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Diving on the Black Pearl Explorer liveaboard
The waters of Palau are considered one of the “Seven Underwater Wonders of the World,” due to its position at the crossroads of three nutrient-rich currents, which attract abundant marine life. Divers are sure to see both large and small fish year-round, experiencing great visibility and warm waters, from 81 to 86 F (27 to 30 C). However, the best time to dive in Palau is during the dry season from October to May.
Divers aboard the Black Pearl Explorer can choose between 7-night or 10-night itineraries, as well as between Classic Palau and Spawning Special itineraries. The Spawning Special trips coincide with full and new moons, offering the chance to see spawning aggregations of red snapper and bumphead parrotfish.
Divers can expect to log 3 to 4 dives per day, including three day dives and one night dive. Before and between dives, divers can refuel with meals or snacks and relax on one of four decks to take in the view of Palau.
All diving takes place from two covered dive tenders, each holding 12 divers. Rental equipment is available onboard and nitrox is included in the price of your trip. Photographers will love the camera station, featuring a variety of charging plugs for underwater cameras.
The Black Pearl Explorer visits all of Palau’s greatest hits, including Blue Corner, the most famous dive site in Palau. Other sites include the Blue Hole, German Channel, the Peleliu Express, Chandelier Cave, and more. Because of the variety of dive sites, divers will never be bored, experiencing everything from underwater caverns to expansive wall dives, WWII wrecks, and breathtaking drift diving.
In addition to world-class diving, guests aboard the Black Pearl Explorer can snorkel in Jellyfish Lake. Jellyfish Lake is home to two species of stingless jellyfish. While the golden jellyfish population has been in steep decline since 2021, guests will still be able to snorkel among moon jellies.
Highlights:
- A variety of dive sites include walls, reefs, wrecks, channels, and caves
- Reef hook diving at Blue Corner as the sharks drift by
- Snorkeling in the famous Jellyfish Lake
- Nitrox is included
Onboard the Black Pearl Explorer
The 153-foot (43 m) Black Pearl accommodates 24 divers. Each of 12 staterooms features a window and ensuite bathroom. The staterooms are split into two master seaview staterooms, four deluxe ocean-view staterooms, and five lower deck standard cabins.
All rooms are air-conditioned and bathrooms feature showers, soap, shampoo, and a hairdryer. Each room has an ocean view via either a porthole or large window. Additionally, each room features two twin beds, in-room entertainment, reading lights, charging stations, and an electric water kettle.
There are four decks including a spacious dive deck, a covered sundeck with sunbeds and benches, the pilot deck with an outside lounge and bar, the main deck featuring an outdoor salon with a hot tub, and the lower deck where the dive platform is located.
There is no cell service while at sea, however the Black Pearl offers SIM cards for purchase. There is no internet available onboard, which gives guests the opportunity to really unwind and take advantage of complimentary sea kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
Highlights:
- Air-conditioned rooms with windows
- Four decks, including a covered sun deck with hot tub
- Ensuite bathrooms
Dining onboard the Black Pearl Explorer
The 153-foot (43 m) Black Pearl Explorer accommodates 24 divers. Each of 12 staterooms features a window and ensuite bathroom. The staterooms are split into two master seaview staterooms, four deluxe ocean-view staterooms, and five lower deck standard cabins.
All rooms are air-conditioned and bathrooms feature showers, soap, shampoo, and a hairdryer. Each room has an ocean view via either a porthole or large window. Additionally, each room features two twin beds, in-room entertainment, reading lights, charging stations, and an electric water kettle.
There are four decks including a spacious dive deck, a covered sundeck with sunbeds and benches, the pilot deck with an outside lounge and bar, the main deck featuring an outdoor salon with a hot tub, and the lower deck where the dive platform is located.
There is no cell service while at sea, however the Black Pearl Explorer offers SIM cards for purchase. There is no internet available onboard, which gives guests the opportunity to really unwind and take advantage of complimentary sea kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
Highlights:
- Air-conditioned rooms with windows
- Four decks, including a covered sun deck with hot tub
- Ensuite bathrooms
All meals are chef-prepared and served buffet-style. Expect a mix of Asian and Western fare. Breakfast typically consists of eggs, pancakes, cereals, breads, salads, yogurts, and fresh fruit. Lunch and dinner include a mix of fresh vegetables, salads, rice, pasta, meat, fruits, and pastries.
Two snacks are served—one before the first morning dive and one in the afternoon. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated but guests should make sure to note them before the trip.
Two bars on the boat offer drinks including sodas, juices, beer, wine, and cocktails, available for purchase.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Hot drinks
- Snacks twice a day
Things we like:
- High safety standards
- Plenty of space for guests to lounge between dives
- Nitrox is included
- Professional guides are always in the water
- Variety of dive sites including reefs, wrecks, and caves
- Shaded sundeck allows for divers to take a break from the sun between dives
- Offers a variety of itineraries including a Spawning Special Itinerary
- Kayaks and paddleboards are available for use
Things we don't like:
- Only available to advanced divers with >50 logged dives due to strong currents
- No internet
- Specialty drinks only available for purchase
- There has been a drastic decline in the golden jellyfish populations within Jellyfish Lake since 2021
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2019 |
| Max Divers | 24 |
| Price Range | Luxury |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | Yes ($) |
| Nitrox | Yes (free) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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