Lady Denok Liveaboard overview

By
Kiani Versluys
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Kiani is a PADI instructor with a passion for traveling. From taking her first breath under water in the Gulf of Thailand, to working in the...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

From muck diving to vibrant reefs teeming with macro life, Indonesia is a haven for dive enthusiasts. Log encounters with pygmy seahorses, majestic manta rays, and sleek hammerheads amidst astounding visibility. Indulge in diverse activities from wreck diving to kayaking, alongside encounters with pelagic sharks and elusive wobbegongs. The treasure trove of coral species paints an underwater kaleidoscope.

Hand-built in 2016 by the master boat builders of the Konjo tribe in Sulawesi, Lady Denok gives you access to it all. The ship has the bygone charm of a traditional phinisi, with all the added mod-cons and safety features of a twenty-first century vessel. This 92-foot (28 m) vessel can accommodate up to 12 guests in seven spacious ensuite cabins.

Dive safari seekers will be pampered as they travel in style to Komodo, the Forgotten Islands, Raja Ampat, and the Banda Sea to experience the most diverse marine environment on the planet.

Let’s dive into our review of Lady Denok. 

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

Things we like:

  • Small dive groups
  • 1:1 guest to staff ratio
  • WiFi available free of charge

Things we don't like:

  • Nitrox is available but not included
  • Cork fee for own alcohol
  • Alcoholic beverages are quite expensive

Diving on Lady Denok liveaboard

Embarking on the Lady Denok liveaboard offers an unparalleled diving experience amidst diverse Indonesian dive sites. Swim with manta rays and schools of rainbow runners in Komodo National Park or discover the largely unexplored Forgotten Islands. Find mobula rays and dogtooth tuna in the Banda Sea, and revel in the diversity of Raja Ampat.

Expect wall dives, drifts, wreck diving, and vibrant shallow reefs. Diving is typically conducted from the back of the boat, ensuring easy access to spectacular sites.

With three to four dives per day, except on select days, guests with Open Water certification are welcome. However, for the Raja Ampat trip, guests should have at least 30 dives, while guests on Komodo trips should have at least 50 dives logged. Dive groups are organized based on expertise with one dive guide per four divers.

Guests can choose between four different destinations and durations of between four and 13 nights. Land adventures will include Komodo dragon encounters and visits with locals in small fishing villages. Those who want even more activity can go kayaking or snorkeling.

Nitrox, several 15L tanks, and other equipment rentals are available at a surcharge. Snorkelers receive guided assistance and are accompanied by a crew member with a speed boat in proximity.

Highlights:

  • 1:4 guide-to-diver ratio
  • Up to 40 dives per trip
  • Marine life including pygmy seahorses and wobbegong sharks
  • Wide variety of dive sites

Onboard Lady Denok

The Lady Denok can accommodate up to 12 guests in seven spacious wood-trimmed cabins, which come in a variety of configurations. Each features an ensuite bath, along with individually controlled air conditioning, windows or portholes.

Within the air-conditioned lounge, guests can unwind with entertainment via TV, CD/DVD players, a library for tranquil moments, and free WiFi. 

Lady Denok’s exterior spaces offer a retreat into nature’s serenity. The sundeck offers quiet shaded spaces and loungers or beanbags for sun seekers. At the bar on deck, divers can share the day’s adventures over an evening cocktail.

The well-equipped dive deck offers charging stations for underwater photographers, a separate rinse tank for U/W cameras, and ample space to get ready to dive. Showers, rinse tanks, and gear bins help keep everyone and everything clean and organized.

Highlights:

  • Lounge with entertainment center
  • Separate rinse tank for cameras
  • Multiple relaxation areas

Dining onboard Lady Denok

Guests can choose from a mouth-watering buffet in the dining area of the main salon or dine on deck with the islands as backdrops. Three hearty meals are served a day by the master chef onboard, and before the first dive guests can enjoy a cold breakfast.

Freshly prepared menus feature Western, Asian and Indonesian dishes, and chefs can accommodate allergies and dietary preferences with advanced notice.

Wine, alcoholic beverages and beer are sold onboard, although guests are welcome to bring their own wine or alcoholic beverages. Note however that a cork fee will be charged. Instant coffee, espresso, tea, soft drinks, and cookies are available all day in the dining room. After each dive, guests can expect special cold or hot drinks.

Highlights:

  • Buffet-style meals
  • Mix of Western and Indonesian cuisine
  • Tea, coffee, and soft drinks are included

Things we like:

  • Small dive groups
  • 1:1 guest to staff ratio
  • WiFi available free of charge

Things we don't like:

  • Nitrox is available but not included
  • Cork fee for own alcohol
  • Alcoholic beverages are quite expensive
Key Facts
Year Built 2014
Max Divers 14
Price Range Mid-range
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet No
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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