Alor & Flores (10 Days / 9 Nights - 27 Dives)
Trip highlights: dolphins, dugongs/manatees, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track
Dive sites and activities: Alor: Pantar Strait - Pantar, Alor Island, Beang Abang, Flores: Lewaling Bay, Lamalera, Kawula: Suangi, Adonara: Solor Strait, Serbete. Visit a traditional village.
Day 1
The Indonesian diving expedition commences in Maumere, Flores, with your arrival at the Mermaid I liveaboard. Following a personal welcome and a comprehensive safety briefing from the dive team, the entire afternoon is dedicated to arranging your apparatus. The first meal is served during the late afternoon hours, and the boat sets course just after the sun dips below the horizon, initiating an overnight transit toward the primary dive areas in the Pantar Strait.
Core Days
The powerful, nutrient-rich currents of the Pantar Strait, separating Pantar from Alor Island, are the foundation of this dive region's vitality. Diving here is dynamic and highly rewarding, with sites boasting sheer coral walls and pinnacles that attract a significant concentration of pelagic species. Scuba divers can expect to encounter large schools of fish, including tuna and barracuda, alongside cruising whitetip reef sharks and green turtles.
Beyond the blue water action, the Mermaid I expedition dedicates time to the famed macro environments of the area. Locations like Beang Abang are known for 'muck' diving, offering phenomenal opportunities for macro photography, where patient searching can reveal the bizarre rhinopias, flamboyant ghost pipefish, and delicate pygmy seahorses. This concentration of specialised creatures adds depth to the experience.
The tour continues its circuit to the surrounding islands of Kawula and Adonara, accessing dive sites via the Solor Strait. Here, locations like Suangi present pristine soft coral gardens, while the diving near Serbete showcases the high quality of reef health across Flores. During the surface interval days, a valuable cultural excursion takes you to a traditional village in the area, offering a glimpse of the local island life near places like Lamalera or Lewaling Bay. The Mermaid I guarantees a comprehensive exploration of this remote frontier.
Day 10
Following an early breakfast on your final morning, you will disembark at Maumere.
Banda, Ambon, Alor & Forgotten Islands (12 Days / 11 Nights - 34 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Flores - Kawula: Cape Bacatan, Lewaling Bay; Alor, Forgotten Islands - Wetar: Reong, Cape Nunukae; Neus Leur, Terbang Selatan, Terbang Utara, Nila: Dusborgh, Nil Desperandum; Serua, Manuk, Banda Islands, Nusa Laut, Ambon
Day 1
Like a gateway to a hidden world, the jetty at Ambon is where your adventure across the Banda and Forgotten Islands opens. Introductions are made, followed by the requisite safety brief, and time is available for you to arrange your apparatus. This first day may include up to two initial dives at the nearby Ambon critter sites, and the vessel then moves, commencing its overnight crossing.
Core Days
The central focus of this deep-water safari is the isolated volcanic arc known as the Forgotten Islands, extending through Wetar, Nila, and Serua. The clear, deep waters around sites like Dusborgh and Nil Desperandum are renowned for their spectacular wall diving and the possibility of encountering schooling pelagics. Nutrient-rich currents attract dogtooth tuna, reef sharks, and schools of surgeonfish. Further west, dive sites near Wetar, including Reong and Cape Nunukae, offer large coral formations and exciting currents for experienced divers.
The expedition then transitions to the historic Banda Islands, home to vibrant, pristine reefs. The walls here are covered in a phenomenal density of hard and soft corals, attracting reef fish like damsels and anthias. The volcanic cone of Manuk is a notable stop, featuring unique geothermal activity and a concentration of banded sea snakes. A dedicated surface interval provides a historical land visit to Banda Neira, where you can explore the preserved colonial architecture and the famous nutmeg plantations. The Mermaid I ensures exposure to both the cultural and underwater richness of this remote area.
Continuing to the western perimeter, the final diving focuses on Alor and Kawula, including Cape Bacatan and Lewaling Bay. While dive sites across Alor offer potential for large fish sightings, the region is equally famous for macro life, presenting phenomenal opportunities for macro photography. Dedicated dive guides assist in locating subjects such as rhinopias, hairy frogfish, and wonderpus octopus. This diverse range of environments ensures that the Mermaid I liveaboard provides a complete and rewarding Indonesian dive experience.
Day 12
Guests disembark at Maumere, Flores, following breakfast.
Komodo & Sumbawa (Whale Shark Special) (10 Days / 9 Nights - 26 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs/manatees, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: from Komodo Islands - Gili Banta, Gili Lawa Laut, Pantai Merah, Horseshoe Bay, Pillarsteen, Cannibal Rock, Manta Alley, Yellow Wall of Texas, Siaba, Nusa Kode, Tatawa, Batu Bolong, Gili Darat; Sumbawa: Moyo, Sangeang, Satonda. Komodo dragon land visit. Snorkelling with whale sharks in Saleh Bay.
Trips that use the port of Maumere will also visit the Lintah Strait.
Day 1
Step onto the Mermaid I liveaboard at either Benoa Harbour, Bali, or Maumere, Flores, to start this unique adventure known as 'Bali-Komodo-Bali with Whale Sharks of Saleh Bay' or 'Maumere-Komodo-Bali with Whale Sharks of Saleh Bay'. After introductions to the team and a comprehensive safety induction, guests dedicate substantial time to setting up their scuba systems. The evening is finalised with a celebratory group dinner as the yacht then puts out to sea, commencing its nocturnal passage toward the initial destination in Sumbawa.
Core Days
A signature highlight of this specialist voyage is the stop at Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, for an extended morning snorkelling or diving with the resident whale sharks. Drawn to the traditional bagans (fishing platforms), these gentle leviathans offer reliable, close-up encounters, defining the first unique segment of the Mermaid I itinerary. Sumbawa diving continues at the volcanic Sangeang, known for its unique underwater geology and macro potential, alongside the healthy, clear reefs of Moyo and Satonda.
Transitioning to the Komodo National Park, the vessel immerses divers in the high-energy environments of the central and northern straits. Dive sites like Batu Bolong and Tatawa are famous for their sheer density of marine life, where strong currents bring in massive schools of trevally, barracuda, and reef sharks. Pinnacles at Gili Banta and Gili Lawa Laut provide exhilarating conditions for divers seeking serious pelagic action. Trips passing through Flores will navigate the Lintah Strait, adding to the rich biodiversity encountered.
The Mermaid I ensures comprehensive coverage, including the cooler, plankton-rich waters of South Komodo. At Horseshoe Bay and Nusa Kode, you will find the celebrated Cannibal Rock and Yellow Wall of Texas, thriving with vibrant soft corals and supporting unusual macro life. Manta Alley is dedicated to sightings of majestic manta rays. Additionally, sites like Siaba and Gili Darat offer more sheltered coral gardens. Topside activities are essential, including a land trek to observe the Komodo dragons and a stop at Pantai Merah (Pink Beach). The versatility of the Mermaid I liveaboard ensures every facet of this dynamic region is explored.
Day 10
Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking the Mermaid I at Benoa Harbour or Maumere.
Komodo National Park & Sumbawa (10 Days / 9 Nights - 28 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs/manatees, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: from Komodo: Gili Banta, Gili Lawa Laut, Pantai Merah, Horseshoe Bay, Pillarsteen, Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall of Texas, Nusa Kode, Manta Alley, Tatawa, Batu Bolong, Gili Lawa Darat and Komodo dragon land visit; and Sumbawa: Moyo, Sangeang, Satonda.
Cruises that use Maumere harbour will also visit Lintah Strait.
Day 1
Boarding takes place at either Benoa Harbour, Bali, or Maumere in Flores, dependent upon the direction of this scheduled trip. Once you have been greeted by the crew and received essential safety information, guests ready their diving kits. Subsequently, after a shared supper, the vessel lifts anchor, commencing its overnight transit toward the rich dive areas of Sumbawa.
Core Days
This expedition, known as 'Bali-Komodo-Bali' or 'Maumere-Komodo-Bali', is designed to maximise your bottom time across the high-current areas that define the spectacular diving of Komodo and Sumbawa. You will explore the northern Sumbawa region around Moyo, Sangeang, and Satonda. Sangeang, an active volcano, presents an unforgettable opportunity to dive over black sand slopes where geothermal activity creates natural bubble streams that attract unusual macro fauna. Moyo Island offers stunning coral walls and calmer conditions, providing a variety of reef photography chances.
Cruises utilising Maumere as a port will also dive the Lintah Strait, known for powerful currents that feed dense concentrations of marine life. Entering the Komodo National Park, the focus shifts to the intense action of the central straits. Sites like Batu Bolong and Tatawa are vibrant coral mountains, teeming with schools of reef fish and regularly patrolled by white-tip and grey reef sharks. The Mermaid I provides access to these demanding, yet highly rewarding sites.
The exploration covers Komodo’s extremes, including the exposed seamounts of Gili Banta, Pillarsteen, Gili Lawa Darat, and Gili Lawa Laut in the north. The south, particularly Horseshoe Bay and Nusa Kode, provides cooler, plankton-rich waters. Here you will find the celebrated sites of Cannibal Rock and Yellow Wall of Texas, where the sheer density of invertebrate life and soft corals is exceptional. Further south, Manta Alley is a recognised location for observing manta rays feeding or using cleaning stations.
The trip balances diving with some topside elements. This includes a visit to Pantai Merah (Pink Beach) for its unique geological feature, and a compulsory trek to encounter the magnificent Komodo dragons on land, completing your appreciation of the ecosystem above and below the surface on the Mermaid I.
Day 10
Enjoy a final breakfast and farewells before disembarking the Mermaid I liveaboard at the nominated port, either Benoa Harbour or Maumere.
Lembeh Strait & Togian Islands (12 Days / 11 Nights - 34 Dives)
Trip highlights: turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Lembeh Strait: Angel's Window, Hairball, Nudi Falls; Tanjung Flesko, Gorontalo, Togian Islands: Batudaka, Malingi , Kadidiri, Taipi, The Gap, Dominic Rock, B-24 Bomber Wreck, Tapuan, Walea, Puah, Dondola, Pulau Dua, Ratatotok
Day 1
The warm tropical air of Bitung port greets you upon arrival, marking the start of your diving expedition and the welcoming you receive from the crew. After receiving the essential safety briefing, divers set about preparing their equipment. Depending on your exact arrival time, the afternoon may host up to 2 exploratory dives, or the Mermaid I will make way, commencing its overnight passage to the initial dive area once a sunset dinner is complete.
Core Days
The voyage begins in the volcanic landscape of the Lembeh Strait, the acknowledged global hub for muck diving. Scuba divers start their adventure navigating black sand slopes and underwater debris, searching for the area’s legendary macro fauna. Specific dive sites such as Hairball, Angel's Window, and Nudi Falls are celebrated for encounters with the bizarre: think flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus, and vast numbers of exotic nudibranch species. The nutrient-rich environment reliably yields sightings of frogfish, ghost pipefish, and the coveted blue-ringed octopus, ensuring exceptional rewards for patient underwater photographers on the Mermaid I.
Mid-cruise, the Mermaid I liveaboard transitions towards Gorontalo, offering a dramatic change of scene. Diving here centres on breathtaking coral formations, most notably the towering, unique 'Salvador Dali' sponges endemic to the Olele Marine Park. Furthermore, time is allocated near Botubarani for dedicated surface or sub-surface encounters with majestic whale sharks. Along the Sulawesi coast, dive sites at Tanjung Flesko are known for rewarding drift dives across extensive hard coral gardens, often hosting schools of pelagics.
The second half of the expedition is dedicated to the remote, protected Togian Islands, situated in the Gulf of Tomini. The archipelago presents extraordinary structural variety across islands like Batudaka, Malingi, and Kadidiri. Divers will explore deep walls at Taipi, pinnacles like Dominic Rock, and the deep trenches of The Gap. Sites such as Tapuan, Walea, Pulau Dua, and Ratatotok showcase outstanding reef health and the potential for blacktail barracuda and bigeye trevally encounters. History enthusiasts will appreciate the visit to the well-preserved World War II B-24 Bomber Wreck. The versatility of the Mermaid I ensures you explore these diverse habitats in knowledgeable hands.
Day 12
Following the last few dives in the Lembeh Strait, guests enjoy a final breakfast before disembarking in Bitung, near Manado.
Raja Ampat National Park
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat - Misool: Sagof, Wagmab, Farondi, Boo, Fiabacet, Yuliet, Wailbatan, Warakaret and Pele; Waigeo, Batanta, Dampier Strait, Alyui Bay, Kawe, Arborek and Yangelo. Pearl farm visit.
Day 1
The moment you step aboard the Mermaid I at Sorong Harbour, your Raja Ampat scuba expedition is officially underway. Crew members offer a welcome, followed by a thorough safety briefing, and guests then utilise the morning to configure their equipment. The necessity of the afternoon check dive is fulfilled, concluding before an evening meal is served on the main deck, as the Mermaid I shoves off, initiating its overnight sail toward the remote Misool islands.
Core Days
The exploration begins in Misool, Raja Ampat's celebrated deep south, a region defined by towering limestone karsts and the world's most spectacular soft coral coverage. Diving at the cluster of famous sites including Sagof, Wagmab, Warakaret, and Pele, you will encounter shallow bommies and submerged pinnacles absolutely smothered in colour. Scuba divers should observe carefully for macro subjects, such as minute pygmy seahorses nestled within the giant sea fans, showcasing this area's unparalleled biodiversity.
The dive cruise continues by repositioning toward the Dampier Strait, situated between the larger islands of Waigeo and Batanta. The strong, nutrient-rich currents here create an arena for significant pelagic activity, attracting large schools of fusiliers, jacks, and tuna. Dive sites like Arborek and Yangelo are reliable locations for high-energy encounters and are well-known spots for observing both reef and oceanic manta rays using their established cleaning stations.
The Mermaid I then takes you to the northern regions, including the Kawe area and the picturesque Alyui Bay. Alyui Bay is renowned for protected sites excellent for muck diving and exceptional night dives, offering a different style of diving compared to the Strait's reefs. As a unique surface interval activity, the vessel offers an excursion to a working pearl farm, rounding out the adventure with an interesting topside break.
Final Day
Following your final breakfast, you will disembark the Mermaid I at Sorong Harbour.
Raja Ampat, Banda & Forgotten Islands (16 Days / 15 Nights - 48 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat: Cape Kri, Dampier Strait, South Waigeo, Misool; Banda Sea: Koon, Manuk, Serua, Forgotten Islands: Dusborgh, Nil Desperandum; Banda Islands, Nusa Laut, Ambon Bay, Banda Neira historical visit.
Day 1
Your window to the eastern Indonesian odyssey opens now at Sorong harbour, where you will step onto the Mermaid I liveaboard. After a personalised welcome and essential safety induction, divers immediately focus on readying their diving kits for the intensive week ahead. The customary check dive is executed during the afternoon, followed by a post-setup repast before the vessel embarks, initiating its overnight transit to the initial coral frontier.
Core Days
The initial immersion focuses on Raja Ampat's southern domain, Misool. Diving at renowned locations like Fabiacet, Boo, and Farondi reveals a world of unparalleled reef health: towering limestone karsts become pedestals for sprawling soft corals and massive gorgonian fans. Searching these vibrant walls may yield encounters with the native wobbegong shark or the minute detail of pygmy seahorses, affirming the region's status as the apex of marine biodiversity. Moving into the central region, the Dampier Strait, including areas around South Waigeo and Cape Kri, presents the famous current-fed action, attracting large schools of trevally and barracuda, and consistent manta ray sightings.
As the Mermaid I begins its inter-island transit, the deep waters of the Banda Sea unfold. This area, connecting the Forgotten Islands, is defined by oceanic trenches and volcanic seamounts. Sites like Koon Island, Serua, and the isolated pinnacles of Dusborgh and Nil Desperandum provide exhilarating deep wall dives in exceptionally clear water. The exposed nature of these sites often draws in substantial pelagic action, promising potential sightings of dogtooth tuna and seasonal hammerhead schools, confirming the competence of the Mermaid I to navigate this challenging route.
The volcanic chain yields unusual natural wonders, most notably Manuk Island, known for its extensive population of sea snakes near thermal vents. The itinerary balances underwater exploration with a historical interlude ashore at the Banda Islands. The excursion to Banda Neira offers a powerful glimpse into the colonial spice history. The last diving days are spent at Nusa Laut or the black sand critter havens of Ambon Bay, providing an exceptional macro finale, before the final cruise to port.
Day 16
Enjoy a final breakfast and farewells before disembarking the Mermaid I liveaboard at Ambon jetty.
Raja Ampat, Banda Sea & Ambon
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: from Raja Ampat - Misool: Fabiacet, Boo, Damar, Farondi, Waigeo, Dampier Strait, Airborek and Yanggefo, Banda Sea: Manuk, Koon; Serua, Banda Islands, Ambon, Nusa Laut. Banda Neira historical visit.
Day 1
Based on expert recommendations, this Indonesian cross-seasons adventure initiates with the boarding of the Mermaid I liveaboard at Sorong harbour. Following a personal welcome and the mandatory safety briefing, divers are allotted time to assemble their gear. An essential check dive is typically executed in the afternoon, which is followed by a communal dinner, before the yacht begins its nocturnal journey toward the spectacular dive sites of Misool.
Core Days
The initial diving segment concentrates on the unparalleled marine vitality of Raja Ampat. The southern sector, Misool, is the primary focus, with dives at sites like Fabiacet, Boo, Farondi, and Damar. These sites are famed for their bommies, pinnacles, and limestone walls completely draped in soft corals and enormous gorgonian fans. Experienced divers will encounter the endemic walking shark, wobbegongs resting on the sand, and small, intricate life hiding within the saturated reefs.
The Mermaid I then navigates north towards Waigeo, exploring the high-energy environments of the Dampier Strait. Locations such as Airborek and Yanggefo are magnet sites where powerful tidal exchanges draw in schools of fusiliers, horse-eye jacks, and tuna. These currents also facilitate the famous manta ray cleaning stations, offering reliable big fish interaction. This blend of schooling fish and macro wonders epitomises the Raja Ampat portion of the dive safari.
Continuing east into the remote Banda Sea, the expedition explores a chain of volcanic islands offering dramatic wall and deep-reef diving. Sites around Serua, Koon Island, and the isolated cone of Manuk showcase immense reef health. Manuk is particularly noted for its natural hot springs and dense population of banded sea snakes. Serua for hammerhead sightings. The Mermaid I frequently traverses whale migration routes in the Banda Sea, offering the occasional opportunity for observation from the surface.
Diving concludes near Ambon and Nusa Laut, known for their protected bays and exceptional macro life, offering a chance to find unique critters like the Ambon scorpionfish. The topside historical aspect of this trip is a visit to the Banda Islands. Specifically, a land excursion to Banda Neira provides a fascinating break to walk amongst centuries-old Dutch fortifications and learn about the intense history of the spice trade. The Mermaid I liveaboard provides exceptional access to this grand oceanic corridor.
Final Day
Following a final morning breakfast, you will disembark the Mermaid I in Ambon.
Raja Ampat, Banda, Forgotten Islands & Alor (16 Days / 15 Nights - 48 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat: Cape Kri, Dampier Strait, South Waigeo, Mansuar, Arborek, Yangeffo, Sagof, Balbulol, Misool; Banda Sea: Koon, Banda Islands, Manuk, Serua, Forgotten Islands: Dusborgh, Nil Desperandum, Damar: Neus Leur, Terbang Seletan and Terbang Utara; Wetar: Reong, Cape Nunukae; Alor, Serbete, Kawula. Banda Neira historical visit.
Day 1
Much like the great spice trading voyages of the past, this extended Indonesian adventure starts with your arrival and boarding of the Mermaid I liveaboard in Sorong. A personal welcome and mandatory safety brief are provided, and divers use this time to prepare their dive apparatus. Once this setup is finalised, a communal dinner is served as the vessel makes its initial step - a long, overnight passage toward the spectacular dive sites of Misool.
Core Days
This grand voyage begins in the famed Raja Ampat region, concentrating on the world's richest coral coverage found in Misool. Dive sites like Sagof, Balbulol, Warakaraket, and Wayilbatan feature breathtaking shallow bommies and pinnacles such as Boo and Daram, which are completely draped in vibrant soft corals. Moving north, the Dampier Strait, including Cape Kri, Mansuar, Arborek, and Yangeffo, provides exhilarating drift dives where strong currents concentrate massive schools of reef fish and attract manta rays near South Waigeo.
The Mermaid I then enters the vast, deep basin of the Banda Sea, commencing the exploration of the Forgotten Islands. This remote sector targets volcanic seamounts and sheer walls, such as those near Manuk, and Serua. Sites around the Nila and Damar islands, including Nus Leur, Terbang, Dusborgh, and Nil Desperandum, offer excellent blue water encounters, where certified divers may find seasonal schooling hammerhead sharks and dogtooth tuna. Manuk is a distinctive highlight for its geothermal activity and concentration of banded sea snakes.
The expedition incorporates a land visit at Banda Neira, offering a fascinating break to explore colonial forts and nutmeg plantations before the final deep-reef phase. The Mermaid I concludes its diving circuit through the western Forgotten Islands and Alor, including the Wetar dive sites of Reong and Cape Nunukae, and the macro-rich areas near Serbete and Kawula. Alor is highly prized by divers for its varied underwater conditions, from cool, current-swept reefs to protected macro bays, confirming the appeal of this Mermaid I liveaboard expedition.
Day 16
Following a final breakfast, guests disembark the Mermaid I at Maumere, Flores.
Raja Ampat, Lembeh & Halmahera
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat: Dampier Strait: Cape Kri, Yanggefo, Gam; Misool: Fabiacet, Farondi, Boo; Pulau Pisang, Strait on Pantinti, Procco, Halmahera: Goraichi islands; Pulau Tifore; Lembeh Strait
Day 1
The capability of the Mermaid I is first demonstrated upon boarding in Sorong. A personalised welcome precedes the mandatory safety briefing, after which divers will ready their scuba gear for an introductory check dive. A formal evening banquet is then served as the vessel propels itself, commencing its overnight steam towards the initial location near Misool.
Core Days
The voyage opens with a deep exploration of Raja Ampat’s Misool region, widely celebrated for having the highest known marine biodiversity. Dive sites such as Fabiacet, Farondi, and Boo feature stunning limestone architecture cloaked in a world of soft corals. Certified divers navigating these shallow bommies and submerged pinnacles should watch for tiny pygmy seahorses nestled in enormous gorgonians and endemic creatures like wobbegong sharks.
Mid-trip focuses on the dynamic contrast found across Halmahera and the Dampier Strait. High-current dive sites like Cape Kri, Gam, and Yanggefo are feeding stations for large schools of pelagic fish, barracuda, and trevallies, and reliable hotspots for observing reef manta rays. Halmahera proper introduces remote, pristine sites around the Goraichi islands and Pulau Tifore, offering deep reef dives and pelagic viewing in areas like the Pantinti Strait and Procco. The comprehensive coverage offered by the Mermaid I spans these vast distances.
The capability of the Mermaid I ensures you experience the best conditions across all these diving locations, including the remote Pulau Pisang. The final geographical transition brings the Mermaid I to the world-famous muck diving sites of the Lembeh Strait. Here, the landscape changes to volcanic black sand, home to an astonishing concentration of rare and unusual marine life. Underwater photographers will delight in searching for the flamboyant cuttlefish, the mimic octopus, frogfish, and numerous species of nudibranchs, providing a unique conclusion to the safari. The versatility of the Mermaid I provides confidence in booking this exceptional transit trip.
Final Day
Following the last few dives in the Lembeh Strait, guests enjoy a final breakfast before disembarking at Bitung Harbour.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
Fuel your liveaboard diving adventures with 4 hearty meals daily, expertly prepared by the talented chefs using fresh local ingredients and aromatic spices. The buffet-style dining offers the best of both worlds - a delicious fusion of Asian and Western cuisine, served in the main deck dining room.
Enjoy unlimited complimentary beverages throughout your cruise, including tea, coffee and hot chocolate, soft drinks, juices and mil. Fresh snacks are available all day. For those who appreciate fine wines, Mermaid I offers a selection from Australia, Chile and New Zealand. Alternatively, sample a refreshing local beer.
A typical day onboard begins with a 6-6:30 am wake-up call and continental breakfast, followed by the first dive at 7-7:30 am. After surfacing, guests enjoy a full breakfast before the second dive at 10:30-11 am. Lunch is served at 12:30-1 pm, with the third dive scheduled for 2-3 pm. Afternoon tea is offered at 4:30-5 pm, and a night dive may occur at 6:30-7 pm. The day concludes with dinner at 8 pm, providing the perfect end to an active day of diving and relaxation.
The Mermaid I liveaboard will happily accommodate most dietary requirements - just let us know in advance. After an exhilarating day of diving, there's nothing better than relaxing with great food, fine drinks and good company!
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Excellent staff throughout the boat. Good standards of cleanliness and comfort. Good standard and selection of food.
Dive The World is a truly international agency, with facilities for payment in various currencies. Always prompt and helpful response times. Honest to a fault, even reminded me of a credit following a covid reschedule that I had forgotten about." -
Jane Knobel, U.K., 30 April 2024 ...
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Nice boat, great staff, facilities and food, and great diving area and itinerary." -
John Finch, Australia, 30 April 2024 ...
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Mermaid liveaboards are most coordinated team I have ever come across. Amazing customer service. They really looked after us. I am talking about the team on Mermaid." -
Yana Brake , Monaco, 28 January 2024 ...
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Best cruise director, dive guide, and the staff among all the liveaboards we have had. Food was very good, and a comfortable and well managed boat. Dive The World made an excellent recommendation on the liveaboard." -
Timothy Chae, United States, 13 May 2023 ...
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This is our 3rd time on Mermaid I, the standard of Service on this boat is always first class. The crew are professional, helpful and always smiling, the food is yummy, high quality and plentiful. The budget Cabin is spacious and comfy. Thanks Mermaid for restricting the areas where guests can smoke to the front deck only, this is much appreciated." -
Sarah Drew and Liam Donnelly, Australia, 30 January 2019 ...
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We received excellent service on the liveaboard in terms of care from the staff, the quality of food, amazing diving. We brought mostly our own equipment but the equipment available was good." -
Jack Hardman, UK, 4 March 2018 ...
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The boat is probably the best liveaboard vessel overall I have been fortunate to dive from to date." -
Gabor Tamas, Hungary, 16 February 2017 ...
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The service was exceptional. The staff and all the facilities were very accommodating and we felt they would do everything in their power to ensure we had a great experience." -
Marty Van Keulen, Canada, 17 March 2015 ...
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The Mermaid I liveaboard crew was excellent, always willing to help. Our room was fantastic, nice big bed. Lots of excellent food choices. They took very good care of us and were very good at helping us have great and safe dives." -
Albert Dubord, Canada, 17 March 2015 ...
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Service was EXCELLENT! Big warm towels always handed to us right after our dives, staff took very good care of our equipment. Very tasty meals, big thumbs up for made-to-order eggs for breakfast. Staff are very attentive. Dive briefings were SUPERB, very creative graphics and beautiful photos! All DMs were very good and knowledgeable. All in all, the boat was very good except for bathroom in the room where toilet and shower areas would be better if they were separated." -
Carol Lau, Hong Kong, 4 October 2013 ...
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Excellent service. I must admit however that I do not like paying for nitrox, and the price charged for the nitrox was in my view expensive." -
Mark Sciberras, Malta, 3 September 2013 ...
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Mermaid I liveaboard: accommodation, full board, and scuba diving. Great boat with very comfortable accommodations and excellent food. The crew was exceptional, and if ever a problem occurred, they were quick to rectify the problem." -
Martin Janacek, USA, 8 August 2013 ...
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The whole trip in Komodo was very well organised. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, the equipment in a very good state and the food delicious." -
Jennifer Aengst, Germany, 25 July 2013 ...
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We were pleased with the boat, a bit older, but well maintained and good crew. Just what we were expecting. Only disappointment was quality of food, a bit tasteless and boring and as the operator advertises Thai food - a lot of the spices were missing.
We dived with the tour leader and he was at times more concentratating on making a video he could sell than guiding the group. But I liked his choice of dive sites and the guy in general and I don't expect to be pampered every second underwater. " -
Johanna Vuorte, Finland, 24 November 2011 ...
"
We have just returned from a trip to Komodo on Mermaid I. The crew on board Mermaid I were an exceptional team who seemed to go by the mantra that 'the customer is king', going the extra mile by providing welcome hot towels and hot chocolate drinks on the dive deck.
The food was delicious with plenty of variety and plenty of it with special cakes frshly baked with afternoon tea. The boat was kept extraordinarily clean and the staff were hard working and extremely friendly and attentive. I would be delighted to go on this boat again. My partner is a non diver but found plenty to occupy himself with excellent snorkelling and kayaks on board." -
Christine Blakeley, England, 24 October 2011 ...
"
This was a fantastic live-aboard experience. Warm deck towels were provided after every dive, and hot chocolate after the night dives, while the crew rinsed your gear. The whole crew was absolutely great, always friendly and smiling and willing to help out. A maximum of 5 divers were with each guide who were very knowledgeable and helpful and excellent at spotting critters.
The diversity of the sites and the critters to be found there was amazing; dive site topography varied from beautiful coral reef formations to muck dives or black sand with hot volcanic thermal bubbles emerging from the soil." -
Bart Mertens, USA, 23 October 2011 ...
"
The on-board crew, both the dive crew and the boat crew, did a great job to make me and other guests comfortable. The boat was well designed and never felt crowded even though it was almost full but for one person. Generally was comfortable and pleasant. Their equipment was fine, it was good they had a full mix of tank sizes available to choose one that's comfortable and not too big or empty too quick. It was good they had spares, my personal computer had issues and they were able to rent me one for the holiday." -
Andrew Szymanski, USA, 28 February 2011 ...
"
Everything one can expect from a liveaboard trip: The facilities, service, food, divemasters & other staff, and of course the diving were all great and left little or no to wish for." -
Veiko Termonen, Estonia, 21 October 2010 ...
"
The Mermaid liveaboard boat was of a good standard, and the cabin was clean and comfortable. The boat crew were excellent, and the DMs friendly and helpful. Equipment was also well maintained." -
Shelley L. Jenkin, UK, 8 October 2007 ...
"
Both boat and diving staff were excellent; always helpful and very informative ... the boat itself is a beaut! Well equipped and very comfortable." -
Leigh Ayres, UK, 8 January 2007 ...
"
Helpful, smiling, efficient. Both the local crew (boat) and the foreign crew (divemasters) were very nice." -
Pierre Martin-Cocher, France, 3 May 2006 ...
