Ocean Hunter IKoror

The Ocean Hunter I has been specifically designed by divers for divers. She offers unlimited diving during her 7 day and extended 10 or 12 day cruises in Palau. There are three cabins with private bath and a/c, for accommodating up to 6 guests. The ideal boat for small group charters!

Ocean Hunter represents 25 years of knowledge in the liveaboard industry and like all of their liveaboards was designed by divers for divers. This family-run business offers you personalised service and the knowledge and hospitality of a very experienced local crew. Ocean Hunter liveaboards are owned and run by Tova and Navot Bornovski. They are Palau's pioneers in scuba diving, the couple also owns and runs the Fish'n Fins dive center in Palau.

The 18 m (60 ft) beamy, steel motor sailor's hull was built in the Netherlands in 1979. Ocean Hunter's small size means ease of entry, maximized dive time, and personalized attention. Magnificently built of varnished teak, the salon of the Ocean Hunter is very homey and comfortable. It is separately air-conditioned and has a bar and a sophisticated entertainment: CD player with a great collection of over 100 music CDs (if you wish, bring your own), TV and DVD. There is a huge video library with underwater movies, dive destinations, and fun movies.

An on-board scientific marine library, with books about marine life, Palau, Micronesia, and underwater photography is not missing either! There is a large sun tanning area forward for those of you who want to sunbathe and comfortable covered seating aft to protect you from overexposure.

There are three separately air-conditioned cabins on board which can accommodate up to six divers.

Cabin 1: Two single, extra-wide beds; private bathroom and shower.
Cabin 2: Two single, extra-wide beds; private bathroom and shower.
Cabin 3: Master stateroom. King-size bed and a single bed will sleep a couple or two singles. Private, spacious bathroom and shower.

A few words about the food - The chef, Solomon, has been on board since August 1994. He serves fresh low-fat gourmet cuisine. Their menu was developed by Tova, who went out on the boat for the first six months in Palau, learning what their guests liked. As a dedicated diver who knows the importance of low-fat, fibre-rich meals, she has designed a menu with foods from around the world: Palauan, Italian, Mediterranean, French, Japanese (with fresh sashimi, sushi, and deliciously cooked fresh seafood) and much more. Numerous snacks will be served in between meals. Fresh vegetables and fruits are in abundance and will be served with every meal. Solomon will gladly cater to vegetarian or any other dietary requests.

Unlimited diving is offered on board Ocean Hunter I. No tender rides - Because of its size and shallow draft, the Ocean Hunter I will take you above the dive site and you will jump off the main boat from our comfortable dive platform. When the dive is over, you'll climb aboard and take a warm, freshwater shower right on the dive deck. Night dives on every night - OH offer great night diving on every night. The small size allows you to spend the night right on Palau's dive sites. Nitrox is for an additional fee. Nitrox certification courses available as well.

Ocean Hunter is a photography-friendly vessel. Most guests are keen photographers. Knowing the importance and value of your camera gear, they have put an extra effort into designing a big working area and more than 60 electrical outlets (110 volt and 220 volt) throughout the boat. The Ocean Hunter is connected with Palau's leading photo shop, where you can rent or buy anything you need. PCs for downloading images are available.

Explore Palau's famous reefs, wrecks, lakes and rock islands, with only six guests on board and a shallow draft that allows for maximum flexibility. The best dives of Palau, crown jewel of Micronesia diving, and among the top dive sites in the world for unrivaled marine biodiversity and pristine diving.

Click on Diving on this page to read more about dive sites of Palau.

The beauty of live-aboard diving around Palau is that distances between dive sites are very short compared to some other destinations. This allows the itinerary to be very flexible as the only restrictions are tidal patterns and the general weather conditions. Ocean Hunter offers 7 day and extended 10 or 12 day cruises.

You can dive as much as you like or take it easy and explore some of the beautiful lagoons and caves in the Rock Islands area. With only six people on board your personal wishes and interest will be catered for.

When weather permits, Ocean Hunter I can sail down to the Southernmost islands of the Palau chain, Peleliu and Anguar. Both islands have deserted, shallow harbours, which were the sites of major WWII battles. On these expeditions, there is an optional land tour with a local history guide. So if WWII or special critters are your interest, please let them know early.

Divers who value individuality and comfort much are in good hands on Ocean Hunter I. It is certainly the best diving cruise ship in Palau when it comes to individual needs. However, the ship is very small, but this has also advantages as the dive sites can be visited directly by the Ocean Hunter which safes you the dinghy rides and much time.