Description
Boat
Mermaid I is a 28 meters long, 7 meters wide twin engine steel motor yacht, built with your diving comfort in mind. Our professionalism, reliability, awesome crews offering amazing diving, plus our attention-to-detail maintenance each year, has proudly brought Mermaid I the award winning reputation as one of the world’s leading liveaboard vessels. It cruises at 9 knots per hour most of the time, the max. cruise speed can reach 10 knots per hour.
Delicious Asian and western meals are served in our “Sawasdee Restaurant” with large windows to enjoy the views or how about trying our delicious BBQs !
Mermaid I features a beautiful air conditioned saloon with multimedia entertainment center, or select from our extensive reading library complete with a full range of marine life books.
Mermaid I offers two outside decks, one shaded with comfortable lounge seating and the fabulous sundeck with sunshade and loads of cushioned sun beds –a great place to relax or enjoy a massage.
Mermaid I has a large dive deck (42sqm) on the back of the main deck, and wide stern dive platform with two exit ladders. There are also personal gear lockers, an in-place fill station, a camera table and 6 camera rinse tanks.
Cabin
Mermaid I has 8 beautifully guest cabins, it can welcome 15 guests :
All cabins are air conditioned with ensuite bathroom, refrigerator, iPad for entertainment, wardrobe with hangers, personal reading lights, Hairdryer, bathrobes, toiletries (shampoo, body wash, conditioner, hand soap), and loads of fluffy towels.
1 Master Cabin :
Located on the main deck, this cabin comes with a king size double bed, panoramic seaview windows, with doors opening onto the gangway.
1 Single Cabin :
Located on the main deck, this cabin with a single bed, seaview windows, with doors opening onto the gangway.
4 Deluxe Cabins :
Located on the main deck, each cabin comes with a king size double bed or two large twin beds, seaview windows, with doors opening onto the gangway.
2 Budget Cabins :
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with one double bed and one single bed in bunk style, portholes, with direct access to main deck gangways.
Diving
- 3 to 4 dives per day, depending on conditions and route.
- No dive on the embarkation and disembarkation day.
- Only 1 - 2 dives will be provided on the last diving day.
- All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
- Dive torch and SMB can be provided free of charge.
Other Informations
- Nitrox：Available with additional cost
- 15L Tanks：Limited available free of charge
- REBREATHER Dive：Not available at the moment
- Technical Dive：Not available at the moment
- Dive Equipment Rental：Available with additional charge
- Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
- Wi-Fi Internet ： Available with additional cost
- Laundry Service：Not available at the moment
- Massage Service：Available with additional cost
- Payment on board：Cash (USD/EUR/IDR) or credit cards
- Crew Number：14, include 3 dive guides
Itineraries
Bali – Komodo – Bali | 10D/9N | 28 dives
Mermaid Liveaboards, offer 10 days Komodo diving & snorkelling trip on Mermaid I. With many years of experience exploring Komodo National Park; we dive the best of the best, we know where and when it’s running! No wonder we have a high number of return guests who will also appreciate some new sites and experiences we can share through our extensive experience with Flores and Komodo National Park areas.
Bali – Komodo – Maumere | 10D/9N | 27 dives
Experience some of the best scuba diving in Nusa Tenggara and Komodo National Park areas. The port of embarkation on this trip will be in Bali and the port of disembarkation will be in Maumere, Flores. Komodo is located in the centre of the coral triangle and the biodiversity is simply amazing. From stunning reefs, sandy slopes, drift dives and more. Komodo is home to the biggest lizard in the world the Komodo Dragon.
Maumere – Alor – Maumere | 10D/9N | 27 dives
Mermaid Liveaboards with many years experience exploring the best of Indonesia scuba diving, now doing special cruises on the Alor archipelago. The port of embarkation and disembarkation is at Maumere port. We dive the best of the best, we know where and when it’s running ! Return guests will also appreciate some new sites and experiences we can share through our extensive experience with the Nusa Tenggara.
Raja Ampat | 12D/11N | 29 dives
Raja Ampat is the seascape’s crown jewel. Fittingly, the name means “four kings.” The four main islands or “Kings” of the archipelago: Waigeo in the north, Salawati west of Sorong, Batanta north of Salawati, and Misool in the south.
Visit Waigeo and dive the famous Dampier Strait, some of Raja Ampat´s most action-packed dive sites. Exhilarating current dives and reliable manta cleaning stations where you can experience these majestic giant pelagics dance for hours along with many other treasures such as the tasselled wobbegong shark.
Dive the beautiful and unique mangrove areas of Yanggefo and Gam islands where the tips of healthy acropora corals contrast with the lush green of the mangroves making excellent split images, while just beneath the surface schools of archerfish hunt among the forest of mangrove roots. Batanta Island, known for its excellent muck diving and amazing variety of nudibranchs including the endemic Thecacera sp. Black sand slopes full of wonderful critters and frequent sightings of the rare mimic octopus. Misool area in southern Raja Ampat is a must for those who enjoy radiant coloured soft corals. There are stunning walls, pinnacles and reefs with masses of huge gorgonian fans and sea fans hosting an array of the famous pygmy seahorses. The vast area and variety of dive sites makes it the ideal location to be discovered via liveaboard.
Raja Ampat – Banda Sea – Ambon | 12D/11N | 32 dives
Dive the famous Dampier Strait, Misool area in Raja Ampat. Then dive the famous Banda islands and visit the main port in Banda Neira where there is so much to see, learn and explore. Finish this fantastic trip in the second capital of muck diving Ambon Bay.
Ambon – Banda Sea – Ambon | 10D/9N | 27 dives
The trip starts in Ambon and heads into the Banda Sea, where we will spend most of the trip. It includes spending several days in the famous Banda Islands, where we will be able to make an land excursion around Banda Neira, the capital of the Bandas, visiting the local museum, Dutch fort, nutmeg plantation and local market. You will even get to have breakfast at the nutmeg plantation! After cruising the Banda Sea we head back to Ambon, which is the second capital of muck diving, in order to look for all the weird critters that Ambon has to offer.
Raja Ampat – Halmahera – Lembeh | 12D/11N | 33 dives
Dive in Dampier Strait (South Waigeo), Along with Misool, it is the most famous area for diving in Raja Ampat. As well as Halmahera and the surrounding islands on the way to Lembeh Strait, the capital of muck diving.
Lembeh – Togian – Lembeh | 12D/11N | 34 dives
Start your cruise on Lembeh Strait the capital of muck diving! The Togian (or Togean) Islands are an archipelago of 56 islands and islets, in the Gulf of Tomini, off the coast of Central Sulawesi, in Indonesia. Some people claimed that Tomimi Bay is one of the calmest bay in the world. The three largest islands are Batudaka, Togean and Talakatoh. All of the Togian Islands have amazing white sandy beaches that are as of today unspoiled by masses of tourism. There are 37 villages on the islands settled by the Bajau people (Sea Gypsies). Due to the position of the Gulf of Tomini, with the entrance of the bay facing east, the sea is not affected by the northeast monsoon (November to March). The seas are very calm throughout these months. The depth in Gulf of Tomini, except around the islands, goes from 1.000 meters to 4.000 meters.
More
| Destinations | Alor, Bali and Lombok, Raja Ampat, North & Central Sulawesi, Halmahera, Komodo, Banda Sea |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Nitrox support, Sidemount Friendly, Camera Station, Fishing gear, Massage or Spa, Wi-Fi |
| Languages spoken | English, French, Spanish |
Schedules & routes
Prices & conditions
Included
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- VAT and local taxes
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
- Soft drinks
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
- Boat accident insurance
- Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
- Cabin cleaning service
Not included
- Domestic flights in destination country
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic beverage
- Dive equipment rentals
- Nitrox fills
- Dive courses on board
- Massage/Spa service
- Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
- Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
- Wi-Fi
- Crew gratuity
Useful information
Alor
Best time for diving
April to November, as this is when both visibility and weather are at their best, while September is the best time to spot Mola Mola. The currents usually are strongest in October and November, making conditions more challenging. From late December until early March, Alor is usually considered as off-season due to the rainy season.
About temperatures
Air : winter months are between 26°C - 29°C, summer months are between 27°C - 32°C.
Sea : between 25°C - 27°C from March to April & October to November, between 27°C - 30°C from May to September. Thermoclines are common year round, the water can drop at times to 22°C or lower.
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 5 mm full wetsuit. If you get cold easily, we recommend also bring gloves and a hood, or even a 7 mm full wetsuit.
Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels of diver from beginners to experienced. However, in the open blue, the current can be strong at times, so divers should to be comfortable with their skills. While the muck dive sites only have little current. You can find out more informations about diving in Alor here : Alor
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Alor liveaboard trips are usually from Maumere to Maumere, guests need to fly to Maumere airport (MOF).
However, some liveaboards often combine Alor with other destinations like Komodo, Banda Sea, Raja Ampat. Then you might only need to arrive or depart from Maumere.
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Bali and Lombok
Best time for diving
May to October is usually considered to be the best time. The best season for seeing the Mola Mola is from August to October.
Diving can be a little bit tricky as divers will be expecting sudden unpredictable current which sometimes can be very strong.
About temperatures
Air : year round temperatures average 29°C - 32°C, May is usually the hottest month in Bali with an average temperature of 29°C, the coldest is January average at 26°C.
Sea : vary from location to location, around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida is generally 25°C - 26°C (except during mola mola season - it can drop to 19°C - 21°C), while the north coast are balmy 27°C - 30°C year round.
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 mm full wetsuit.
Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels of diver from beginners to experienced. However, in the open blue, the current can be strong at times, so divers should to be comfortable with their skills. You can find out more informations about diving in Bali and Lombok here : Bali and Lombok
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Liveaboards visit Bali and Lombok area usually will combine with Komodo National park.
So the embarkation and disembarkation can be both in Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport - DPS), or from Bali to Labuan Bajo (Komodo International Airport - LBJ) or reverse.
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. However, the use of drones is only allowed at certain areas around Komodo National Park and requires a permit which must be obtained in advance of the commencement of your visit.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Raja Ampat
Best time for diving
Mid October to April, the wind then picks up in May until the end of August, causing rougher seas and this means Misool area in the south will be shut from June to September. From July until September the diving in the north still can be enjoyable. The visibility can vary from 10 - 30 meters, current can be from mild to strong at times.
About temperatures
Air : fairly constant between 25°C - 31°C year-round.
Sea : it is warm all year round, about 27°C - 31°C
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 mm full wetsuit throughout the year.
Diver requirement
Intermediate to Advanced level. You can find out more informations about diving in Raja Ampat here : Raja Ampat
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most of the embarkation / disembarkation will be in Sorong (SOQ).
Few liveaboards also departs from Waisai (RJM).
The easiest to fly through to & from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG), Bali (DPS), or Manado (MDC).
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
North & Central Sulawesi
Best time for diving
April to October, with peak season being July and August - it's also the best time to spot whales and dolphins (however, in the peak season, it's usually gonna be super busy, so you need to book your space long ahead). The diving can still be great in late March, November and early December, but the rain are generally a daily occurrence in these months, then the rainiest months will be between January and February but still can have good dives if you don't mind the rain.
The visibility range between 20 - 40 meters, currents are different from one location to another, some have minimal-to-no current, while some other sites can experience strong currents that attract big pelagic fish.
About temperatures
Air : range between 23°C to 32°C throughout the year.
Sea : between 26°C - 29°C, with the Lembeh Strait can be as low as 25°C/26°C during the summer (July/August).
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 mm wetsuit throughout the year.
Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels. Especially the photographers! You can find out more informations about diving in The North and Centra Sulawesi here : North & Centra Sulawesi
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Depending on the liveaboard and the itinerary you chose, it can be Manado (MDC), Kendari (KDI), Luwuk (LUW). Or some itineraries also combined North & Centra Sulawesi with other destinations such as Halmahera, Raja Ampat, Wakatobi (in South Sulawesi). So please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Halmahera
Best time for diving
October to November and March to May, Halmahera can be dived all year round, but due to the monsoon season, from June to September it can be windy and the sea can be rough. And from December to February is considered as the rainy season.
Visibility is usually very good, ranging from 20-30 meters, Inside the bays the visibility may be less. Currents can be strong in the straits, weak in the areas protected by the islands.
About temperatures
Air : generally ranges between 25°C - 32°C year-round.
Sea : it is warm all year round, about 27°C - 31°C
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 mm full wetsuit throughout the year.
Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels, however, divers should have some experience to enjoy the drift dives there. You can find out more informations about diving in Halmahera here : Halmahera
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Depending on which itinerary you choose, the embarkation / disembarkation can be in Bitung > Manado (MDC), Ternate (TTE), Bacan (LAH/WUB), or Morotai (OTI). The international airport with the best connections is Jakarta (CGK). You can also route through Bali (DPS) if you prefer.
However, some liveaboard trips will combine Halmahera with other destinations like Sulawesi (Lembeh), Raja Ampat, then the embarkation and disembarkation will be different. So please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Komodo
Best time for diving
May to October, the weather in Komodo is at its best between April and November. During the wet season (December to March) the weather can get a bit windy, with heavy quick rains, sometimes can cause rough surface conditions. However, liveaboards run trips here year-round.
The visibility in the North is excellent at 30 meters or even more, while it ranges between 10-15 meters in the South.
Some dive sites can have significant currents, whirlpools and see downdrafts. Sea conditions might change very quickly. Other dive sites are more quiet and rich in macro, especially in the South.
About temperatures
Air : range between 23°C - 32°C year-round.
Sea : in the North Komodo it can be around 26°C -27°C, while it gets colder towards the south where it can drop down to 22 ° C.
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 5 mm full wetsuit throughout the year for Komodo area.
Diver requirement
Intermediate to Advanced level, A good level in diving and some experience in drift diving are recommended to participate to Komodo cruise.
You can find out more informations about diving in Komodo here : Komodo
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most of the embarkation / disembarkation will be in Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
Unless the trip is from Bali - Komodo, then the embarkation can be in Bali (DPS).
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Banda Sea
Best time for diving
October to November & March to April, the seas are generally calmer during these months and in October to November there is higher chance to see hammerhead sharks. From May to August the surface conditions can get quite rough.
The visibility is generally good to excellent in Banda Sea areas, except in Ambon bay and in other bays for critter dives. Currents are low to moderate on most of the sites, however, strong currents may occur at times.
About temperatures
Air : range between 25°C - 31°C year-round.
Sea : range between 26°C - 29°C year-round.
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 mm full wetsuit throughout the year.
Diver requirement
Most dive sites are suitable for all levels with a few exceptions that are suitable only for advanced divers. You can find out more informations about diving in Banda Sea here : Banda Sea
Embarkation / Disembarkation
The embarkation / disembarkation can be in Ambon (AMQ), Kaimana (KNG), Maumere (MOF), Sorong (SOQ), Waisai (RJM), Saumalaki (SXK) etc. As some of the Banda Sea trip will combine with other destinations like Raja Ampat, Halmahera, Triton Bay. So please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.
Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.
Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.
Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
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