Mermaid I

Location: Alor

Rating: 4.8/5 (91 reviews)

Mermaid I

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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Bali-Komodo-Bali with Whale Sharks of Saleh Bay

Duration: 9 nights

Embarkation: Benoa Pier Bali

Lembeh - Togian - Lembeh with Whale Sharks (Bitung - Bitung

Duration: 12D11N

Embarkation: Bitung, Indonesia

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Bitung to explore the rich muck-diving haven of Lembeh before cruising to the pristine islands of Togian. Discover vibrant reefs, serene lagoons, and the rare opportunity to swim alongside gentle whale sharks in their natural habitat. The trip concludes back in Lembeh, offering one last chance to experience its world-class underwater macro life.

Lembeh - Halmahera - Raja Ampat (Manado - Sorong)

Duration: 11 nights

Embarkation: Manado, Indonesia

This expedition begins in the world-renowned muck diving haven of Lembeh, then journeys through the vibrant reefs of Halmahera, culminating in the unparalleled biodiversity of Raja Ampat. Divers will encounter a vast spectrum of marine life, from rare critters in black sand environments to schooling barracudas and majestic manta rays on healthy coral gardens. This route offers a comprehensive exploration of Indonesia's most celebrated underwater regions, promising diverse and thrilling dive expe

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

Duration: 11 nights

Embarkation: Maumere, Indonesia

Embark on an extraordinary 12-day adventure through Indonesia's Ring of Fire, a journey renowned for its incredible biodiversity. This trip offers an exceptional opportunity to encounter hammerhead sharks, especially during their peak season in the Banda Sea, where five dedicated days are set aside for these magnificent pelagics. Explore a vast marine landscape spanning 800 nautical miles, featuring pristine reef walls, steep drop-offs, and dramatic volcanic scenery. The itinerary culiminates in

Maumere - Komodo - Bali - with Whale Sharks of Saleh Bay

Duration: 9 nights

Embarkation: Maumere, Flores, Indonesia

This exciting 9-night liveaboard journey takes you from Flores to Bali, exploring the diverse underwater world of the Komodo archipelago and the unique Saleh Bay. Experience thrilling drift dives, encounters with iconic marine life like manta rays and whale sharks, and discover the macro wonders of various dive sites. The itinerary combines the vibrant reefs of Komodo with the special experience of diving with whale sharks in Sumbawa, offering a comprehensive Indonesian diving adventure.

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.

Raja Ampat (Sorong - Sorong)

Duration: 11N

Embarkation: Sorong, Indonesia

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Raja Ampat, a region celebrated as one of the last frontiers of unspoiled diving. This itinerary promises diverse underwater encounters across vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and unique topographical features. Guests will explore numerous islands, experiencing both thrilling drift dives and serene muck diving opportunities. The trip features a variety of landscapes from lush mangroves to pristine coral gardens, ensuring an immersive and compr

Alor (Maumere - Maumere)

Duration: 9 nights

Embarkation: Maumere, Indonesia

This incredible journey with Mermaid Liveaboards explores the Alor archipelago, with embarkation and disembarkation from Maumere. Divers will discover new dive sites and unique experiences, taking them through an extraordinary expedition in the Nusa Tenggara region. The itinerary is designed to showcase the best of Alor, ensuring guests encounter its renowned marine biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes.

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

Duration: 15 nights

Embarkation: Sorong, Indonesia

Embark on an extraordinary journey with the Biodiversity Super Special, exploring three distinct and biodiverse regions: Alor, the Banda Sea, and Raja Ampat. This itinerary promises an unparalleled diving experience amidst some of Indonesia's most pristine waters. While the exact daily schedule remains flexible to adapt to local conditions and enhance the diving adventure, this trip offers a chance to encounter incredible marine life and stunning underwater landscapes.

Biodiversity Super Special Raja Ampat-Banda Sea-Forgotten Islands-Ambon - 16 days (Sorong West Papua → Ambon)

Duration: 16D15N

Embarkation: Sorong West Papua

Embark on an epic 16-day voyage charting a course through Indonesia's most biodiverse and remote archipelagos. This journey begins in the world-renowned Raja Ampat, home to staggering coral reef diversity and a massive fish count. From there, you'll sail south into the legendary Banda Sea, a pelagic hotspot where schooling hammerheads patrol deep walls and volcanic islands host unique marine ecosystems. The adventure continues through the seldom-visited 'Forgotten Islands' for pristine frontier

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