Solitude One

Location: Philippines

Rating: 4.7/5 (2026 reviews)

About Solitude One

Solitude One, a 52-meter former merchant vessel, navigates the biodiverse waters of the Philippines for dedicated dive expeditions.

The thousands of islands composing the Philippine archipelago create a dynamic marine environment where deep oceanic trenches meet volcanic coastlines. Situated in the heart of the Coral Triangle, these waters are a global center for marine biodiversity, supporting everything from tiny pygmy seahorses to migratory whale sharks. The underwater topography is exceptionally varied, featuring sheer walls, current-swept channels, vibrant coral gardens, and dark sand slopes ideal for muck diving. Navigating this expansive and diverse region requires a capable vessel. The 52-meter Solitude One was engineered for this exact purpose, providing a stable and well-equipped platform for dedicated dive exploration. Diving operations are organized with efficiency and diver comfort in mind. The vessel deploys two exceptionally large 11.5-meter fiberglass tenders, each powered by twin outboard engines. These purpose-built boats transport divers to the best entry points quickly and safely, offering significant space and stability. The main vessel's dive deck provides individual gear stations, ample storage, and multiple rinse tanks for equipment and cameras. For underwater photographers, there is a dedicated camera room with numerous charging points and workstations. Nitrox is available for certified divers, and all excursions are led by experienced guides with deep knowledge of the local sites and marine life. Life aboard is designed to be both social and restful. The ship accommodates a maximum of 24 guests in 11 cabins, with a variety of configurations including quad-share, twin, double, and single occupancy staterooms to suit different travelers. An air-conditioned indoor lounge serves as a central point for briefings and relaxation, while several outdoor areas provide options for enjoying the tropical climate. Guests can gather on the shaded deck between dives or make use of the upper sundeck, a spacious area for sunbathing and observation. With ten bathrooms available for guest use, the vessel maintains a high level of comfort and convenience throughout the journey. The onboard chef and galley crew manage a professional culinary program. Meals are a highlight of the day, featuring a mix of international and Asian-inspired cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients. The service is typically buffet-style, allowing guests to choose from a wide selection of dishes at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Throughout the day, snacks, fruit, coffee, tea, and filtered water are readily available. The crew is able to cater to most special dietary restrictions and allergies when provided with advance notification, ensuring all guests are well-fed and energized for their dives. A selection of soft drinks, juices, and alcohol is also available. Originally constructed as a merchant vessel in 1979, the ship underwent a complete rebuild in 2013, transforming it into the modern liveaboard it is today. This process retained its strong, seaworthy steel hull while outfitting it with contemporary systems and interiors. At 52 meters long with a wide 8.6-meter beam, Solitude One possesses significant natural stability, making it a comfortable ride during open-water crossings. Propulsion is supplied by a powerful 2698HP main engine, delivering a cruising speed of 8 knots, with an auxiliary engine providing important redundancy and maneuverability. Onboard WiFi is available to help guests stay connected while at sea. Solitude One operates distinct seasonal itineraries that focus on the premier diving areas of the Philippines. From approximately March to June, the vessel runs crossings to the remote Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with departures from Puerto Princesa. In other seasons, the ship repositions to explore the celebrated sites of the Visayas, known for a combination of world-class macro life and healthy reefs, often using Cebu as a base. This liveaboard is an excellent choice for experienced divers and underwater photographers who prioritize a robust, highly organized dive operation and a spacious, long-range vessel for accessing the best of the archipelago.

Vessel Specifications

Length: 52m
Guest capacity: 24
Year built: 1979
Nitrox: Available
WiFi: Available

Cabins

Stateroom SGL (A3) (sleeps 2) — Double — The Stateroom Single (A3) offers a private sanctuary for solo travelers, featuring a comfortable double bed and all the premium amenities expected for a luxurious and personal experience.
Deluxe Cabin SGL (B4) (sleeps 2) — Double — Designed for solo travelers or those preferring a private space, this Deluxe Single Cabin (B4) features a comfortable double bed and all modern conveniences for a relaxing journey.
Staterooms (A1 & B6) (sleeps 2) — Double — These elegant Staterooms (A1 & B6) provide a spacious and luxurious experience, featuring a comfortable double bed and enhanced amenities for an indulgent liveaboard stay.
Standard Quad Cabin (B8) (sleeps 4) — Single — Ideal for groups or families, the Standard Quad Cabin (B8) features comfortable bunk beds, providing a practical and inviting space for up to four guests. Enjoy a private en-suite bathroom and air con
Stateroom (A2) (sleeps 2) — Twin — This comfortable Stateroom (A2) is furnished with twin beds, offering a perfect arrangement for friends or individual travelers seeking a premium accommodation experience with all modern comforts.
Deluxe Twin/DBL Cabins (sleeps 2) — Twin or Double — These versatile Deluxe Cabins offer flexible bedding arrangements, with options for either twin beds or a double bed, ensuring comfort for various guest configurations. Each cabin is well-appointed wi
Deluxe Cabin DBL (sleeps 2) — Double — These comfortable Deluxe Double Cabins offer a cozy retreat after a day of diving, featuring a double bed and all essential amenities for a restful stay.

Itineraries

Tubbataha - 6N (Puerto Princesa Harbour, 7D6N)

Duration: 7D6N

Embarkation: Puerto Princesa Harbour

This liveaboard expedition explores the remote and pristine Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the middle of the Sulu Sea. Expect sheer vertical walls plunging into the deep, high-energy drift dives, and encounters with a staggering abundance of sharks, turtles, and pelagic fish. The itinerary covers the park's main features, including the famous North and South Atolls and the shark-magnet of Jessie Beazley Reef.

Tubbataha Reefs

Embark on an exceptional journey to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a remote atoll system in the Sulu Sea. This itinerary explores the North and South Atolls, renowned for their pristine coral reefs, dramatic walls, and abundant pelagic life including sharks and manta rays. The schedule also includes Jessie Beazley Reef, another isolated reef system offering diverse encounters. Expect consistent opportunities for thrilling drift dives and observations of healthy marine ecosystems during this exped

Malapascua

This voyage explores the celebrated dive sites surrounding Malapascua Island in the Visayan Sea. The itinerary's main attraction is the opportunity for early morning encounters with pelagic thresher sharks at Monad Shoal. The trip also features dives at nearby islands, offering chances to see whitetip sharks, vibrant reefs, and diverse macro life.

Romblon

Embark on a Philippine diving odyssey to Romblon, a region renowned for its vibrant macro life, dramatic coral formations, and surprising diversity in a less-explored area. This itinerary will take you through the clear waters surrounding Romblon, Tablas, and Sibuyan Islands, offering a compelling blend of critter hunting on sandy slopes and exploring healthy reef ecosystems. Expect encounters with a wide array of fascinating small marine creatures, unique bottom topography, and excellent visibi

Tubbataha (Puerto Princesa - Puerto Princesa)

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Embarkation: Puerto Princesa

Our specialized journey into Tubbataha Reef National Park provides extensive insight into a premier Philippine marine protected area. Departing from Puerto Princesa, this voyage, tailored for experienced divers, dedicates multiple days to exploring the secluded North and South Atolls, along with Jessie Beazley Reef. The schedule focuses exclusively on diving, meticulously planned for ideal conditions and minimal crowds, enhancing opportunities to observe manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and va

Tubbataha (Puerto Princesa - Puerto Princesa)

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Embarkation: Puerto Princesa

This ten-day journey explores the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting and ending in Puerto Princesa. The trip includes approximately 30 dives, offering encounters with the area's renowned marine biodiversity, from vibrant coral walls to large pelagic species like manta rays and sharks. A notable topside activity is a visit to the Rangers Station on a sandbar. Due to potentially strong currents, this itinerary is best suited for advanced divers with significant ex

Tubbataha - Coron - Apo (Puerto Princesa - Anilao)

Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights

Embarkation: Puerto Princesa, Philippines

This extensive two-week diving expedition showcases a wide variety of the Philippines' premier dive destinations. Starting from Puerto Princesa, the voyage covers the UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reefs before exploring sites around Coron and Apo. The trip concludes in Anilao, a world-renowned hub for macro photography and blackwater diving. This itinerary is crafted for experienced divers eager to witness both large pelagic species and rare, small critters in one comprehensive journey. Max guests on

Anilao - Cebu

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Embarkation: Anilao (Batangas)

This premium liveaboard journey connects the macro-diving haven of Anilao in Luzon with the renowned reefs and pelagic encounters of the Visayas. Spanning eleven days, this expedition is designed for advanced divers and charts a course through some of the Philippines' most biodiverse waters. The route includes transit dives in remote areas like Mindoro and Romblon, potential manta ray sightings at Ticao, and iconic thresher shark encounters in Malapascua before concluding in Cebu. Max guests on

South Leyte - Tubbataha (Cebu - Puerto Princesa)

Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights

Embarkation: Cebu Harbour

This fortnight-long expedition charts a course between Cebu and Puerto Princesa, with a spotlight on the renowned Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Inside this protected UNESCO World Heritage site, sea life thrives, promising an exceptional diving experience. Immerse yourself in a pristine underwater world, characterized by dramatic drop-offs, complex canyons, and vibrant coral gardens. Here, sightings of sea turtles, manta rays, and various pelagic species are frequent. Max guests on this trip: 24

Tubbataha - Coron - Apo (Puerto Princesa - Anilao)

Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights

Embarkation: Puerto Princesa

This extended 14-day expedition navigates through some of the Philippines' most acclaimed diving regions, offering a blend of pelagic action and macro wonders. The journey begins in the UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reefs and continues through Coron and Apo before concluding in Anilao. Divers will experience the dramatic underwater landscapes of Tubbataha's walls and canyons, home to large marine life, and then explore the critter-rich waters of Anilao, famous for its nudibranchs and blackwater diving