Pacific Master Liveaboard overview

By
Sarah Turnbull
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Sarah is a writer, PADI instructor and underwater photographer based in Mauritius. Diving across 5 continents, she has a love of all things ocean-related and an...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

Micronesia, a hidden gem in the heart of the Pacific, offers scuba divers an unparalleled underwater experience. Renowned for its exceptional water clarity, diverse marine life, and historic WWII wrecks, Micronesia stands out as a premier destination for underwater enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of diving in Micronesia is the opportunity to explore the legendary Truk Lagoon, often dubbed the “Wreck Diving Capital of the World.” From vibrant coral gardens teeming with colorful fish to World War II-era shipwrecks, diving here is a must-do for those seeking an up-close view of WWII history.

For those with a technical certification as well as a love for WWII history, UNESCO World Heritage Site Bikini Lagoon sits at the top of the bucket list. These waters are home to a mock naval fleet, gathered here by the United States after WWII to test the effects of atomic bombs on warships.

The Pacific Master offers an intimate liveaboard experience. Measuring 98 feet (30 m) long, this custom-designed, steel-hulled liveaboard features accommodation for up to 20 passengers in 12 cabins. Offering 7- to 10-night trips in Truk Lagoon and 10- to 13-night trips in Bikini Atoll, guests can dive up to four times a day in Truk and twice per day in Bikini Atoll.

With a professional and attentive crew of 12, including expert dive guides, the Pacific Master ensures a personalized and unforgettable liveaboard diving experience among the stunning wrecks of Micronesia.

Let’s dive into our review of the Pacific Master.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

Things we like:

  • Spectacular wreck diving
  • Rebreather and tech-diver friendly
  • Chance to see manta rays, sharks, and other large pelagics
  • Free short-term DAN insurance available on request

Things we don't like:

  • Nitrox is available but not included
  • Marine park and port fees of between $250 and $600 (depending on itinerary) not included

Diving on the Pacific Master

Open to divers with an Advanced Open Water certification and above, trips to Truk Lagoon typically deliver not only a glimpse of WWII history, but also encounters with magnificent marine life, including sharks, manta rays, and vibrant coral growth on the metal superstructures.

During World War II, Truk Lagoon served as a major Japanese naval base, and was the site of a devastating American airstrike in 1944. As a result, the lagoon is home to over 60 well-preserved warships, planes, tanks, and associated artifacts. Divers are treated to a unique underwater museum found nowhere else in the world.

In Bikini Atoll, divers can expect to find more wrecks, stunning reefs, and abundant marine life. Due to the depth of the wrecks and the remote location, this destination is only suitable for tech and rebreather divers. Divers must also present evidence of over 100 logged dives.

Clear water, stunning reefs, and atmospheric wrecks make both Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll excellent destinations for photographers, with opportunities for wide-angle and macro photography. Onboard there is a camera and photography station with separate rinse tanks for underwater camera equipment.

Diving on the Pacific Master typically involves a mixture of diving directly from the platform at the back of the boat and using tenders to access remote dive sites. Some rental equipment is available, but it must be pre-booked to ensure availability.

Highlights:

  • Excellent for macro and wide-angle photography
  • Knowledgeable friendly dive guides
  • Informative pre and post-dive briefings

Onboard the Pacific Master

While it may not be as opulent as some ultra-luxury liveaboards, the Pacific Master offers a high level of comfort, service, and quality accommodation.

Cabins include one en-suite premium double cabin, five en-suite premium double/twin cabins, four standard single cabins, and two standard twin cabins with shared bathroom facilities.

Interior spaces, including the cabins, salon, and dining area, have central air-conditioning for maximum comfort in the tropical climate. The salon and dining areas provide a spacious environment for guests to relax and socialize with banquette seating and comfortable couches, a flatscreen TV, and a selection of books, movies, and board games.

In addition to the salon, the Pacific Master has spacious outdoor areas including a large sundeck where guests can unwind, take in the stunning ocean views, and bask in the tropical sun. Hammocks are slung on the deck for some quiet time and the opportunity to wind down after diving.

The dive deck is well-equipped, with individual stations and a dedicated area for photography equipment. Guests will find ample space for gear storage and rinse tanks for gear, freshwater showers, and restrooms. The dive deck leads to a spacious dive platform and two dive tenders, offering flexibility to reach dive sites.

Highlights:

  • Large sundeck for relaxation
  • Comfortable cabins and public areas
  • Centrally air-conditioned

Dining onboard the Pacific Master

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style and typically offer a mix of both local and Western cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and tropical flavors. Menus include a variety of options, including salads, soups, pasta, and grilled meats. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are also served for any guest who feels peckish between dives.

Special diets or dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice. Tea, coffee, water, and soft drinks are available all day free of charge. Alcohol is available on board and is charged as an extra.

  • Menus include Western and local delicacies
  • Alcohol not included

Things we like:

  • Spectacular wreck diving
  • Rebreather and tech-diver friendly
  • Chance to see manta rays, sharks, and other large pelagics
  • Free short-term DAN insurance available on request

Things we don't like:

  • Nitrox is available but not included
  • Marine park and port fees of between $250 and $600 (depending on itinerary) not included
Key Facts
Year Built 2004
Max Divers 20
Price Range Mid-range
Trip Length 8+ Nights
Internet No
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments