Solitude Gaia is a Palau liveaboard from Solitude Liveaboards that meets the highest standards for passenger ships. Launched in 2023, this 40-meter vessel boasts a robust steel hull for stability and an aluminium superstructure for added security and comfort. Cruising at 10 knots, Solitude Gaia offers diving adventures of 7 or 10 nights.
The liveaboard accommodates up to 18 guests in 9 en-suite cabins and staterooms; the staterooms have private balconies, and the main and upper deck cabins feature ocean views. Entertainment onboard includes smart TVs installed in every cabin, lounge, and dining area. The spacious lounge features a Bose audio system designed to elevate your viewing experience, complementing the 65" TV. Additionally, guests can play cards and board games.
The upper deck also features a spa room. Outdoors, guests can enjoy the sea kayaks, or even shoot the portable waterslide! Solitude's commitment to culinary excellence onboard Solitude Gaia ensures a dining experience that mirrors the high standards of the entire liveaboard experience. Meals are made from locally sourced ingredients and served within the dining area.
Diving operations are conducted from 2 purpose-built aluminium skiffs measuring 6m each, equipped with single 100 HP outboard engines. As you explore the vibrant coral gardens and thriving ecosystems of the Palau, the experienced Solitude dive team will ensure an unforgettable scuba diving adventure. From the famed Blue Corner to the excitement of German Channel, the marine wonders of Palau come to life in every breathtaking dive. During your stay onboard the Solitude Gaia liveaboard, guests are provided with a complimentary Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS for peace of mind.
There are 9 cabins and staterooms onboard the Solitude Gaia, for a capacity of 18 guests. There are 2
Ocean View Staterooms (size: 21.4 sqm) on the upper deck with balconies overlooking the ocean. Choose between XL king-size (202 x 204 cm) or twin bed (101 x 202 cm) configurations.
There is also 1
Ocean View Cabin (size: 15.1 sqm) on the upper deck with a king-size bed (182 x 202 cm).
There are 4
Ocean View Cabins on the main deck. In 2 cabins (size: 16.3 sqm), choose between XL king-size (202 x 204 cm) or twin bed (101 x 202 cm) configurations. In the other 2 cabins (size: 17.8 sqm) there is an XL king-size bed (202 x 204 cm).
There are 2 more
Interior Cabins on the lower deck (size: 24.6 sqm). These cabins have twin beds (101 x 202 cm) .
Every cabin and stateroom on the liveaboard is equipped with an ensuite shower (providing both hot and cold water) and a WC.
The bathrooms are designed to cater to modern day needs. While the size varies with the cabin category, all provide sufficient room, shelving, and space to accommodate personal toiletries. All ensuite facilities are equipped with manual bidet gun, separate shower, and ample shelf/countertop, and robe hooks.
Housekeeping policy: cabins are cleaned daily. Sheets, bath and face towels are changed every 3 days, however, please feel free to request a change at any time when necessary.
All the accommodations have:
- Individual air conditioning with climate control
- Bathroom with toilet, hot water shower and hand basin
- Body wash, shampoo and conditioner
- Hair dryer, bathrobes, face and bath towels
- Windows (main and upper decks), portholes (lower deck)
- Television and intercom system
- Reading lights
- Desk with universal electrical points
- Daily housekeeping
- Wardrobe organiser with hangers
- Safety deposit box
- Bedding including pillows, duvet, and sheets
- Space for luggage
- Life jackets
- Fire warning system and extinguisher
- Mains outlet 200 & 240 volts - 24 hours
No. of bathrooms / showers - 9 / 9 - hot water
Palau Islands
Trip highlights: shark action, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: from Palau: Malakal Bay and Lagoon: Helmet Wreck, Chandelier Caves, Jake Seaplane, Teshio Maru; Rock Islands: Iro Wreck, Buoy 6; Ulong Island: Sandy Paradise, Ulong Channel, Siaes Corner, Siaes Tunnel; Whale Island, Peleliu: Peleliu Cut, Peleliu Express; Ngemelis Island: Orange Beach, German Channel, Blue Corner, Blue Holes, Big Drop -Off, New Drop-off, Turtle Cove, Ngedebus Wall, Dexter's Wall, Ngemelis Coral Garden, Virgin Blue Hole; Jellyfish Lake, the Milky Way, or both. Opportunity of World War II land tour at Peleliu Island, Beach BBQ.
Day 1
After boarding the liveaboard, you will be welcomed by the Solitude Gaia crew who will provide a boat orientation and briefing. You'll then complete your registration and settle the port and park fees. Dinner will be served based on your arrival time. The liveaboard remains in port overnight and sets sail for Malakal Bay the next morning.
Core Days
Diving in Palau offers an unparalleled marine experience, a direct result of the nutrient-rich currents that sustain an breathtaking abundance of life. This vibrant ecosystem is home to over 1,500 species of fish and 700 species of coral and anemone, creating a spectacular backdrop for every dive. A definitive highlight is German Channel, a site so compelling you will wish to dive it repeatedly. Here, majestic manta rays glide into dedicated cleaning stations attended by wrasses, while grey reef and blacktip reef sharks patrol the periphery. The blue expanse is further animated by massive schools of trevallies, rainbow runners, and tuna.
Peleliu is renowned for its collection of exceptionally preserved World War II wrecks, both Japanese and American. The Helmet Wreck (a Japanese ammunition ship) and the Chuyo Maru (a Japanese freighter) are iconic sites, allowing scuba divers to penetrate holds still filled with trucks, artillery shells, and other wartime cargo, now surrounded by schools of fish.
Another unforgettable dive with the Solitude Gaia liveaboard takes you into a massive cavern, its entrance vigilantly guarded by schools of barracuda and snappers. Upon entering the chamber, you will be struck with awe by the otherworldly atmosphere. Shafts of sunlight pierce through openings in the ceiling, creating a dramatic, cathedral-like effect as the beams refract through the stunning azure water, illuminating the cavern in a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. This is the magic of Palau, where every dive promises a profound encounter with the ocean's wonders.
Final Day
Following a hearty breakfast, you have the opportunity to join one of the optional, complimentary speedboat tours to either the famous Jellyfish Lake or the Milky Way Lagoon. Afterwards, you will return to the liveaboard for a late lunch before completing the checkout process.
Palau Far North Spawning Trip (11 Days / 10 Nights - 34 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Palau: West Passage: Devil's Playground / Satan's Corner; Northern Reefs: Kayangel island, Devilfish City, Tailtop, Velasco Reef; Shark City, Siaes Corner, Siaes Tunnel, Sandy Paradise, Ulong Channel; Ngemelis: Blue Corner, Blue Holes; Peleliu Corner / Cut / Express; Jellyfish Lake, the Milky Way, or both. Beach BBQ.
Day 1
This exclusive liveaboard itinerary is a unique opportunity to explore Palau's remote Far North, a region seldom visited, while also experiencing its classic sites. Upon your arrival, the Solitude Gaia crew will extend a warm welcome and guide you through the boarding process. This includes a comprehensive liveaboard orientation and safety briefing, followed by the completion of registration forms and payment for the port and park fees. Depending on your boarding time, dinner will be served. The liveaboard will then depart from port the following day, setting course for west passage.
Core Days
Diving in Palau can be incredible, as it is home to over 1,500 fish species and 700 species of coral and sea anemones, thanks to the nutrients brought by rushing currents. One of the dives you will want to make more than once is German Channel which is visited by manta rays at the cleaning stations attended by wrasses, grey reef and blacktip reef sharks, and also huge schools of trevallies, rainbow runners and tuna. You will also dive inside a large cavern with an entrance patrolled by barracuda and snappers. Once inside, you will be in awe of the incredible sight of sunlight filtering through the holes and how they refract against the stunning azure waters.
Strategically timed for the New or Full Moon, this liveaboard diving expedition places you in the heart of one of the ocean's most enthralling events: mass spawning. Witness this remarkable natural phenomenon up close with the Solitude Gaia, as thousands of Bumphead parrotfish, red snappers, and Moorish idols engage in a vibrant reproductive ritual, a spectacle that in turn attracts a host of predators feeding on the bonanza. The route remains flexible to maximize your chances of observing these dramatic displays.
The Far North's reefs are renowned for their strong currents, which bring in majestic manta rays and sharks. Palau's nutrient-rich waters support an incredible density of life, home to over 1,500 fish and 700 coral species. You will revisit iconic locations like German Channel, where mantas circle cleaning stations amidst grey reef sharks and massive schools of trevally. The adventure continues at Blue Corner - a premier gathering spot for sharks. It's common to see dozens of grey reef sharks patrolling the edge of the reef, along with whitetip reef sharks resting on the sandy patches. Sightings of silvertip sharks and the occasional hammerhead are also possible, creating an unforgettable predator-filled spectacle. To stay in place against the strong currents, divers use a reef hook to tether themselves to the reef's edge. This allows you to hover effortlessly and watch the marine theater unfold right in front of you!
Day 11
Fuel up with a substantial breakfast before setting out on your chosen final adventure - an optional speedboat excursion to either the unique Jellyfish Lake or the mineral-rich waters of the Milky Way Lagoon. The liveaboard cruise concludes back on board with a final late lunch, after which you will officially check out and disembark the Solitude Gaia.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
The daily schedule aboard the Solitude Gaia liveaboard is designed around 4 scheduled dives, integrating delicious meals and relaxation. The culinary experience is a highlight, carefully crafted by the chef to cater to all tastes with a mix of à la carte and buffet-style offerings blending Asian and Western cuisine. All meals are served in the dedicated, air-conditioned dining section within the main deck lounge.
The day begins with a light 'Wake-Up' service of fresh coffee, tea, and cookies available on the main deck, allowing you to fuel up before your first dive. Following this initial immersion, you will return for a full breakfast - expect a variety of hot and cold options such as eggs cooked to order, fresh fruit, toast, and sausages.
The lunch buffet is substantial and revitalizing, featuring dishes like pasta, grilled burgers, fresh soups, or fried rice with vegetables. After the afternoon dive, you are welcomed back with complimentary homemade snacks. The day's final meal, dinner, is a satisfying event served after the night dive, with menus often including roasted meats, freshly caught fish, a vibrant selection of vegetables, and occasional themed events like a deck BBQ.
Throughout your journey, a fully automatic, self-service coffee machine is available on Solitude Gaia at no extra charge, perfect for crafting a great latte, cappuccino, or espresso whenever the mood strikes. Other drinks including a selection of soft drinks, water, and tea are also provided. Special dietary requests are accommodated when notified in advance.
