formal instruction plus 1:1 help as needed. There will be a daily one-hour class which will include PowerPoint presentations, group discussions, image reviews, and live demonstrations (e.g., Adobe Lightroom Classic, Topaz). 

Foundational Topics will Include: 

• 1. Successful Wide Angle and Macro Photography Fundamentals 
• 2. One-Time Camera Setup (DSLR/Mirrorless and Compact Cameras) 
• 3. Focusing Fundamentals: Understanding Depth of Field, Autofocus Types, Focus Tracking, Back Button Focusing, Focus Pipper, and Underwater Focus Techniques 
• 4. Exposure Basics: Understanding the Exposure Triangle and how to effectively use Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO for underwater images. Also includes an in-depth review of Strobe Techniques 
• 5. Composition: Understanding how to Compose captivating images that 'tell a story' 
• 6. Putting It All Together: Understanding how to incorporate Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO, Strobes, and Composition Techniques into a simple underwater workflow
• Each topic will include definitions, techniques, tips, and example images to illustrate the points.

 Intermediate Topics will Include: 

• 1. Additional Wide Angle Techniques: Understanding how to shoot Sun Balls, Subjects on Sand, Close Focus Wide Angle, Sea Lions, Diver Models, Silhouettes, and Ambient Light Shots 
• 2. Additional Macro Techniques: Understanding Snooting, Super Macro, Bokeh, and Back Lighting (Interest and time permitting)
• 3. Introduction to Lightroom Classic: PowerPoint and Live Demo to Cover: 
• a) Lightroom Key Concepts 
• b) Library Module Overview 
• c) Develop Module Overview 
• d) Basic Editing Workflow: In-depth walkthrough of Image Import, Best Image Selection techniques, Global Edits for general exposure and color correction, Image Export and Collections

Advanced Topics will Include: 

• 1. Advanced Lightroom Editing: In-depth walkthrough of Local Edits (masking types and techniques, local color corrections, local exposure adjustment, etc), Backscatter Removal, and Imaging Sharpening and Denoising techniques using Lightroom and Topaz
• 2. Time permitting, there will be a video editing overview using Premiere Pro
• There will be an evening sign-up sheet for additional 1:1 help on any topic (photo or editing), schedule permitting. In addition, Dan will provide basic help underwater as conditions allow.

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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 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 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 airconditioned.

DAMAI I's Cabin 1 and 2

Cabins 5, 6 & 7

En-suite Bathrooms

Read the reviews of the Damai I here. 

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About the Trip Leader

Dan is a passionate underwater photographer based in northern Virginia.  He did his first dive at age 14 and has been an avid photographer for more than 25 years.  Dan started out as a skydiving photographer and videographer, and then took that passion underwater.  Since then, he has spent as much time underwater as possible, often with one or both of his daughters.  Dan loves sharing his photography knowledge with others and is experienced with both wide angle and macro photography.  

View more of Dan's work here:  DanBishopPhotography.com

Click here to email Dan

Flight Information

The trip will begin and end in Sorong. 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. 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.

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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 

Payment Schedule

• Deposit to confirm trip: $1,200
• $1,200 due January 1, 2026
• $1,200 due August 1, 2026
• Balance due: November 1, 2026

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Want to Extend Your Trip?

We can help with that! See more of Indonesia before or after your trip with Bluewater. Flying all that way merits a multi-facceted vacation! Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your trip reservation:

*Rates are subject to change at any time; please contact us for the most updated pricing. 

2 Nights / 3 Day Arrival Package at Meridian Dive Adventures

Price: $575 per person (double occupancy), $799 per person (single occupancy)

We have created the following Meridian Dive Adventures arrival package to make your stay in Sorong more pleasant and allow you time to adjust and carry out a check-dive before joining the Damai. As an added bonus, the Damai will pick you up from the resort jetty on embarkation day to avoid the transfer back to Sorong.

INCLUDES

• 2 nights accommodation 
• Daily breakfast
• Pick up from Sorong Airport on Day 1 and transfer to the resort
• 2-tank morning dive on Day 2
• Pick up from the resort jetty on Day 3 by the Damai 
• Full equipment rental (excluding computer and torch)
• Beach Towels, Tea, Coffee, Fresh Fruit and Drinking Water on all Dives

EXCLUDES

• Meals not included above
• Dive computer and torch
• Raja Ampat Park Permit (approx $83USD, payable onsite in cash IDR only - IDR1,000,000)

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See Also:

Raja Ampat Dive Travel Guide 

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