MV Mermaid II

MV Mermaid II is a 33-metre, twin-engine steel motor yacht operated by Mermaid Liveaboards. It is configured for dive expeditions in Komodo and across eastern Indonesia, with ten cabins and a published maximum capacity of 18–20 guests.

Mermaid II at a glance

The yacht has a beam of 7 metres, draft of 2.5 metres and cruising speed of approximately 9 knots. Machinery includes twin 450 hp Hino engines, twin 130 kW generators, three Bauer compressors, a Nitrox membrane and two 5-metre RIBs. The operator lists 40,000 litres of fresh-water capacity and watermakers producing up to 5,000 litres per day.

Mermaid II uses a steel motor-yacht hull rather than a traditional phinisi design. The current operator specification states ten cabins and an 18/20-guest maximum, so groups should confirm the exact operating capacity for their chosen departure.

Deluxe and Budget cabins

Eight Deluxe Cabins are on the main deck. Each can be arranged with a double bed or twin beds and has panoramic sea-view windows, individually controlled air conditioning and a private ensuite bathroom with hot shower.

Two Budget Cabins are on the lower deck. Each has twin bunks, a vanity sink and individually controlled air conditioning. The two cabins share one bathroom through adjoining doors, making them a lower-cost option but not a private-ensuite category.

Published cabin amenities include quality bed linen, toiletries, towels, wardrobe space, reading lights and a hairdryer in the applicable cabin category.

Dining and shared spaces

Buffet-style Asian and Western meals are served in the forward dining room. The saloon has large windows, lounge seating, a bar fridge, a multimedia centre, marine-life books and complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and juice. Alcohol is available at extra cost.

Outside, guests can choose between a shaded party deck with cushioned seating and an open sun platform near the wheelhouse. Starlink satellite internet is listed, although connectivity can vary in remote regions.

Dive setup

A large dive deck provides individual gear boxes, camera tables and multiple rinse tanks. The wide stern platform has two exit ladders and warm freshwater showers. The vessel is supported by two RIBs and three compressors.

Nitrox is available on every cruise but is charged separately. Rental equipment and onboard courses are also extra. A personal dive computer, certification card and proof of dive insurance are required at check-in.

Navigation and safety

Navigation equipment includes radar, GPS, computer navigation, plotters, depth sounder and fish finder. Communications include SSB and DSC radio, satellite phone, mobile phones and Starlink.

The operator lists three life rafts rated for 20 passengers, EPIRB, emergency flares, oxygen, first-aid kit, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, life jackets, search light and bilge-pump alarm. Dive guides carry Nautilus Lifelines.

Komodo itineraries

Mermaid II’s standard Bali–Komodo–Bali program is published as 8 days and 7 nights with up to 20 dives. Other scheduled departures extend to 10 days and may travel between Bali and Maumere, including Sumbawa and seasonal whale-shark areas.

The sample Komodo route covers northern, central and southern sectors. Potential sites include Gili Lawa, Manta Alley, Tatawa Besar and Batu Bolong, together with a Komodo dragon walk. Exact sites, wildlife and dive counts depend on weather, tides, currents, season and operational decisions.

Komodo departures use Bali or Maumere rather than Labuan Bajo as the scheduled embarkation port. Guests should verify both the starting and finishing city before arranging flights.

Other destinations

Mermaid II also operates Raja Ampat, Alor, Banda Sea, Ambon, Halmahera, Lembeh and longer biodiversity routes. Ports and trip lengths change with the regional schedule.

Inclusions and extras

The cruise fare includes transfers to and from the vessel within the stated free zone on departure and arrival days, accommodation, all meals, snacks, fruit, non-alcoholic beverages, drinking water, tanks, weights, weight belts and guided diving.

Fuel surcharges, transfers outside the free zone, equipment rental, courses, Nitrox, park and port fees, alcohol, onboard purchases and dive insurance are excluded. Park and port fees are payable onboard and can change.

Rates and cancellation

Selected 2027 Bali–Komodo–Bali departures currently start from EUR 3,000 per person in a Budget Cabin, with Deluxe Cabins priced higher. Use the operator’s dated quotation because fares, offers, taxes and surcharges can change.

For individual and small-group bookings, the current policy partly refunds deposits more than 90 days before departure, forfeits the deposit between 90 and 60 days and makes the cruise non-refundable within 60 days. Charter and large-group terms have earlier deadlines and stricter penalties.

Who Mermaid II suits

Mermaid II suits divers who prefer a steel-hulled expedition vessel with a large dive deck, Nitrox, camera facilities and a choice between private-ensuite Deluxe Cabins and lower-cost shared-bathroom Budget Cabins. Snorkellers and non-divers are welcome but pay the same cruise rate as divers.

Booking checks

Confirm the operating guest capacity, cabin and bed arrangement, private or shared bathroom, ports, experience requirements, Nitrox and rental needs, park and port fees, fuel surcharge, transfer zone, insurance, payment schedule and cancellation terms before paying. Arrive in the embarkation city at least one day early.