Mermaid I

Location: Alor

About Mermaid I

A purpose-built dive liveaboard operating in the waters around Alor, offering access to complex marine ecosystems and diverse underwater topography.

The volcanic origins of Indonesia's Alor archipelago are visible above and below the waterline. Black sand slopes, remnants of past lava flows, create exceptional muck diving sites, while the same tectonic forces have built dramatic walls and submerged seamounts. Here, the waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans converge, generating powerful currents that sweep nutrients through the region. This constant flow sustains a remarkable concentration of life, from tiny pygmy seahorses on vibrant reefs to schooling fish and visiting pelagics in the blue. The Mermaid I is purpose-built to navigate this dynamic environment, offering divers a stable and reliable platform from which to explore Alor's complex underwater world. The vessel's dive operations are organized around efficiency and access to the best sites. A spacious, well-equipped dive deck allows for comfortable gear preparation before each excursion. Divers are then transferred via two 4.2-meter tenders, which enable precise drop-offs and pick-ups, even in areas with strong surface currents. Each dive is led by experienced local guides who possess an intimate knowledge of the tides and topography. They are adept at navigating the conditions and spotting the unique marine creatures that make this area a world-class destination, from Rhinopias to rare octopus species. Onboard life is designed for comfort and relaxation between periods of intense diving. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 15 guests in eight air-conditioned cabins, ensuring a personal and uncrowded atmosphere. Options range from a dedicated single cabin for solo travelers to deluxe cabins and a spacious master cabin on the main deck, all featuring private en-suite bathrooms. Social life centers around the air-conditioned indoor salon, a perfect spot for editing photos or reviewing the day’s sightings, and the multiple outdoor decks. These shaded spaces offer ample seating for enjoying the sea air and tropical scenery. Onboard WiFi is available to help guests stay connected. The culinary program is a significant part of the experience, managed by a talented Thai chef. Meals are a highlight of the day, providing the fuel needed for an active dive schedule. The menu features a delicious fusion of authentic Thai cuisine and popular international dishes, served buffet-style in the main salon. Fresh ingredients are used to create a variety of flavorful options throughout the day. The crew is happy to accommodate special dietary requirements with advance notice, ensuring all guests are well-cared for. Evenings are often spent sharing stories over a post-dinner drink. Mermaid I is a 28-meter traditional wooden motor yacht, combining classic Indonesian boat-building aesthetics with modern functionality. Its 7-meter beam contributes to a stable feel on the water. Power is provided by twin 450 HP Hino engines, which allow the vessel to maintain a steady cruising speed of 9.5 knots. This reliability is essential for navigating the long distances between islands on extended itineraries. Built for dive travel, the vessel’s design and robust construction make it well-suited for crossing the open waters found throughout the Lesser Sunda Islands. The vessel specializes in dedicated dive expeditions through Indonesia’s eastern archipelago. Itineraries frequently run between Maumere and Alor, offering a comprehensive tour of the region's signature sites. During specific seasons, Mermaid I also ventures further afield on longer trips to the remote and rarely visited Forgotten Islands. These routes are designed for the dedicated and experienced diver. Anyone with a passion for underwater photography, challenging drift dives, and exploring remote locations with high biological diversity will find these trips exceptionally rewarding. The combination of muck diving, vibrant reefs, and pelagic action appeals to the seasoned traveler seeking a genuine dive adventure.

Vessel Specifications

Length: 28m
Guest capacity: 15
Nitrox: Available
WiFi: Available

Cabins

Lower Deck Cabins (sleeps 2) — Twin — Discover two inviting cabins situated on the lower deck. These accommodations feature air conditioning and include a private en suite bathroom. Guests will find a refrigerator, an iPad for entertainme
Deluxe Cabins (sleeps 2) — Twin or Double — These four exquisite Deluxe Cabins offer flexible sleeping arrangements, featuring either a comfortable double bed or two twin beds. Guests will enjoy breathtaking panoramic sea views from their windo
Single Cabin (sleeps 1) — Single — This private single cabin is thoughtfully designed for one guest, featuring a comfortable single bed. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic sea views from your window and direct access to the gangway. The cabi
Master Cabin (sleeps 2) — King — Indulge in the Master Cabin, featuring a luxurious king-size bed for ultimate comfort. Guests will enjoy breathtaking panoramic sea views from the windows and convenient access to the gangway. This ai

Itineraries

Alor

Embarkation: Maumere, Flores

The remote Alor archipelago in eastern Indonesia delivers a rare mix of pristine reefs, world-class muck diving in Kalabahi Bay, and adrenaline-fuelled current dives in the Pantar Strait. Expect dramatic walls, vibrant soft corals, schooling fish, mola mola encounters in season and a strong cultural component with visits to traditional villages.

Lembeh – Togian – Lembeh with Whale Sharks

Embarkation: Bitung

A unique cross-Sulawesi expedition combining the world's best muck diving in the Lembeh Strait, the remote Togian Islands in the Gulf of Tomini, and the famous whale shark bagans (fishing platforms) of Gorontalo / Tomini Bay. Macro photographers, reef divers and big-animal fans all find their highlight on this rarely-offered route.

Raja Ampat

Embarkation: Sorong

Raja Ampat is the global epicentre of marine biodiversity, with more than 1,500 reef fish and 600 coral species packed into a labyrinth of jungle-covered limestone islands. Aboard Mermaid I, this classic Sorong–Sorong loop covers the famous current-swept channels of the Dampier Strait, the manta cleaning stations of the central islands, and the iconic karst landscapes of Penemu, Fam and Wayag. Expect strong currents, big schools, mantas, wobbegongs, walking sharks and macro critters in equal mea

In Port

This itinerary focuses on the remote wonders of Alor, an Indonesian archipelago known for its healthy reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and strong currents that bring a wealth of pelagic life. Divers can expect vibrant soft corals, schooling fish, and regular encounters with sharks and various species of rays. The currents also provide excellent drift diving opportunities, showcasing the rapid flow of nutrients that support this rich ecosystem. While challenging at times, the conditions create a dynami

Bali - Komodo - Bali with Whale Sharks of Saleh Bay

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Embarkation: Benoa Harbour, Bali

This ten-day round trip from Bali explores the incredible biodiversity of the Komodo region and beyond. The journey includes diving around Moyo and Satonda islands before reaching the world-famous Komodo National Park. In Komodo, guests will experience thrilling drift dives, encounters with manta rays, and a land excursion to see the iconic dragons. The trip culminates with a unique opportunity to swim with whale sharks in Saleh Bay before returning to Bali.

Bali - Komodo - Maumere with Whale Sharks of Saleh Bay

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Embarkation: Benoa Harbour in Bali

This one-way diving cruise travels from Bali to Maumere over ten days, offering a comprehensive tour of Indonesia's diverse marine ecosystems. The journey begins with dives around Moyo and Satonda islands before a special encounter with whale sharks in Saleh Bay. The itinerary continues through Komodo National Park, featuring land excursions to see the famous dragons, dives with manta rays, and exploration of world-class macro sites. The trip concludes with dives in the Maumere area, showcasing

Biodiversity Special - Ring of Fire: Maumere - Alor - Banda Sea - Ambon

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

Embarkation: Ambon, Indonesia

This one-way expedition travels from Ambon's muck diving paradise to the historic Banda Sea and concludes in Raja Ampat's world-renowned reefs. The journey offers incredible marine biodiversity, from rare critters in Ambon Bay to sea snakes at Manuk Island and giant manta rays in the Dampier Strait. The itinerary also incorporates cultural tours in the Spice Islands and scenic excursions through Misool's lagoons, providing a comprehensive Indonesian diving adventure.

Biodiversity Special - Ring of Fire: Ambon - Banda Sea - Alor - Maumere (Ambon - Maumere)

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

Embarkation: Ambon, Indonesia

This 12-day expedition traverses the Ring of Fire from Ambon to Maumere, offering a comprehensive tour of the region's underwater biodiversity. The journey begins with renowned muck diving in Ambon, moves through the historically significant Banda Islands, and explores remote volcanic sites known for sea snakes and schooling hammerheads. The trip combines spectacular wall dives, vibrant reefs, and unique critter encounters with a cultural visit to the Spice Islands, culminating in the varied div

Biodiversity Super Special: Maumere - Alor - Banda Sea - Raja Ampat (Maumere - Sorong)

Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights

Embarkation: Maumere

This extensive 16-day journey is a diver's dream, crossing three of Indonesia's most celebrated marine environments: Alor, the Banda Sea, and Raja Ampat. The trip is designed to showcase maximum biodiversity, from tiny critters and pygmy seahorses to large pelagics like schooling hammerheads and manta rays. The itinerary is highly flexible to adapt to conditions but generally follows a path from Maumere to Sorong, including stops at volcanic islands, historic sites, and world-famous reef systems

Biodiversity Special : Raja Ampat-Banda Forgotten Isl-Ambon (Raja Ampat - Ambon)

Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights

Embarkation: Sorong, Indonesia

This 16-day expedition charts a course from Raja Ampat to Ambon, offering an immersive journey through Indonesia's most biodiverse waters. The trip begins in the famed Dampier Strait and Misool regions of Raja Ampat, known for manta rays and vibrant soft corals. It then ventures into the remote Banda Sea, visiting volcanic islands like Manuk and Serua for encounters with sea snakes and schooling hammerheads. The itinerary also includes a historical tour of the Spice Islands (Banda) before conclu