Black Pearl is a 46-meter liveaboard that explores Micronesian waters, specifically the remote archipelago, Palau. The Pacific islands are home to vast biodiversity on and off land with liveaboard-only dive sites. Built to International Integrity Stability Standard’s requirements, Black Pearl is equipped with premium materials, navigation, safety systems, and scuba diving equipment to provide safe and exciting Micronesian exploration. All ensuite cabins offer sea views and include a hot shower and basic amenities. On the ship’s main deck, there is outdoor seating, a Jacuzzi, and an outdoor bar. There is also an entertainment center, saloon, gym equipment, business center, camera station, and sun deck.
Black Pearl offers several itineraries, including Classic Palau, which is a well-rounded experience of all the archipelago has to offer. The Spawning Special itineraries are scheduled based on the moon's phases, which aligns with the spawning of bump head parrotfish and red snappers. Throughout the itineraries, divers can spot any of the 1,400 fish species that call Micronesia home, as well as sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and whale sharks. Dive sites vary greatly, ranging from deep caverns, sprawling plateaus, historic wrecks, winding channels, and untouched coral reefs. Due to the variety of diving experiences, Black Pearl is suitable for any level of diver, but each diver must have at least twenty dives of experience.
Itinerary highlights include Palau Islands’ blue holes, wartime wrecks, coral reefs, and caves. One of the most famous sites is Blue Corner, which has steep walls and diverse marine life such as snappers, jacks, hammerheads, dolphins, and whales. The German Channel connects the islands’ inner lagoon to the ocean and is known for sightings of manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks, and hammerheads. This remote diving spot is also home to macro life along the shallow reefs. Other stops include Peleliu Express, an advanced drift dive; the Chandelier Cave system; and Turtle Cove, a vertical reef wall with small caves. Siaes Tunnel is a naturally-lit cavern with views of black coral, soft coral, and invertebrates lining the walls. White tip reef sharks and stingrays roam along the cavern’s sandy bottom. Due to the strong currents at this site, divers use reef hooks and safety marker buoys. The Black Pear offers nitrox for EAN-certified divers but does not support technical diving or rebreathers.
Other activities include relaxing along the white sand beaches, watching for thousands of native birds, and kayaking or paddling through the clear ocean.
Narrative text and photographs courtesy of Pearl Fleet.