With a draft of 1.9 metres (6.23 feet), Four Seasons Explorer can access locations that larger vessels can’t reach. It also features a purpose-built Five Star PADI Dive Centre complete with Nitrox, its own dive tenders and a custom-designed dive and excursion boat for direct entry to even the most difficult to access dive sites.

Divers are grouped by skill level for the most appropriate experience; kits include the latest gear and accessories from Scubapro, Cressi and Olympus; multilingual instructors offer qualified divers a comprehensive array of PADI courses (including Specialty Courses such as Drift Diver and Deep Diver); and the boat’s intimate service approach gives guests the flexibility and freedom to direct their own diving encounters.

Never dived before? It’s easier than you think. Learn the basics just steps from the shore with PADI’s two-hour Discover Scuba Diving (for ages 12 and older) and experience the thrill of your first underwater breaths under the close supervision of our consummate professionals.

• Blue Corner – With its unpredictable currents, this world-renowned diving site is for experienced divers only. Expect to be rewarded with sightings of soft corals, sea fans, anemones and eels, as well as schools of blackfin barracuda, bigeye trevally, grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks.
• German Channel – Meet the charismatic reef manta rays of Palau island and watch as they cruise over the technicolour coral in this narrow channel formed by German miners during the early years of the 20th century.
• Chandelier Cave – Not for the faint-hearted, this unforgettable dive is a system of five interconnected limestone caves. Marvel at the glittering “chandeliers” – stalactite formations – as you explore each chamber, and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive mandarin fish hiding close to the entrance. Be sure to bring your torch.
• Helmet Wreck – While there’s no doubt that nature is the star of the show here, Palau also boasts some incredible WWII wreck dives. The as-yet-unidentified coral-encrusted Helmet Wreck’s stern is visible at just 10 metres, while eerie debris such as helmets (hence the name), ammunition and rifles reveal a ghostly history.
• Ulong Channel – This world-renowned drift dive takes you through a dramatic sandy-bottomed channel, home to numerous grouper species, reef sharks and hawksbill turtles. On either side, steep reef walls reveal a cornucopia of pristine coral heads, anemones and abundant fish life.
• WWII Wreck Dives – While there's no doubt that nature is the star of the show on Palau island, a true highlight is the vast array of historical wrecks to explore. From coral-encrusted seaplanes to eerie torpedo-wrecked cargo ships, Palau diving wrecks are an incredibly well-preserved piece of history, since reclaimed by vibrant coral reef species.

Please note: Due to the depths and currents, dive itineraries are dependent on individual experience, and some sites are only accessible to divers with an Advanced Open Water dive qualification.

View a map of our dive sites.

Divers can usually expect two dives in the morning and one in the afternoon, with the option of additional sunrise, night and wreck excursions. Dive itineraries adapt to currents and conditions, marine visitors and the diving requirements of those on board. Every dive experience aboard Four Seasons Explorer is unique. Before engaging in diving activities, divers who have not been diving within the last three months or have logged fewer than 30 dives are required to participate in an orientation dive (conducted on board daily). Please present your certification card and logbook when you register for diving.

Before engaging in diving activities, divers who have not been diving within the last three months or have logged fewer than 30 dives are required to participate in an orientation dive (conducted onboard daily). Please present your certification card and logbook when you register for diving.

Please note: Divers are advised to refrain from diving 12 hours after international flights and 24 hours before travelling by air.

With more than 1,400 species of fish, a dazzling variety of hard and soft corals, seven species of giant clams as well as sharks, mantas, dolphins and whales, Palau’s underwater world offers itself to the imagination. And there’s no need to worry if you’re not a diver. Learn how to snorkel with expert guidance and top-of-the-range equipment, and let our marine biologist introduce you to everything from mandarin fish and Moorish idols to humphead parrotfish and giant Napoleon wrasse, ensuring bucket-list moments for all.

• Jellyfish Lake – Utterly unique, this inland marine lake on Eil Malk rock islands Palau is home to millions of golden and moon jellyfishes. Snorkelling amongst these peaceful creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Ngerechong Coral Gardens – One of the most diverse in Palau, Ngerechong Island’s fringing reef boasts an abundance of table, staghorn and even "potato” corals in shades of pink, blue and brown. Dedicated snorkellers might even spot grey reef sharks, eagle rays and green turtles.
• Mandarin Fish Lake – Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the rock islands. Not only does this secluded shallow lagoon offer the opportunity to snorkel amidst the lush Palauan jungle, it’s also home to the elusive and colourful mandarin fish.
• Fantasy – From anthias and blue chromis to blacktip reef sharks, this shallow garden of colourful branching coral is home to an abundance of marine life.
• Paradise Corner – Nestled in the heart of the Palau rock islands, this reef is well-known for its striking lettuce coral formations. Look out for the majestic Napoleon wrasse patrolling the reef edge, as well as schools of sergeant majors or even a hawksbill turtle passing by.