Mermaid I Liveaboard

Mermaid I

Liveaboard · Alor

Superior steel-hulled craftsmanship and expert scuba hardware for top-tier diving journeys across Asia.

15
Alor

About This Vessel

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 submerg…

Upcoming Departures

Upcoming Departures

Onboard Amenities

Free Internet
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Camera Station
Nearly 1:1 Crew-to-Guest Ratio
Kayaks On-Board

Dining & Beverages

Al Fresco Dining
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Beer available
Wine Available
Fine Wines Selection
Snacks All Day
Buffet style
Western Food
Local Food

Dining aboard the Mermaid I is an all-inclusive experience showcasing a combination of Asian specialties and international buffet selections. The "Sawasdee Restaurant" serves a rich blend of Thai, Indonesian, and Western cuisines, which guests can enjoy in the climate-controlled main deck dining room or the open-air eating space. A 24-hour snack station and specialized beverage corner ensure refreshments are always accessible, while the crew remains attentive to dietary needs like vegetarian and vegan options. Complimentary soft drinks, tea, and coffee are always available, while a selection of beer, local craft brews, and international wines can be purchased to complement your meal.

Dive Equipment & Setup

Nitrox available
Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving
Post-Night Dive Hot Chocolate
Snacks and Drinks Between Immersions
Onboard Kayak Access
Hire Equipment Onboard

Dive Area & Sites

Indonesia offers some of the world's most spectacular diving, and the Mermaid I provides access to its premier locations including Komodo, Raja Ampat, Alor, and Ambon. Divers can expect to encounter an incredible array of marine life, from the smallest critters to large pelagics like manta rays and sharks. As a safety precaution, each person diving from Mermaid I must utilize their own dive computer. The dive operation is designed for convenience, featuring a spacious dive deck and platform for easy entry and exit. Tenders are utilized for efficient transfers, ensuring divers are dropped directly into the action. Visibility is generally excellent, providing clear views of the vibrant ecosystems and dramatic underwater topography. Nitrox is available to enhance bottom times, and experienced dive guides lead small groups, typically with a 4:1 diver-to-guide ratio, to maximize the underwater experience. Night dives are also offered, revealing a different cast of nocturnal creatures. To ensure the most accurate fit and gear readiness, travelers are asked to submit their sizing and equipment requirements before the voyage begins.

Important Information

What's Included

VAT · Fuel Surcharge

Not Included & Local Fees

National Park Fees (225-275 EUR per trip) · Gratuities

Airport Transfers

Return airport transfers and hotel transfers are included in the trip price. Guests will be met at the airport and transferred to their hotel, and then from the hotel to the liveaboard.

Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend all guests to purchase comprehensive dive accident insurance and trip cancellation insurance before departure. Dive accident insurance covers medical treatment, hyperbaric chamber costs, and emergency evacuation in the event of a diving incident. Trip cancellation insurance protects your financial investment — not only if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to personal illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances, but also if the trip is postponed or cancelled by the operator due to severe weather, technical issues, or other operational reasons. In the unlikely event of operator insolvency, cancellation insurance can also help recover your payments. Please ensure your policies are valid for the entire duration of your trip and cover the planned activities.

Rental Gear

15L tanks: Complimentary (pending availability) · BCD: 10 EUR per day

Accommodation

Single Cabin

Single Cabin

Single • Main Deck

1x
👥 1 GuestsClimate controlBathrobesStorage
Deluxe Cabins

Deluxe Cabins

Twin or Double • Main Deck

4x
👥 2 GuestsClimate controlBathrobesStorage
Lower Deck Cabins

Lower Deck Cabins

Twin • Lower Deck

2x
👥 2 GuestsClimate controlBathrobesStorage
Master Cabin

Master Cabin

King • Main Deck

1x
👥 2 GuestsClimate controlBathrobesStorage

Booking & Travel FAQ

How does the booking process work?

Select a cabin and departure on Mermaid I, and we send a real-time inquiry to the operator. After availability is confirmed, you receive a booking confirmation by email and secure your spot with a deposit.

When do I need to pay?

A deposit (usually 25-35%) is due upon confirmation. The remaining balance is typically due 4-8 weeks before departure, depending on the operator.

What documents will I receive?

After your final payment, you'll receive a travel voucher with meeting point, embarkation time, airport transfer details, packing tips, and your full itinerary.

How do I get to the boat?

Most liveaboards depart from a designated marina. Many operators offer airport pickup and transfers — details are in your voucher. We recommend arriving one day before departure.

What certifications do I need?

A valid dive certification (e.g. PADI Open Water), dive insurance, and a valid passport. Some destinations require additional permits or visas — we inform you during booking.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Cancellation terms vary by operator and are in your confirmation. Generally, the earlier you cancel the higher the refund. Changes depend on availability — contact us as soon as possible.

Vessel Technical Overview

Vessel Specifications

Cruising speed9.5 knots
Top speed12 knots
Max guests15
Number of cabins8
Number of bathrooms10
Engines2 x Hino 450 HP
VoltageTwo 130 kw Electrical Generators
Freshwater makerYes
Water capacity20,000 liters
Fuel capacity18,000 liters
Tenders2 x 4.2m / ladders

Navigation & Safety Systems

Radar
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Life Vests
Oxygen
SMBs (Surface Marker Buoys)
Personal Decompression Computers

What guests say online

4.8 / 5(91 reviews)
How is this overall rating calculated?

The headline score is the simple average of the category scores shown below (Boat, Crew, Value, Diving, Dive sites, etc.), each weighted equally. The review count reflects how many source reviews back the underlying analysis. When no category breakdown is available for a vessel, the headline falls back to the guest-weighted average across source platforms.

Guests consistently praise the Mermaid I for its professionalism, exceptional crew, and high service standards. It is often described as offering "affordable luxury" with comfortable accommodations for a value-focused vessel.

Crew4.9
Food4.7
Value4.5
Cabins4.2
Comfort4.6
Service4.8
Most praised
  • +Almost 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio with attentive staff
  • +High accommodation standards blending resort comforts with liveaboard living
  • +Professionalism, reliability, and exceptional crew
  • +Meticulous yearly maintenance ensures quality

Based on approximately 91 reviews. Aggregated rating based on reviews from multiple independent dive travel and operator platforms as well as on ratings from our customers. Public statements from diving forums and community platforms may also be incorporated as text into the highlighted praises and critiques. Ratings are independently calculated and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the source platforms.

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