MY Damai I

MY Damai I is one of Indonesia's most celebrated liveaboards, a traditionally built wooden schooner that has set the benchmark for intimate, high-quality dive cruising across the archipelago since she was launched in 2009. Crafted in Tanjung Bira, South Sulawesi, by Pak Hadji Baso, the most respected traditional boat builder in the region, the Damai I represents a rare marriage of time-honoured Indonesian craftsmanship and the very specific demands of serious scuba divers.

At 40 metres (130 feet) in length with a beam of over 8 metres (26 feet), the vessel is substantial enough to handle long ocean crossings in comfort, yet her guest limit of just 12 people (14 on full charter trips only) keeps the atmosphere genuinely personal. This is not a liveaboard where you find yourself queuing for the dive deck or eating in shifts. The ratio of four guests to every dive guide is one of the best in the region, and the Damai I was the first liveaboard in Indonesia to carry three dive guides and a resident instructor on every single trip as standard.

Across three decks there are seven staterooms available in a range of configurations: single, twin, double, and two spacious master cabins. Standard cabins range from 18 to 22 square metres, while the master cabins reach a genuinely impressive 35 to 40 square metres, complete with panoramic sea views and a private balcony on the main deck. Every cabin has individual air conditioning, a large bed, a writing desk, and a private en suite bathroom with hot water shower. The attention to detail extends to bathrobes, hairdryers, and toiletries: comforts you would expect from a good hotel, delivered in the middle of some of the most remote ocean on earth.

The dive set up is purpose built and generously proportioned. Individual rinse tanks and dedicated storage keep the dive deck organised, and the separate camera room with individual workstations and integrated 110v and 220v charging at every station is a genuine draw for underwater photographers. Replacement cameras, housings, and video equipment are kept on standby, and a resident underwater photographer is typically on hand to offer technical support. Two custom built high speed tenders handle transfers to and from dive sites smoothly, whatever the conditions.

Above the water, the Damai I offers three large deck areas for relaxing in sun or shade, a well stocked air conditioned saloon, and complimentary spa massages, an increasingly rare inclusion on liveaboards at any price point. Local beer, soft drinks, and hot drinks are all part of the package throughout the trip, and dining is consistently praised by returning guests. A varied menu of Indonesian and international dishes is served three times a day in the main saloon, with the chef accommodating dietary requirements given prior notice.

The Damai I operates a broad seasonal route covering much of Indonesia's finest diving, including Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park, the Banda Sea, Triton Bay, Cenderawasih Bay, Halmahera, Alor, and the remote Forgotten Islands. Each region brings something distinct: manta rays and schooling sharks in Komodo, whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, extraordinary soft coral gardens in Triton Bay, and the sheer marine density of Raja Ampat. The crew's deep familiarity with these waters means guests consistently reach the right sites at the right time.

For divers who want the very best of Indonesia without the crowds, the MY Damai I delivers on every level: exceptional diving, a genuinely small group, and a standard of personal service that larger vessels simply cannot replicate.

Prices & Schedule

MY Damai I follows a broad seasonal route that takes in the very best of Indonesian waters, from the marine density of Raja Ampat and the dramatic currents of Komodo National Park to the remote wilderness of the Banda Sea, Halmahera, Triton Bay, Cenderawasih Bay, Alor, and the Forgotten Islands. Each itinerary is carefully planned around the optimal season for each destination, ensuring guests encounter the best possible conditions wherever the vessel is sailing.