MV Mermaid II

Overview

Mermaid II is a very comfortable, well run vessel sleeping a maximum of 20 guests in 8 en-suite deluxe cabins and 2 budget cabins, all air-conditioned. The deluxe cabins are all on main deck level with windows and the budget cabins are situated on the lower deck. Bed configuration is a small double under, with single bed over in deluxe and bunks in budget cabins - which have a vanity sink but share a bathroom.

Other Facilities

Meals are served in the main deck saloon and dining area, with a selection of Indonesian, Thai and Western meals. Guests can relax in the spacious saloon, which is equipped with TV / DVD and music centre and a library with a selection of marine life books.

There are two outside decks, one shaded with outside seating and the fabulous sun deck forward of the wheelhouse with cushioned lounging area - a great place to relax and enjoy the views as Indonesia’s islands and seas glide by.

The large dive platform with two exit ladders is equipped with fresh water showers. Nitrox is blended onboard, plus a spacious camera table and plenty of rinse tanks.

Specification

Length 33m, Beam 7m, Draft 2.5m, Cruising Speed 9.5 knots, Max. Speed 12 knots, Engines Hino 2x 450 HP, Generator Hino 2 x 100 kw, Compressor Bauer 3 x 200 l/min, Nitrox Blending panel.

Twin centres & city stopovers

Extensions can be arranged for land based stays on Bali, Flores and Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok (airline dependant).

Schedules & prices

Dive info

Liveaboard diving in Indonesia

Diving in these areas is often undertaken in remote locations. Some of the dives can be quite challenging, suiting only more experienced divers in exciting, bizarre and unpredictable currents. Liveaboard diving does not get more adventurous than this!

Liveaboards diving to and from Bali

Eastwards from Bali, a string of picturesque islands stretch east towards Komodo, offering a wealth of different dive sites to choose from as you dive your way to or from Komodo National Park. Lombok, Gili Islands, Sumbawa, Moyo, Satonda and Sangeang are the main land masses, with numerous other islets.

This group of islands further east are surprisingly dry, looking more like parched grassland on steep volcanic formed slopes than the expected lush green tropics, unless visiting during the more rainy season (winter months), This area is truly a YEAR ROUND diving destination, with itineraries and dive sites tailored to the prevailing weather conditions. If the liveaboards operate there year round, you know it is good!

Liveaboards with itineraries encompassing Bali and Komodo National Park: Mermaid I, Mermaid II, Indo Aggressor and the Indo Master.

How do I get there?

The best gateway is via Bali’s Denpasar airport.

Boat and itinerary dependant, an internal flight from/to Bali from/to Bima (Sumbawa Island), Labuan Bajo or Maumere (Flores Island) may be required. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboard diving in Komodo, Flores & Alor

Komodo: Officially declared a World Heritage Site in 1986, the Komodo National Park (Komodo, Rinca and Padar Islands) is the largest protected marine zone on the planet. The variety of islands within the park, combined with the current, wave and wind exposure have resulted in an incredible diversity of coastal and marine habitats.

Underwater, strong currents and deep upwelling’s transport nutrient-rich waters throughout the area, which supports a cornucopia of life. Mangrove forests, sea grass beds and pristine coral reefs define the main habitats within the borders of the park. Dive sites vary from walls and coral gardens to pinnacles, drop offs and quiet bays that are ideal for macro lovers seeking rarely seen species.

So far over 1000 fish species, 260 reef building coral species and 70 sponge species have been recorded in the Komodo National Park, with a particularly high number of organ pipe coral, which accounts for the famous pink sand beaches. Turtles and marine mammals frequent Komodo's waters along with whales and mantas that are occasionally seen migrating through the park.

The park is also home to many rare and endemic land species including a population of the world's largest lizard, the Komodo Dragons. Most of Regaldive’s cruises covering the park incorporate an island visit to see these interesting reptiles in their natural environment.

Flores and Alor: The currents that flow through the straits which connect the Banda and Savu seas create thrilling drift dives that attract large animals such as whales, tuna, sharks (including hammerheads), giant groupers, eagle and manta rays, napoleon wrasse, schools of big eye jacks, mola-mola, and other pelagic fish. In the Pantar strait between Alor and Pantar pilot-whales and dolphins are common as they pass between the islands during their seasonal migration to the Pacific Ocean.

Liveaboards with itineraries encompassing Komodo National Park, Flores & Alor: Mermaid I, Mermaid II, Indo Aggressor, Indo Master and Emperor Raja Laut.

How do I get there?

The best gateway is via Bali’s Denpasar airport.

Boat and itinerary dependant, an internal flight from/to Bali from/to Bima (Sumbawa Island), Labuan Bajo (West Flores) or Maumere (East Flores) may be required. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboard diving Ambon and Raja Ampat

Twenty percent of West Papua’s land (formerly Irian Jaya) and marine parks are designated conservation areas. With over 3000 fish and 400 coral and sponge species recorded, as well as dolphins, dugongs, green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles, this area will not fail to amaze. Above water, exotic creatures such as the Venus Fly trap inhabit the region.

Liveaboards with itineraries encompassing Ambon, Maluku Islands: Mermaid I, Mermaid II, Dewi Nusantara and Emperor Raja Laut

Liveaboards with itineraries encompassing Raja Ampat: Mermaid I, Mermaid II, Emperor Raja Laut, Indo Master and Dewi Nusantara.

How do I get there?

The best gateway can be via Jakarta airport, Bali’s Denpasar airport or Manado airport.

Internal flights to/from either Ambon, Sorong and Maumere, boat itinerary dependant. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

 Some great Raja Ampat footage from our friends at Mermaid Fleet:

Liveaboard diving in Manado, Sulawesi

Manado lies at the Northern tip of Sulawesi, located in a bay and surrounded by a dramatic volcanic landscape. Manado is host to some of the finest diving in South East Asia.

Divers will experience everything from the smallest pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs, to eagle rays, orcas and pilot whales. Manado is an idyllic, tranquil diving destination with an outstanding and celebrated bio-diversity.

There is said to be a greater variety of marine life in the seas off North Sulawesi than anywhere else on the planet and outstanding diving is available year round. The area is a centre of marine bio diversity and is home to many unusual species, ranging from prehistoric fish like coelacanth through to some recognised household names like reef sharks and the eagle ray.

Liveaboards with itineraries encompassing Manado, Sulawesi - Lembeh Strait, Bunaken and Sangihe Islands: N/A

How do I get there?

The best gateway is Manado Airport (Sulawesi) via Singapore on Singapore Airlines. Other international flights may be arranged into Jakarta, with a separate ticket on Garuda or Lion Air to Manado. Overnights in Jakarta may be required.

Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

If you're looking for a liveaboard experience but with the comfort of staying at a resort, our Bunaken land-based liveaboard experience sees you based at Tasik Ria Resort. For more information, contact our friendly dive team.

Liveaboard diving in Timor-Leste (East Timor)*

This remote island southeast of Indonesia is surrounded by the Timor and Banda Seas. Timor-Leste offers divers many different sites with diverse topography and an array of marine life in this little explored area. Pristine corals, sandy muck diving slopes and off shore pinnacles await the adventurous diver.

Timor-Leste, once governed by Indonesia, has a tumultuous history with a strong influence from the Portuguese, which remains one of this small nation's official languages. The young nation is made up of the eastern half of Timor island, Atauro island to the north and the tiny island of Jako, yet despite being an island nation does not have a strong fishing background.

*Timor-Leste is an independent state and not part of Indonesia. However, for sake of geographic proximity and ease of operation, Regaldive currently incorporate the country under this area as the region slowly grows its diving potential.

How do I get there?

The best gateway is via Bali’s Denpasar airport.

An internal flight from/to Bali into Dili, Timor-Leste is required, with daily flights available. There is also a flight from Singapore on an Air Timor charter, but we recommend the route via Bali.

Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboards diving to and from Bali - How do I get there?

The best gateway is via Bali’s Denpasar airport.

Boat and itinerary dependant, an internal flight from/to Bali from/to Bima (Sumbawa Island), Labuan Bajo or Maumere (Flores Island) may be required. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboard diving in Komodo, Flores & Alor - How do I get there?

The best gateway is via Bali’s Denpasar airport.

Boat and itinerary dependant, an internal flight from/to Bali from/to Bima (Sumbawa Island), Labuan Bajo (West Flores) or Maumere (East Flores) may be required. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboard diving Ambon and Raja Ampat - How do I get there?

The best gateway can be via Jakarta airport, Bali’s Denpasar airport or Manado airport.

Internal flights to/from either Ambon , Sorong and Maumere, boat itinerary dependant. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboard diving in Manado, Sulawesi - How do I get there?

The best gateway is Manado Airport (Sulawesi) via Singapore on Singapore Airlines.

Other international flights may be arranged into Jakarta, with a separate ticket on Garuda or Lion Air to Manado. Overnights in Jakarta may be required. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Flight Information

Flights are available on multiple airlines serving this region, for example: Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Garuda Indonesia.

Flight duration:
Approx. 15 - 17 hours including flight change.

Passports & Visas

Passengers travelling to Indonesia and Timor-Leste should have minimum six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK, plus one full page free. Hotel receptions may be required to take a photocopy of your passport for registration purposes.

British nationals travelling to Indonesia on holiday can enter the country purchasing a visa on arrival for up to 30 days at certain ports of entry, including international airports in Jakarta and Bali. The cost of this is Rp 500,000pp.

For further information about entry requirements, visit the website of the Indonesian Embassy in London or your nearest Indonesian embassy.

Visitors to Timor-Leste require a visa, which British passport holders can purchase on arrival at the airport. A 30 day tourist visa, single entry costs US $30. It is your responsibility to check that your passport complies with Indonesian and Timor-Leste entry requirements.

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure with your GP or local travel clinic.

Advice on Malaria, Dengue Fever and Japanese Encephalitus should be sought before travelling specific to the area of your boat's itinerary.

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk, from your local healthcare provider or from a specialist travel clinic.

Itineraries

Please note that liveaboard itineraries can change without notice. The itinerary will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, weather, diving ability of guests & the number of other boats already present at the various dive sites. All dive sites visited are subject to weather conditions and are at the discretion of your dive guides and vessel captain.

Bali - Komodo - Maumere or reverse  (8 days, 7 nights)
Raja Ampat   (10 days, 9 nights)
Raja Ampat - Banda Sea - Ambon  (12 days, 11 nights)
Ambon - Banda Sea - Raja Ampat  (11 days, 10 nights)
Biodiversity Special: Maumere - Alor - Banda Sea - Raja Ampat - Sorong  (16 days, 15 nights)

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