Mermaid I

Mermaid I is a 28-meter steel motor yacht purpose-built for diving, accommodating 15 guests across 8 en-suite cabins on two decks. Operated by the award-winning Mermaid Liveaboards, the vessel runs 9 to 16-night itineraries from Bali and Sorong across Komodo, Raja Ampat, Banda Sea, Alor, Halmahera, and the Togian Islands. Nitrox available onboard. For the 2026/2027 season, rates start from USD $382 per person per day.

Mermaid I is the smaller of two steel-hulled vessels operated by Mermaid Liveaboards, one of Indonesia's most decorated dive operators — winning nine Readers Choice awards in 2024 alone, including Best Overall Liveaboard in the Pacific region. The twin-engine steel hull is a practical differentiator in a market dominated by wooden Phinisi vessels, offering greater structural durability and stability in open-water crossings. One of the few operators departing from Bali, Mermaid I runs its Komodo itineraries May through October as Bali-to-Bali circuits — including a Sumbawa passage with a stop in Saleh Bay for whale shark encounters, a route very few Indonesian liveaboards offer. From November to April, the vessel relocates to Raja Ampat operating out of Sorong. Beyond the standard seasonal circuits, Mermaid I also operates extended crossings of up to 16 nights — such as Flores to Raja Ampat — connecting multiple regions in a single expedition that most Indonesian operators don't attempt. The operator is known for continuous annual maintenance and improvements to both vessels.

Eight cabins across two decks accommodate 15 guests. On the main deck, the Master Stateroom has a king-size bed and panoramic forward-facing sea views. Four Deluxe Cabins offer king or twin configurations with sea view windows and doors opening onto the gangway. One Single cabin completes the main deck. Two Lower Deck cabins offer double or twin configurations with en-suite bathrooms and direct access to the main deck gangway. All cabins are air-conditioned with iPads for entertainment, bathrobes, premium toiletries, and 300-thread-count linens. Gender-neutral cabin sharing applies for solo travelers. Common areas include the air-conditioned Sawasdee Restaurant with panoramic windows, an indoor saloon with multimedia entertainment and marine library, a shaded outdoor lounge deck, and a sundeck with cushioned sunbeds. Kayaks, an onboard masseuse, and a resident photo and video professional are available throughout.

The dive deck covers 42 sqm with a wide stern platform, dual exit ladders, freshwater showers, six camera rinse tanks, and dedicated camera setup areas. Three Bauer compressors supply air alongside a 600-litre-per-minute membrane nitrox system producing EAN 32–36%. Starlink internet is available onboard.