Raja Ampat Photo Workshop December 2027

Raja Ampat Photo Workshop December 2027

Join the Raja Ampat Underwater Photo Workshop from December 10 - 21, 2027 aboard the Ambai. Experience one of the planet's most biodiverse areas while enjoying some of the best service in the industry.

Why Join This Trip?

• Discover why our Raja Trips are the pinnacle of diving with spectacular 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
• 4 to 1 diver to guide ratio delivers a personalized dive experience
• Manta rays, wobbegong sharks, mind-blowing corals and schooling fish, highest marine diversity in the world
• Includes FREE optional photo workshop

Trip Overview

The sheer abundance of marine life in this area is simply breathtaking, with an impressive variety of fauna such as corals and gorgonians adorning the lush reefs, alongside an astonishing diversity of fish. The underwater topographies of the dive sites offer a captivating mix of features, including dramatic pinnacles, long ridges, walls, hidden caves, rock formations, and azure lagoons.

From the tiniest pygmy seahorse to the majestic oceanic manta ray, the range of fauna here is remarkable. Notably, the area is renowned for its immense schools of fish, like vast clouds of fusiliers that attract tunas, trevallies, barracudas, and inquisitive spadefish. Additionally, you can spot schools of sweetlips, groups of bump head parrotfish, and napoleon wrasses among others.

Reef sharks are a common presence around the reefs, while the ubiquitous carpet shark or Wobbegong can be found resting on corals or hidden under rocks amidst clouds of glass-fish. Night dives often reveal sightings of the intriguing walking shark (Epaulette shark). Mantas are a frequent sight at three different dive sites, adding to the area's allure.

This 12-day trip covers the entirety of the Raja Ampat area, spanning from Misool in the South to Wayag in the North, including the Dampier Strait. Dive site selections are based on the prevailing conditions during the trip, ensuring an unforgettable and dynamic experience for all adventurers.

Read all about our latest trip to Raja Ampat in 2024 here.

Check out this amazing video from our Raja Ampat Photo Workshop in 2022.

Dive Raja Ampat in style and comfort aboard the MV Ambai. With a large dive deck, dedicated camera room and a large screen TV in the lounge, the Ambai is a liveaboard of choice for underwater photographers.

Check out our Raja Ampat Trip Recap 2023.

The Ambai offers only the best in service and amenities. Read the review of a satisfied diver:

"The Ambai is a high quality boat; spacious, beautiful, and well maintained. It is very clear that the owners and crew take excellent care of every detail. I was staying in one of the upper deck cabins. It was comfortable and elegant with views of the surrounding islands, plus a lovely ocean breeze so I never even needed to use the in-room A/C... I would absolutely recommend a trip on the MV Ambai to anyone who is traveling to Indonesia! I haven't stopped talking about my trip since I returned, and I cannot wait to go back."

- Melissa I.

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Marine Life to Photograph

Raja Ampat boasts one of the most diverse arrays of fish species on the planet. Among the captivating marine life you can encounter are wobbegong sharks, jacks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, trevally, bumphead parrotfish, pygmy seahorses, batfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, barramundi cod, and an impressive variety of nudibranchs.

When the currents become stronger at deeper waters, exploring reveals the presence of reef sharks at numerous sites, particularly at renowned locations like Blue Magic and Sardines. These spots also serve as gathering points for schooling fish, forming breathtaking congregations when the currents are strong. During such moments, you might find yourself immersed in swirling clouds of fusiliers and surgeonfish in the mid-water region, while vast numbers of sweetlips completely veil the sizeable coral heads below. It's an underwater spectacle that never fails to amaze.

See also: Raja Ampat Dive Travel Guide

December Conditions

Average Raja water temperatures in December 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

• Accommodation in a shared twin or double bed cabin
• All meals & snacks, drinking water, soft drinks and hot drinks
• All guided dives (1 guide /4 divers maximum)
• Free Nitrox
• Aluminium tank (12 liters), weights, and belts
• Transfers between the boat and the closest airport

Exclusions

• Park and port fees: 200 € / pax
• International and domestic flights (unless specified)
• Alcoholic beverages (you can BYOB)
• Diving equipment rental
• 100 cf (15 litres) tank : 75 € / cruise
• Laundry (1 € / 2 pieces)
• Crew gratuities
• Massage
• Fuel Surcharge: 100 €/pax to be paid CASH on board (subject to revision anytime)
• Travel Insurance: click here to learn more about our preferred plan

Trip Type

This trip is a PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP. It will be 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.

What to expect from our Photo Workshops

• Daily photo workshops - Your photo instructor will schedule seminars each day on topics including, but not limited to, equipment type and selection, the concept of underwater photography, lighting and composition techniques, and post-processing. They will also include additional topics relevant to the location and your experience.
• In-water support - Where possible, each dive group will spend time underwater with the photo instructor, receiving in-water support and guidance on their shooting techniques.  Participants can also request in-water assistance during the workshop and the photo instructor will do his or her best to accommodate all requests. 
• Consecutive days of practice & review - Each day you will have the opportunity to practice the techniques and skills learned in the previous day’s tutorials. If you are new to underwater photography you will likely see a vast improvement in just a few days.
• Daily photo image reviews - You are strongly encouraged to bring your laptop, a thumb drive, edit your photos, and submit your shots for review from both the instructor and your peers. These are fun and interactive sessions encouraging you to improve throughout the trip.
• Quality time with fellow photographers - Both new and experienced photographers from past workshops have expressed the advantages of joining a trip with like-minded divers with a passion for underwater photography.
• Suitable for everyone - New and experienced photographers are welcome on all our trips. Gain the necessary skills to start shooting great photos, increase your confidence in finding the best underwater shots, or hone specific skills. We also encourage non-photographers to join, as many of them really enjoy the daily photo reviews, learning about underwater photography, and some have even returned to a photo workshop with an underwater camera setup!

Enjoy free, unlimited access to a wealth of knowledge and advice from your photo instructor.

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Trip Schedule

The map below shows the general cruise itinerary. It can slightly vary depending on weather conditions, currents, visibility, and tides. Distances are not long: there are only two overnight crossings, the other navigations are taking place between dives or in the early morning. We usually start the trips by going South and then making our way up to the North.

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• Day 1 - Sorong / Check in from 6 am to 12 noon.  
• Day 2 - Misool Daram / 3-4 dives  
• Day 3 - Misool Fiabacet / 3-4 dives  
• Day 4 - Misool Wayil / 3-4 dives  
• Day 5 - Misool Sagoff / 3-4 dives  
• Day 6 - Penemu / 3-4 dives  
• Day 7 - Wayag / 3-4 dives  
• Day 8 - Kawe & Wofoh / 3-4 dives  
• Day 9 - Dampier Straight / 3-4 dives  
• Day 10 - Dampier Straight / 3-4 dives  
• Day 11 - Dampier Straight / 1 dive  
• Day 12 - Sorong / Check out from 6 am to 12 noon.

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About The MV Ambai Liveaboard

The MV Ambai has 8 cabins accommodating 16 passengers. All cabins have individually controlled A/C units and private ensuite bathrooms. Room options include bunk and double-bed cabins. 

Lower Deck Cabins

Sea View Cabin 

Read the more about MV Ambai Liveaboard here.

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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.

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Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $1,000
• Payment 2: $2,000 due Mar 15, 2027
• Balance: due Aug 15, 2027

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See Also:

Raja Ampat Dive Travel Guide 

MV Ambai Liveaboard: Amenities, Cabins, Reviews & More... 

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Photo Gallery 

Raja Ampat Underwater Photos from Previous Trips

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