Dive-Damai Raja Ampat trip report

[TheUWPhotographer.com]

I'm just back from a two-week trip around Raja Ampat aboard the live-aboard Dive-Damai. I'm still working on the Bali portion of the trip, but since I'm headed out on another trip soon I may never finish that part. Definitely one of the nicest live-aboards I've been on.

I'll warn you now, this is long with a lot of pictures. I typically write my trip reports with tons of detail to hopefully answer the questions of anyone thinking about diving in the area or getting on this boat. So grab your iPad and make yourself comfortable.

I hope you enjoy it!
Diving Raja Ampat Trip Report - Dive Damai, December 2010

Bonnie

 

[divengolf]

Bonnie,

GREAT TRIP REPORT. Glad that you worked things out with the Blue Ring!!

I know that you're not going to Raja in 2011 (unless things have changed), and saw your March 2012 trip noted.

Are you planning to do a Fall 2012 Raja trip in addition to the March trip??

Looking forward to meeting you in Cabo in April.

Harry

 

[TheUWPhotographer.com]

Thanks Harry! Funny that it took a tiny blue ring octopus to remind me that I am not invincible.

I would have loved to have gone back in 2011, but both boats were sold out. After being on Dive-Damai I don't think I could do it any other way. Not sure about later in 2012. I guess that's not so far away.

See you in April on Solmar V!

 

[Darnold9999]

I was on the next trip. Heard about your "near death experience" Scary little critters. It will be hard to go back to any other liveaboard after the Damai. 9 divers on a boat that all other liveaboards pack with 16 or more divers.

 

[Shasta_man]

Ah, a "don't touch the wildlife" experience?

 

[Shasta_man]

Hmmm...the pearl farm manager gets around as he also came on our boat for dinner. We didn't get to see the pearl farm itself, but he hung around and listened to himself talk.

 

[jake11]

Great report and awesome photos! Heading to RA in 2.5 weeks!!

Thanks!

 

[song]

Love the trip report. Fantastic pics. I'm JEALOUS! But I, too, will make it to Raja Ampat....someday. Definitely someday.

 

[Titatom]

Thank you for a great trip report and sharing your pictures.
Just out of curiosity - you mentioned strong currents in some of the dives. Did you need a reef hook?
Thanks.
T

I'm just back from a two-week trip around Raja Ampat aboard the live-aboard Dive-Damai. I'm still working on the Bali portion of the trip, but since I'm headed out on another trip soon I may never finish that part. Definitely one of the nicest live-aboards I've been on.

I'll warn you now, this is long with a lot of pictures. I typically write my trip reports with tons of detail to hopefully answer the questions of anyone thinking about diving in the area or getting on this boat. So grab your iPad and make yourself comfortable.

I hope you enjoy it!
Diving Raja Ampat Trip Report - Dive Damai, December 2010

Bonnie

 

[Darnold9999]

No need for a reef hook. A couple of divers used one on one dive - manta dive with current - they found it easier to hook in and relax. Others just tucked in behind rocks etc or swam against the current and had no issues. Damai has hooks if required.