Solitude Gaia

Solitude Gaia is a Palau liveaboard from Solitude Liveaboards that meets the highest standards for passenger ships. Launched in 2023, this 40-meter vessel boasts a robust steel hull for stability and an aluminium superstructure for added security and comfort. Cruising at 10 knots, Solitude Gaia offers diving adventures of 7 or 10 nights.

The boat accommodates up to 18 guests in 9 en-suite cabins and staterooms; the staterooms have private balconies, and the main and upper deck cabins feature ocean views. Entertainment onboard includes smart TVs installed in every cabin, lounge, and dining area. The spacious lounge features a Bose audio system designed to elevate your viewing experience, complementing the 65" TV. Additionally, guests can play cards and board games. The upper deck also features a spa room. Outdoors, guests can enjoy the sea kayaks, or even shoot the portable waterslide! Solitude's commitment to culinary excellence onboard Gaia ensures a dining experience that mirrors the high standards of the entire liveaboard experience. Meals are made from locally sourced ingredients, and served within the dining area.

Diving operations are conducted from 2 purpose-built aluminium skiffs measuring 6m each, equipped with single 100 HP outboard engines. As you explore the vibrant coral gardens and thriving ecosystems of the Palau, the experienced Solitude dive team will ensure an unforgettable scuba diving adventure. From the famed Blue Corner to the excitement of German Channel, the marine wonders of Palau come to life in every breathtaking dive. During your stay onboard guests are provided with a complimentary Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS for peace of mind.

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Dive experience: A minimum of 50 logged dives is highly recommend in order for the divers to feel comfortable with Palau's underwater conditions, such as strong currents. There is no need for an advanced certification should the guests be comfortable diving in these conditions.

Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, soft drinks, hot drinks, land tours (Milky Way or Jellyfish Lake), roundtrip airport transfers to the boat, dives, experienced English-speaking divemasters (1 guide for every 6 divers), SMB and reef hook, Nautilus Lifeline, 12 litre tanks (DIN and int.), weights and weightbelt, all taxes.

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment rental (incl. computer - US$ 285 per week), Palau cabin/room tax (US$ 10 per night), dive insurance, Koror Permit US$ 50 (valid for 5 days), Peleliu Permit US$ 60 (valid for 10 days), Jellyfish Lake Permit US$ 50 (valid for 10 days). There will be fuel surcharge of US$ 30 per night imposed 30+ days in advance (advised on booking or charter) if the International crude barrel oil price is equal to US$ 75 or more. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (payments in USD cash or major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard only).

Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks, nitrox (EANx 28-32%) fills for enriched air divers (US$ 20 per day), torch (US$ 40 per week), 15 litre tank (US$ 10 per day), hotel transfers, satellite internet, laundry service. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.

How to get there: Boarding for Solitude Gaia begins promptly at 5 pm and concludes no later than 10 am on Day 2, when the boat departs from Malakal Harbour. Airport and Koror/Malakal hotel transfers will begin from 6 pm. After exiting the passenger area to the public area, look out for the SOLITUDE LIVEABOARDS board with your name. Latecomers for boarding are accepted and transferred to the boat.
Disembarkation on the final day commences after lunch and concludes at 5 pm. Then guests will be transferred to the airport. The last dive of the cruise will be after lunch on the second last day. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving. For more details, including airlines, see our Palau travel information section.

Non-diver rate: 10% off the published price.

Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - solo travellers may choose to pay the regular price and agree to share a cabin, or pay a supplement of 60% of the normal published price for their own cabin.

Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 9 guests and 1 extra person can join the cruise free of charge (total 10+ guests).

Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 16 guests and 2 additional persons can join free of charge (total 18 guests).

Palau Islands (8 Days / 7 Nights - 22 Dives)

Trip highlights: shark action, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Palau: Malakal Bay: Iro Wreck, Chandelier Caves, Jake Seaplane, Hafa Dai Wreck; Ulong Island: Sandy Paradise, Ulong Channel, Siaes Corner, Siaes Tunnel, Shark City; Peleliu: Peleliu Cut, Peleliu Express; Ngemelis Island: Orange Beach, German Channel, Blue Corner, Blue Holes, New Drop-off, Turtle Cove, Ngedebus Wall, Dexter's Wall, Ngemelis Coral Garden, Virgin Blue Hole; Jellyfish Lake, the Milky Way, or both. Opportunity of World War II land tour at Peleliu Island, Beach BBQ.

Day 1
Embarkation and airport or hotel pick up transfers will begin early evening. The Solitude Gaia crew will warmly welcome you and give you a boat orientation and briefing, as well as ask you to complete the registration forms and pay the port and park fees. Dinner will then follow, depending on the time you board. The boat leaves port at 10 am on the following day, bound for Malakal Bay.

Days 2-7
Diving in Palau can be incredible, as it is home to over 1,500 fish species and 700 species of coral and sea anemones, thanks to the nutrients brought by rushing currents. One of the dives you will want to make more than once is German Channel which is visited by manta rays at the cleaning stations attended by wrasses, grey reef and blacktip reef sharks, and also huge schools of trevallies, rainbow runners and tuna. You will also dive inside a large cavern with an entrance patrolled by barracuda and snappers. Once inside, you will be in awe of the incredible sight of sunlight filtering through the holes and how they refract against the stunning azure waters.
The diving safari has 4 scheduled dives per day: wake up with a light breakfast of hot drinks (there is a fully automatic (self-service) pressed coffee machine that delivers great latte, cappuccino, espresso or 'long black') and cookies, make the 1st morning dive followed by a full breakfast. A 2nd morning dive will be followed by lunch. Relax for a couple of hours in the indoor lounge, on the partially shaded sun deck which is also great for watching playful dolphins or mantas near the sea surface. The afternoon dive is followed by homemade snacks, while dinner is scheduled after the 4th (night) dive. Main meals are carefully planned by the chef in order to meet the tastes of everyone on board with a combination of a la carte and buffets of Asian and Western cuisine. You can expect pasta, burgers, soups, meat, rice and vegetables cooked in different styles, fresh fish, BBQ. They are served in the dedicated dining section of the air-conditioned lounge on the main deck.

Day 8
After a big breakfast, join one of the optional complimentary speedboat tours of Jellfish Lake or Milky Way Lagoon. Check out after a late lunch and be transferred to the airport.

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Palau Islands (11 Days / 10 Nights - 34 Dives)

Trip highlights: shark action, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Palau: Malakal Bay and Lagoon: Helmet Wreck, Chandelier Caves, Jake Seaplane, Teshio Maru; Rock Islands: Iro Wreck, Buoy 6; Ulong Island: Sandy Paradise, Ulong Channel, Siaes Corner, Siaes Tunnel; Whale Island, Peleliu: Peleliu Cut, Peleliu Express; Ngemelis Island: Orange Beach, German Channel, Blue Corner, Blue Holes, Big Drop -Off, New Drop-off, Turtle Cove, Ngedebus Wall, Dexter's Wall, Ngemelis Coral Garden, Virgin Blue Hole; Jellyfish Lake, the Milky Way, or both. Opportunity of World War II land tour at Peleliu Island, Beach BBQ.

Day 1
Embarkation and airport or hotel pick up transfers will begin early evening. The Solitude Gaia crew will warmly welcome you and give you a boat orientation and briefing, as well as ask you to complete the registration forms and pay the port and park fees. Dinner will then follow, depending on the time you board. The boat leaves port at 10 am on the following day, bound for Malakal Bay.

Days 2-10
Diving in Palau can be incredible, as it is home to over 1,500 fish species and 700 species of coral and sea anemones, thanks to the nutrients brought by rushing currents. One of the dives you will want to make more than once is German Channel which is visited by manta rays at the cleaning stations attended by wrasses, grey reef and blacktip reef sharks, and also huge schools of trevallies, rainbow runners and tuna. You will also dive inside a large cavern with an entrance patrolled by barracuda and snappers. Once inside, you will be in awe of the incredible sight of sunlight filtering through the holes and how they refract against the stunning azure waters.
The diving safari has 4 scheduled dives per day: wake up with a light breakfast of hot drinks (there is a fully automatic (self-service) pressed coffee machine that delivers great latte, cappuccino, espresso or 'long black') and cookies, make the 1st morning dive followed by a full breakfast. A 2nd morning dive will be followed by lunch. Relax for a couple of hours in the indoor lounge, on the partially shaded sun deck which is also great for watching playful dolphins or mantas near the sea surface. The afternoon dive is followed by homemade snacks, while dinner is scheduled after the 4th (night) dive. Main meals are carefully planned by the chef in order to meet the tastes of everyone on board with a combination of a la carte and buffets of Asian and Western cuisine. You can expect pasta, burgers, soups, meat, rice and vegetables cooked in different styles, fresh fish, BBQ. They are served in the dedicated dining section of the air-conditioned lounge on the main deck.

Day 11
After a big breakfast, join one of the optional complimentary speedboat tours of Jellfish Lake or Milky Way Lagoon. Check out after a late lunch and be transferred to the airport.

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Palau Far North Spawning Trip (11 Days / 10 Nights - 34 Dives)

Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics

Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving

Dive sites and activities: Palau: West Passage: Devil's Playground / Satan's Corner; Northern Reefs: Kayangel island, Devilfish City, Tailtop, Velasco Reef; Shark City, Siaes Corner, Siaes Tunnel, Sandy Paradise, Ulong Channel; Ngemelis: Blue Corner, Blue Holes; Peleliu Corner / Cut / Express; Jellyfish Lake, the Milky Way, or both. Beach BBQ.

Day 1
Embarkation and airport or hotel pick up transfers will begin early evening. The Solitude Gaia crew will warmly welcome you and give you a boat orientation and briefing, as well as ask you to complete the registration forms and pay the port and park fees. Dinner will then follow, depending on the time you board. The boat leaves port at 10 am on the following day, bound for the West Passage.

Days 2-10
This is a special Itinerary to explore the little visited Far North region Palau, as well as some of the regular and popular sites, and that coincides with New/Full Moon spawning. These enthralling events grant a close-up view of fish behaviour, unveiling the rich reproductive rhythms of marine life. Bumphead parrotfish, red snapper, Moorish idols produce a remarkable natural phenomena and the route and schedule are flexible and adapted to witness these spawning events. 1000s of fish take part and many predators are attracted to feed on the bonanza. The Far North reefs are known for strong currents, manta rays and sharks.
Diving in Palau can be incredible, as it is home to over 1,500 fish species and 700 species of coral and sea anemones, thanks to the nutrients brought by rushing currents. One of the dives you will want to make more than once is German Channel which is visited by manta rays at the cleaning stations attended by wrasses, grey reef and blacktip reef sharks, and also huge schools of trevallies, rainbow runners and tuna. You will also dive inside a large cavern with an entrance patrolled by barracuda and snappers. Once inside, you will be in awe of the incredible sight of sunlight filtering through the holes and how they refract against the stunning azure waters.
The diving safari has 4 scheduled dives per day: wake up with a light breakfast of hot drinks (there is a fully automatic (self-service) pressed coffee machine that delivers great latte, cappuccino, espresso or 'long black') and cookies, make the 1st morning dive followed by a full breakfast. A 2nd morning dive will be followed by lunch. Relax for a couple of hours in the indoor lounge, on the partially shaded sun deck which is also great for watching playful dolphins or mantas near the sea surface. The afternoon dive is followed by homemade snacks, while dinner is scheduled after the 4th (night) dive. Main meals are carefully planned by the chef in order to meet the tastes of everyone on board with a combination of a la carte and buffets of Asian and Western cuisine. You can expect pasta, burgers, soups, meat, rice and vegetables cooked in different styles, fresh fish, BBQ. They are served in the dedicated dining section of the air-conditioned lounge on the main deck.

Day 11
After a big breakfast, join one of the optional complimentary speedboat tours of Jellfish Lake or Milky Way Lagoon. Check out after a late lunch and be transferred to the airport.

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[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].

There are 9 cabins and staterooms onboard Gaia, for a capacity of 18 guests. There are 2 Ocean View Staterooms (size: 21.4 sqm) on the upper deck with balconies overlooking the ocean. Choose between XL king-size (202 x 204 cm) or twin bed (101 x 202 cm) configurations.
There is also 1 Ocean View Cabin (size: 15.1 sqm) on the upper deck with a king-size bed (182 x 202 cm).
There are 4 Ocean View Cabins on the main deck. In 2 cabins (size: 16.3 sqm), choose between XL king-size (202 x 204 cm) or twin bed (101 x 202 cm) configurations. In the other 2 cabins (size: 17.8 sqm) there is an XL king-size bed (202 x 204 cm).
There are 2 more Interior Cabins on the lower deck (size: 24.6 sqm). These cabins have twin beds (101 x 202 cm) .

Every cabin and stateroom is equipped with an ensuite shower (providing both hot and cold water) and a WC. The bathrooms are designed to cater to modern day needs. While the size varies with the cabin category, all provide sufficient room, shelving, and space to accommodate personal toiletries. All ensuite facilities are equipped with manual bidet gun, separate shower, and ample shelf/countertop, and robe hooks.

Housekeeping policy: cabins are cleaned daily. Sheets, bath and face towels are changed every 3 days, however, please feel free to request a change at any time when necessary.

All the accommodations have: No. of bathrooms / showers - 9 / 9 - hot water