DAY 1

Check-in on board Mermaid I. Once all guests are on board a safety briefing will be given. If all the guests are on board by 12.00 hours, you have the chance to do two extra dives at Ambon Bay in some fabulous muck dives with critters galore. This area is known for many rare and unusual species including the psychedelic frogfish and Rhinopias.

DAY 2

We will spend the day around Ambon, where there are several options such as a wreck, or doing some really interesting muck dives looking for rhynophias, frogfish (including the psychedelic frogfish), harlequin shrimps, and many other critters. Cruise overnight to the Banda Islands, 110 nautical miles.

DAY 3-4

The next two days will be spent in the Banda Islands, also known in the old days as the Spice Islands. Many of the dive sites around the Bandas are wall dives. Walls covered in massive gorgonians, soft corals, barrel sponges and some very interesting swim throughs. But there are other attractive dive sites such as pinnacles with enormous groups of schooling pyramid butterflyfish, triggerfish and pelagic fishes such as tunas passing through, spectacular hard coral reefs next to the volcano, and great muck dives with lots of mandarin fish in the local jetty. The Banda Islands are much more than diving.  It is also a cultural and historical experience.  We will spend one morning walking around the village of Banda Naira with a local guide, and visit the local museum, the Old Dutch fort, the old colonial governor’s house, the local fish market, and we will have breakfast at a nutmeg plantation. Cruise overnight to Manuk, 55 nautical miles

DAY 5

Manuk, an active volcano about 55 nm south of the Banda Islands, is one of 2 places in Indonesia where there are huge aggregations of sea snakes, Chinese sea snakes and banded sea kraits. It is an incredible experience to dive surrounded on all sides by sea snakes.  The island is surrounded by black sandy slopes with hard coral reefs, volcanic ridges covered in gorgonians with zillions of fusiliers and pelagic fishes such as spanish mackerels and dogtooth tunas passing through. Cruise overnight to the Pulau Koon, 108 nautical miles.

DAY 6

Pulau Koon is a small island on the southeast of Ceram, half way between Raja Ampat and the Banda Islands. Walls covered in soft corals, and sandy slopes with hard coral bommies. But the most interesting feature of this island is the amount of schooling fish and pelagic, barracudas, bigeye trevallies, aggregation of red snappers, pompanos, batfish, and giant groupers. Cruise overnight to Misool, 100 nautical miles

DAY 7-9

The next 3 days will be around the island of Misool, where there literally hundreds of dive sites. Misool is a heaven for wide angle photographers. The prettiest soft corals reefs in the world are located in Misool, as well as having multiple pinnacles surrounded by masses of schooling fish, barracudas, jacks and snappers. There will be some excursions with the tenders through some amazing inner lagoons, fantastic scenery and wild life sightings. Cruise overnight to the Dampier Strait, 90 nautical miles

DAY 10-11

Dampier Strait is located between Waigeo and the Bird’s Head Peninsula. Along with Misool, it is the most famous area for diving in Raja Ampat. All of the dive sites around the Dampier Strait are known for a huge amount of schooling fish - barracudas, schools of bigeye trevallies, oceanic triggerfish, spadefish, surgeonfish and snappers. Besides the schooling fish, it is also an area where you get to see black and whitetip reef sharks and wobbegong sharks. Some of the best manta dives are also located in the Dampier Strait. Blue Magic is a small pinnacle where the giant mantas congregate and get cleaned as well. Some of the best mangrove dives are also located in the Dampier Strait, around the islands of Yanggefo and Gam. And of course, one cannot forget the dive sites at some of the jetties in front of local villages, where the pillars are covered in soft corals and are home to a plethora of small critters. Other fantastic dive sites in this area include Cape Kri, Sardine Reef, Chicken Reef, Mioskon, Mike’s Point, Mangrove Ridge and Citrus Ridge. Cruise to Sorong, 40 nautical miles

DAY 12

Disembark at 8 am after breakfast. Mermaid I staff will transfer you to the airport or local hotel.

A Diver's Paradise Awaits

The Nautilus Explorer embarks on a series of captivating journeys that span across some of the most coveted dive destinations in the world. From the serene waters of the Sea of Cortez to the enchanting Cabo Pulmo Marine Park and the adrenaline-pumping encounters at Guadalupe Island and the Socorro Islands, this liveaboard experience offers divers a chance to explore a diverse range of underwater ecosystems.

Unveiling the Underwater World

One of the most exciting aspects of liveaboard diving is the wide variety of underwater experiences it offers. The Nautilus Explorer specializes in encounters with some of the ocean's most iconic and elusive creatures. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Great White Sharks: Guadalupe Island is renowned for its thrilling great white shark encounters. These majestic apex predators patrol the waters, offering divers a front-row seat to observe their grace and power. Cage diving at Guadalupe provides a unique opportunity to come face to face with these magnificent creatures.
• Hammerheads and Whale Sharks: The Socorro Islands are a hotspot for hammerhead sharks and the gentle giants of the ocean, whale sharks. Dive into the deep blue and witness the mesmerizing ballet of hammerheads or swim alongside the world's largest fish, the awe-inspiring whale shark.
• Manta Rays and Silky Sharks: Cabo Pulmo Marine Park is a sanctuary for manta rays and silky sharks. Glide alongside these graceful creatures as they navigate the vibrant coral reefs of the park. Encounter silky sharks and other marine species that call this underwater haven home.
• Bait Balls and Giant Mantas: Experience the excitement of bait ball events, where massive schools of fish gather, attracting predators from all directions. Dive into the heart of the action and witness the chaos and beauty of this natural phenomenon. The Nautilus Explorer is also known for encounters with giant mantas, which often grace divers with their majestic presence.
• Sea Lions and Dolphins: Throughout your journey, you'll have the opportunity to interact with playful sea lions and inquisitive dolphins. These intelligent and social marine mammals provide unforgettable moments as they engage with divers in their natural habitat.
• Cabo Pulmo UNESCO Site: Explore the wonders of Cabo Pulmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with over 6,000 marine species. Dive into vibrant coral reefs and witness the remarkable diversity of marine life in this ecological treasure trove.

Preparing for Your Dive Adventure

Before embarking on your liveaboard voyage with the Nautilus Explorer, it's essential to pack wisely. Here's a checklistto ensure you're well-prepared for an unforgettable diving experience:

• Diving Gear: Pack your essential dive gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and BCD. Don't forget your dive computer and underwater flashlight for night dives.
• Camera Gear: Capture the magic of the underwater world with your camera gear. Whether you're an amateur or professional photographer, bring your camera, underwater housing, lenses, and strobes to document your encounters.
• Swimwear and Rash Guards: Comfortable swimwear and rash guards are ideal for surface intervals and water activities.
• Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun's rays with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Lip balm with SPF will keep your lips safe from the sun.
• Clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days on deck. A windbreaker or light jacket may be needed for cooler evenings.
• Toiletries and Medications: Bring personal toiletries, prescription medications, and seasickness remedies for a comfortable journey.
• Travel Documents: Safeguard your passport, travel insurance, dive certifications, and any required permits in a waterproof pouch.
• Power Adapters: If you plan to recharge your camera and devices, bring the necessary power adapters and chargers.

As you prepare for your liveaboard adventure with the Nautilus Explorer, ensure your packing list is complete. Capture the wonders of the underwater world with your camera gear, and get ready for thrilling encounters with a diverse array of marine life.

Dive into Extraordinary Moments

A liveaboard journey with the Nautilus Explorer is an invitation to dive into a world of extraordinary moments beneath the surface. Whether you're seeking heart-pounding encounters with great white sharks or tranquil moments with manta rays, this dive adventure promises to leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the ocean.

For more information and to book your liveaboard experience, visit the Nautilus Explorer website. Get ready to embark on a voyage where each dive is a testament to the wonders of the deep, and every moment is an adventure waiting to be discovered.

2. The Brothers Islands, Egypt:

Situated in the middle of the Red Sea, the Brothers Islands are a magnet for experienced divers. These two small islands offer thrilling drift dives, deep walls, and the opportunity to encounter large pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and even the elusive oceanic whitetip shark. The stunning coral formations and dense schools of fish make the Brothers Islands a must-visit destination for advanced divers. Photo courtesy of AlertDiver / Marcello Di Francesco

3. SS Thistlegorm, Egypt:

The SS Thistlegorm is a famous World War II shipwreck located near Sharm El Sheikh. This well-preserved wreck, sitting at a depth of 30 meters, is a paradise for wreck diving enthusiasts. Exploring the cargo holds filled with military vehicles, motorcycles, and even train carriages is like stepping back in time. The marine life surrounding the wreck is equally captivating, with large groupers, barracudas, and an array of colorful fish making it their home.

4. Elphinstone Reef, Egypt:

Situated off the coast of Marsa Alam, Elphinstone Reef is a marine sanctuary that offers a thrilling drift dive experience. This narrow reef is known for its steep walls covered in soft corals and its encounters with sharks, including oceanic whitetips and the occasional hammerhead. The vibrant colors and abundant marine life at Elphinstone Reef make it a favorite among underwater photographers. Photo courtesy of Egypt Independent.

5. Dahab Blue Hole, Egypt:

Dahab's Blue Hole is a world-renowned dive site that attracts divers from all corners of the globe. This unique site features a captivating underwater sinkhole that drops to a depth of over 100 meters. The Blue Hole offers a stunning coral wall dive, and experienced divers can explore the "Arch," a passage that connects the Blue Hole to the open sea. The marine life here includes turtles, schools of fish, and even the occasional reef shark. Photo courtesy of Naama Blue Hotel.

6. Sha'ab Rumi, Sudan:

Located in the Sudanese Red Sea, Shaab Rumi is famous for its steep walls and strong currents, making it an exciting destination for experienced divers. The site is home to Jacques Cousteau's "Precontinent II" underwater habitat, which served as an experimental station in the 1960s. Divers can explore the remnants of this historical structure while encountering colorful coral formations and an abundance of marine life.

7. Giftun Island, Egypt:

Giftun Island, located near Hurghada, is a popular dive site known for its beautiful coral gardens and vibrant marine life. The island offers a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels of divers, from beginners to experts. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing divers to observe an array of fish species, including clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. Giftun Island is also a great spot for snorkelers, with shallow coral reefs close to the shore. Photo courtesy of Red Sea Life Dive Center.

8. Fury Shoals, Egypt:

Fury Shoals is a group of reefs and small islands located in the southern Red Sea. This remote and pristine area offers an array of dive sites with breathtaking coral formations and an abundance of marine life. Divers can explore underwater canyons, swim-throughs, and encounter schools of colorful fish, turtles, and even dolphins. Fury Shoals is a true paradise for underwater photographers, with its vibrant coral gardens and crystal-clear waters. Photo courtesy of Blue O2.

9. Abu Nuhas Shipwrecks, Egypt:

The Abu Nuhas reef is known as the "Ship Graveyard" due to the numerous shipwrecks that rest on its seabed. This site near Sharm El Sheikh is a treasure trove for wreck diving enthusiasts. Among the famous wrecks are the Giannis D, the Carnatic, and the Chrisoula K, each offering a unique diving experience. The wrecks are covered in colorful corals and attract a wide variety of marine life, including schools of snappers and batfish. Map courtesy of Diving Star Center.

10. Tiran Island, Egypt:

Tiran Island is located at the entrance of the Gulf of Aqaba and offers an unforgettable diving experience. The island is surrounded by pristine coral reefs, including the renowned dive sites of Jackson Reef, Woodhouse Reef, and Thomas Reef. Divers can explore impressive drop-offs, encounter schools of barracudas and snappers, and even spot larger pelagic species like sharks and rays. The clear waters and the abundance of marine life make Tiran Island a top destination for diving enthusiasts. Photo courtesy of Egypt Tours Plus.

The Red Sea is a true paradise for divers, with its incredible dive sites offering a wide range of underwater experiences. Whether you're an experienced diver looking for thrilling encounters or a beginner eager to explore the vibrant coral reefs, the Red Sea has something for everyone. So, grab your gear, dive into the crystal-clear waters, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of this underwater wonderland.

10-Day Adventure Aboard the Palau Siren

Published rate $6440 - Our rate $5940 per person 

The 10 nights Special New moon spawning itinerary on Palau Siren offers guests something truly exceptional. Divers joining this cruise will have a chance to witness one of the most spectacular natural events on earth; the spawning aggregations of the bumphead parrotfish that occur at new moon lunar cycles.

Itching for your next underwater adventure? Want to enjoy the sights above and below Oceania? The Palau Siren gives you everything you require for an unforgettable scuba diving experience! A luxurious dive ship that offers guests the opportunity to explore the amazing underwater world of Palau, this vessel is located in the heart of Palau's spectacular marine environment. Just a few minutes away from the world-renowned Jellyfish Lake and the Blue Corner Dive Site, the Palau Siren docks off the coast of Koror before setting sail. 

The Palau Siren features spacious cabins that are perfect for solo travelers and couples. Each room is equipped with a comfortable bed, ensuite bathroom, and air conditioning.

A fantastic dive cruise experience would not be complete without plenty of delicious food to keep you satiated between your dives. The Palau Siren offers an impressive selection of cuisine to suit every taste. On board, you’ll enjoy an array of fresh, international and local dishes and delicious beers, wines, and cocktails to pair with your meal. 

About The Dives

On the Palau Siren's dive trip, you can expect to see a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, manta rays, turtles, and dolphins. You will also have the chance to visit some of the more unique diving sites like Jellyfish Lake, Blue Holes, and Ulong Channel. If you are lucky, you may even spot some rare species such as the Manta Ray or the Hawksbill Turtle. Guests can also enjoy nearby attractions such as the iconic Rock Islands, the famous Uncharted Nicholls Statue, and the brilliant Ngemelis Wall Dive Site.

The Palau Siren is a PADI certified dive vessel, meaning the boat meets the highest safety standards and offers guests the best possible diving experience. The boat also has a dedicated dive master who is certified to provide guidance and instruction in all aspects of diving, from beginner to advanced levels.

The New Moon Spawning Trip: A 10-Day Adventure

The Palau Siren offers scuba diving enthusiasts a 10-night trip that takes guests on an incredible journey through the stunning reefs and islands of Palau. The New Moon Spawning Trip takes place each month when the moon is at its darkest. This trip allows divers to witness one of the most spectacular natural events on earth; the spawning aggregations of the bumphead parrotfish that occur at new moon lunar cycles. During this unique event, divers will witness the vibrant coral reef transformation as fish spawn and lay eggs in stunning hues. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to discover the unique wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and distinct cultures of Palau. 

Contact the team at Liquid Diving Adventures today to help you arrange your travel plans!  

Get our discounted rate and save $500 - $5940 ppdo  BOOK this TRIP

MALE TO KOODDOO  January 28 to February 4, 2023    BOOK ONLINE -->  CLICK HERE

Starting within the central atolls, you'll start exploring this tropical paradise with more relaxed and colorful pinnacle and wall dives. On an evening, you'll jump in for some spectacular night dives with our curious nurse shark and stingray nighttime visitors. You'll spend the day at the Meemu atoll, you'll experience unforgettable encounters at the manta cleaning stations. Moving further south, there will be an abundance of channel dives, with their strong currents attracting rich pelagic fauna. As the evenings roll in you'll venture round to the back of the boat for unforgettable night snorkeling experiences with whale sharks. There's a high chance of you having more than one visitor of an evening, and if you stay up late, one-on-one experiences are likely. The itinerary includes a trip to the Huvadhoo channels, a world-renowned diving location. There's a wealth of exciting encounters waiting to be had here with silvertip, hammerhead, bull, and large schools of grey reef sharks.

KOODDOO TO GAN  February 2-11, 2023  |  February 18-25, 2023  |  March 4-11, 2023

GAN TO KOODDOO February 11-18, 2023  |  February 25 to March 4, 2023  |  March 11-18, 2023

BOOK ONLINE -->  CLICK HERE

This will be a week of breath-taking channel and drift drives, as you ride the current alongside pelagic life and get to experience not only sightings, but a front seat look into their behaviors. The itinerary includes a trip to the Huvadhoo channels, a world-renowned diving location. There's a wealth of exciting encounters waiting to be had here with silvertip, hammerhead, bull, and large schools of grey reef sharks. Moving on to Fuvahmulah atoll, you'll be immersed into oceanic depths with unbeatable conditions that lend themselves to great encounters with tiger, whale, and thresher sharks, black oceanic mantas, and many other pelagic fauna. This is renowned for being many's most memorable dive of their logbook. As the evenings roll in you'll venture round to the back of the boat for unforgettable night snorkeling experiences with whale sharks. There's a high chance of you having more than one visitor of an evening, and if you stay up late, one-on-one experiences are likely. The itinerary includes a trip to the Addu atolls, a dive site blessed with the best hard corals that make for great sightings of giant manta rays in their cleaning stations. Additionally, this is home to the biggest shipwreck in the Maldives, The British Loyalty, which you'll get the chance of exploring.

KOODDOO TO MALE  March 18-25, 2023     BOOK ONLINE -->  CLICK HERE

This week will start with adventurous channel drives, with currents rich in pelagic fauna. The itinerary includes a trip to the Huvadhoo channels, a world-renowned diving location. There's a wealth of exciting encounters waiting to be had here with silvertip, hammerhead, bull, and large schools of grey reef sharks. As the evenings roll in you'll venture round to the back of the boat for unforgettable night snorkeling experiences with whale sharks. There's a high chance of you having more than one visitor of an evening, and if you stay up late, one-on-one experiences are likely. You'll spend the day at the Meemu atoll, you'll experience unforgettable encounters at the manta cleaning stations. The itinerary will then take you to the Vaavu atolls, where you'll spend the evening diving with nurse sharks and stingrays through the stunning crystal clear lagoons. You'll finish the week in the central atolls, where you'll get a final exploration of this tropical paradise with more relaxed and colorful pinnacle and wall dives. From shark-filled channels, to the world's most fruitful manta cleaning stations, to once-in-alifetime night dives. We welcome experienced divers to explore this underwater wonderland in all its glory alongside us.

Our exciting Malapascua – Cebu charter offers some of the best diving in the Philippines, including Sumilon Island, Pescador Island & Malapascua’s Gato Island, home of a sea crate protected breeding sanctuary. This charter includes another Malapascua favorite, Monad Shoal, known for frequent sightings of thresher sharks as well as manta rays. In addition to these pelagic species, the Malapascua area offers a wide variety of critter diving not to mention abundant reefs and wall diving. Leaving Malapascua, we head to Calanggaman Island, one of Philippines most beautiful islands. Next we head to Bohol for again a wide variety of reef, wall & critter diving as well as some land tour opportunities for those so inclined. As a Grand Finale we finish the itinerary on the dramatic walls of Balicasag, one of our favorite dives. This itinerary is hard to beat if you want a wide variety of locations as well as incredible diving.

The Visayas are one of the three island groups in the Philippines; enjoy six fabulous days diving from the Atlantis Azores around one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse regions in Asia. Easy cruises each evening will take you from one great dive site to another. With easy transfers, consider a combo trip with Atlantis Dumaguete for a multiple-week first-class dive vacation at a very reasonable investment.

2. More dives each day

If you love scuba diving as much as we do, then you will want to make the most of being in the water. With 3-4 dives a day you’ll have plenty of time to explore the beauties of the underwater world. Your itinerary could look something like this: a refreshing, early morning dive to start your day, a mid-morning channel dive to build your appetite for lunch, an exciting wreck dive in the afternoon, and an adrenaline-fuelled night dive with nurse sharks to finish off the day. What diver doesn’t love having more dives, more locations, and more experiences all in one day?

3. Pristine dive sites

The more accessible a dive spot is, the more divers you’ll usually find on the reef. Too many divers on one site can result in poor visibility and damaged reef systems. These things can impact the enjoyment of your diving experience. Nobody wants to go on a dive vacation just to see few fish and poor visibility. Many of the dive destinations our dive buddies experience are only accessible by liveaboard boats. The result is that the dive sites are pristine with an abundance of undisturbed marine critters to share your dive. With multiple dives a day there is plenty for you to explore. We offer trips around the world including the Red Sea, the Maldives, the Galapagos, the Socorro Islands, Sea of Cortez, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Truk Lagoon, and Palau to name a few.

4. Hassle-Free Diving

From the joy that comes once you have made that giant stride and submerged yourself in the water, most divers will agree that diving’s downsides take place above the water. Thankfully, liveaboards save you from these challenges. On most boats, the crew will help you get out of the water and will also help remove your fins and BCD. The crews make sure you don’t have to lift finger before or after your dive. And You will wake up on top of your next dive site. Plus, being on a liveaboard boat takes away the hassle of getting between site locations. You can relax in plush surroundings, while the captain navigates to your next inspirational dive site.

5. Comfortable and flexible surroundings

On a liveaboard, the crew will ensure you enjoy your fourth dive as much as your first. Wouldn’t it be better to spend time between dives relaxing? Wouldn’t you rather spend time talking to your buddy about the experience that you just shared? Liveaboards are designed to make your time out of the water as memorable as your time within it. Whether you are swimming with a whale shark or sitting on a spacious deck, sipping a beverage, and admiring the sunset, the whole experience is designed to be easy and comfortable. Can you think of anything better than falling asleep listening to the sounds of the sea while drifting off in a remote corner of the world? Waking up on top of your next dive site?