Experience Live-Aboard Palau

Image by Geri Murphy

More than 300 islands make live-aboards a good option in Palau. The glassy surface of Palau Lagoon is ideal for live-aboards. Comprised of 343 lush islands decorating the cobalt Pacific Ocean, legendary Palau is one of the most absorbing travel destinations in Micronesia. It is also revered by divers worldwide, loved for its startling biological diversity, treasure-trove of wrecks, clear water, challenging currents and exhilarating vertical walls.This is truly world-class diving, both inside and outside the South Palau Reef's enormous lagoon. Chandelier Cave is the premier attraction within the lagoon; a tunnel leads into the limestone base of Ngerchaol Island, where divers will find limestone formations, vaulted ceilings and even an exit to a topside pool. World War II wrecks are also popular lagoon dive sites, as an estimated 38 Japanese ships and many more aircraft lay on the sea floor. The German Channel passes from this wreck-strewn lagoon to Palau's outer walls and reefs, where underwater passages carry the nutrient-rich, crystalline waters back and forth, supporting the coral atoll's bustling sea life. Underwater Palau is a teeming world of brilliantly colored hard and soft coral, more than 1,300 species of reef fish and elusive, fascinating pelagics. Divers will glimpse everything from anemones, cuttlefish, barracuda and the enormous Napoleon wrasse to green sea turtles, manta rays and sharks. One of the hallmarks of Palau diving is the sea fan, projecting defiantly from the steep walls to which it clings. These giant, willowy gorgonians thrive where plankton is abundant, which is true of Palau's southwestern walls. One of the most flexible and thorough ways to experience Palau and its dramatic, enchanting dive sites is to live aboard one of several vessels that tour these dazzling waters. All five live-aboard yachts provide the highest standard of safety and service; each also offers its own unique take on the live-aboard experience. Big Blue ExplorerBig Blue Explorer is Palau's newest live-aboard. At 167 feet, it is roomy and stable and features an enormous dive deck with space to spare for 16 divers' gear. Its top cruising speed of 16 knots ensures that little time is wasted en route to the next location, where four 24-foot skiffs will transport divers to their specific dive sites. Two K15 compressors keep the inventory of 100 tanks filled, and a selection of gear is available for rental. The motoryacht's nine air-conditioned staterooms feature private heads and hot-water showers; additional onboard amenities include a Jacuzzi, movies in the salon, a well-stocked bar, satellite phones, a dedicated camera room and E-6 processing. For nondivers, Big Blue Explorer also offers sea kayaks and island excursions. EclipseFinally, Palau-based Sam's Tours offers live-aboard diving trips aboard the Cal 48 sailing yacht Eclipse. Designed by William Lapworth to be a stretch version of the famous Cal 40 that revolutionized ocean racing in the 1960s, she offers a smooth ride. Eclipse can comfortably accommodate four to six people, with two double berths in private cabins, two single berths and two heads. Guests will enjoy dining al fresco at the cockpit table beneath a large awning, and they may take warm showers on the foredeck. Eclipse also features an extensive reference library for identifying Palauan flora and fauna. In addition to diving, guests will have the opportunity to sail, snorkel, fish, sea kayak and hike. The yacht is available for both crewed and bareboat charters, based on guest experience and needs. Ocean HunterThe 60-foot sloop Ocean Hunter comfortably carries six divers and three crew members to the less-traveled reefs. Though the sloop is officially a motorsailer, it is usually propelled at 7 knots by twin 175-horsepower diesels. Drawing just 5 feet of water, it is able to avoid Palau's tricky reefs, and all diving is done directly from the ship rather than from a chase boat (although a skiff is readily available should a drift dive conclude a bit farther away than planned). Water access is easy from the extra-wide teak dive platform and waist-high tank holders, and guests can enjoy unlimited dives, day or night. Ocean Hunter's amenities include a shaded teak lounging area at the bow, a warm-water shower on deck, wood accents, private baths, air-conditioned cabins, plenty of storage and a salon equipped with TV, VCR, CD player and a full complement of books. Palau Aggressor IIThe Aggressor Fleet spared no expense with the 106-foot power catamaran Palau Aggressor II. This fast, triple-deck cat features warm wood paneling throughout; a beautiful dining area and lavish meals; a 24-hour bar; a state-of-the-art entertainment center and a well-stocked library in the lounge; a ''boatique'' for clothing, toiletries and souvenirs; an aft patio with barbecue and hot tub; an enormous sun deck; and comfortable staterooms for 16 divers, each with two beds, private head with glass-enclosed shower, hot water and air-conditioning. For photography enthusiasts, Palau Aggressor II offers a two-tiered camera table, a full range of Nikonos rental equipment and E-6 processing. A hydraulic lift carries the 30-foot dive skiff - a two-engine, 500-horsepower jetboat with 6-inch draft. Sun Dancer IIPeter Hughes' 138-foot motoryacht Sun Dancer II also plies Palauan waters. She boasts clean lines, brushed aluminum paneling and brilliant tropical color schemes. Even with the full load of 20 divers, this lovely four-deck vessel is spacious, including a photo lab/video editor, light table, lounge, library, ''boatique,'' special owner's suite and guest cabins with private heads. Two freshwater showers and equipment baths adorn the dive deck, which also includes a camera table and gear storage. As Sun Dancer II lies in harbor, the fast 30-foot chase boat Safe Dancer shuttles divers to the dive sites. When the day's dives are done, all will return to a satisfying, gourmet meal.

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