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Diving on the Mermaid I liveaboard
Reading the list of destinations the Mermaid I covers is like reading a divers’ all-time bucket list of dive destinations. Famed Komodo and Raja Ampat sit near the top of the list with macro paradises Lembeh and Alor and off-the-beaten-track destinations like Halmahera.
Expect overwhelmingly colorful underwater landscapes with pristine hard and soft coral surrounded by hidden pinnacles and walls teeming with marine life. These are some of the richest destinations to experience Indonesia’s famous biodiversity. You’ll run out of space on the pages in your logbook before you’ve written all you see on a dive.
The Mermaid I has very good dive facilities, including one of the most spacious and well-designed dive decks we’ve seen in the area, complete with a large dive platform and two exit ladders. All divers have storage boxes and access to freshwater showers. The boat also offers six separate rinse tanks for cameras, making it easy to look after your valuable equipment.
Dives start from the liveaboard’s two tenders, bringing divers close to the best drop points. Nitrox is available on the boat too for an extra fee.
Highlights:
- Spacious, shaded dive deck
- Six dedicated camera rinse tanks
- One of the biggest selection of itineraries in Indonesia
- The Bali-Komodo-Bali option saves a flight
Onboard the Mermaid I
Think “affordable luxury.” The Mermaid I operates with a guest-to-crew ratio of almost 1:1, and the crew is very attentive. The Mermaid experience starts with a warm welcome onboard and carries through to details like complimentary toiletries. When you’re trying to save every bit of space in your luggage for dive gear, this can make a huge difference.
At 92 feet (28 m) long, the Mermaid I comfortably accommodates 15 guests in eight cabins, with premium cabins located on the main deck. There’s an impressive master stateroom, complete with a flat-screen TV and more amenities to make you feel at home. Also on the main deck are four deluxe cabins and one single cabin, all offering outstanding panoramic sea views.
The lower deck has two smaller budget cabins, which are also well-equipped. All cabins have A/C, hot water in en-suite bathrooms, and high-quality linens for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Why leave your cabin except for diving? Because the shared spaces on the deck are just as special. The Mermaid I offers two outdoor decks. There’s a fabulous sundeck with comfortably cushioned sunbeds for reading and getting a tan. If you’d rather stay in the shade, check out the shaded deck area and its range of comfortable seating.
Both outdoor areas are perfect for recounting your last dives, checking out GoPro images, or taking a nap.
Highlights:
- Choice of cabins from master stateroom to budget accommodation
- Two relaxing areas, including a stunning sundeck
- Massages are available for an extra fee
- Air-conditioned saloon with a notably large selection of fauna identification books
Dining on the Mermaid I
No liveaboard review would be complete without a closer look at the food. It’s true that diving makes you hungry, and the Mermaid I chefs are serving a delicious combination of Western and Asian food.
Mermaid BBQs have become a real diver favorite. All meals are served buffet-style in the boat’s Sawasdee Restaurant, allowing guests to serve themselves. The crew can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.
While you’re eating, don’t miss out on the breathtaking Indonesian scenery outside. The restaurant has large windows that make it easy to enjoy the view and your meal at the same time.
Staying well hydrated is easy with a wide selection of complimentary soft drinks, milk, and juices. Guests also have access to unlimited tea and coffee.
The vessel offers a choice of Australian, Chilean, and New Zealand wines to accompany meals. If you’re not a wine fan, try the local beer, but be aware that all alcoholic beverages are subject to an additional charge.
Highlights:
- Delicious BBQs have become a diver favorite
- Unlimited soft drinks and juices are included in the liveaboard price
- Alcohol is available at an extra cost
Things we like:
- Large dive deck with plenty of space for 15 divers
- Eight cabins offering a range of accommodation from staterooms to budget cabins
- Great choice of itineraries from nine nights to 15 nights
- Choice of itineraries includes Bali-Komodo-Bali trips
- Twin engines for extra safety
Things we don't like:
- No same-sex cabin share guarantee
- Nitrox costs extra
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2016 |
| Max Divers | 15 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 8+ Nights |
| Internet | No |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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