Trip Reports

Celebrating Christmas and New Year on board Mermaid I

The Mermaid I just returned from an excellent 12 days voyage around Raja Ampat, celebrating Christmas and New Year on board while sailing across picturesque karst islands and immersed in the rich marine biodiversity this region has to offer Starting down south in Misool, beautiful coral reefs with vibrant soft corals and sea fans immediately […]

Amazing Journey in Raja Ampat

This week, the Mermaid II just came back from yet another amazing 9 days journey around Raja Ampat. From spectacular karst islands and lagoons above, to legendary dive sites full of vibrant coral reefs and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Raja Ampat never cease to amaze us! Starting down south in Misool, an area characterized by a […]

Underwater Biodiversity of Raja Ampat

Our latest trip took us through the thriving reefs of Raja Ampat, through Misool and the central region, revealing just how much diversity this paradise holds. In Misool, life was on full display from the first dive. Plankton rich waters boost the abundance of life allowing an immense level of diversity to thrive here. Reefs […]

The Banda Sea Uncovered: A Snorkeling Expedition

The Banda Sea might not immediately come to mind when you think of a snorkeling destination, yet it’s full of surprises. From its rich heritage, scenic landscapes above the crystal clear blue waters, to spectacular coral reefs, and a plethora of diverse marine life. This week, the Mermaid I with Snorkel Ventures just embarked on […]

Super Special Biodiversity

Our most recent voyage marked the grand seasonal crossing into Raja Ampat, charting a course from Maumere through the remote reaches of eastern Indonesia. It was a journey defined not just by distance, but by the remarkable variety of marine environments we passed through, each new island group offering a fresh perspective on biodiversity, seascape, […]

Wild Wonders of the Coral Triangle: A Biodiversity Adventure from Raja Ampat to Ambon

The Mermaid I just embarked on a special trip from Raja Ampat, through the Banda Sea and the Forgotten Islands, before concluding in Ambon. Traversing over 800 miles across 3 different seas over the course of 16 days. Starting the trip in Raja Ampat, we enjoyed the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Big […]

A Thousand Miles of Wonder: The Epic Maumere to Raja Ampat Crossing

https://youtu.be/tRzZOQkeQFM There’s a good reason why this incredible crossing is called Biodiversity Super Special! Traversing over 1000 nautical miles across 5 different seas over the course of 16 days, from Maumere in the island of Flores, through Alor and the Banda Sea, and finally concluded in Raja Ampat. You can imagine the wide array of […]

From Coral Gardens to Ocean Giants: The Magic of Komodo

Our latest voyage through the islands of Komodo offered a beautifully balanced mix of wildlife encounters both above and below the surface. From dramatic coastlines and prehistoric reptiles to colourful reefs and glimpses of ocean giants, every day brought something unique. The snorkelling throughout the region was nothing short of spectacular. From sprawling hard coral […]

A Kingdom of Giants and Tiny Wonders!

Komodo is a kaleidoscope of colour and scale. Vibrant reefs teem with life, setting the stage for ocean giants: turtles, mantas, and whale sharks cruise effortlessly through the blue, while weird and wonderful critters dwell in the sand below. This voyage offered a true showcase of that duality. From macro marvels on Komodo’s black sand […]

A Passage Through the Heart of the Banda Sea

The full moon brought movement and life to the ocean. Currents pulsed through the reef, and with them, the rhythm of reproduction began barrel sponges released plumes of spawn like underwater volcanos, while starfish arch upwards, releasing fine strands into the current. The water teemed with energy, a living system in motion. Our voyage began […]