Four Seasons Explorer, the 11-berth luxury catamaran owned by HPL Limited, will launch in the Republic of Palau from October 2023. The triple-deck, 39-metre vessel will offer flexible day-to-day itineraries with no set voyages listed online.
Four Seasons Explorer operates like a floating resort, offering daily embarkations and disembarkations, allowing up to 22 guests to explore as deeply – and for as long – as they wish. With the freedom to focus on personal areas of interest among Palau’s many bucket-list wonders, both underwater and on land, all adventures are entirely bespoke.
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More than 1,400 species of fish and 500 species of healthy corals thrive in Palau’s crystal waters and elevated lakes. The nation became the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009, covering more than 600,000 square kilometres of ocean while the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Palau’s astonishing spectrum of ocean life make it a paradise for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
With a draft of 1.9 metres, Four Seasons Explorer can access locations that larger vessels can’t reach, while its PADI 5-Star Dive Centre ensures expert multi-lingual instructors, the latest gear and onboard videographer, as well as custom-designed dive and excursion boats for direct entry to even the most inaccessible dive sites.
Four Seasons Explorer on-shore excursions are handled by insightful guides and include visiting Palau’s oldest bai (meeting house); exploring the Badrulchau Stone Monoliths, estimated to date back to the year 161; marvelling at the cave paintings of Ulong Island; discovering the Belau National Museum, multiple WWII sites, traditional music, lush forests, majestic waterfalls, and more.
Recreational activities on offer include windsurfing, stand-up paddling and kayaking, while wellness experiences showcase soothing yoga, breathing and restorative treatments on-board or on a secluded beach. Explorer guests can bathe in mineral-rich mud, learn traditional Palauan fishing techniques, hike, bird-watch or even learn to pronounce a few Palauan phrases.
Four Seasons Explorer features three cabin types: State Room (20 square-metres) for 2 adults, a Family State Room (also 20 square-metres but can accommodate 2 adults and a child 8-15 years) and an Explorer Suite (45 square-metres). Onboard in an indoor-outdoor restaurant, two bars, a lounge, library and two sundecks. Free wi-fi is also offered (when available).
Rates are all-inclusive of dining, with the Palau Experience average price per night priced from US$2,800 in an Explorer Cabin, US$3,200 in the Family State Room and US$6,000 in the Explorer Suite.
For bookings, email reservations.pme@fourseasons.com.
HPL Limited is the owner/partner of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania and Vietnam.