Expertise Since 1987
Rated Excellent
FLEXIBLE PRICING
Diving Highlights
Up to 18 dives (3-4 dives per day) for 7-night trips and up to 27 dives for 10-night trips.
Deep walls, channels and tunnels.
Stunning hard and soft corals.
WWII Japanese wrecks (ships & planes).
Dive Blue Hole and Chandelier Cave.
Countless shark and ray species, including mantas.
Unique macro life; ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, shrimps, more.
Spawning bump head parrotfish and red snappers on select new and full moon itineraries.
Palau Liveaboard Itinerary
Palau’s thrilling liveaboard diving trips will get you hooked. Dive in a giant lagoon, discover WWII ship and plane wrecks, and explore the many astonishing caves and channel sites. Notably, this route visits Chandelier and Blue Holes caves, both globally recognized for their size and bright blue waters. In the Southern region, Black Pearl Explorer will also take you to Palau’s most famous stop Blue Corner, home to resident grey and whitetip reef sharks. You’ll drift past beautiful soft and hard corals on at Ulong Channel, encounter manta rays in German Channel, and wow at Peleliu Island’s magical walls. Join the Classic Palau route for a taste of it all, or visit during the Spawning Special itineraries which coincide with moon cycles to experience spawning of the bumphead parrotfish and the red snapper.
Explore itinerarIESPackage Overview
- 8 days/7 nights or 11 days/10 nights aboard Black Pearl Explorer
- 3 dives daily and 1 night dive (up to 17 during trip for 7-night trips and up to 25 dives for 10-night trips)
- Accommodation, meals, and snacks
- Around the clock service from an exceptional crew
- All diving amenities and Nitrox; equipment rental additional
- Access via Koror (ROR); transfers from local hotels only
- 10% GST
- Excellent value – see pricing here
Due to strong currents, this itinerary requires certification of Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) and a minimum of 50 logged dives. Reef hooks are highly recommended for some dives.
About Black Pearl Explorer
Scuba diving in Palau.
At 46 meters (153 feet) in length, the M/Y Black Pearl Explorer is spacious and sophisticated with state-of-the-art amenities.
Accommodating up to 24 divers, this luxury vessel has 12 staterooms split into two Master Seaview Staterooms (13 and 14), and four main deck deluxe ocean view staterooms (9,10,11, and 12), and six lower deck standard cabins (1,2,3,4,5 and 6). All cabins have an ocean view, some with large windows, some with portholes. As well, all cabins feature air conditioning, LED TV, high-quality linens, pillows and towels, 220V universal electricity sockets, multiple lights, safe box, and ensuite bathrooms (with shower, rinsing sink, eco-friendly soap & shampoo and hairdryer). All lower deck cabins are equipped with 2 twin beds, while Deluxe Ocean view staterooms can be configured with 2 twin beds or 1 queen bed. Master Seaview staterooms have a queen bed only.
There is plenty of space on board, both on the dive deck and on the extensive main deck. The main deck has an outdoor salon with a whirlpool, a small charging station with a variety of international plugs and for use by underwater photographers and videographers., and an indoor dining area completed with a bar. On surface intervals, divers can unwind on the beautiful covered sun deck (with sunbeds and comfortable benches), have fun in the dedicated upper-deck salon, or in the upper-deck outside lounge & bar and take in the 360° view of Palau’s scenic islands. Free satellite WiFi is available onboard.
The M/Y Black Pearl Explorer is specifically designed for divers looking for luxury and is a well-built vessel for cruising between dive sites. The waterline-level dive deck and the indoor gear station offer enough space for up to 24 divers, with rinse tanks, hot showers and at least 4 professional guides will be in the water on each dive. All dives are made with 2 shaded aluminum tenders, each with a capacity of 12. Everything is customized for effortless diving.
My week aboard the Black Pearl was fantastic! The rooms were comfortable, the food was great, the staff was attentive and personable. The diving was fantastic and I felt that the guides were safety focused and wanted to ensure we had great dives. One of the things I was not expecting and absolutely LOVED was the boat coats on both of the boats we would dive from each day. It made a huge difference in comfort and was just an amazing touch that was above and beyond.
– Janelle W, March 19, 2026
Lastly, the M/Y Black Pearl Explorer is equipped with all the essential safety equipment including life jackets and life rafts, plus smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in all cabins, salons, and engine rooms. An individual recompression chamber is also available onboard.
The Black Pearl Explorer is spacious and sophisticated with state-of-the-art amenities and accommodations, including two Master SeaView staterooms. The sleek and sophisticated Black Pearl Explorer, Palau.Photographer Amenities Aboard Aboard Black Pearl Explorer
Sharks, mantas, walls, wrecks, caves and Palau’s famous limestone islands make this a destination where the camera can stay busy above and below the surface. Black Pearl Explorer provides dedicated facilities for preparing and caring for underwater camera equipment. Palau is best for photographers seeking thrilling shark encounters, graceful manta rays, historic wrecks, dramatic walls and seasonal spawning events, with spectacular wide-angle diving and Palau’s lush tropical island landscapes.
Camera Facilities
Camera table: Small dedicated camera table on the main deck (three spaces only) Additional workspace: Tables in the indoor lounge can provide additional workspace Charging: Several universal 220V sockets at the charging station Cabin charging: USB sockets available; charging is permitted in cabins while guests are present Camera rinse: Dedicated rinse facilities on the dive deck Drying: Air guns available on the dive deck Camera transport: Plastic boxes available for moving cameras between the vessel and tenders Camera handling: Crew assistance with camera setupsDrone Usage
All drone operators must be 18 or older and complete the official registration, providing personal, drone, and operational details. Registration must be submitted at least three days before your planned flight to receive a permit. Register here Drone Registration - Pristine Paradise Palau.Photography and drone information is provided for general guidance only. Photographers and drone operators are responsible for verifying and complying with all applicable local regulations and permit requirements. Regional policies and restrictions may change without notice and may vary by location, site, species, or governing authority.
What Underwater Photographers Can Shoot
Palau delivers classic wide-angle subjects: schooling sharks, manta rays, dramatic walls, caves, WWII wrecks and colorful hard and soft corals. Above water, limestone karst islands and blue-green lagoons provide another reason to keep the camera nearby. Seasonal spawning itineraries can add one of Palau’s most extraordinary underwater events to the shot list.
Black Pearl Explorer at a Glance
Everything you need to know about Black Pearl Explorer, from accommodations and onboard amenities to the dive deck and technical specifications.
