Prices are per person per trip and based on 2 persons sharing a cabin.
Exact pricing is available on the schedule here as prices vary dependant on the time of year, destination and the length of the trip and sometimes special offers are available.

The trip price includes :
Full-board accommodation.
3 meals a day, including light snacks available before the first dive of the day, and afternoon snacks.
Hot beverages and biscuits.
Two-way transfers strictly between your hotel to Malakal Port only.
Towels, bathroom toiletries and daily cabin services/housekeeping.
Dive guide, tank, weight and weight belt.
Nitrox tanks for Enriched Air Nitrox certified divers.
Up to 4 activities a day (dive schedules may vary depending on the location and the itinerary of the boat).
Water activities available onboard on request.

The trip price does not include :
Special drinks such as cocktails, beers and other alcohol (wine and spirits).
Sodas and juices in cans.
Rental dive gear, 15L tanks.
Dive insurance is mandatory as is your own personal dive computer (You can rent one for the trip if you do not have your own).
As well as the Mandatory Dive Insurance we highly recommend Trip and Travel Insurance on the off chance of missed or cancelled flights / lost baggage, documents, money or passport / Covid issues or any other unforeseen problems that could possibly occur.
Dive Assure Insurance offers cover for all these eventualities as well as complete Dive Insurance all in one package.
Guest must also note that the Marine Fee and Port Tax for Palau (UD250) is payable in Cash, onboard M/Y Black Pearl Explorer.
Currently there is a fuel surcharge of $20 per person per day also payable on board.
Other additional charges arranged for the cruises including, but not limited to; merchandise purchases, bar consumption, spa treatments, laundry service, additional tours, are net of service charges and local taxes, and should also be paid in cash (USD) in Palau.
Please note: Unfortunately until further notice, a fuel surcharge of 20 USD per person, per day has been applied to all itineraries by the boat due to the massive increase of fuel prices around the world, we apologise for this but it is beyond our control.

Single Occupancy: All prices listed are based on per head. A single supplement rate of +80% of the full price of the cruise is charged

Booking and Cancellation Terms and Conditions.
Booking deposit: 30% of your invoice total is required within 7 days of booking to confirm your booking.
Final payment of 70% is due to 90 days prior to the departure date to complete your invoice payment.
Individual bookings made less than 90 days before the departure date will be payable in full upon booking to confirm your booking.
Cancellation at any stage involves forfeit of monies already payed.

Diving Equipment Rentals (USD) Per Day
Full Set (regulator, octopus, BCD, wetsuit, mask, fins, dive computer) $45
Regulator with octopus $15
Computer $10
BCD $10
Wetsuit (shorty 3mm) $8
Mask $3
Snorkel $2
Fins $5
Torch $7
15 Litre (Large) tank $10

Full charter:
Booking deposit:
10% - within 7 days of booking - non-refundable
Second deposit:
20% 180 days prior to departure - non-refundable
Balance due
90 days before departure - non-refundable

To see more photos of the cabins please visit the schedule and click on the cabin name to see the photos of each cabin, availability and price.

Black Pearl takes 22 guests in 11 beautiful cabins
There are 2 Master twin seaview cabins on the Upper deck, 4 Main deck twin seaview cabins and 5 Lower deck twin bed cabins..

• Upper Deck Master Cabin
  

• Upper Deck Master Cabin
  

• Upper Deck Master Cabin
  

• Main Deck Twin Cabin
  

• Main Deck Twin Cabin
  

• Main Deck Twin Cabin
  

• Bathroom
  

• Bathroom
  

2 large diving tenders plus 1 for land tours with Free nitrox and large tanks on demand.
Dive groups are kept small with a ratio of 5 guests per guide for your enjoyment.
Included is safety equipment with Oxygen tanks, a GPS for each diver, Free SMB, Reef hook and all rental diving equipment is new and well maintained.

About the Diving
Diving in Palau and the top ten reasons it should be on you must do list - When is the best time to Dive Palau - How to get to Palau

About the Diving
Diving in Palau and the top ten reasons it should be on you must do list - When is the best time to Dive Palau - How to get to Palau

A 7 night trip includes 18 dives.
Discover the beauty of Palau and its Rock Islands One of the most bio diversified place in the world, 1300 species of fish, 350 hard coral species and 250 soft coral species.
Witness one of the most spectacular underwater events: the spawning of the Bumphead parrotfish and red snappers and Jellyfish lake where you can snorkel amongst hundreds of harmless jellyfish.
Palau also has giant wrecks from the World War II and included are Land tours to visit these historic areas.
What to expect: Reef Sharks, Pelagic Sharks, Mantas, Schooling fish, Stunning corals, Wrecks
Check-in first day 4-5 PM
Check-out last day 8-9AM

Are group discounts available?
Yes, group discounts are available, depending on total group size. For more details, you may contact our Bookings & Reservations Team about this

How are check-in and check-out organised?
Check-In:
All the instructions regarding your arrival on the check-in day will be provided a few days before your arrival in Palau. Embarkation will be organized starting 4:00PM (local time) on the first day of the cruise. Guests are advised to strictly note the information that will be provided regarding the meeting point and exact time for pick-up.

The usual meeting points are organized as follows:
Airport: Guests arriving at the required airport on the check-in day will be picked up by a representative holding a sign of M/Y BLACK PEARL EXPLORER. The meeting point is usually at the main exit, immediately after luggage collection.
Hotel or Resort: Guests who are coming from a hotel in the city can be picked up by a representative of M/Y Black Pearl Explorer. The meeting is usually in the main lobby or at the reception of the hotel. However, this may be subject to additional charges and should be confirmed at least a day in advance.

Check-Out:
On the last day of the cruise, guests will be transferred to the airport at least 2 hours before their time of departure of their flights.
Check-out and disembarkation will be organized from 7:00AM to 09:00AM (local time) on the last day.
Guests who have extended their stay in Palau, and who are headed to a hotel, may request a transfer to their respective hotels, subject to additional charges.

I have special dietary requirements. Will this be a problem?
Pearl Fleet is committed to doing the best to ensure that our guests’ cruise experience is hassle-free. Should you have special dietary requirements or allergies, please ensure that this is communicated upon booking confirmation. Our Chefs onboard will be more than happy to adapt to your special requirements accordingly.

What payment methods are available onboard?
Guests will receive a final invoice listing their extra costs on the final night before disembarkation.
Invoices are payable:
By Cash: We accept American Dollars (USD) and Euros (EUR).
Via PayPal: PayPal Service is also available.

What type of electrical sockets are available onboard?
International sockets that can fit any type of electric plug are available onboard. Voltage is 220V.
The camera station also provides a variety of sockets and USB ports that should cater to your batteries and charging systems.

Will there be phone and internet signal during the cruise?
There may be limited or no access to mobile networks once the yacht sails into a remote area or open sea. However, M/Y Black Pearl Explorer offers SIM card services for you to purchase and use during the cruise.

Do I need diving insurance?
The price of the cruise does not include any type of insurance coverage. However, diving insurance is compulsory for all divers diving from M/Y Black Pearl Explorer.
Your travel insurance may cover diving activities and related incidents.
It is the your responsibility to check if you are duly covered and under necessary coverage (maximum depth, recompression chamber fees, etc.) for you cruise with us. Please bring your diving insurance card or confirmation details with you onboard.
Guests may also purchase short-term diving insurance onboard to cover the duration of the cruise. This additional service is chargeable.

Are there any dives on check-in day?
Most guests will arrive in Palau after a long journey or flight from their country of travel origin.
On M/Y Black Pearl Explorer, the check-in day is dedicated to welcoming all guests and making them comfortable onboard in order to kickstart a memorable cruise. Thus, no diving activities are organised on the first day.

What is the required diving experience level to dive on M/Y Black Pearl Explorer?
We require all divers to have a minimum 50 logged dives, with a minimum certification level of Advanced Open Water.
If you have less than the above minimum requirements stated above, we can arrange for private dive guide for you, if request is made a minimum of one month before departure.
This extra service is at additional cost and subject to availability.
Pearl Fleet recommends a skills review if guests with a limited number of logged dives have not been diving for more than 6 months. The skills review should be completed prior to arrival.
Evidence of the date of your last dive should be shown in your log book and indicated at the time of the booking. Every diver, regardless of their qualification or experience, will be required to participate in a check-dive.
Cruise directors may ask you to skip a dive if your ability do not fit with the dive conditions.
Full moon trip have some dives such as the spawning of the Red snapper that require a certain experience.

Do you provide 15-L diving tanks?
Yes, 15L tanks are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. They can also be pre-booked. They are subject to extra cost, payable onboard

Do you provide Nitrox-filled diving tanks?
Yes, Enriched Air Nitrox is available onboard. Nitrox is available free-of-charge for Enriched Air Nitrox certified divers. Nitrox course is also available onboard

What type of valves are on the tank?
All our tanks are universal, fitting DIN and Yoke regulators.

Are there any activities for non-divers?
Non-divers are welcome onboard M/Y Black Pearl Explorer! They can enjoy the facilities onboard such as the fitness area, game room or just spend time relaxing on our beautiful sundeck.
Non-divers can snorkel when the area around the dive site is suitable.
We can arrange a snorkel guide if the request is made a minimum of one month before departure, subject to additional charges.

Is there a camera station onboard?
Yes, M/Y Black Pearl Explorer is equipped with a camera station with a decent space and a variety of plugs and USB ports that should be useful to any underwater photographer or videographer. We also provide various rinsing tanks next to the diving preparation area.

Standard Palau FAQS

Please note these are generic FAQs about Palau in general and not always boat specific.
If you are unsure about something please ask us to get confirmation.

Getting to Palau
We recommend that you arrive one night prior to the boat’s departure date to avoid any issues.
United Airlines currently holds flights to Palau via Guam (daily) or Manila on certain days.
Guam can be reached from Hawaii, Western USA, Australia, Seoul and Tokyo.
Manila is a major hub serviced by flights from Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, amongst others, however, check up-to-date fares and schedules on United Airlines website or any booking agency like Kayak for instance.
Also be sure to check the up-to-date baggage restrictions and requirements for your flight.
Occasional direct flights to Palau are available from Taipei.
We recommend that you make reservations well ahead of time as well and purchase travel insurance also to cover any last-minute cancellations or health issues.

Entry requirements
U.S. citizens must show proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or passport). Non-U.S. citizens must show passport. There is a free 30-day visa issued upon arrival.

Upon arrival
At the Palau airport, you will be picked up by your hotel or the boat representative and transported to the boat dependant on when you arrive.

Clothing
Bring very casual and lightweight clothing. Quick-dry material or light cotton works well, with maybe one long-sleeved shirt or sweater for chilly nights.
We also recommend a waterproof jacket or windbreaker. On the island, dress is very casual, though beachwear in town is inappropriate. We recommend bringing hats,sunscreen and sunglasses.

Language
Palauan and Englishare both official languages. Both are widely spoken.

Currency
The U.S. dollar is used throughout Palau. Credit cards are widely accepted.
There are quite a few 24-hour ATMs in banks on the main road in Koror, The Bank of Hawaii and Bank of Guam are represented.

Electricity
24-hour electricity comes in 110 and 220/240 volts, with standard U.S. outlets for two/three prong plugs.

Health
There is no malaria.
We recommend drinking bottled water.
The hospital on Palau is the Belau National Hospital, located in Koror and there are also two private clinics.
There is a hyperbaric chamber at the Belau National Hospital.<

Time zone
Palau, Japan and Korea are 9 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time, in London), Palau = GMT + 9.

Climate
Year round our climate is pretty uniform, at an average of 82 degrees F (27 C). Average humidity: 82 %. Rainfall, at 150 inches/year, can occur throughout the year.
Though sometimes it rains more during July through October, this “rainy season” doesn’t have a definitive start or end, and the weather is always changing and unpredictable.
However, it is always dive-worthy.
The warm tropical waters of Palau are pleasant throughout the year averaging 27°C (82 °F). Most guests will find a 3mm shortie or even a skin suit is appropriate, though if you feel the cold easily you may wish to opt for a 3-5mm long suit.

Hotel Reservations
Accommodations in Palau range from budget motels to very upscale resorts.

General and Diving Health
Health care is readily available in Palau. The Belau National Hospital is a professionally staffed hospital with an experienced barotraumas team. Follow normal precautions with food whilst travelling to prevent stomach upsets and be sure to drink bottled water only.
On board you will find a fully stocked first aid kit, AED and medical grade O2. Basic supplies will be made available to you, if you require medication please ask your cruise director. For diving related emergencies there is a recompression chamber in Koror.
Speedboat evacuation from the boat would be necessary thus diving specific insurance is a must on any liveaboard dive trip.
Dive insurance is mandatory as is your own personal dive computer (You can rent one for the trip if you do not have your own).
As well as the Mandatory Dive insurance we highly recommend trip cancellation and travel insurance on the off chance of cancelled flights / lost baggage / Covid issues or other unforeseen problems that hopefully will not occur.
Dive Assure offers covers for all these eventualities as well as complete Dive insurance all in one package.

What dive experience level is recommended for Palau Liveaboard trips?
Whilst most dives are suitable for divers of all levels, beginners may find some dives challenging and prefer to skip the dive.
Currents are to be expected at sites including Blue Corner and Ulong Channel. your cruise director and dive team will be on hand to advise so you may decided whether the dive is suitable for you.
Most Liveaboards require advanced experience or taking your PADI Advanced course whilst onboard to maximise your enjoyment from the trip.

M/Y Black Pearl I was built to meet the standard requirements of the International Integrity Stability Standard for yachts above 46-meters. She was built with premium materials and fitted with the latest navigation, safety and scuba diving systems and equipment to exceed high standards in the yachting industry.
Designed by divers for divers, M/Y Black Pearl I is designed and fitted with the best amenities for an ultimate dive cruise experience, and equipped with relevant safety equipment and devices to ensure guests’ peace of mind while they cruise through Palau waters in absolute comfort.

Cabins
• 11 twins cabins for a full charter of 22 people,
• 2 Master Seaview cabins on the upper deck,
• 4 Main Deck Seaview cabins,
• 5 Lower Deck cabins,
• All rooms and cabins are en-suite bathroom,
• AC and basic room amenities.
• Safe deposit box,
• Bedside reading lights, USB ports for charging

Comfortable and spacious common areas
• Main Deck Outdoor Seating and Jacuzzi
• Main Deck Outdoor Bar
• Spacious Indoor Dining Area with Café and Bar
• Camera Station
• Gym equipment
• 360-degree View Sun Deck Seating & Sun Beds
M/Y Black Pearl I is also equipped with 2 tenders with 12-diver capacity each to comfortably bring our guests to the dive sites