Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Indonesia is a tropical country where certain mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and, in certain regions, malaria can occur. The risk varies by destination—malaria is present in more remote areas such as Raja Ampat, while dengue can occur throughout Indonesia, including urban areas.
We recommend standard precautions such as using mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing during dawn and dusk, and consulting your doctor prior to travel regarding preventive measures or medication. For more info on latest outbreaks visit: https://kemkes.go.id/eng/layanan/disease-prevention-and-control

• 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). Please 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.

You can extend the Visa on Arrival stay permit one time for another 30 days.

• If you are an e-VoA holder (applying online), you can extend your stay permit online via evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
• If you are a non-electronic VoA holder (obtained at the airport/seaport/land border), you can extend your stay permit at the nearest immigration office from your domicile.

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.

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.

Many dive sites in Indonesia are known for moderate to strong currents, which are a key factor in attracting abundant marine life. Our experienced dive guides conduct thorough briefings, select sites based on conditions, and group divers by experience level to ensure safety and comfort. If currents are not suitable for your level, alternative sites or easier dive plans will be arranged at the discretion of the Cruise Director.

Water temperature depends on the route. General guidance provided includes

Komodo North – 27-30 °C

Komodo South – 21-27 °C

Raja Ampat – 27-30 °C

Maumere – 27-30 °C

Alor – 21-28 °C

Banda Sea/Ring of Fire/Forgotten Islands – 27-30 °C

Lembeh – 25-29 °C

Halmahera – 27-30 °C

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

Wetsuit recommendation depends on the itinerary. Typical advice ranges from a 3 mm long suit for warmer destinations like Raja Ampat to a 5 mm suit, plus optional vest/hood/gloves/booties, for cooler southern Komodo and similar areas. Wetsuits can also be rented on board. Refer here for rates. (https://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/equipment-rental-price/)

Based on DAN guidance, the minimum surface interval before flying is generally 12+ hours after a single no-decompression dive, 18+ hours after multi-day or repetitive no-decompression dives, and 24+ hours after mandatory decompression dives. Please note that last dive is of the trip is between 10 am to 12 noon day before disembarkation day.

The standard dive guide ratio is 4 divers per dive master.

Nitrox is available on both Mermaid vessels. Pricing is separate and listed in the company price list. Refer to this link for nitrox pricing packages.

Under Indonesian regulations, each diver must use a personal dive computer. If a guest does not own one, it can be rented onboard. Refer to this link for Equipment rental pricing.

The vessels operate in remote areas but are equipped to handle most accident or medical emergencies. The boats carry extensive first aid supplies and emergency oxygen, crew are first-aid trained, and management can coordinate emergency evacuation via satellite communications to the nearest recompression chamber or hospital. Additional guidance is also provided regarding malaria precautions in Raja Ampat and Komodo.

Sidemount and twinset configurations are permitted onboard, provided guests are certified and fully competent in their use. We can provide an additional tank free of charge; however, for guests diving on nitrox, charges will apply for two tanks accordingly. Please note that rigs, manifolds, and related equipment are not supplied onboard, and guests must bring their own setup.

Guests are requested to store personal belongings in their cabin cabinets and use their designated dive deck crates for dive equipment and daily items. Larger luggage will be securely stored in a designated area onboard after unpacking to maximize space and maintain comfort. All stored luggage will be safely returned to guests at the end of the trip prior to disembarkation.

Embarkation and transfer times vary by departure port. Bali boarding is generally between 13:00–15:00 for a 16:00 departure, while Maumere, Lembeh/Manado, Ambon, and Sorong each have their own collection and check-in windows. Same-day arrivals are accepted but guests are encouraged to arrive one day prior where possible. Disembarkation on the last day is between 8-8:30 am. For additional information on the specific transfer schedules of your itinerary please click here.

Same-sex cabin sharing is the target where possible but cannot be guaranteed. Sole use of a twin-share or double cabin is available at a 90% diver rate premium.

The number of dives depends on the route selected. Please refer to the itinerary page for the specific trip.

Larger tanks are available free of charge: 10 on Mermaid I and 12 on Mermaid II.

Both YOKE and DIN tank valves are available onboard, and DIN adaptors are also carried.

All luggage can be taken onboard. Suggested items include swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a lightweight jacket or sweater, and proper walking shoes for trekking or viewpoint visits. Flip-flops are not permitted for trekking in Komodo.

You can now enjoy fast speed Wi-Fi connectivity on all Mermaid Liveaboards dive trips !

All guests will receive a complimentary 3GB data plan at the start of the trip. Additional data packages can be purchased at the following prices:

All prices are subject to VAT (+ 11%)

Both vessels have camera tables, camera-only work areas, and dedicated camera rinse tanks.

The cabins can handle both the following plug types:

Most itineraries include opportunities to visit villages, beaches, or viewpoints. Closed shoes are recommended for walks and village visits.

Overnight stay on board between back-to-back trips is not available because the crew is fully engaged in turnaround, cleaning, and restocking.

Guests can be contacted while on board via satellite phone systems, which are available for both incoming and outgoing calls (charges apply). Each vessel is also equipped with Starlink satellite internet, allowing guests to stay in touch through messaging and internet-based communication.

Divers must be at least Open Water certified with a minimum of 4 completed training dives to join as recreational divers. Non-divers freedivers and snorkellers are also welcome. Dive groups and site selection are allocated according to safety, ability, and comfort, at the Cruise Director’s discretion.

A wide range of PADI courses is available onboard including refresher courses, and guests are advised to specify the intended course in advance so materials can be prepared. Please refer here for Course Rates.

Dive insurance is mandatory for all guests in Indonesia. General travel/cancellation insurance is also strongly recommended. Mermaid Liveaboards offers DAN AND Dive assure insurance packages for short and long term dive coverage and can be purchased on board or through this links:

• DAN  
• DiveAssure

Guests aged 75 and older must provide a medical certificate and proof of diving medical insurance. Additional insurer-related age guidance is provided in the FAQ, and guests over 80 must provide a valid dive or in-water activities insurance document before joining.

The use of a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) is mandatory for all divers as part of standard safety procedures. If you do not have your own, we can provide one on loan free of charge (FOC) for the duration of your trip.

Wetsuit recommendation depends on the itinerary. Typical advice ranges from a 3 mm long suit for warmer destinations like Raja Ampat to a 5 mm suit, plus optional vest/hood/gloves/booties, for cooler southern Komodo and similar areas. Refer here for equipment rental rates. https://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/on-board-course-prices/

Both vessels carry a good supply of rental dive equipment. Pricing is available here.

Wetsuit recommendation depends on the itinerary. Typical advice ranges from a 3 mm long suit for warmer destinations like Raja Ampat to a 5 mm suit, plus optional vest/hood/gloves/booties, for cooler southern Komodo and similar areas. Wetsuits can also be rented on board. Refer here for rates. (https://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/equipment-rental-price/)

Meals on board are served buffet-style and prepared by our Indonesian chefs, offering a variety of Indonesian, Asian, Western, and international dishes throughout the cruise. A typical diving day includes a light pre-dive breakfast, a full breakfast after the first dive, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner following the night dive.

We can cater to a range of dietary preferences including vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and certain food allergies or intolerances. As we operate in remote regions of Indonesia where provisioning options may be limited, all dietary requirements, allergies, and food preferences must be clearly communicated in advance through the Guest Information Form to allow our team to prepare appropriately.

Beer is listed at EUR 3 per can and wine at EUR 30 per bottle. Spirits are not sold onboard, but guests are welcome to bring their own spirits and mixers can be provided. Kindly note Indonesia’s personal import allowance of alcohol is 1 litre per person.

Park and port fees are mandatory, itinerary-based, payable onboard, and subject to change by government authorities. Varying by vessel and itinerary.

Guests pay onboard for park fees, port fees, alcoholic drinks, massages, Nitrox, and other extra purchases from the ship shop.

Onboard extras can be paid in euros, US dollars, Indonesian rupiah, or by Visa and Mastercard. All onboard purchases and fees are subject to 11% VAT.

Included: transfers from free transfer points, meals, snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks, drinking water, tanks, weights, weight belts, and guided diving.

Excluded: transfers outside free zones, national park/port fees, fuel surcharges if applicable, Nitrox, rental equipment, onboard courses, mandatory dive insurance, massages, souvenirs, and alcoholic drinks.

For more information on Terms and Conditions click here.

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. A common guest guideline is 5–10% of the cruise price. Tipping is voluntary and most appreciated!

Snorkellers are most welcome on board at the same rate. We provide guided snorkelling and full support. Most dive sites are suitable for snorkellers but if not, another nearby site will be selected or another time set for snorkelling. For further information or to discuss suitability in advance, please contact info@mermaid-liveaboards.com

Non-divers are welcome to join our cruises and enjoy many of the experiences our destinations have to offer. Snorkelling is available at suitable sites, with locations selected based on safety and conditions. Guests may also enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, onboard massages, beach visits, and selected land excursions depending on the itinerary. When relaxing on board, the salon offers a TV entertainment system and a selection of books. All activities are subject to weather, location, operational considerations, and the discretion of the Cruise Director.

Email our affiliate travel partner CV Putri Duyung at info@putri-duyung.com for assistance in extending your holiday with local diving and accommodation packages before or after the liveaboard in destinations such as Bali and Nusa Penida add-ons. The travel team can recommend packages based on requested diving days and accommodation level.

Mermaid Liveaboards does not cater to technical diving activities. Our operations are designed exclusively for recreational diving, snorkelling, and marine wildlife experiences, including whale watching.

Drone use regulations vary by location in Indonesia and subject to local guidelines. Contact us for the latest rules.
Each drone flight must be coordinated with the Cruise Director and is subject to safety, weather, guest privacy, local regulations, and operational requirements.

Our vessels are steel-built; however, they are not wheelchair accessible due to multiple stairways, narrow passageways, and varying deck levels throughout the boat. While our crew will assist where possible, the layout is not suitable for guests requiring full-time wheelchair use or independent mobility. Guests with reduced mobility are strongly advised to contact Mermaid Liveaboards in advance to assess suitability and discuss specific requirements.

Diving for guests with disabilities may be possible, subject to individual assessment, medical clearance, and level of independence in the water. Due to the vessel layout and nature of dive operations, assistance is limited and guests must be able to safely enter/exit the water and manage their equipment with minimal support. Guests requiring additional assistance may arrange for a private guide or companion at their own expense; however, please note that private guides are not trained or certified adaptive diving professionals. Divers with disabilities are encouraged to obtain appropriate adaptive diving certification through recognized agencies such as the Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA), PADI Adaptive Techniques programs, or equivalent recognized training organizations.

We strongly recommend contacting Mermaid Liveaboards prior to booking to discuss individual requirements and determine whether the itinerary and vessel are suitable for your needs.

At this time, Mermaid Liveaboards does not offer freediving activities and is unable to accept guests intending to freedive during the cruise. Our dive operations, safety procedures, equipment, and crew training are designed specifically for scuba diving and snorkelling activities.

As our crew are not trained or certified to provide dedicated freediving supervision, safety support, or rescue coverage, we are unable to accommodate freediving operations onboard.

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.