Nine Reader's Choice awards in a single year, including #1 for Best Overall Liveaboard in the Pacific region. Mermaid I and Mermaid II are on Coralbound.
This is a platform spotlight. If you're here to plan an Indonesia liveaboard trip, start with the Indonesia liveaboard guide.
Mermaid Liveaboards
Mermaid Liveaboards has been operating in Indonesia since 2000, and both vessels have been voted among the World's Top Ten Best Scuba Diving Liveaboards multiple years running. In Scuba Diving Magazine's 2024 Reader's Choice Awards, the operator took home nine awards total — first place for Best Overall Liveaboard in the Pacific region, first for Quality of Staff, and first for Level of Safety, alongside second-place finishes for Level of Value and Quality of Rental Gear, plus wins for Quality of the Liveaboard, Level of Luxury, Quality of the Berths, and Quality of the Food.
That spread across categories, rather than a single standout win, tends to say more about consistency than any one award on its own. High repeat guest numbers back it up — divers who return to the same operator trip after trip aren't doing so by accident.
Mermaid I
Mermaid I is a 28-metre twin-engine steel motor yacht, built specifically with diving comfort in mind rather than converted from another use. She carries up to 15 guests across a master stateroom, four deluxe cabins, two lower deck cabins, and a single cabin for solo travellers wanting their own space — a rare offering among Indonesian liveaboards, most of which charge a supplement rather than providing a genuine solo option.
Two outdoor decks give guests separate spaces to relax between dives depending on the mood — one with cushioned sofas for a quieter corner, one with sunbeds for stretching out in the sun. The steel hull carries the same comfort-at-sea advantage as Mermaid II: quieter, more stable nights than a traditional wooden phinisi, particularly noticeable on longer crossings like the Bali–Komodo loop or the extended Raja Ampat routes. As the smaller of the two vessels, she tends to suit couples, smaller groups, and solo travellers looking for an intimate trip without sacrificing the operator's award-winning service standard.
Mermaid II
Mermaid II is a 33-metre steel-hull yacht offering eight deluxe cabins in flexible double or twin configuration, plus a budget cabin with bunk-bed twins, accommodating up to 18 guests. Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with hot water, individually controlled air conditioning, and premium toiletries.
The extra length over Mermaid II translates into more communal space — a larger dive deck for gearing up without feeling cramped, roomier lounging areas both indoors and out, and a more spacious dining salon that comfortably seats a full boat. That extra capacity also makes Mermaid II the better fit for larger groups, family charters, or dive clubs travelling together, without losing any of the service standard that earned the operator its nine 2024 awards. Itineraries follow the same seasonal rhythm as Mermaid I, covering everything from the shorter Bali to Komodo departures to the full-length Biodiversity Super Special.
Diving and comfort on both boats
Diving runs at a 4-guests-per-guide ratio on both vessels, with nitrox available on every cruise for certified divers. The dive deck on each boat includes individual gear storage, camera tables, and multiple rinse tanks, with fresh towels waiting after every dive and hot chocolate served after night dives — a small touch, but one guests mention often. Dedicated camera stations with charging and workspace support underwater photographers, and professional massage services are available on board for guests who want to properly unwind after a demanding day of diving.
Both boats are non-diver friendly, with snorkelling programs available for partners and family travelling along without diving themselves. Satellite WiFi keeps guests connected when they want to be, and safety equipment includes AEDs, emergency oxygen, extensive first aid kits, and life rafts — the kind of detail behind that Level of Safety award. If this is your first time planning a trip like this, our beginner's guide to Indonesian liveaboards covers what to expect before you book.
Where they sail
Mermaid I and Mermaid II operate across Komodo, Raja Ampat, the Banda Sea, Forgotten Islands, Alor, Halmahera, Lembeh Strait, and the Togian Islands. Signature itineraries range from 9 to 12-day Raja Ampat biodiversity trips and 8 to 10-day Komodo departures — including a chance to see whale sharks at Saleh Bay — up to a 16-day Biodiversity Super Special crossing Raja Ampat, the Banda Sea, and the Forgotten Islands to Ambon, or the reverse route from Maumere to Raja Ampat. At 16 days and 15 nights, it's one of the longest single itineraries available on any Indonesian liveaboard, and Mermaid is essentially the only operator running this particular crossing in either direction.
Mermaid also runs a Bali–Komodo–Bali loop, departing and returning to the same port rather than requiring a one-way flight home from Labuan Bajo — something few other operators offer. Some departures on this route include the Saleh Bay whale sharks, others don't, so it's worth checking the specific itinerary if that's the priority.
Both boats also receive regular upgrades rather than sitting still between seasons — cabins, dive decks, and common areas get refreshed on an ongoing basis rather than waiting for a full refit every few years, which shows in how current the fleet feels despite the operator's long history in the region.
What's available to book
Both vessels' upcoming departures are live on Coralbound with real-time availability and pricing direct from the operator. Popular routes book out 6 to 12 months ahead, so it's worth checking dates early if a specific window matters.
Questions? Reach us on WhatsApp or via the contact form. Bookings through Coralbound come at the same price as booking direct, with booking gifts including the option of a complimentary hotel night.
