Epica

Epica is a budget-friendly liveaboard offering exceptional diving experiences in Indonesia's renowned Raja Ampat region. This traditional 24-meter wooden vessel has been thoughtfully refurbished to cater to divers seeking both adventure and comfort. With over 20 years of experience operating liveaboards in Indonesia, Epica ensures a memorable journey through some of the world's most biodiverse marine environments.

Accommodating up to 12 guests, Epica features six air-conditioned cabins located on the lower deck. Each cabin is equipped with comfortable bunk beds, power sockets, and fans, providing a cozy retreat after a day of diving. While the cabins are modest, they offer essential amenities to ensure a restful stay. Two shared bathrooms with freshwater showers, shampoo, and soap are available to maintain basic hygiene standards.

The upper deck serves as the communal hub of the vessel, designed for relaxation and social interaction. Guests can unwind in bean bags, take a nap in the hammock, or browse through fish identification books to enhance their marine knowledge. This area also hosts buffet-style meals, where freshly prepared Western and Indonesian cuisines are served 'family-style,' fostering a sense of camaraderie among guests. Evenings often see divers gathering around a large table for card games or sharing stories of the day's underwater adventures.

Epica's itineraries are crafted to maximize diving opportunities across Raja Ampat's diverse sites. Operating year-round, the vessel offers trips ranging from seven to ten days, depending on the season. Popular routes include the Dampier Strait, Misool, and Wayag, each showcasing unique marine landscapes and species. Divers can expect to encounter wobbegong sharks, giant manta rays, pygmy seahorses, and a plethora of other marine life amidst vibrant coral reefs, rocky overhangs, and pinnacles. Night dives are also part of the experience, revealing the nocturnal behaviors of the reef's inhabitants.

The dive deck, located at the stern on the lower deck, is well-equipped to meet divers' needs. It features essential amenities such as DIN adaptors and rinse hoses, ensuring a smooth diving operation. The vessel maintains small dive groups, with a maximum of four divers per guide, allowing for personalized attention and enhanced safety. Groups are organized based on experience levels, ensuring that each diver can fully enjoy their underwater exploration.

While Epica focuses on providing an authentic and adventurous diving experience, it maintains a commitment to safety and sustainability. The vessel is equipped with GPS, radio VHF/DSC/SSB, oxygen supplies, and first aid kits. Originally a traditional fishing boat, Epica has been fully transformed into a diving vessel with a focus on sustainability, utilizing materials from sustainably planted trees during its refit. This approach not only preserves the vessel's classic charm but also minimizes its environmental footprint.

In summary, Epica offers an exceptional value-for-money liveaboard experience in Raja Ampat. Its combination of comfortable accommodations, expertly guided dives, and a friendly, experienced crew makes it an excellent choice for divers seeking to explore the rich marine biodiversity of Indonesia without compromising on quality or breaking the bank.

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