Expertise Since 1987
Rated Excellent
FLEXIBLE PRICING
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.
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.
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 setups
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.
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.
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.
Length overall: 153-feet (46m)
Beam: 28-foot (8.6m) beam (steel hull)
Main engines: 2x 477kW Cummins with Auxiliary Propulsion
Electricity: 2 150k Va Cummings, 220 V – International sockets that can fit any type of electric plug (Except UK plugs) are available onboard.
Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Water Makers: 4x Reverse Osmosis Water Maker, 30 tons a day
Accommodations: up to 24 people in 12 superior ocean-view staterooms
Safety Equipment: First aid kit, oxygen kit; life jackets; life rafts, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors; fire alarms; VHF radio, VSAT, SART, AIS, satellite communication (Free satellite WiFi is available for guests), GPS, compass, recompression chamber
Air Systems: 2 Bauer 320M Mariner, 1 B-Nitrox Membrane System
Accessories: Diving equipment, 2 aluminum tenders
The covered sundeck includes sunbeds and comfortable benches.
The pilot deck includes two Master Seaview staterooms (with one queen bed only, large windows and a sofa) an entertainment salon, an outside lounge & bar to enjoy the 360° view of Palau’s scenic islands.
The main deck includes four Deluxe Seaview staterooms (with two twin beds or one queen bed and large windows), an outdoor salon and bar with a hot tub, a small camera station and an indoor dining area completed with a second bar.
The lower deck includes 8 standard cabins (twin beds only), the dive equipment room and a dive platform with showers. Please note that we only allocate 6 cabins on that deck.
