Palau in the South Pacific is often described in superlatives. It’s one of those places where you’ll likely 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, leopard sharks as well as large schools of barracudas, jacks and other fish.
Like most destinations in the South Pacific, Palau features diverse underwater environments. Some common features include beds of soft coral, drop-offs, caves, channels and even blue holes. If you love wreck diving, Palau is also a great option. Several World War II wrecks are found surrounding these 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 sites.
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 December to March is the best time for manta rays in the German Channel.
With 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.
Best Luxury Liveaboard: Ocean Hunter III
One of the most luxurious liveaboard dive boats in the world, the Ocean Hunter III is a beautiful 96 foot (29 meter) yacht built to bring divers in style to this remote underwater paradise.
While participating in unlimited underwater activities, divers can enjoy an expansive and shady dive deck, two Jacuzzis, shore excursions and massages at the onboard spa. The dive pros onboard the Ocean Hunter III will ensure the 16 guests have a memorable, small group diving experience. Generally each diving day is graced with 4 dives, including 1 night dive, but unlimited diving is available for guests.
Ocean Hunter III is designed for professional underwater photographers, TV and Film production, with a sizeable working area, 110, 220 and 415 volt electrical outlets and extra storage space. This luxurious liveaboard offers powerful PC’s 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 used to luxury or looking for a splurge, you’ll truly want for nothing aboard the Ocean Hunter III.
Best Mid-Range Liveaboard: SY Palau Siren
Forming part of the Worldwide Dive and Sail fleet, the SY Palau Siren provides a balance between price and modern amenities.
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 8 cabins, ensuring personalized diving and leisure-time activities, without compromising any comforts.
On each 7-day itinerary, guests can enjoy up to 3 or 4 dives per day with night dives available when possible. Free nitrox and rental equipment, complimentary kayaking and snorkeling and daily massages, are just a few of the inclusions guests can expect.
Back on the ship, guests will enjoy 8 spacious and air conditioned cabins along with a well-appointed lounge. Divers can relax on the shaded Sun Deck, sun bathe on the cushioned lounge chairs or hang out in the air-conditioned lounge complete with well-stocked Bar.
For a well-priced liveaboard trip with enough luxury to make you feel like you’ve spoiled yourself, the SY Palau Siren is an excellent choice.
Best Budget Liveaboard: MV Solitude One
While there really aren’t budget liveaboards in Palau, the MV Solitude One offers the best bang for your buck!
Enjoy world-class shark-rich sites at Palau and Tubbataha Reef 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 mean that you will never feel cramped and everything has a bright and roomy feeling. The Cabins and en-suite bathrooms are larger than most liveaboards and the Saloon, outdoor shaded areas and Sun Deck also enjoy an impressive amount of space.
Onboard you can find a dedicated camera room on board, 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, there’s no better choice than the MV Solitude One.
The three liveaboards you’ve read about were hand-picked by our scuba diving experts, but there are a few more boats available. To see the full list of liveaboards in Palau, click the button below.
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