Dives/Site selection:
Mermaid 1 plans a minimum of 20 dives subject to weather conditions and security/safety issues. Dive site selection detailed in the published itinerary is subject to change by the Captain or Cruise Director without prior notice. There are numerous fantastic sites in Nusa Tenggara and Komodo and our objective is to take you to the best of the best! Repeat guests? Mermaid 1 will take you to some new Dive Sites or more of those you really love!
Certification level for diving in Komodo?
Everyone is welcome on board, no matter what level your certification is. 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. Mermaid 1 professional dive crew will take you on the easy route or to another site if you don't like currents. If you are up for it, Mermaid 1 will take you right into it for all the action the site offers! You may wish to bring a reef hook for some dive sites.
Diver Safety:
Dive Guides and Diver Safety Mermaids 1 experienced dive crew will be delighted to assist you. Divers are welcome to Dive with their Dive buddy on sites deemed suitable by the Cruise Director. Mermaid 1 strongly recommend all divers use a dive computer. Nitrox fills and courses are available on board to enhance your diving safety. Please allow 24 hours between last dive and flying. Guests are requested to show diving certification cards on checking in and are strongly recommended to have valid dive insurance (Padi, Dan or equivalent).
Departure and Arrival Times:
Guests are required to arrive in Bali no later than 14:00 which will allow Mermaid 1 to make its planned 16:00 departure from Benoa port. Final cruise departure time is subject to guest arrival times. Please liaise with Mermaid 1 Liveaboards if your flight times cannot fit this schedule.
Transfers:
Transfers from/to the Bali International Airport or Bali hotels in the south of Bali are free of charge. From destinations in central Bali 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 Absolute Scuba Sanur at Sanur Beach where you can leave your luggage in safety till boarding transfer at 15:00. After meeting the friendly crew at Absolute Scuba Sanur you can relax on the beach, enjoy a massage, go sight seeing or shopping.
Pick up times:
14:30 Nusa Dua, Jimbaran; 15:00 Kuta Beach, Seminyak, Sanur Beach; 13:00 Tulamben; 14:00 Candi Desa, Padang Bai, Ubud; Time to be advised for Lovina Beach and northern Bali
Water Temperature
Wetsuit recommendations The Flores Sea with its usually clear blue waters, great visibility has water temperatures of approx 26-28 degrees (northern dive locations). A 3-5 mm shorty is okay with most guests comfortable with a 3-5mm long. The Sumba Sea (southern dive locations) has an average temperature of approx 24 degrees. The awesome diving let you forget about the cooler water! 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 always a good idea for cooler water.
Equipment on board:
Rental equipment is available on board or from Absolute Scuba Indonesia. Mermaid1 tanks are 12 liter steel and they have a 15 liter steel/aluminum tanks available. Tank valves are international and some DIN adapters are available on board. Any dive equipment failure or loss will require you to rent a replacement from Mermaid Liveaboards at published rates. If Mermaid Liveaboard equipment is lost / damaged, full replacement cost will be charged at the discretion of the Cruise Director. Published equipment prices will be available on board.
Meals:
Mermaid 1 Thai cook is excellent, preparing a variety of Thai, Indonesian and Western dishes. Please advise any special meal requirements on the guest information form.
Currency:
Please note that in Indonesia some US Bank notes will not be accepted
- 1996, 2003
- Marked, Torn, Old looking or folded in anyway
- FL 6, FL, L, FL12, DK , DE will not be accepted
- The easy way is to bring New unmarked Bills
- Also us$100.00 bill will be exchanged at a higher rate
- us$bills 50 20 10 & 5`s will be exchanged at a much lower rate
There are several currency exchange services and ATM machines near Absolute Scuba and at the airport and ATM's at Benoa port.
If possible, please pay all on board costs in Indonesian rupiah. We suggest you also have some rupiah for souvenir shopping in Komodo, massages, small items etc at Sanur Beach. Exchange rates vary. The airport's rate is lower than the rate you find at most small currency exchanges. Bank rates are low and take a long time. US$ are accepted in the Komodo National Park but rupiah is preferred.
Luggage and what should I bring: All luggage will be taken on board. If you have large bags you do not need on the trip, please arrange to leave at your hotel if possible.
Absolute Scuba Bali offers all Mermaid 1 Liveaboard customers a sensational Dive Package.
