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Diving on the Ocean Hunter III liveaboard
Diving Palau may spoil you for any other destination you’ll ever dive after this trip. These pristine reefs are home to several pelagic species, including sharks that have been protected in this area since 2009.
Conservation efforts continued since then, leading to the creation of a 193,000-square-mile (500,000-square-kilometer) no-take zone in 2015. The result is obvious underwater: hard and soft corals are thriving, and the area is home to more than 130 species of endangered or vulnerable sharks and rays.
But that’s not all. Divers can also explore more than 30 World War II wrecks and stunning caverns. The liveaboard offers incredible spawning dives that allow divers to encounter schools of hundreds of fish. Those depend on the time of year and moon phases, so if you’d like to take in those impressive moments, make sure you double-check your timing.
Divers prepare for their next adventure on the spacious dive deck before a designated chase boat brings them to the dive site. The chase boat is more spacious than traditional zodiacs, offering seating for all divers and space for cameras. Dry storage is available below the seat. Ocean Hunter III guests can do up to five dives per day, allowing you to make the most of your Palau trip.
Underwater photographers will love the extensive camera facilities onboard. There are four dedicated camera spaces, including a large workroom that is perfect for preparing and charging equipment. The boat also offers nitrox at an additional cost, and the team can offer custom blends, including trimix, as required. The hardest choice guests have to make is where to dive from day to day.
Highlights:
- Outstanding spawning dives
- Large chase boat to deliver divers directly to their entry points
- Extensive camera facilities
- Support for mixed gas diving
Onboard the Ocean Hunter III
The Ocean Hunter III was built with discerning divers in mind. Aside from safety, divers’ comfort is a huge priority for the operators, and it shows throughout all three cabin classes. All eight cabins feature private bathrooms, intercom systems so you never miss a dive briefing or a meal, air-conditioning, hair dryers, housekeeping, and a daily turn-down service.
Both master staterooms are located on the upper deck. They are furnished with king beds and offer excellent views. Also on the upper deck is one of four deluxe cabins, equipped with twin beds and perfect for sharing. All three of those cabins are close to the sundeck with comfortable seating and sun loungers. The two hot tubs here make it easy for divers to relax after or between their dives. On top of that, the upper deck is an excellent spot for watching sunsets and taking in the stunning scenery.
All remaining five cabins are located on the lower deck. Three of those are deluxe cabins, and there are two smaller standard cabins. Each standard cabin has two single bunk beds and all the amenities mentioned above. The deluxe cabins are a bit more spacious with a double bed and a single bed arranged as bunk beds.
For those who prefer to relax in air-conditioning, there is a comfortable lounge on the main deck, adjacent to the dining area.
Highlights:
- Great for private charters with lots of twin or double share options across three cabin types
- Large sundeck with two hot tubs
- Intercom in all cabins for meal and dive briefing alerts
Dining on the Ocean Hunter III
Comfort, competence, and cuisine are the three pillars of the Ocean Hunter III philosophy. The team offers a delicious combination of local and international cuisines designed to pamper passengers and contribute to an unforgettable experience.
Your liveaboard package includes five meals per day, all of which are served buffet-style in the dining room on the main deck. The selection generally includes meat dishes, fresh fish, and seafood, served alongside salads and desserts with a choice of water and iced tea.
The team is happy to cater to vegetarians and vegans, as well as keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets or guests with specific food allergies. As usual, advising the operators of your needs is highly recommended when booking your trip. Palau is a remote destination, making advance notice even more important.
Some of the highlights of the culinary day onboard this liveaboard are the freshly baked cakes and fruit smoothies served in the afternoon. Coffee aficionados will be pleased to discover an endless supply of Lavazza espresso, macchiato, and cappuccino to keep them going, too. Should you still feel hungry between dives, look no further than the chocolates and fruits available throughout the day.
The Ocean Hunter III also maintains a bar with a small but carefully selected choice of Australian and Californian wines, liquors, soft drinks, and juices. Those are available at an additional charge.
Highlights:
- Freshly baked afternoon treats and fruit smoothies
- Unlimited access to specialty coffee
- Five meals a day included plus chocolates and fruit
Things we like:
- Smaller boat with a family atmosphere—great for group charters
- Great choice of specialty dives, including spawning and black-water dives
- Two hot tubs on the sundeck
Things we don't like:
- Standard cabins can feel a bit small
Key Facts
| Year Built | 1978 |
| Max Divers | 16 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | No |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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