MV Mermaid II

★ 5 · Allegra Thaler · 2024-08-06

The crew for this trip was amazing. Specifically, Sari my dive master, was incredible. I was the least experienced diver in the group. On each dive Sari found amazing stuff, helped me with questions like tips for improving air consumption and was fun to go with. I tended to run through air faster than my dive buddy and Sari was thoughtful about helping my buddy join another group for certain dives or planning a dive route that allowed longer bottom time while always ensuring a safe ascent for us. My buddy was doing an AOW cert (I'd already done it) and though there were skills we reviewed, sari was communicative and made it easy for me to really enjoy the dives even if parts were cert focused. It was also a good bit of review. She was thoughtful about what we wanted to see and helped us find great stuff as well. Luca the cruise director was also amazing. He fostered a social and positive environment , also gave great tips for dives and was the right blend of fun and safety oriented. Even on sites I'd heard were crowded, Luca figured out how to get us in the water when there were no or much less crowds. He was really kind and patient and I could tell he does a great job of fostering a good environment for the crew and customers. The diving itself was spectacular good visibility, nice comfortable water temps, great sightings of whale sharks, schooling rays, tons of turtles/reef sharks, and great macros. They did a great job with briefings where they'd intro " if you are into macro/photo/big stuff etc." this site has X or y. I also feel they did a good job with customizing experiences at the dive instructor level both in route and "findings" which I noticed when speaking to different groups after dives The crew did so much to help us get ready even putting on our fins and helping zip wet suits, which made less fun parts of diving like settingup and wrapping up dives as easy and quick as possible. The boat was comfy. Maybe the only downside was the bathroom which was small and shower didn't stay warm long.therooms were small but that's not a huge deal. Also the boat does get a bit rocky if you are prone to motion sickness, I recommend bringing less drowsy Dramamine. But I was very comfortable overall and slept like a baby every night (sometimes mid day after 2nd or 3rd dive The food was solid, it exceeded my expectations meal wise compared to the other liveaboard I did. The steward crew were really helpful with everything and brought out great hot chocolate at the end of every evening dive Overall it was the trip of a lifetime, I'm checking to see if I can join their Raja Amput trip and now have a higher standard/expectation for general diving experience and liveaboard experience.

★ 5 · Stephanie Mitchell · 2022-09-15

I had the most incredible experience and it was exclusively because of how wonderful and amazing the staff was. All the dive masters are so knowledgeable and are so good at finding all kids of creatures. The food was delicious, and they were able to accommodate my gluten free diet which I truly appreciate. Urik was really good at explaining each dive site and making sure everyone was comfortable. Adie was my dive master and he is the nudibranch king! It was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken and I am already figuring out when I can get back on Mermaid II to dive with them again!

★ 5 · Manuel Villani · 2020-02-09

I have traveled with various liveaboards but this was certainly the best I have been on. the beautiful and diverse dive sites, the impeccable organization on board, nothing is left to chance, the exceptional, professional, ready and prepared staff, the boat is beautiful and equipped with every comfort, the spacious and comfortable cabins, the exceptional food and always different. they really made me feel at home. the extra diving activities are varied and really beautiful. 5 stars and 100% satisfied. In fact as soon as I landed I have already booked for another komodo trip on the same boat with the same staff.