Frequently Asked Questions

Based on DAN WORLDWIDE recommendation, the Suggested Minimum Surface Interval before flying is:-
– Single Day – no deco dive: 12 + hours
– Multi-day or repetitive no deco dives: 18+ hours
– Mandatory Deco dives: 24+ hours

And from DAN EUROPE:
At least 12 hours after a single dive and at least 24 hours after repetitive dives and/or deco diving.

Any new bookings for back-to-back trips offer a 10% discount off the lower-value cruise. 

Effective from Oct 25, 2023.

We endeavour to put same-sex guests together for cabin sharing. However, this is not guaranteed. It solely depends on the final mix of guests who book on board for that particular trip. Private use of a twin share or double cabin is available for a + 90% of a diver price premium.

• Bali Departures:
  Boarding time at Benoa Passenger Pier at Benoa Harbour Bali is between 13:00-15:00 hours for our 16:00 hour departure. Final cruise departure time is subject to guest arrival times. Please liaise with Mermaid Liveaboards if your flight times cannot fit this schedule. Transfers from/to the airport or hotels in the south are free of charge. From destinations in central and northern Bali, there is a small charge. Please refer to the price list.

– Guests arriving before 12 noon on departure day will be transferred to Mermaid Liveaboards guest lounge at All 4 Diving Bali at Sanur Beach where you can leave your luggage in safety till boarding transfer at 14:00 hours. After meeting the friendly crew at All 4 Diving you can relax on the beach, enjoy a massage, and go sight-seeing or shopping till 14:00 hours when you will be transferred to the vessel.

– Guests flying in same day as departure are required to arrive in time to board by/ before 15:00 hours.

– If you are making your own way to the port – please let us know at least 2 weeks prior to the cruise. Boarding time for “own transport” guests is 13:00-14:00 hours.

Bali Transfer Times:
12:30 – Nusa Dua, Ullawatu, Canggu, Kerobokan
13:00 Jimbaran, Seminyak
13:30 Kuta Beach, Legian
14:00 Sanur Beach
11:00 Tulamben
12:00 Candi Desa, Padangbai, Ubud
– The time is to be advised for other locations in Bali

• Maumere Flores Transfer Times:
  We will meet all flights and bring you straight to the vessel on cruise departure day or from your hotel by approx. 12 noon. Guests are recommended to arrive one day prior, to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area and to be sure you can make your cruise connection. Why not visit the Three Colour Lakes in the craters of Kelimutu volcano! Please contact us on info@mermaid-liveaboards.com to assist you with hotel, flight, and transfers.
• Lembeh – Manado Transfer Times:
  This cruise does not focus on Lembeh so it is a great idea to combine a Lembeh land based dive trip with your cruise for the best of the best! We will meet you at the airport or your hotel in Manado City area by 12 pm to transfer to the vessel on cruise departure date. Or if you are staying in Lembeh, we will coordinate the best method to collect you and advise. If you arrive early why not dive Bunaken or Bangka islands or Lembeh or take a highland tour to visit local flower market and lunch in a restaurant located above Tondano Lake. Feel free to contact us at info@mermaid-liveaboards.com for any assistance. Transfers from/to the airport and within Manado city are free of charge. Price on application for other locations.
• Ambon Transfer Times:
  Check-in time in Ambon is between 10:00 and 14:00. Guests will be collected from their city hotels for transfer to the boat. Guests arriving on the same day as departure will be collected from the airport and taken to the boat. In remote areas with limited flights, we always encourage guests to arrive the day before to allow a safe time for delays and luggage issues.
• Sorong Raja Ampat Transfer Times:
  Sorong Raja Ampat Transfer Times: Transfers: Please note guests will be collected from their hotels at 12 noon for transfer to the boat. Guests flying in the same day as boat departure days will be collected from the airport and taken directly to the boat. However, we encourage guests to arrive the day prior. This is a good safety buffer for delays/luggage issues. There are several reasonable hotels in Sorong plus there are some wonderful island retreats around and about that you may wish to stay at before or after your cruise. We are happy to assist with ground transport, accommodations, resort stays/local diving, airfares etc. Please contact info@mermaid-liveaboards.com

All luggage will be taken on board.
For Komodo cruises, only If you have large bags you do not need on the trip, please arrange to leave them at your hotel or Mermaid Liveaboards office in Sanur.
Other items you may need on board are bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts, sunscreen, mosquito repellant and a lightweight jacket or sweater.
Good walking shoes (trainers are fine) for your time in Komodo National Park, for hiking to viewpoints, and walking through the jungles in search of the wondrous Bird of Paradise in Raja Ampat!
Flip-flop sandals or flip-flop style shoes are not permitted for trekking in Komodo.

• Bali-Komodo-Bali:
  The Flores Sea with its usually clear blue waters and great visibility has water temperatures of approx. 26-28 degrees Celsius (northern dive locations) with most guests comfortable in a 3-5mm long. The Sumba Sea (southern dive locations) has an average temperature of approx. 24 degrees Celsius – the awesome diving lets you forget about the cooler waters! Think about a 5mm long possibly adding a vest or renting a shorty to go over the top if you feel the cold. Hood, gloves and booties are strongly recommended for these cooler waters. The Alor region can also share some surprisingly cool waters like Komodo so a thicker suit is recommended and we have rentals available on board.
• Raja Ampat/Misool area:
  The water temperature around the 4 Kings of Raja Ampat and Misool area is 28-30 degrees Celsius year round. We recommend a 3 mm long wetsuit. If you get chilly, maybe a vest for under your suit.
• Biodiversity Special:
  Water temperatures will range between 26-30 degrees Celsius. We have a selection of long and short wetsuits on board which you can rent if you are cold or change into if you are too warm in your suit.

Yes, we have a selection of Australian and Chilean wines and local beer Bintang. Beer is EURO 3 per can and wine is EURO 30 per bottle.

Note we do not have liquor on board. If you prefer you can bring your own. Indonesia allows only 1 litre of alcohol per person to be brought into the country.

Our Indonesian chefs are excellent, preparing a variety of Indonesian, Western and Vegetarian dishes. Please advise any special meal requirements on the guest information form. Meals are buffet so there is always plenty of choice.

The cabins can handle both the following plug types:

Yes, both Mermaids have camera tables and areas specific for cameras only as well as camera rinse tanks.

Yes, due to the regulations of Indonesia every diver must dive with a personal dive computer. If you do not own a dive computer you can rent one from us, click here to see our rental equipment prices.

The water temperature varies according to the route you choose. In general, the water temperatures are as follows:

Komodo North – 27-30 degrees Celsius

Komodo South – 21-27 degrees Celsius

Raja Ampat – 27-30 degrees Celsius

Maumere – 27-30 degrees Celsius

Alor – 21-28 degrees Celsius

Banda Sea/Ring of Fire/Forgotten Islands – 27-30 degrees Celsius

Lembeh – 25-29 degrees Celsius

Halmahera – 27-30 degrees Celsius

Please note this is just a guideline and water temperatures can vary.

Yes we have a good supply of dive equipment for rent on each boat. Click here to see our price list.

We have a mix of J valves and DIN valves on board as well as DIN adaptors to suit all types of regulators.

Yes, we have 10 larger dive tanks on Mermaid I and 12 on Mermaid II, which are FREE of charge.

Yes we have Nitrox in both Mermaids. Click here to see our Nitrox prices.

Yes we offer a wide range of PADI courses on board. Click here to see our prices and make sure to specify what course you are planning to do during your trip to make sure we have all the necessary materials.

It depends on the route you choose. Please check your specific itinerary in our itineraries section, which you can access from this website Top Menu. It can also be accessed from each boat schedule page by clicking on the Trip Details link.

Our ratio is 4 divers per dive master.

We welcome everyone on board whether you are a diver, free diver or snorkeller.

• Certification:
  Divers need to be a minimum of Open Water Diver with at least of 4 completed dives or higher diving certification to join the vessel for diving.
• No. of dives:
  – A minimum of 4 completed training dives to join as a recreational diver
  – We have instructors on board if you’d like to take your Padi Advanced Open Water Course, Rescue Course, EFR or speciality courses while on board
  – Our instructors are also ready to take you on Discover Scuba diving if you joined as a snorkeller and want to try diving or wish to do/complete your Scuba Diver/Open Water dive course

Dive groups and site selection will be chosen to meet your safety, comfort and diving ability – and is subject to the discretion of the Cruise Director. Our professional dive crew will take you on the easy route or to another site if you don’t like currents.

If your checked baggage exceeds the luggage allowance then you will have to pay for excess baggage. You can do this at check-in and usually the cost is only EURO 2-5 per extra kilo.

Yes we can! We only add a nominal service fee to cover admin fees. There are a number of operators who offer domestic flights in Indonesia: Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya, Batik Air and Lion Air.

Make sure your passport is in good order, has minimum 2 empty pages, valid for at least 6 months (180 days) and that you are able to enter Indonesia. Check with your local Indonesia Embassy if unsure.

• Most visitors outside of ASEAN countries must apply for Visa on Arrival at the airport; the cost is currently IDR 500,000/person (Oct 2023). Check the information on this link if your country are accepted. The information on the link is applicable globally.
  
• ASEAN passport holders may be exempt. Please check the information on the above link for more details.
• If your country is not on the list, you must apply for a visa offshore. You can find more information from the government’s official website here.

Please contact info@mermaid-liveaboards.com to find out about any last minute offers, special programmes and repeat guest discounts for direct guests.

There is loads of excellent diving in and around your holiday destination as well. Mola Mola season in Bali is mainly from August to early October but starts as early as June – plan at least 2 days for Nusa Penida for a chance to see these magnificent creatures. Contact your agent for special Liveaboard + local diving/accommodation packages. Detail how many days/diving days you would like and what class accommodation, and our Travel Team will recommend and arrange a hassle free package to suit you info@mermaid-liveaboards.com

We welcome children aged 8 years and older on Mermaid Liveaboards . Diving child 10 years or older – pays full diver price. Non diving child 10 years or older – pays full non diver rate. Child 8/9 years – non diving – pays 50% of diver rate if sharing with 2 parents/guardians. Child 9/8 years and under – non diving – pays full non diver rate if sharing with only 1 parent/guardian. Parents/guardians have to be with the child at all times. If both parents want to dive and the child remains on board, we will hire an additional crew and charge a fee per day x total no. cruise days at the parents cost. Please ask about current fee details. This crew member will supervise the child’s activities only while the parents/guardians are in the water. Please note this service is available for Komodo and subject to confirmation for Raja Ampat and other areas. Please note in extraordinary circumstances determined by the company other age children will be permitted on board. Please also note a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice is required to arrange this service. In case of Full Boat charter – guest’s age is up to the organizer of the charter but supervision conditions are as per the above.

We cruise to remote areas: however, we are prepared to handle most accident or medical emergencies. Mermaid’s management team is available 24 hours a day via our satellite communications to expedite tried and tested emergency evacuation plans to the nearest recompression chamber and/or hospital in Bali or Makassar or the nearest available chamber. Our dive crews are first aid trained and we have an extensive first aid kit on board plus loads of emergency oxygen. Please bring any of your own medications that you may need. You can help as well by making sure you are in good condition for diving – prevention is always better than cure. Please remember to dive safely and to make sure your Dan Diver’s Alert Network or other dive insurance is up to date.
Guests over the age of 75 are required to provide medical clearance to dive, assessed within 1 month prior to the set cancellation terms if any refund will be required.

• Malaria: Raja Ampat area
  There is malaria in the region for the Raja Ampat cruise – this area is around the equator and we recommend you discuss this with your doctor. Certainly when we walk in the jungle early mornings you will need to cover up well and also use mosquito repellant. We have a supply on board but suggest you bring your preferred brands. And from the Raja Ampat Tourism Association: Papua is a malaria area and you are advised to take precautions and follow the advice from your local health centre. Note that the medication Lariam has limited effectiveness in this area due to a resistant strain of Malaria and is not recommended. Alternatives could be Malarone or doxicycline.

• Malaria – Komodo area
  Generally speaking basic precautions such as covering at dawn/dusk and using mosquito repellant for land tours is satisfactory. If you are in doubt whatsoever, please liaise with your doctor.

You need 2 types of insurance when planning your dive holiday – 1) Dive insurance is mandatory for all guests in Indonesia due to Government regulation. If you don’t have your own, you can purchase trip dive insurance on board. There are several diving insurance companies around the world, we suggest Dan Insurance www.diversalertnetwork.org and DiveAssure

2) General travel/cancellation insurance. There are several companies around the world that can assist and one we can suggest is World Nomads for reliable and professional service recommended by The Lonely Planet.

Dive Assure offer a liveaboard friendly Diving and Travel Insurance plan worth reviewing DiveAssure

Please note: If you are unable to make your dive trip and the date has passed our cancellation terms and conditions we are very sorry but regardless of the circumstances we cannot refund or transfer you to another date.

Both our vessels are equipped with state of the art satellite phone systems. The numbers are Mermaid I – IDD code +870 773 274646 and for Mermaid II IDD code + 870 773 274308. Guests can keep in touch with families and loved ones throughout their cruises via mobile phone . For added security, please note the satellite number and share with families and friends as the phones are on 24/7. Incoming calls and outgoing calls are available for a nominal fee If there is any difficulty getting through, please don’t hesitate to call our Hotline Number English +62 81 337 778 077 and or Indonesia + 62 811 386 940 and we will assist you

Our Boat and Dive Crews will try very hard to deliver a high level of service, safety and professionalism tempered with lots of fun to optimize your holiday. Many of our guests use 5-10% of the cruise price as a tipping guideline. Tipping is voluntary and most appreciated!

Please check our terms & conditions here.

Yes, on every trip that we offer there is an opportunity to visit a village, viewpoints or a beach. We recommend you to bring closed shoes to do viewpoints walks or villages visits.

No, during the days in between trips there is so much to do that all the crew will be extremely busy and restocking the boat for your next trip.

Inclusions: Transfers from/to airport at the free of charge points, all meals & snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks and drinking water, tanks, weights, weight belts and diving with experienced Dive masters/Instructors.

Exclusions: Transfers outside of the free of charge zones, National park/port fees. Fuel Surcharges if applicable. Nitrox fills, rental equipment, onboard courses, dive insurance (Mandatory), massages, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages.

You can pay all onboard costs in € Euros, $ USD or Indonesian Rupiah. We also accept Credit card payments with Visa and Mastercard.

Note:
All payments for any/all on board fees and purchases are subject to 11% VAT

Park fees and port fees, alcoholic drinks, massages, nitrox, and any extra purchases that are available at our onboard ship shop.

Marine park and port fees vary depending on the cruise itinerary. They are per person and payable on board only.

National Park and Port fees are subject to increase and/or amendment by government policy and are out of Mermaid Liveaboards’ control. For Raja Ampat cruises, if you show you have a valid Raja Ampat tag upon booking, we will apply a EUR 60 discount to your park/port fees.

For 2024:

• Mermaid I park/port fees for all cruises EUR 225
• Mermaid II
  Komodo 8 Days/ 7 Nights EUR 200; 10 Days/9 Nights EUR 225;
  All other destinations EUR 225

For 2025 onwards:

• Mermaid I
  Komodo 10 days/9 nights EUR 250.
  All other destination EUR 275
• Mermaid II
  Komodo 8 Days/7 Nights EUR 225  ; 10 Days/ 9 Nights EUR 250
  All other destination EUR 275

Mandatory fees are set by the government authorities and are subject to change.