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/ Liveaboards / Micronesia
/ Ocean Hunter 1
The intimate alternative to the big live-aboard vessels 
The Ocean Hunter I has been specifically designed by divers, for divers. Unlimited
diving is conducted off a spacious diving platform at the stern of the boat and
hardly ever off a chaseboat (so you can climb right back onto the boat when you’re
done and take a warm freshwater shower!).
Ocean Hunter I has three cabins
with private bath and a/c, and accommodates up to 6 guests, which means uncrowded
reefs, ease of entry into the water, personal attention and maximized bottom time.
Furthermore, the vessel is designed for professional underwater photography,
with a big working area and more than 60 electrical outlets (110 and 220 volt),
extra storage space, and E-6 processing available overnight.
NITROX tanks
and certification are available onboard. The chef serves fresh low-fat gourmet
cuisine. Built by the pioneer divers of Palau for others to explore Palau's waters,
reefs, caves and wrecks for themselves in comfort and intimate luxury, Ocean Hunter
I provides a high-class, unrivalled liveaboard experience for diving the true
Palau.
The Ocean Hunter staff is a family. Unlike the bigger liveaboard
boats who change crews and captains often, this family-run business gives you
the same famous service and knowledge. A maximum number of 6 divers only get spoiled
on those excursions. About the diving Explore Palau's famous reefs,
wrecks, lakes and rock islands, with only six guests on board and a shallow draft
that allows for uncrowded dive sites and 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 here for more
information about the diving in Palau.
Vessel 
The 60 foot beamy, steel motor sailer's hull was built in Holland in 1979. Ocean
Hunter's small size means uncrowded reefs, ease of entry, maximized dive time,
and personalized attention. Sun Deck: A large sun tanning area forward
for those of you who want to sunbathe and comfortable covered seating aft to protect
you from overexposure. Salon and Dining Room: Magnificently built of
varnished teak, the salon of the Ocean Hunter is very homey and comfortable. It
is separately air-conditioned and has a sophisticated entertainment centre and
a bar. A few words about the food - The chef, Solomon, has been on board since
August 1994. Their gourmet 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 request. - Length: 60 ft
- Beam:
15.5 ft
- Draft: 5.5 ft
- Displacement: 30 tons
- Construction: Steel
- Engines:
Twin 175 hp
- Speed: 7 knots
- Fuel: 750 gallons allows 1500 nautical mile
range
- Electricity: Very quiet generators supply 24 hour electricity in 110
and 220 volts. All outlets regulated and surge protected.
- Fresh Water: 500
gallons (2000 litres) a day water maker supplies unlimited fresh water.
- Electronics:
GPS, SatNav,Weatherfax, 48 mile radar, Depth sounder, Fishfinder, VHF, HF radio,
TV, VCR, CD Stereo
- Dinghys: 15 ft inflatable, 21 ft fibreglass
- Dive compressors:
Bauer 5; 3.5 c.f.m., 12 scuba tanks
- Safety: Full safety equipment in compliance
with USCG requirements, Emergency Oxygen kit
- Library: A fantastic scientific
marine library,with books about marine life, Palau, Micronesia, and underwater
photography.
- Entertainment: CD player with a great collection of over 100
music CDs (and weInvite you to bring your own). TV and VCR (American and European
Systems PAL, SECAM, NTSC). Rich video library with underwater movies, dive destinations,
and fun movies (you are most welcome to bring your own).
Accommodation
Three separately air-conditioned cabins can accommodate up to six divers.
- Cabin 1: Two single, extra-wide beds; private bathroom and
shower.
- Cabin 2: King-size bed and a single bed on top make it perfect
for a couple or two singles. 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.
Itinerary 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. Of course the crew also does has a number of
dive sites that they
want to show you! Special
Interests:
When weather permits, Ocean Hunter 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 WW2 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 us know early. Features
The
Ocean Hunter was designed to accommodate divers and offer some special considerations:
- Unlimited
diving - Many boats advertise this, but only a few will truly let you dive as
much as you want.
- Unlimited
dive time - As long as you and your buddy have enough bottom time and air, you
can continue the underwater exploration.
- Freedom
underwater - The dive masters and captain will assist you and accompany every
dive, but if you want to explore on your own, they will not hassle you.
- No tender rides
- Because of its size and shallow draft, the Ocean Hunter 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. No 30-minute rides on dive tenders like the bigger liveaboards
in Palau!
- 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
- a nitrox blending facility is on board. Nitrox certification courses available.
For a small additional fee you can use the benefits of Nitrox.
- 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. E-6 processing is also
available overnight. PCs for downloading images are available.
Departures
& prices
|
Independent
