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Diving Palau is a dream for many scuba enthusiasts, and experiencing it aboard one of the region’s top liveaboards is something every diver should consider. Palau liveaboards offer the perfect way to explore this Pacific paradise, giving you access to remote dive sites, abundant marine life, and historic wrecks. From vertical walls dripping with soft coral to nutrient-rich channels teeming with sharks and mantas, diving in Palau is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Whether you are chasing schools of fusiliers, gliding alongside reef sharks, or exploring World War II wrecks, life on a Palau liveaboard allows you to make the most of every moment. Each vessel has its own personality, facilities, and dive itineraries, but all share one thing in common: they deliver unmatched access to Palau’s underwater wonders. Onboard, you will find comfort, convenience, and expert guidance that make your diving adventure both safe and unforgettable.
In this guide, we will walk you through what to expect aboard 3 of Palau’s premier liveaboards: Ocean Hunter III, Palau Siren, and Solitude Gaia. From accommodation and amenities to dive itineraries and marine encounters, we cover everything you need to know so you can choose the right experience and make the most of your Palau liveaboard adventure.
Palau is a tropical paradise above and below the water, offering experiences that appeal to all types of travelers. From verdant islands to crystal-clear lagoons, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore. Every corner of this Pacific gem has something unique to discover.
Some of the top attractions include:
Palau’s underwater world is even more spectacular, with ecosystems teeming with life and color. The region’s nutrient-rich currents support healthy reefs and attract a wide variety of species. Divers and snorkelers alike can expect to see stunning coral gardens and abundant marine life on every outing.
The marine diversity includes:
Seasonal highlights add even more excitement to a Palau adventure. From the chance to see manta rays to witnessing mass spawning events, there are unforgettable encounters throughout the year. These seasonal phenomena make planning a dive trip even more rewarding.
Seasonal wonders include:
With its combination of scenic islands, vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and seasonal spectacles, Palau is a must-visit destination for divers exploring Palau liveaboards. Every trip offers a chance to experience a truly dynamic and unforgettable underwater world.
Ocean Hunter III is a steel-hulled liveaboard that blends comfort with adventure. It accommodates up to 16 divers across 9 cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms. The main deck has an air-conditioned restaurant and lounge, and there’s a sun deck with a Jacuzzi for relaxing between dives. The boat also has dedicated areas for photographers, including camera tables, rinse tanks, and editing computers. For technical divers, Ocean Hunter III offers support for nitrox, trimix, and rebreathers, making it a versatile choice for a range of diving experiences.
Their dive tours focus on Palau’s most iconic sites, including Blue Corner, German Channel, and Peleliu. Each day offers multiple dives, and night dives are included, giving you opportunities to see a completely different side of Palau’s reefs. Currents can be strong, so divers use reef hooks to anchor themselves while observing sharks, mantas, and schools of barracuda and fusiliers. This approach allows you to fully enjoy the underwater action without feeling rushed.
Features and Highlights:
Ocean Hunter III is ideal for scuba divers who want a combination of comfort, adventure, and exceptional marine encounters. Its experienced crew and well-planned cruises ensure you can make the most of every dive while enjoying life onboard.
Palau Siren is a 40-meter wooden-hulled Phinisi schooner known for elegance and comfort. It carries up to 16 guests and has a crew of 12, ensuring high service standards. The saloon is air-conditioned and equipped with a full audio-visual system, and meals are typically enjoyed in the open-air dining area. Cabins feature ensuite bathrooms with TVs, DVDs, and music players. Additional onboard perks include massage services, sea kayaks, and boutique shopping. Photographers also benefit from dedicated rinse tanks and camera workstations.
The diving on Palau Siren focuses on a mix of high-energy drifts, vertical walls, caverns, and WWII wrecks. Iconic sites include Blue Corner, German Channel, Chandelier Caves, and Peleliu. Divers frequently encounter grey reef sharks, whitetips, blacktips, manta rays at cleaning stations, eagle rays, turtles, and massive schools of pelagic fish. Macro enthusiasts will enjoy nudibranchs, decorator crabs, and octopuses found on calmer reefs. Currents vary, providing both thrilling drifts and more relaxed dives, and reef hooks are used for safety and observation at sites with strong currents.
Features and Highlights:
Palau Siren is perfect for divers seeking a combination of elegance, comfort, and dynamic marine encounters. Its spacious design and well-equipped amenities make it an ideal choice for photography-focused divers or those wanting a high level of service onboard.
Solitude Gaia is a modern 40-meter steel-hulled liveaboard with an aluminum superstructure, launched in 2023. It accommodates up to 18 guests in nine cabins and staterooms, some with private balconies and ocean views. The boat features spa facilities, a waterslide, and sea kayaks for recreational activities. Cabins are equipped with smart TVs, media players, ensuite bathrooms, and air conditioning. The lounge includes a 65-inch TV and Bose audio system, making downtime as comfortable as possible.
Diving with Solitude Gaia includes famous sites like Blue Corner, German Channel, Peleliu wrecks, and Ulong Channel. Some itineraries focus on spawning events during New or Full Moon, providing a chance to see thousands of parrotfish, red snappers, and Moorish idols, attracting predators like sharks and hammerheads. Reef hooks are used for safety in strong currents, and divers encounter grey reef and blacktip reef sharks, mantas, turtles, and dense schools of pelagic fish. The liveaboard provides 2 purpose-built skiffs for safe, efficient dive operations.
Features and Highlights:
Solitude Gaia is ideal for divers seeking a luxurious liveaboard experience without compromising adventure. The combination of modern facilities, spacious cabins, and access to remote northern reefs makes it a truly unique option in Palau..
All Palau liveaboards provide access to a remarkable variety of dive environments. Sheer walls like Big Drop Off and New Drop Off are covered in soft corals and gorgonian fans. Channels such as German Channel create strong currents that attract mantas, grey reef sharks, and large pelagic fish. Ulong Channel offers a shallow drift dive over coral gardens teeming with jacks, batfish, and snappers.
Wreck diving is a highlight for many guests. Sites like Iro or Chuyo Maru, Jake Seaplane, and Peleliu wrecks provide history alongside vibrant marine life. Caverns and tunnels such as Chandelier Cave and Siaes Tunnel reveal dramatic light shafts and playful reef fish. Night dives add another dimension, with cuttlefish, octopus, and macro life emerging in illuminated reefs.
Every liveaboard ensures divers can safely experience strong currents and larger pelagics. Reef hooks are used at popular current sites for observing manta rays and sharks in mid-water. Dive guides are always nearby to provide tips, point out wildlife, and adjust plans according to conditions, ensuring a safe and thrilling underwater adventure..
Palau liveaboards typically operate week-long or 10-night trips, allowing for multiple dives per day. The flexibility of liveaboards ensures you reach remote dive sites early, avoiding crowded day-trip boats. Trips are tailored to tide, current, and weather conditions to maximize underwater experiences.
Most trips include 3-5 dives per day, with night dives often scheduled after dinner. Popular sites like Blue Corner, German Channel, and Peleliu Wall may be visited multiple times. Dive guides help manage currents and advise when to use reef hooks for optimal safety and viewing.
Surface intervals are used for meals, relaxation, and onshore excursions. Snorkeling at Jellyfish Lake or visiting World War II historical sites offers a break from diving. Guests are encouraged to pace themselves to fully enjoy both underwater and onboard activities.
We at Dive The World are passionate about making your Palau liveaboard experience seamless and unforgettable. Our team provides personalized advice on selecting the best vessel and cruise based on your interests, experience, and diving goals. We coordinate flights, transfers, permits, and accommodations, ensuring all logistics are handled before you arrive.
We prioritize safety and quality, working with liveaboards that have experienced crews, well-maintained vessels, and access to Palau’s top dive sites. Our guides are familiar with local currents, marine life, and seasonal highlights such as mass spawning events, ensuring you get the most out of every dive.
In addition to dive planning, we provide insights into optimal times to visit, equipment recommendations, and marine conservation practices. We aim to create a worry-free adventure from arrival to departure, allowing you to focus on exploring Palau’s world-class reefs and spectacular wildlife.
Palau liveaboards offer a unique way to explore one of the most biodiverse dive regions on Earth. From the steel-hulled Ocean Hunter III to the elegant Palau Siren and modern Solitude Gaia, each vessel delivers access to iconic dive sites, thriving marine life, and historical wrecks. Onboard comfort, attentive service, and professional dive guidance make every trip enjoyable and safe.
The variety of dive experiences is unmatched. Currents bring in mantas, sharks, and pelagic fish, while caverns, walls, and wrecks offer dramatic underwater landscapes. Macro life, night dives, and spawning events add depth and excitement for all divers. Between dives, spacious cabins, sun decks, and dining areas ensure rest and relaxation.
We encourage you to get in touch with us at Dive The World to start planning your Palau liveaboard adventure. Let us help you choose the right vessel, customize your itinerary, and handle all logistics so you can focus on experiencing the thrill of diving in Palau. Contact us today and make your dream dive trip a reality.
