Biodiversity - Trip Reports

Maumere to Ambon 800 Nautical Miles of Navigation, Endless Possibilities

This week, the Mermaid II welcomed a group of familiar faces coming all the way from Poland and set sail for an epic crossing from Maumere to Alor through the vast Banda Sea before concluding in Ambon. 12 days of incredible biodiversity through Indonesia’s most remote areas, characterized by a series of volcanic sceneries, dramatic […]

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 […]

The Ring of Fire (part 1)

The Hammerhead sharks season is here! One of the most expected trips of the year and yet it was way more than finding walls of Hammerhead sharks! An outstanding adventure from Maumere to Ambon through Alor and the Bandas, The Ring of Fire! Pygmy sized creatures up to the largest living animal on the Planet! […]

Ambon – Banda Islands – Raja Ampat

Heading back to Raja Ampat with a mind blowing encounter of marine life and its incredible reefs. Mermaid I started the trip this time from Ambon passing through the Banda Islands and finally reaching beautiful Raja Ampat. 12 days, 35 dives at the most bio diverse dive sites you can possibly imagine. A beautiful contrast […]

A Magnificent Journey from Raja Ampat to Ambon Through the Islands of Banda Sea

Mermaid I goes on another biodiversity trip across 500 nautical miles from the heart of Raja Ampat all the way to Ambon considered one of the best macro destinations in Indonesia. In between Raja and Ambon the Banda islands with amazing clear waters, covered with fish, walls of corals and swim throughs. Flat seas, clear […]

Something for Everyone

It’s that time of year again where Mermaid II pulls anchor and embarks on one of its famous Biodiversity Specials where we dive our way from Raja Ampat, though the Banda Sea and into Ambon’s critter dense waters. There is no trip anywhere else in the world where you can experience an onslaught of reef […]

The Return to Raja Ampat from Sulawesi Sea

Mermaid1 returns to Raja Ampat through an unforgettable diving experience across over 500 nautical miles from Lembeh to Halmahera. Starting the trip from the straits of Lembeh where everything was about macro, black volcanic sands, rare nudibranchs, colourful crustaceans, creatures crawling around and a legendary Hairy frogfish that made a great start for the trip. […]

Raja Ampat – Halmahera – Lembeh Straits

Mermaid1 goes to an extraordinary journey from Raja Ampat all the way to Lembeh Straits with an outstanding Barracuda stopover in Halmahera! Oceanic Manta rays, schools of Jacks and Barracudas showing off right at the first dive! A great start from Dampier Strait. Arrived in Missols with blue skies, no wind and an amazing visibility! […]

Surprises In the Sea

From East Flores to West Papua, 16 days diving walls, reefs, slopes, pinnacles and crossing four different seas – that’s what the crossing trip is all about. From the tiniest Pygmy Seahorses to giant majestic Oceanic Manta Rays, Chinese Sea Snakes, Dolphins, Frogfishes, Sharks and schooling fish life – “biodiversity” topside and underwater is what […]

Diving At The Ring Of Fire

Eastern Indonesia and the area between Bali to Papua is also know as “The Ring of Fire”. Famous for lots of volcanic activities which have created some unique underwater seascapes and inhabiting marine life. The Banda Sea is famous for steep walls covered in soft corals, sponges and sea fans. Warm, clear blue waters full […]