Black Pearl

Location: Micronesia

Rating: 4.5/5 (2026 reviews)

About Black Pearl

Micronesia's marine environment, characterized by volcanic topography and historical wreck sites, is explored by the 46.6-meter Black Pearl.

Beneath the surface of Micronesia's remote waters lies a submerged museum. The deep lagoon of Chuuk is the final resting place for a significant portion of the Japanese fleet from World War II, sunk in 1944. These artifacts have transformed into profound artificial reefs, draped in soft corals and dense with marine life. Beyond the wrecks, the region’s topography includes dramatic outer reef walls and channels where currents attract grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and other pelagics. The Black Pearl is engineered for this environment, providing a stable platform to access these historically significant and ecologically rich dive sites. Diving is conducted from two 9-meter aluminum tenders, designed for efficient transfers to locations within the lagoon and on outer reefs. The main vessel's spacious dive deck offers individual gear stations and storage. For underwater photographers, the ship provides exceptional support with a dedicated indoor camera room, complete with a work bench, charging points, and a care station. Rinse tubs and air guns are available for equipment maintenance. An experienced crew leads all dives, ensuring divers can safely navigate the complexity of the wrecks and surrounding ecosystems. Guest comfort is central to the onboard experience. The vessel accommodates up to 24 guests in 13 cabins distributed over three decks: Lower Deck Deluxe Twin, Main Deck Seaview, and Upper Deck Master Seaview cabins. Most feature private bathroom facilities. Social life is focused on several well-appointed areas. An indoor restaurant and a separate cocktail lounge offer air-conditioned spaces for dining and socializing. For those preferring the open air, a large sundeck has recliners, while a shaded alfresco area provides another space to enjoy the scenery. The culinary program is a key part of the journey. In the indoor restaurant, the onboard chef prepares a varied menu of international and local dishes, typically served buffet-style. The galley can accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notification. In the evenings, the cocktail lounge becomes a popular gathering point for guests to recount the day's dives over a drink from the bar. Constructed in 2019, the Black Pearl is a modern, 46.6-meter steel-hulled motor yacht. Its 8.5-meter beam contributes to its stability in open water, an important feature for oceanic voyages. Power is supplied by two 477kW Cummins engines with an auxiliary propulsion system, enabling a 12-knot cruising speed. This robust engineering ensures comfortable crossings between Micronesia's remote islands. The vessel is self-sufficient for extended trips, accommodating 24 guests and crew. Due to the remote nature of its itineraries, internet access is not available. The Black Pearl operates itineraries focused on the historic wreck diving of Chuuk Lagoon. These trips allow for comprehensive exploration of the ghost fleet, with dives suitable for various certifications, including technical wreck diving. Itineraries typically depart from and return to Weno. This vessel is an excellent choice for experienced divers with a strong interest in maritime history and underwater photography. Its range and amenities also appeal to divers looking for a thorough, well-supported exploration of one of the world's most significant underwater historical sites.

Vessel Specifications

Guest capacity: 24
Year built: 2019
Nitrox: Available

Cabins

Main Deck - Seaview Cabins (sleeps 2) — Twin — These inviting cabins are thoughtfully designed to accommodate either a single guest or two occupants. Each cabin is equipped with an LED TV for your viewing pleasure, offering a range of in-room ente
Lower Deck - Deluxe Twin Cabins (sleeps 2) — Twin — These inviting cabins are thoughtfully designed to comfortably accommodate either a single guest or two occupants. Each cabin is equipped with modern conveniences, including an LED television offering
Upper Deck - Master Seaview Cabins (sleeps 2) — Double — Discover the exceptional comfort of these cabins, each thoughtfully appointed with an LED television and a comprehensive in-room entertainment system for your enjoyment. Guests will appreciate the con

Itineraries

Best of Palau Experience 5 nights

Duration: 6D/5N

Embarkation: Malakal

Embark on an invigorating diving odyssey across Palau's magnificent waters, where twelve planned immersion experiences await. The expedition unfolds with thrilling drift dives through dynamic channels, revealing vibrant walls and flourishing reef systems. You'll descend into an underwater realm teeming with marine spectacles, from graceful manta rays gliding effortlessly through the currents, creating unforgettable encounters, to massive schools of jacks swirling in hypnotic formations. Througho

Best of Palau Special 8 nights

Duration: 9D/8N

Embarkation: Malakal

Best of Palau Special 8 nights

Duration: 9D/8N

Embarkation: Malakal

Embark on an exceptional diving journey through Palau's prime underwater realms, a route meticulously crafted to reveal "The Best of Palau." Your adventure unfolds across numerous dive sites, offering a spectacular 21-dive regimen throughout the week. Each day presents an opportunity to plunge into vibrant ecosystems, exploring dynamic channels and dramatic wall dives that teem with life. Prepare for thrilling drifts over colorful corals, where the currents guide you past schooling barracuda and

Palau Bumphead Spawning (New Moon)

Duration: 10D/9N

Embarkation: Malakal

Begin your dive journey through Palau's exceptional underwater world, a week-long odyssey featuring 24 exhilarating dives. Each day promises multiple plunges into dynamic environments. You'll navigate vibrant channels, drift along impressive walls, and explore dramatic pinnacles. Prepare for thrilling encounters with majestic manta rays gliding effortlessly through the currents, and witness powerful sharks patrolling their territory. The itinerary also offers the unique spectacle of bumphead par

Palau Snapper Spawning (Full Moon)

Duration: 10D/9N

Embarkation: Malakal

Embark on a captivating journey through Palau's submerged wonders, where each day promises a tapestry of vibrant encounters across approximately 24 dives. Your exploration commences with breathtaking wall dives, dropping into the blue where pelagic life often cruises. Expect exhilarating drifts through channels, propelled by currents ripe with nutrients, offering a dynamic perspective of the reef's rich ecosystem. As you navigate these pristine waters, anticipate dramatic reefscapes, teeming wit

Best of Palau Special 9 nights

Duration: 10D/9N

Embarkation: Malakal

Your diving expedition around the Best of Palau promises an exhilarating journey through its famed underwater landscapes. Over the course of the trip, you'll complete 24 distinct dives, immersing yourself in the rich topography of the region. Expect to glide along dramatic walls and explore exciting pinnacles, often carried by gentle currents during captivating drift dives. Encounter majestic manta rays and a variety of shark species as they patrol the vibrant reefs. Each day unfolds with opport

Palau Bumphead Spawning (New Moon)

Duration: 8D/7N

Embarkation: Malakal

Prepare for an unforgettable submerged journey through the vibrant waters of Palau, a diver's paradise offering 18 captivating dives designed to showcase its spectacular marine biodiversity. Your adventure unfolds with daily explorations of dramatic walls, thrilling drift dives through channels, and encounters with iconic pelagics. Begin by seeking out majestic manta rays and schooling sharks in the nutrient-rich currents, then marvel at the colorful coral gardens teeming with reef fish. You'll

Best of Palau 7 nights

Duration: 8D/7N

Embarkation: Malakal

Embark on a captivating diving journey across Palau, where each day unveils diverse underwater spectacles. Your adventure begins with up to three daily dives, plunging you into vibrant coral gardens and dramatic drop-offs. Anticipate encountering energetic schools of jacks swirling in powerful currents, alongside majestic manta rays gliding effortlessly through the water. Over several days, you'll explore iconic sites, encountering breathtaking topography designed to reveal the full glory of the

Palau Bumphead Spawning - New Moon (Malakal - Malakal)

Duration: 8D/7N

Embarkation: Malakal, Micronesia

This liveaboard trip on the Black Pearl explores the diverse and rich waters of Palau, with a focus on the unique bumphead parrotfish spawning aggregation during the new moon. The itinerary is flexible, allowing the dive team to adapt to conditions to provide the best possible diving experiences across Palau's renowned sites. Guests can anticipate up to four dives daily, including day dives and a choice between a sunset or night dive, showcasing the region's vibrant marine life and stunning unde

Best of Palau Special 8 nights

Duration: 8 nights

Embarkation: Malakal

Explore Palau's iconic underwater landscapes, a realm of dramatic drop-offs, vibrant coral gardens, and historic WWII wrecks. This itinerary focuses on the archipelago's most well-known dive sites, offering consistent currents that attract a diverse array of pelagic life, including various shark species, manta rays, and schooling fish. Expect strong currents at many sites, which often facilitate impressive drift dives through passages and along outer reefs. The calm inner lagoons also provide op