Are you planning your next liveaboard adventure? If so, you may want to consider a trip on one of the best liveaboards in Palau, and here’s why!
Palau in the South Pacific is often described in superlatives. It’s one of those places where you are likely to see what you’re looking for. Heavy currents sweep in pelagic species from the Pacific Ocean. You may have the chance to swim with manta rays, reef sharks, and leopard sharks, as well as large schools of barracudas, jacks, giant Napoleon wrasse, and other oceanic species of fish.
Like most destinations in the South Pacific, Palau features diverse underwater environments. Some common features include beds of vibrantly colored soft corals, drop-offs, caves, channels, and even blue holes. If you love wreck diving, Palau is also a great option. This region is famous for the World War II wrecks found surrounding the islands.
It’s important to note that Palau is a nation of 250 islands. Many of the country’s best dive sites, including the Blue Corner and the German Channel, are located far from the city center of Koror. While there are diving resorts scattered throughout the country, liveaboards are the best option for those who are serious about seeing Palau’s top dive sites.
The best liveaboards in Palau are:
- SY Palau Siren – Best Luxury Liveaboard
- Ocean Hunter III – Best Mid-Range Liveaboard
- Palau Aggressor II – Best Budget Liveaboard
- MV Solitude One – Best Liveaboard for Groups
When to Dive Palau & How to Get There
Liveaboards in Palau generally depart from Koror, the country’s capital city and the location of the international airport. The typical length of liveaboard trips is 7 to 10 nights.
The best time to dive in Palau is from October to April, although the area can be dived year-round. During the optimal months, you’ll find dry weather and calm surface conditions, ideal for liveaboard diving. In addition, warm waters mean you’ll only need to pack a 3mm wetsuit. And if you want to dive with manta rays in the German channel, December to March is the best time.
Due to strong currents, Palau is recommended for advanced divers only. Furthermore, reef hooks are necessary at dive sites on the outer walls of the barrier reef. Be sure to check with your chosen liveaboard for the number of logged dives required and any other recommendations.
Best Luxury Liveaboard: SY Palau Siren
Welcome to one of the most luxurious liveaboard dive boats in the world. The SY Palau Siren forms part of the famed Worldwide Dive and Sail fleet.
An extremely spacious dive deck and two high-powered dive tenders together offer a comfortable, stress-free diving experience and easy access to the best dive sites in the rich, biodiverse waters around Palau. There are 12 crew members for the eight cabins, ensuring personalized diving and leisure-time activities, without compromising any comforts.
If you like large sea creatures, the SY Palau Siren gets you close to the action around the congregating pelagics at the cleaning stations.
On each seven or 10-night itinerary, guests can enjoy up to three or four dives per day, with night dives available when possible. Nitrox, rental equipment, and complimentary kayaking and snorkeling are also available. Or enjoy free daily massages to soothe tired muscles.
Onboard, guests stay in the eight spacious and air-conditioned cabins, complete with a personal audio-visual in-room entertainment system. Divers can relax on the shaded sun deck, sunbathe on the cushioned lounge chairs, or hang out in the air-conditioned lounge with its well-stocked bar.
For a liveaboard trip with enough luxury to make you feel like you’ve truly spoiled yourself, the SY Palau Siren is an excellent choice.
Best Mid-Range Liveaboard: Ocean Hunter III
The Ocean Hunter III is a beautiful, 96-foot (29-meter) yacht built to bring divers in style to this remote underwater paradise, providing a balance between price and modern amenities.
While participating in unlimited underwater activities, divers can enjoy an expansive and shady dive deck, camera preparation areas, two Jacuzzis, shore excursions, and massages at the onboard spa. The dive pros onboard the Ocean Hunter III will ensure each of the 16 guests have a memorable, small-group diving experience. Generally, each diving day is graced with four dives, including one night dive, but unlimited diving is available for guests.
The Ocean Hunter III is designed for professional underwater photographers and TV and film production. The vessel has a sizeable working area, 110, 220, and 415-volt electrical outlets, and extra storage space. This luxurious liveaboard offers powerful PCs for movie and video editing with download, email, and CD-burning services.
While topside, the covered outdoor dining area, the rejuvenating sundeck, and the air-conditioned lounge with a mini bar are all perfect for soaking in the post-dive glow. Furthermore, kayaks, snorkeling, and exciting shore excursions are available for guests between dives.
If you’re a photography professional or even just an enthusiastic amateur, the Ocean Hunter III is a top choice for diving in Palau. With its onboard facilities and experienced crew, you’ll have everything you need to capture stunning underwater shots.
Best Budget Liveaboard: Palau Aggressor II
While there really aren’t budget liveaboards in Palau, the Palau Aggressor II offers the best bang for your buck!
The Palau Aggressor II is a 106-foot (32-meter) liveaboard that accommodates 18 guests in nine comfortable staterooms, each with individual climate control and private bathrooms.
The vessel boasts a comfortable and shaded sun deck and a spacious lounge/dining area where the crew serves delicious meals, as well as complimentary beer and wine.
Divers will have access to up to five dives per day, including night diving when possible. A large dive deck provides plenty of gear storage areas. There’s also a dedicated camera table for any photography enthusiasts with large camera rigs. Nitrox and rental equipment are available for an additional fee.
After diving, guests can relax on the sun deck’s loungers and hammocks, enjoy the onboard entertainment system in the air-conditioned lounge, or review their day’s photos in the onboard photo center.
As any liveaboard enthusiasts know, the food is nearly as important as the diving on a boat! The Palau Aggressor II provides an assortment of snacks and meals all through the day, featuring both American and local cuisine. The grill area and well-stocked bar with complimentary soft drinks, iced tea, wine, and beer add to the culinary experience onboard.
With affordable pricing and excellent service, the Palau Aggressor II is a great option for those looking to explore Palau without breaking the bank.
Best Liveaboard for Groups: MV Solitude One
If you’re traveling with a big group and no one wants to miss out on the fun in Palau, the MV Solitude One is the best liveaboard for you.
Enjoy the world-class coral reefs and shark-rich dive sites in Palau with the MV Solitude One, a well-equipped, spacious boat offering you access to an incredible marine ecosystem.
The huge dimensions of this Palau liveaboard, 171 feet long (52 meters), mean that you will never feel cramped. Everything has a bright and roomy feeling. The 10 cabins and en-suite bathrooms are larger than most liveaboards. Plus, the saloon, outdoor shaded areas, and sun deck also enjoy an impressive amount of space.
Onboard, you will find a dedicated camera room, complete with computer stations, as well as numerous chill-out and relaxation areas, including soft bean bags and a jacuzzi, where you can watch the pristine waters drift by.
For one of the most personalized liveaboard experiences available for large groups, there’s no better choice than the MV Solitude One.
Our scuba diving experts hand-picked the four liveaboards you’ve read about, but there are a few more boats available.
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