Epica Liveaboard Overview

With almost 75% of the world’s hard coral species, 1400 types of reef fish, and captivating wrecks creating a coral canvas, each dive in Raja Ampat promises an enthralling experience.

From serene muck dives in Batanta’s southwestern bays, showcasing alien-like critters, to spectacular drift dives past kaleidoscopic reefs and exhilarating encounters at multiple manta cleaning stations, liveaboard dive trips offer diverse thrills.

The 92-foot (28 m) Epica is a budget-friendly liveaboard, taking you directly to some of the best sites in Raja Ampat. With six basic twin cabins, this simple vessel can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests. Explore some of the best dive and snorkel spots; cruise alongside iconic natural wonders; and visit local villages on this trip, then tick Raja Ampat off your bucket list—or start making plans for your next visit.

Keep reading as we dive into our review of Epica.

Where to book

The Epica liveaboard cruising across calm water under its white canopy roof

PADI TravelSecure online booking Liveaboard.comNo booking fees Divebooker.comFree DAN insurance

Diving on Epica liveaboard

a manta ray swims close to the camera with fish schooling behind it

a school of striped sweetlips shelters under a coral overhang

two trevally swim past a colorful coral reef wall

a diver swims over a reef lined with soft corals and reef fish

a calm bay in Komodo with hills and small islands at dusk

a cleaner shrimp perches on coral with its long white antennae extended

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

guests relax in a hammock and beanbags on the Epica's shaded deck

a simple bunk cabin aboard the Epica with two blue-cushioned beds

a covered deck with a hammock and colorful beanbags overlooking hills

a single blue-cushioned bed in a basic Epica cabin with rolled towels

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

Bean bags and stools line the shaded upper deck of the Epica liveaboard on calm water

Snacks and drinks set out on the Epica liveaboard's dining bar with bean bag seating nearby

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.