Solitude Gaia Palau

Solitude Gaia Palau is a 40-metre steel-hulled liveaboard launched in 2023, operating in Palau. Built with a focus on stability and long-range cruising, the vessel accommodates up to 18 guests across nine cabins. It is designed for extended trips to remote reef systems while maintaining consistent onboard operations.

The vessel combines a steel mono-hull with an aluminium superstructure, improving balance and lowering the centre of gravity. It follows classification standards and safety requirements for passenger vessels, with systems in place for navigation, communication, and emergency response.

Facilities & Meals

Indoor areas include a lounge, dining space, and a dedicated camera workstation. Outdoor areas include open deck space for relaxation between dives. A digital workstation is available with charging points, air guns, and rinse tanks for camera equipment.

Meals are served throughout the day and include a mix of Asian and Western dishes. Drinking water, coffee, tea, and selected beverages are available, with alcoholic drinks offered onboard or as bring-your-own within duty-free limits.

Activities

Diving is the main activity, with up to four dives per day, including night dives when conditions allow. Surface intervals are typically spent onboard. Non-diving time may include rest, photography, or light onboard activities.

Staying Connected

Satellite internet (Starlink) is available via prepaid data packages. Connection quality depends on location and weather conditions.

We Think. . .

Solitude Gaia suits divers looking for structured dive schedules, smaller group ratios, and access to Palau’s current-driven reefs and advanced dive sites.

Getting to Palau

Fly to Koror – Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), Palau. Palau can be reached from the U.S. on United Airlines flights via Guam, Truk and Tokyo, and from Australia, New Zealand via Brisbane on Qantas, and on China Airlines via Taipei from Europe. Transfers are arranged between the airport or local hotels and the vessel.

Solitude Gaia has nine cabins, accommodating up to 18 guests, all with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, storage, and standard amenities including towels, toiletries, a safe, and desk space. Cabins are cleaned daily, with linen changed every few days or on request.

All cabins include ensuite showers with hot and cold water, storage space, and basic in-room entertainment systems.

Upper Deck Ocean View Staterooms (301, 302)

Twin or double configuration with large windows. These cabins offer more natural light and slightly larger floor space (approx. 21.4 sqm).

Upper Deck Ocean View Cabin (303)

Configured with a king bed, this cabin has direct upper deck access and sea views. Slightly smaller than other upper deck cabins but with a more private layout.

Main Deck Ocean View Cabins (201–204)

Located midship with either twin or double bedding. These cabins provide stable positioning and moderate space (approx. 16–17 sqm), with windows for natural light.

Below Deck Interior Cabins (101, 102)

Larger in size (approx. 24.6 sqm) but without external windows. Suitable for guests prioritizing space over views.

Diving in Palau is shaped by strong currents, reef walls, and channel systems. Depths typically range from 10 to 40 metres, with visibility often high. Marine life includes reef fish, macro species, and pelagics such as sharks, rays, and schooling fish. Conditions vary by tide and location, requiring awareness of current changes.

Dive Services

Diving is conducted using two dive skiffs, each supporting small groups with a guide ratio of approximately 1:6. A maximum of four dives per day is scheduled to minimise fatigue. Nitrox is available (EANx 28–32%). Equipment rental is offered, including computers, while SMBs, weights, and belts are provided. Rebreather support is limited to full charters and requires advance planning. Safety requirements include dive insurance, SMB use, a dive computer, and buddy diving at all times.

German Wall, Manta cleaning station Palau

Drift Diving Ulong Channel, Palau

Turtle Cove, Palau

Grasslands, Palau

Solitude Gaia operates across Palau’s main diving regions, with site selection depending on weather, currents, and permits.

• Blue Corner – A reef promontory known for strong currents and pelagic activity, including sharks and large schools of fish.
• German Channel – A channel dive where manta rays are commonly seen, along with reef sharks and schooling fish.
• Ulong Channel – A drift dive through a sandy channel bordered by reef walls, with consistent fish life and occasional sharks.
• Peleliu Express – A high-current site known for strong drift conditions and encounters with larger pelagic species.
• New Drop Off – A steep wall dive with coral growth and reef fish, often used as a transition site depending on conditions.
• Blue Holes – A cavern system leading to an open wall, combining swim-throughs with reef diving.

Solitude Gaia Extras Payable Locally Palau