Mermaid II

Location: Komodo

Rating: 4.5/5 (86 reviews)

About Mermaid II

The Komodo archipelago, an ecological crossroads, presents a dynamic underwater environment of strong currents and diverse marine life.

In few regions is the distinction between the terrestrial and the aquatic as pronounced as in the Komodo archipelago. Dry, sun-scorched islands rise from the sea, their rugged, savanna-like terrain offering little hint of the riot of life just below the waterline. Here, powerful currents generated by the immense exchange of water between the Pacific and Indian Oceans scour channels and wrap around volcanic seamounts. This constant movement of water concentrates nutrients, feeding a complete and vibrant food web from the smallest critters to the largest predators. It is this dynamic, action-packed underwater world that the Mermaid II is specifically equipped to explore, offering divers a stable and capable platform to experience one of Indonesia's most significant marine ecosystems. The dive operation is organized for efficiency and safety in Komodo's demanding conditions. All diving is conducted from two 5-meter rigid inflatable boats, each fitted with guest ladders and powered by twin 40 HP Yamaha outboards. This setup provides the speed and maneuverability required to access specific sites at optimal tide times and to ensure quick pickups in strong currents. The spacious dive deck allows for organized gear preparation and storage, while the experienced local dive guides provide detailed briefings and lead all underwater excursions. Their expert knowledge of the currents, topography, and marine life behavior is essential for navigating famous sites like Batu Bolong and Castle Rock safely. Life aboard the Mermaid II is designed for comfort and relaxation between dives. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 18 guests across nine cabins, providing a choice between Deluxe and Budget options to suit different preferences. With 11 bathrooms available, there is ample convenience for all passengers. Social life centers around two main areas: a large, air-conditioned indoor lounge complete with a digital entertainment system and marine reference library for identifying the day's sightings, and a shaded outdoor sun deck. This open-air space is the perfect spot to enjoy the dramatic island scenery, socialize with fellow divers, or simply relax in the sea breeze. The onboard culinary program is a central part of the daily routine, designed to fuel a full schedule of diving. Freshly prepared meals are crafted by the vessel’s chef, offering a varied menu that draws from both international and local Indonesian flavors. All food is served in a communal dining area, creating a friendly and social atmosphere where guests can share stories about their underwater encounters. The galley is prepared to handle a range of dietary requirements, which can be accommodated with advance notification. A selection of soft drinks, juices, and local beer is also available to help you unwind at the end of the day. Built as a traditional motorsailer, the 32.9-meter Mermaid II is a sturdy and seaworthy vessel. Its 6.4-meter beam contributes to a stable ride, a welcome characteristic during crossings in open water. Propulsion is supplied by a pair of reliable 450 HP Hino engines, which give the ship a cruising speed of 9 knots and a top speed of 10 knots. This power plant ensures efficient travel between the scattered islands of the Komodo National Park. The vessel's robust construction and essential engineering systems are well-suited for the multi-day, expedition-style journeys required to fully experience this remote region. Mermaid II runs itineraries focused exclusively on the Komodo National Park, with routes that cover the region's most celebrated dive sites. Journeys typically depart from and return to the port of Labuan Bajo on Flores, exploring the pinnacles, walls, and coral gardens of the central and northern areas of the park. These trips are best suited for certified divers who are comfortable with drift diving and have experience in strong currents. The challenging conditions are rewarded with consistent sightings of manta rays, sharks, and schooling pelagic fish. With its mix of cabin types and a strong focus on the dive operation, Mermaid II is an excellent choice for dedicated divers seeking a functional and value-oriented platform for a serious Komodo adventure.

Vessel Specifications

Guest capacity: 18
Nitrox: Available

Cabins

Deluxe Cabins (sleeps 2) — Double or Twin (convertible) — Discover the Deluxe Cabins, all situated on the main deck, offering expansive panoramic sea views through their large windows. Each cabin provides flexible sleeping arrangements, featuring either a co
Budget Cabin (sleeps 2) — Bunk — Discover the Budget cabins, situated on the vessel's lower deck. Each cabin is appointed with comfortable twin bunk beds and includes a convenient vanity sink. Guests will enjoy personalized comfort t

Itineraries

Maumere – Komodo – Bali with Whale Sharks of Saleh Bay

Embarkation: Maumere

A cross-Indonesia expedition from the reefs of eastern Flores through the legendary current dives of the Komodo National Park to the rarely-visited whale shark aggregation in Saleh Bay off Sumbawa. One-way route ending in Bali combining big animals, macro and dramatic underwater landscapes.

Bali – Komodo – Bali with Whale Sharks of Saleh Bay

A round-trip 10-day Bali expedition combining Saleh Bay's whale shark bagans, Sangeang volcano and the full Komodo National Park, returning to Bali. Ideal for guests who want world-class diving plus the rare juvenile-whale-shark encounter without the one-way logistics.

Lembeh – Halmahera – Raja Ampat

A one-way southbound crossing from the Lembeh Strait through North Halmahera and on to Raja Ampat. Mirror itinerary of the northbound route: start in the muck capital of the world, cross via pristine Halmahera reefs and end in Raja Ampat's big-fish hotspots.

Biodiversity Special Ring of Fire — Maumere – Alor – Banda Sea – Ambon (12 days)

A 12-day eastbound Ring of Fire crossing from Maumere on Flores through the Pantar Strait, the open Banda Sea volcanic seamounts and on to Ambon. Combines adrenaline current dives in Alor, big-animal action over the Banda hammerhead seamounts and Ambon's legendary muck.

In Port

This Komodo itinerary focuses on exploring the vibrant reefs and powerful currents of the national park, renowned for its diverse marine life. Expect drift dives over colorful coral gardens, encounters with manta rays at cleaning stations, and a wealth of macro opportunities in sheltered bays. The varying currents provide a dynamic diving experience, from gentle drifts to exhilarating rides past nutrient-rich pinnacles. This route offers a comprehensive overview of Komodo's underwater landscape,

Biodiversity Super Special — Maumere – Alor – Banda Sea – Raja Ampat (16 days)

The full 16-day eastbound crossing from Maumere across the Banda Sea hammerhead seamounts and on to Raja Ampat. Combines Alor's current dives, the Banda Sea's pelagics and Raja Ampat's biodiversity hotspots in a single expedition — one of the great Indonesian liveaboard journeys.

Raja Ampat

Embarkation: Sorong

Raja Ampat in West Papua is the global epicentre of marine biodiversity — over 1,500 reef fish and 600 coral species packed into a labyrinth of jungle-covered limestone islands. Aboard Mermaid II this Sorong–Sorong loop covers the current-swept channels of the Dampier Strait, manta cleaning stations of the central islands, and the iconic karst landscapes of Penemu, Fam and (conditions permitting) Wayag. Expect strong currents, big schools, mantas, wobbegongs, walking sharks and outstanding macro

Biodiversity Special Ring of Fire — Ambon – Banda Sea – Alor – Maumere (12 days)

This 12-day Ring of Fire expedition explores the volcanic Banda Sea, a migratory route for large pelagics, alongside Alor's vibrant walls and current-swept passages. The itinerary begins with the famed muck diving of Ambon before venturing into the remote reefs surrounding Serua, Manuk, and Romang. Divers can expect a diverse experience, from encounters with schooling hammerheads and other open-ocean species to observing unique macro life and drifting over pristine coral gardens. This journey cu

Biodiversity Super Special — Raja Ampat – Banda Sea – Alor – Maumere (16 days)

This extraordinary 16-day journey traverses some of Indonesia's most biodiverse waters, connecting Raja Ampat through the Banda Sea to Flores. Divers can expect iconic sites like Raja Ampat’s nutrient-rich reefs and strong currents, providing opportunities to encounter manta rays and diverse reef fish. The expedition then delves into the remote Banda Sea, home to schooling hammerheads, sea snakes, and pristine coral gardens. The itinerary concludes in the rich waters of Alor and Maumere, renowne

Raja Ampat – Halmahera – Lembeh

A one-way northbound crossing from Raja Ampat through the remote reefs of North Halmahera and on to the legendary muck of the Lembeh Strait. Combines Raja Ampat's big-fish reefs, Halmahera's pristine and rarely-dived sites and Lembeh's critter Mecca.