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Diving on the Solitude One liveaboard
When the Solitude One was being transformed from a merchant vessel to a liveaboard, all changes were made with two things in mind—diver comfort and functionality.
Today, its dive deck accommodates up to 24 divers easily, allowing everyone to get ready for their dive at the same time. A large camera table makes it easy to prepare photography and videography equipment, too.
The hardest thing you’ll need to do is decide where you would like to dive and what you would like to see. Palau itineraries generally include a combination of wrecks and reefs, allowing guests to dive into history while also admiring the beauty of the marine life. You may also have a chance to explore new sites. Philippines itineraries are more focused on marine life, including pelagic species like whale sharks and thresher sharks, as well as macro life in other locations.
The Solitude One generally operates with a diver-to-guide ratio of up to 6:1. If you would prefer a more personal service, the team is also happy to provide a private guide for an additional fee. This can be especially useful for more serious photographers, who would like to spend their dive focusing on one subject rather than following a group.
All of the liveaboard’s dives start from two dive tenders that drop divers in the perfect spot. Depending on your itinerary and weather conditions, you’re likely to complete three to four dives per day.
After the dives, photographers will enjoy separate rinse tanks and towels for their cameras as well as compressed air for drying gear. What’s more, the Solitude One has a dedicated camera room that is ideal for preparing equipment. The boat is also equipped with two desktop PCs for downloading and editing images.
For full charters, Solitude One can offer rebreather support, but this needs to be arranged in advance to ensure sufficient time to order consumables like scrubber material and oxygen in Palau.
Highlights:
- Some itineraries offer a chance to see new dive sites
- Combination of wreck and reef diving in Palau
- Excellent camera facilities
- Rebreather support for full charters
Onboard the Solitude One
The Solitude One may have started its life as a merchant vessel, but there are very few signs hinting at that industrial past. Today, this boat is all about diving, starting with 11 cabins that have been designed with divers’ needs in mind.
There are three staterooms on the main deck, one featuring a king-size bed and another set up as a twin stateroom perfect for sharing. The third stateroom works well as a petite double or a slightly larger single cabin.
On the lower deck, there are eight more cabins. Out of those, one is a double stateroom and five are deluxe cabins. Two of the deluxe cabins have been designated as double sharing cabins with three more set up for twin shares.
On this deck, there is also one more petite double or single cabin, and groups of friends will like the quad cabin which features four single beds. The quad cabin is also a great option for families traveling and diving together.
All cabins feature ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold water, complimentary toiletries, and safety deposit boxes. The two largest staterooms also have day beds and writing desks.
This high level of comfort extends beyond the cabins. As a former merchant ship, the Solitude One offers divers plenty of space to find some solitude, under the sun or in shade. There are great relaxation areas for socializing, too. But the stand-out relaxation feature on this vessel is certainly the hot tub.
Highlights:
- Flexible accommodation with three different types of cabins
- Single traveler-friendly
- Jacuzzi on-deck
Dining on the Solitude One
No liveaboard trip would be complete without excellent food. The Solitude One crew is dedicated to ensuring divers never go hungry onboard. To achieve that, the team serves no less than five meals per day.
Divers remain well-fed, starting with a light breakfast followed by a big breakfast, lunch, cooked afternoon snacks, and dinner. Should you still feel hungry, don’t worry. You’ll always have access to instant noodles and cookies.
Main meals are served buffet-style in the open-walled dining area on the upper deck. It’s a spectacular space with panoramic views and perfect for observing the scenery around you. If there is a passing shower, the crew will quickly roll down protective panels. Alternatively, divers can enjoy their meals in the air-conditioned salon on the main deck below.
The Solitude One crew is happy to accommodate dietary requirements such as vegetarian and selective meat-free diets. However, if guests are following a vegan diet, the team asks for a little more advance notice to ensure that all ingredients are onboard in good time.
Highlights:
- Phenomenal open-walled dining space on the upper deck
- Five meals a day plus snacks
Things we like:
- Three different cabin classes to suit different budgets
- Lots of cabin choices for single travelers
- Option to book transition trips and experience both Palau and the Philippines
- Hot tub for relaxation between and after dives
Things we don't like:
- Limited natural light in some of the lower deck cabins
Key Facts
| Year Built | 1979 |
| Max Divers | 24 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | Yes ($) |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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