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Diving on the Mermaid II liveaboard
From the Island of the Gods, Bali, to exhilarating current dives in Komodo, beautiful corals in Raja Ampat, and the unbelievable macro photography diving of Lembeh, Mermaid II offers excellent diving.
For those looking to discover marine life and explore reefs a little further afield, itineraries to places like Ambon, Halmahera, and the Banda Sea will deliver unforgettable experiences.
In true Mermaid style, this boat features a large, purpose-built dive deck with more than enough space for gearing up. There is also a sizable dive platform on the stern with two exit ladders and warm-water showers. All divers have individual storage boxes, and there are dedicated camera tables to make gear maintenance and preparation easy.
All dives are done from two tenders, making sure divers are dropped in exactly the right place and don’t miss any of the spectacular marine life. Picture yourself diving with manta rays or observing other pelagic species like hammerhead sharks. Or perhaps you enjoy drifting in the middle of hundreds of schooling reef fish? Mermaid II and its crew can deliver it all.
The liveaboard also offers PADI dive courses for those looking to add to their qualifications, high-quality rental equipment, and Mermaid II supplies nitrox on all cruises for an additional fee.
Highlights:
- Wide variety of some of the best dive spots in the world
- Seven to 15-night itineraries to accommodate busy lifestyles
- Nitrox is available on every cruise for an extra fee
Onboard the Mermaid II
The Mermaid fleet has become synonymous with affordable luxury liveaboards in Indonesia. No matter whether you’re choosing a deluxe or a budget cabin, you’ll find A/C, personal reading lights, fluffy towels, and a range of included toiletries.
This motor vessel is 105 feet (32 m) and spread across two decks, bigger than its sister ship, the Mermaid I.
On the main deck, eight deluxe cabins offer panoramic sea views. All can be set up as a double or a twin cabin, making this a great choice for couples, groups, or friends traveling together. Each deluxe cabin has its own en-suite bathroom.
Two budget cabins are located on the lower deck. These cabins are fitted with twin bunks, vanity sinks, and individually controlled A/C. Both budget cabins share a bathroom via adjoining doors.
Aside from their cabin, guests can also choose to relax and spend time on one of the two outdoor decks. Mermaid II caters to sun seekers with a beautiful sun deck equipped with cushioned sun beds. Those who would rather stay out of the heat will enjoy the more shaded areas with comfortable seating, excellent for sharing dive adventures.
Indoors, the comfortable saloon invites divers to browse a library of marine-life identification books and others. Equipped with an entertainment center, the saloon is also a great place to kick back with a movie in the evening.
Highlights:
- Ten cabins across two decks, including eight deluxe and two budget cabins
- All cabins are equipped with A/C
- Mermaid II’s bathrooms come readily stocked with toiletries and other goodies
- Two outdoor areas and a well-equipped saloon invite divers to relax
Dining on the Mermaid II
Do you prefer Asian or Western food? The Mermaid II’s kitchen team delivers dishes from both cuisines. Divers have a chance to sample Indonesian favorites like nasi goreng (fried rice) seasoned with local spices or stick to Western favorites.
All meals are served buffet-style, making it easy for 20 divers to eat at the same time. Aside from the three main meals, guests will find a steady supply of snacks throughout the day, including fresh fruit. The team is happy to accommodate dietary requirements, but let them know ahead of time if you require or need to avoid specific foods.
The liveaboard also offers a range of soft drinks and juices, which are included in the price of your cruise. In addition, divers have access to unlimited beverages, tea, and coffee throughout the day. The Mermaid II stocks a selection of international wines from Australia and New Zealand. Those and the local Bintang beer are available at an additional charge.
Highlights:
- Wide variety of Western and Asian dishes, including Indonesian favorites
- Unlimited soft drinks and juices are available all day
- International wines and local beer available for an extra cost
Things we like:
- Purpose-built dive boat with a spacious dive deck
- Wide choice of itineraries including Bali-Komodo-Bali, Indonesian favorites, and lesser-known destinations
- Twin engines for extra safety
Things we don't like:
- No same-sex cabin share guarantee for single travelers
- Some cabins are rather small
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2000 |
| Max Divers | 18 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 8+ Nights |
| Internet | Yes (free) |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
Take a moment to look at this.
We did this trip to Raja ampat, and it was great. Big thank to jimmy who was our guide for the trip, he was able to find the most amazing things underwater.