Four Seasons Explorer previously homeported in the Maldives, and will now be based in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon of Palau. The 39-metre catamaran has three decks, 10 staterooms plus the Explorer Suite, a restaurant, bar, lounge, library, Padi dive centre and a spa corner.

Clients will be able to explore more than 340 islands in the archipelago, discover the expansive protected marine territory and learn about a 4,000-year-old culture. Just nine of Palau’s islands are inhabited, and half a million square kilometres of its waters are protected. It’s home to the world’s first national shark sanctuary and the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon – inaugurated as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2012.

Alongside diving, guests can snorkel, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, fish and free dive. On shore they can hike through jungles to hidden waterfalls, spot rare birds, bicycle around Peleliu Island, home to numerous military ruins including an old airstrip and American and Japanese memorials to the infamous World War II battle named for the island. 

Four Seasons Explorer will offer daily embarkations with flexible arrival and disembarkation times, and no minimum stay. Guests are met by Four Seasons representatives in the country’s main commercial hub of Koror, which is accessible via Taipei, Singapore, Honolulu, Guam, Manila and Brisbane. They are then transported offshore to wherever Four Seasons Explorer is anchored at the time, and the vessel is accompanied by several tenders and dive boats.  

Regional vice president and general manager Armando Kraenzlin will continue to manage the operations and guest experience onboard the vessel, and said: “Palau is truly one of the world’s last remaining frontiers, almost untouched by time and now preserved for generations to come thanks to local and international efforts to protect this charming nation and its culture of omengull – respecting all and everything.”

Three of the onboard team are young Palauans who participated in the year-long Four Seasons Hospitality Apprenticeship. 

Inclusive rates cover onboard accommodations and three meals daily including hot beverages; unlimited diving, water sports and island adventures; daily yoga and wellness experiences; and pop-up events from beach barbecues featuring local musicians and dancers to expert talks hosted by the boat’s on-staff marine biologist. Private charters are also available for groups of up to 26, including dedicated seasonal charters for surf enthusiasts.