Schedules, Prices & Itineraries The MV Mermaid 2 offers two different schedules, which can be taken separately or together depending on your wants and needs. The Similans schedule is the standard four day four night trip that takes in not only some of the awesome dive sites in the Similans, but also sites a little further north like Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock, reputedly the best scuba diving site in Thailand. The Hin Daeng / Muang schedule runs for two nights and three days and takes guests not only to the fantastic Hin Daeng and Muang, but also to dive sites around Koh Haa and Koh Phi Phi. Similan Islands & Richelieu Rock Itinerary (4 Days & 4 Nights / 14 Dives) Departure Day: Complimentary hotel or airport transfers will be organised for around 5pm and guests will meet at the Royal Phawadee Village when a tasty Thai buffet meal will be served. After check in procedures are completed, guests will transfer to the Mermaid II moored a few minutes away in Patong Beach. Guest can relax as she departs for the Similan Islands around six hours away.
Day 1: The first two dives of the trip could be at East of Eden and Elephant Head Rock, two of the best dive sites in the Similans. After dive two the boat will cruise north towards Koh Bon where hopefully you'll get to dive with Manta Rays on the West Ridge! The night dive could also be at Koh Bon.
Day 2: Koh Tachai is the first dive of the day. Here it's possible to find almost anything small or big. Whalesharks and Manta Rays are frequently spotted here. After the dive cruise north to the awesome Richelieu Rock. This is the best dive site in Thailand. Not only is it where divers have the best chance to encounter Whalesharks, it is where you can find Harlequin Shrimps, Sea Horses, Anglerfish and indeed some species of fish that are native to only this one dive site! Expect to have at least two, or maybe even three dives here including a sunset dive. Depending upon conditions the boat may well move back to Koh Tachai for the sunset / night dive.
Day 3: First dive at Koh Tachai where again, don't be surprised to find a Manta or even something bigger! Koh Bon for the next dive. If there are any advanced divers on the boat they might choose to dive the pinnacle here, or can re-dive the West Ridge looking for Manta Rays. The final two dives of the day will be back in the Similan Islands at a couple of the best sites they have to offer.
Day 4: A final two dives at in the southern Similans, possible at Boulder City and Shark Fin Reef before a gentle cruise back to Patong Beach in Phuket where guests will disembark at around 4pm and transfer back to their hotels. Guests choosing to stay onboard for the Hin Daeng trip, can leave the boat for a few hours for shopping or relaxing in Phuket while the Mermaid II is restocked for the journey. Prices for Similan Islands & Richelieu Rock Itinerary (4 Days & 4 Nights / 14 Dives)
Deluxe Cabin - Euros 990 per person.
Budget Cabin - Euros 890 per person. Prices for Combined Similans & Hin Daeng Itinerary (6 Days & 7 Nights / 22 Dives)
Deluxe Cabin - Euros 1360 per person.
Budget Cabin - Euros 1260 per person.
Southern Thailand Itinerary / Hin Daeng & Muang (2 Days & 3 nights / 8 dives) Departure Day: Guests will have complimentary transfers arranged for around 5pm and will check in with the Mermaid team, before taking a short two minute ride to boar the boat moored in Patong Bay. Cruise overnight to Hin Daeng and Muang around six hours away.
Day 1: After a tasty breakfast guests will gear up and jump into the azure blue waters at Hin Muang or Hin Daeng. The visibility here often reached in excess of 40 metres, and these sites offer some of the best chances in Thai waters to see Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. The plan will be to have three dives here. Before moving northwards to Koh Haa for the night dive. The night dives around Koh Haa can be very special and the decorated crabs should not be missed.
Day 2: A couple of dives at Koh Haa, probably two of the best sites here, The Chimney, and The Twin Cathedrals. Awesome! After guests get their breath back the Mermaid II will cruise towards the dive sites of Bida Nog and Bida Nai close to Koh Phi Phi. Here guests can see Leopard Sharks as well as a host of other cool critters. After the dives guests can go ashore to enjoy the restaurants, shops, bars and general ambience of Koh Phi Phi Don. Guests are asked to return to the ship no later that 11pm so she can cruise slowly back to Patong Beach in Phuket.
Day 3: Enjoy a full breakfast before disembarking at around 9am. Guests choosing to stay onboard for the Similans schedule can use the day to relax in Phuket. Guests are welcome to use the facilities and pool at Royal Phawadee Resort and Spa before returning to the Mermaid II at around 6pm. Prices for Southern Thailand Itinerary / Hin Daeng & Muang (2 Days & 3 nights / 8 dives)
Deluxe Cabin - Euros 440 per person.
Budget Cabin - Euros 400 per person. Prices for Combined Similans & Hin Daeng Itinerary (6 Days & 7 Nights / 22 Dives)
Deluxe Cabin - Euros 1360 per person.
Budget Cabin - Euros 1260 per person. Similan & Surin Islands (6 Days & 6 Nights / 22 Dives) Departure Day (Mondays): Guests transfer to Patong between 17:00-18:00 for check in plus dinner at Royal Phawadee Village. We transfer to the Mermaid II by 19:30 for boat and a safety briefing, settle into your cabin and set up equipment. Prior to getting underway, the crew set off firecrackers to bring good luck and we sail usually calm seas to the Similans.
Day 1: Wake up call at 7am in paradise! After a continental breakfast, four dives around the beautiful Similan Islands, including sites such as the glorious Antia's Reef, East and West of Eden and a night dive at Honeymoon Bay.
Day 2: Four dives. An extra full day's diving at the Similans taking in sites such as the famous Elephant Head Rock, with its pelagics and amazing topography and swimthroughs, North Point granite boulders will continue to amaze you, Three Trees for a great drift and night dive at Koh Bon Bay.
Day 3: Early morning, Koh Bon's Pinnacle calls up to hunt for Leopard Sharks and other treasures, this area is famous for its Mantas! In the afternoon we head to Koh Tachai Pinnacle for the feeding action and a great night dive too. Four dives.
Day 4: The wonders of Richelieu Rock will astound you today. Frogfish, Ghost Pipefish, Seahorses, Pinecone fish, Barracuda, Jacks, Rays, Mantas and maybe a whaleshark! Then we head over to Surin Islands to enjoy Koh Torinla and its beautiful corals and Cabbage Bay. Juvenile batfish love this area. Four Dives.
Day 5: A good morning call for 7am and more dives at Richelieu Rock for more chances for Whaleshark encounters. Then back for more big fish action at Koh Tachai, then on to more of the famous Similans at sites like Christmas Point and Turtle Rock. Four Dives.
Day 6: The East of Eden bommie encrusted in soft corals will bring more delight this morning, followed by an action packed dive at either Shark Fin Reef or Boulder City looking for its Leopard Sharks and maybe Mantas! Two dives on this final day of diving, then enjoy the cruise back to Phuket to disembark in the late afternoon. Prices for Combined Similans & Surin Special Itinerary (6 Days & 6 Nights / 22 Dives)
Deluxe Cabin - Euros 1360 per person.
Budget Cabin - Euros 1260 per person. Bali - Komodo - Bali (8 days & 7 Nights / 20 dives) Saturday: Check-in on board MV Mermaid II between 14:00-16:00 hours in Benoa Harbour Bali. After the boat and safety briefing, the crew will set up the equipment and you can settle into your cabin. Dinner will be served at around 7pm as the boat cruises into the sunset on an overnight journey to Moyo Island, north west Sumbawa.
Sunday: Three dives. Start your adventure with a great dive in the calm, clear waters of Angel Reef at Moyo Island. Massive Elephant Ear and Barrel Sponges, schools of Longfin Banner Fish and Red Tooth Triggers in their hundreds. Frogfish, Nudibranchs, Morays, Surgeon Fish, Snapper, Dog Tooth Tuna are all checking out what is for lunch! Visit the local village, then it's lunch for us! Next is a great dive at Panjang Reef, where you can find Pygmy Seahorses around. Then cruise two hours to Satonda Island for a world class night dive after watching a million bats fly at sunset. After a great dive and dinner, cruise overnight to Sangeang Island, off the north coats of Sumbawa.
Monday: Four dives. Two dives at Sangeang Island looking for rare Nudibranchs, Pygmy Seahorses and underwater hot springs that support this very unique marine life. Cruise to Gili Banta for exhilarating dives at Tanduk Rusa for big fish and amazing corals or GPS Point, famous for its Sharks and pelagics. Then we enter the Komodo National Park and night dive at Gili Darat South Passage. Sleeping Turtles, colourful Stonefish, Spanish Dancers and calm seas, a great place to stay the night.
Tuesday: Four dives. If the tide is friendly hunt for Grey Reef Sharks and Dolphins at Taka Toko Gili Lawalaut. Dive two is a fast drift with pelagics and Mantas at Lighthouse Reef, or the Old Passage. Then Crystal Rock, awesome soft corals, and the chance for Sharks, Turtles, giant Maori Wrasse. A "fish soup" dive with a high chance of Eagle Rays too! Then cruise south for a fascinating night dive at Pink Beach, near the entrance to the Komodo National Park.
Wednesday: Three dives. Start your day with an exciting visit to Komodo National Park, to walk with the dragons! Then relax as you cruise two hours south to Horseshoe Bay Rinja Island. Spectacular
diving awaits at the world famous site Cannibal Rock. Rare Nudibranchs, Frogfish, spectacular corals, sponges, ascidians, huge black coral bushes, Turtles, Cuttlefish, loads of reef fish too! Watch Dragons on the beach, Monkies, Deer, and Wild Pigs along the shore, go beach combing. There maybe even a chance to follow Whales and Dolphins feeding in the calm bay. Overnight at this peaceful place, night diving at one of the many fabulous spots.
Thursday: Four dives. The Three Sisters call us to Padar Island for Sharks and Nudibranchs, Surgeon Fish and Devil Rays. Manta Alley or Takat Makasar follows for the chance for a Manta aggregation! Batu Bolung, aka "Current City" is the home for large Napolean Wrasse, Turtles, Blue Fin Trevally, or maybe a dive at Tatawa Kecil. The crew check out the currents first to make sure the dive will be cool for everyone onboard. Then say goodbye to Komodo National Park with a fabulous Night dive at Gili Banta then cruise west enjoying a post dinner night dive along the way. Overnight cruise to Satonda Island
Friday: Two dives. Enjoy two fantastic dives at Satonda and Moyo Islands for more chances for Ghost
Pipe Fish, Ribbon Eels, Turtles, Cuttlefish, and more, before cruising overnight to Benoa in the south of Bali.
Saturday: After breakfast transfer ashore at 9am to continue your vacation. Prices for Bali Komodo Bali Itinerary (8 Days & 7 Nights / 20 Dives)
Deluxe Cabin - Euros 1495 per person.
Budget Cabin - Euros 1395 per person. Price Includes
All transfers to and from Phuket hotels for Thailand Liveaboard trips, all accommodation and meals onboard Mermaid II, snacks, water, fruit, soft drinks, torches, tanks and weights. Price Excludes
Marine Park Fees payable onboard, Nitrox fills, scuba diving courses, alcoholic drinks, dive equipment, dive computer rental, hotels, flights, Bali transfers. NotesSimilan Island Marine Park Fees are B1600 per person payable onboard.Nitrox fills are available for B200 per fill.Full set of scuba diving equipment available for B800 per day.Dive computer use is mandatory on both Mermaid Liveaboards.Dive computer rental available for B300 per day.PADI Nitrox course available onboard for B8000.PADI Advanced course available onboard for B8000.
|
