A proper review of
SMY Ondina Liveaboard
The Overall Review
We spent 5.1 hours reading reviews from experts and divers about SMY Ondina Liveaboard.
In summary, this is what divers think:
3 reasons to dive
- Several divers reported that the DM really looked after them as they were flexible in their diving time allowing you to go exploring with a friend on your own.
- Many people were happy with the food that the chef prepared.
- The crew became like family always willing to the extra bit and having a smile on their face.
3 reasons NOT to dive
- Some people noted the anchor caused a loud noise once it was pulled in when the boat departed at night.
- Many people said not all of the crew could speak English and that created language barriers.
- The water was ice cold even though body suits were worn.
Key facts
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Year (re)built: | 2014 |
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Max divers | 16 |
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Internet | No |
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Nitrox | Yes ($) |
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Rental equip. | Yes ($) |
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Camera station | Yes |
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Min. logged dives | No minimum |
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Aircon | Yes |
Prices
We've calculated this price based on a 7 day stay.
To find the actual price you should look at these booking sites:
The right Liveaboard for you!
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The passion behind this guide
DIVE.in is run by passionate scuba geeks - and our liveaboard guides are no exception.
Boby Taylor
Liveaboard Director
Boby has been diving and guiding on liveaboards since 2005, and love it
Ron Simon
Dive instructor/Liveaboard director
Ron has been a Cruise Director on 10+ Liveaboards throughout the world and has a keen understanding...
Torben Lonne
PADI Instructor
Torben is the Editor of Divein and a true water lover.
Pictures of SMY Ondina
Description and details
Diving on the SMY Ondina in Indonesia
At 32meters/105feet long, the SMY Ondina is a luxury boat that sails all year long between Raja Ampat Marine Sanctuary and Cenderawasih Bay, with its whale sharks. Also, transition liveaboards allow you to explore the Banda Sea Islands, which include the Maluku, Ambon down South, Halmahera and Lembeh Strait – up North. With eight fully air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms and able to cater for 16 guests, each cruise is a fantastic adventure for the guests.
Boat features
All eight cabins in the SMY Ondina take a maximum of 2 guests per room, and except two cabins in the front with a double bed, all have a double and upper single. The boat has an air-conditioned dining room and lounge for comfort with an HD TV and an extensive DVD library. There are also two covered outside deck areas for relaxation in between dives or at the end of the day.
The boat has a large dive deck, equipped with rinsing facilities to store and maintain the diving gear after dives. The Ondina also offers special facilities for photographers. This includes a large camera table, separate rinsing tanks, charging points with 220volt electricity.
Meals are prepared by the onboard chef and are a mixture of international and local cuisine. The onboard chef also caters to guests with special dietary requirements.
With safety a priority for divers and non-divers alike, the SMY Ondina guarantees safety as the boat has emergency rafts, first aid kits, emergency evacuation DAN “Oxygen Unit”, life jackets and firefighting equipment.
Best time to go
While Indonesia is ideal for diving all year round, the best time to go diving depends on the season. However, the best time to go is between April and August.
Itinerary
Guests are picked at 12:00 midday from their hotels on the departure date. They are transferred to the boat and are then briefed by the dive guide masters before they are checked into their cabins. While the itinerary of the SMY is unique and changes per trip, each trip goes for at least three days and three nights and schedules may vary due to weather conditions, sea conditions, dive certification levels, local government/cultural activities.
A typical dive day has at least 3 to 4 dives at locations that guarantee maximum safety and fun for each guest. There are morning dives on the final day after breakfast before guests are taken back to their hotels by midday.
- Leisure Deck
- Shaded diving deck
- Camera Station
- Massage
- Daily housekeeping
- Audio & video entertainment
- Library
- Air Conditioned saloon
- Aircon Cabins
- Sun Deck
- Indoor Saloon
- Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
- Photography Station
- Separate rinse for u/w camera
- Camera room with table and charging point
- Custom built for diving
- Charging stations
- En-Suite bathrooms