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Dive Review of Mermaid Liveaboards in
Indonesia/Komodo

Mermaid Liveaboards: "First-rate diving with lots of variety", Jun, 2018,

by Harvey S. Cohen, NJ, US (Sr. Contributor Sr. Contributor 25 reports with 18 Helpful votes). Report 10334 has 1 Helpful vote.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 5 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments This was the 10-day Bali-Komodo itinerary ([mermaid-liveaboards.com link]), which typically offers 28 dives in the islands east of Bali. There are also land excursions to see the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, visit a traditional village, and do a little scenic hiking. Here’s a 3-minute video with highlights of my trip [youtu.be link] . Some dives are drift, some are coral gardens, and some are “muck” (actually nice volcanic sand). There are huge aggregations of all kinds of fish. Those within the protected waters of Komodo Park are noticeably larger, but they’re healthy and profuse everywhere. Manta sightings are common; sharks and turtles are routine. The muck dives are full of exotic creatures— different kinds of mantis shrimp, several species of octopus, stargazers, etc. We saw lots of dolphins from the boat, but none during dives.
The boat was thoroughly refurbished in dry dock this year. It has always been well maintained, so the differences are not dramatic from my last trip in 2015, but everything is in top condition. The boat is a twin-engine steel hull— both qualifications I think are important for a liveaboard on the open sea. Accommodations are comfortable, and food is delicious and plentiful. I’ve done a total of 5 Mermaid cruises in various parts of Indonesia, because I believe they are safe, well-managed, and a very good value.
The staff and crew are expert and enthusiastic. They take excellent care of divers, and will do as much for you as you let them. Diving is generally very easy. Board a rubber dinghy from the dive deck, roll off at the dive site, and get picked up by the dinghy wherever you finish.
Websites Mermaid Liveaboards   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Eilat, Bali, Komodo, Raja Ampat, Banda Sea, Red Sea, Fiji, Palau, Coral Sea, Galapagos, many Caribbean locations, New Jersey, Florida, National Aquarium, Dutch Springs, Silfra (Iceland), Panama (Pacific)
Closest Airport Denpensar, Bali (DPS) Getting There There are direct flights from several U.S. cities to major Asian hubs like Hong Kong and Beijing, with connecting flights to Bali (DPS). The first leg is VERY long. Consider breaking up the trip with an extra stop in Europe or the Middle East, an overnight in a hotel, and perhaps some sightseeing. Or fly Business class.
Bali is a popular tourist destination for many reasons. Consider scheduling a few days before and/or after the cruise.

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy, dry Seas calm, choppy, currents, no currents
Water Temp 80-81°F / 27-27°C Wetsuit Thickness 5
Water Visibility 30-100 Ft/ 9-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Dive with buddy or guide. 75 minute maximum on day dives; 60 minutes on night dives. Carry an SMB and know how to use it.
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas Squadrons
Dolphins Schools Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 5 stars
Large Pelagics 5 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 4 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 5 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments There is a dry worktable with compressed air on the dive deck, with 1-cubic-foot dry cubbyholes above. Charging is best done in cabins or in the salon/dining room; there are ample outlets in both places. Photographers normally set up their laptops on the dining tables between meals. The staff photographer is happy to offer advice and help if asked.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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