Four Seasons Explorer, Palau

Overview

With no Palau liveaboard rivalling the comfort and service of the Four Seasons Explorer, the discerning diver can now explore some of the best dive sites in the world in pure luxury from this 39-metre catamaran. The Four Seasons Explorer is essentially a floating hotel and being a Four Seasons, naturally it will be hard to beat the experience onboard. 

In Depth

The Four Seasons Explorer is spread over three spacious decks and includes a lounge, library, a sundeck equipped with sunloungers, an alfresco dining deck and two bars. The 10 elegant staterooms are located on the main deck with large windows to watch the world go by and are a generous 20m2 in size with ensuite bathrooms. The beds can be either king-size or twin, and there is the option to convert to a Family Stateroom with the sofa bed. For those wanting the ultimate luxury, the Explorer Suite is 45m2 and located on the upper deck with a wall of windows for panoramic views, as well as a private sundeck.  

The Four Seasons Explorer offers indoor and alfresco dining if the weather permits (a Reefscape favourite). Breakfast is á la carte, with lunch and dinner varying each day, prepared by world-class chefs who take their inspiration from Palau, elsewhere in the Pacific, as well as Asia and the West. Depending on the length of stay onboard, one dinner a week is usually enjoyed ashore in a beautiful, natural setting and taking the form of traditional Palauan feasting. The crew are also well versed in crafting delicious cocktails served from the indoor bar or on the sundeck.

The Diving & Snorkelling

In true Four Seasons style, the diving operation leaves nothing to be desired and is a five-star PADI dive centre in its own right. The purpose-designed dive and excursion vessel (in the style of a modern Maldivian dhoni) cruises in tandem the Explorer, enabling comfortable and direct access to all the best dive sites. Divers will be grouped carefully by skill and experience so that everyone onboard can make the most of their time underwater. The boat’s personalised approach allows for flexibility where possible and caters to divers and snorkellers equally. They have a range the latest equipment for rental and offer Nitrox for those qualified. 

Divers can expect up to three dives a day, with two in the morning and one in the afternoon, as well as the option of additional sunrise, night and wreck excursions. The itinerary will be carefully managed based on currents and sea state, alongside diving ability and requirements of those onboard. There is no fixed schedule onboard the Explorer, with daily arrivals and departures possible. At Reefscape, we recommend a minimum of 7 nights onboard to experience the best of the dive and snorkel sites.  

Palau is one of the best snorkelling destinations on earth and snorkellers are equal priority to divers onboard the Four Seasons Explorer, with marine biologist-guided snorkel adventures. Snorkellers can expect a myriad of marine encounters including mandarin fish, stingless jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake, seahorses, soft coral gardens as well as larger marine life such as sharks, mantas, dolphins and whales. Two tenders are available for guest activities, including snorkel excursions.  

Beyond the Reef

Palau is equally beautiful above the waves as it is below and a trip to Palau is not complete without experiencing both. Unlike most liveabords in the region, the Four Seasons Explorer has the option for cultural explorations from the cave paintings of Ulong Island to multiple WWI sites. Hiking, waterfalls, biking, kayaking, birdwatching and surfing are also on offer for those that want to experience beyond the reef.