Damai II Review
With 3 leisure decks incorporating a spa, bar, sundeck and glamorous indoor lounge as well as luxurious cabins with their own private balconies; Damai II is one of the most luxurious liveaboards to ever cruise Raja Ampat.
Great for: Couples, Spa, Pampering, Alternative Dive Itineraries
Trip lengths: 9 – 14 days.
Max guest capacity: 12
Tours Raja Ampat: Dec – March. (Tours other parts of Indonesia during other months).
Details:
- The 9 day “Raja Ampat Cruise” starts by exploring the stunning reefs, abundant schooling fish and manta cleaning stations of the Dampier Straits and north Raja Ampat.
Visit a pearl farm in Aliju Bay, dive under the dock at Penemu lagoon an trek through the jungle to an epic viewpoint.
Next, head down south to dive the unique blue water mangroves. Around Misool, dive over colourful soft corals where there’s an abundance of sharks, turtles and more mantas. The trip finishes with superb muck diving at Batanta, before heading back to Sorong. - The “Raja Ampat / Triton Bay” trip lasts 14 days and is initially the same – exploring the Dampier Straits before heading to Penemu, then on to Misool for soft coral dives galore.
Next, the cruise continues further south; out of the Raja Ampat regency and along the Papuan coast. There’s a variety of incredible experiences to be had; epic boulder diving, channel dives, stopping at fishing bagans to look for whale sharks and even swimming in a waterfall that runs into the sea.
Upon reaching Triton Bay, there’s a full palette of soft corals and reef fish to be marvelled at as well as superb macro diving. The cruise ends in Kaimana where guests can get a complimentary airport transfer.
As for the stunning Damai II herself, there are seven beautiful, wooden interior cabins, each with their own TV, full ensuite bathroom and AC. Some also feature private balconies.
In total there are three large leisure decks where guests can relax between dives and take in the stunning panoramic views.
There is a massive sundeck with beanbags, loungers and even a large day bed.
Guests can receive massages and additional pampering treatment at the onboard spa in addition to enjoying fine wines and beer at the bar.
An air conditioned indoor saloon with video entertainment plus a library is the ideal place to retreat inside.
There’s also a camera room with a separate rinse for cameras plus camera work stations and charging points.
The onboard menu offers gourmet cuisine that is a mixture of local and western food and there’s also free wine for dinner.
With a divemaster ratio of 1 to 4, this ensures the best service underwater as well as onboard.
Daily housekeeping, trained masseuses, talented chefs and veteran dive guides combine to make a spectacular crew that is on hand to ensure your luxury dive safari with Damai II, is one of a lifetime.
Features:
- Observation deck
- Movie library and diving books
- Internet
- Warm water showers
- Daily housekeeping and laundry
- Bar
- Camera room
- Cabins with sea views and private balconies
- Spa
Marcus said:
“A bunch of thanks also to the entire management and crew of Damai II for creating an excellent diving experience! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I spent while onboard this marvelous dive boat. I loved diving with the mantas. I will also cherish the fun night dives.
The liveaboard dive masters were fun to be with and were very keen in pointing out amazing sea creatures and spotting those hidden ones. There is definitely no unhappy face on this ship! Raja Ampat’s breathtaking underwater scenery and the exceptional crew gave me incredible memories.
Damai II is a spacious boat. It’s squeaky clean and chic. Her Dive Directors were excellent and make sure that every dive is special. They were flexible, patient and of course, knowledgeable. So I did enjoy and treasure every moment I spent underwater!
The rest of the crew was helpful, friendly and efficient. The MSY Damai II crew indeed made my liveaboard trip worry-free, relaxing and filled with lots of fun!
There were lots of delicious local and international dishes served with great smiles, which I would surely miss! The beauty of the diving sites in Raja Ampat is indescribable. The exceptional service rendered by everyone running MSY Damai II is exceptional. Great service and fabulous experience with great people! I feel safe & very spoiled. ‘Till next time!
