M/V Mermaid II
Raja Ampat liveaboardBuilt in 2000 as the sister ship to the Mermaid I, the 33 metre Mermaid II accommodates 18 guests, and with constant improvements, the last refurbishment being in 2018, is known as one of the most comfortable and dive friendly liveaboards currently operating in Indonesia.
Giving guests the opportunity to dive some of the best sites in Indonesia, the Mermaid II offers 7 night itineraries diving Komodo from May to November, 8 night itineraries diving Raja Ampat from December to April and 11 night itineraries diving Ambon and the Banda Sea in February, with 15 night relocation and biodiversity special cruises being offered twice a year.
Getting there:
The gateway to Raja Ampat is Sorong, which is the closest city to West Papua and where all of the liveaboards depart from. Direct flights operate out of Jakarta (4 hours), Manado (1 hour 15 mins) and Ambon (50 mins) to Sorong, giving you plenty of scope for stopovers and extensions. Getting to these destinations is fairly straightforward from the UK and usually involves one stop.
Embarkation is from 0700 to 1400 on day 1 of your liveaboard and transfers will be provided by the Mermaid fleet to the dock to meet the Mermaid II.
Guide price:
7 nights: Deluxe – £1890 / Budget – £1575
8 nights: Deluxe – £2520 / Budget – £2205
11 nights: Deluxe – £3545 / Budget – £3380
15 nights: Deluxe – £3780 / Budget – £3465
Includes: Accommodation, full board, snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks and drinking water, all diving (3-4 dives/day, incl. night dive; 2 dives on the last day), dive guide, 12ltr tanks & weights, transfer from/to airport and hotels within city limits Raja Ampat, Maumere, Ambon, Lembeh.
Not Included: National park/port fee – EUR 200 per person (to be paid on board), fuel surcharges (if applicable), international and domestic flights, equipment rental, 15ltr tanks, nitrox, alcoholic drinks, andcrew gratitudes and massages
*Prices shown are for guide purposes only and is based on low season travel and for triple share accommodation. Please contact us for a confirmed cost based on your preferred duration and time of travel.
Quick Guide: Raja Ampat
- When to go: Oct – Apr
- Average air temp: Tropical 30°C
- Average water temp: 25°C – 27°C
- Recommended diver level: PADI Advanced (or equivalent) with minimum 50 dives
Accommodation & Facilities
Accommodation
There are 8 deluxe cabins which are located on the main deck and have individually controlled air conditioning, en suite bathroom with hot shower, bathrobes, toiletries and large panoramic sea view windows. There is also a budget cabin which is located below decks and has twin bunked beds, air-conditioning, porthole window and shared bathroom.
Facilities
When you are not diving, you can chose to relax in the large, air-conditioned lounge with cosy sofas and chairs, tea and coffee making facilities, fully stocked fridge, TV with entertainment system, library and games which is located on the main deck. Alternatively, if you prefer to be outside enjoying the views, there are two outside decks, one shaded with comfortable seating and BBQ area, and for those wishing to top up their tan, the spacious sundeck which has cushioned sun-loungers and deck chairs.
Meals are served in the dining area located on the main deck, where you can enjoy the beautiful sea views from the large picture windows while you eat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served as plentiful buffets of Asian, Thai and European cuisine, with a selection of fish or seafood, vegetarian and meat based dishes. Fresh coffee, tea, soft drinks, hot chocolate, water, fresh fruit and snacks are available throughout the day, with beer and wine being available to purchase.
Diving
All diving is from one of the two zodiacs, allowing easy access to dive sites. The huge purpose built dive deck and wide stern dive platform make entry/exit to the diving zodiacs very simple. The dive deck has ample storage, personal equipment boxes, camera table, rinse tanks and fresh water showers. Up to 4 dives per day are offered on most itineraries, weather/conditions depending. Dive groups and site selection is chosen to meet divers safety, comfort and diving ability.
Indonesia by region
Bali
Rich culture, stunning mountain rice terraces and excellent shore diving
Komodo National Park
Critters, wall diving, mantas - and dragons!
Raja Ampat
Jungle covered islands, hidden lagoons and idyllic white sandy beaches
Manado
Reef walls of the Bunaken Islands and secret critters of Lembeh Strait
Ready for your next adventure?
Great Escapes Diving Holidays Ltd
Combs Tannery
Tannery Road
Combs
Stowmarket
Suffolk
IP14 2EN
United Kingdom
Office hours: Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 5pm
Tel: 01449 535010
Email: info@greatescapesdiving.com
All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate
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