A New Floating Resort by Four Seasons Is Set to Launch in Palau

Reservations are now open, and interested guests can book online or contact [email protected]. Rates begin at $3,300 per cabin per night.

Palau, a micronation comprising over 300 limestone and volcanic islands in the western Pacific, is renowned as a diving and snorkeling paradise. Its expansive 193,000-square-mile marine environment boasts shipwrecks and an astonishing variety of marine life, including more than 1,400 species of fish and 500 species of coral.

Soon, it will also be the home base for the new Four Seasons Explorer, a luxury catamaran featuring 11 rooms and accommodating 22 guests.

Starting in October, travelers can book individual rooms or charter the entire Explorer for a journey through the archipelago. There is no fixed itinerary—the experience is designed to be flexible. Days may be spent exploring Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (a UNESCO World Heritage site with a diverse reef system and at least 13 shark species), Clam City (a diving site known for clams weighing over 250 pounds), or Peleliu Wall (home to sunken U.S. and Japanese ships from World War II). On land, activities include visiting Palau’s oldest bai (a traditional meeting house), hiking to waterfalls and cave paintings on Ulong Island, exploring the Belau National Museum (famous for its Micronesian art and historical photography), and learning traditional fishing techniques from local fishermen.

Guests can book a package that includes up to three dives daily (with equipment included), snorkeling trips, and marine biology talks with an onboard expert. They also have access to water sports gear (such as windsurfing boards and kayaks), guided cultural experiences on land, an onboard videographer, reef-safe sunscreen, and all meals, which are served in the dining area or as beach barbecues. Alcoholic beverages are available for an additional fee.

Onboard facilities feature both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, two bars, a library, and a sun deck complete with a private outdoor massage area. Additionally, those who are not yet dive certified can obtain a PADI Open Water certification through the onboard PADI 5-Star Dive Center.

The vessel offers two types of cabins among its 11 rooms: ten 215-square-foot staterooms (featuring a king-size bed and a full bathroom) and one 484-square-foot Explorer Suite (which includes panoramic windows, a walk-in wardrobe, a seating area, and a private sundeck).

It's important to note that while this yacht is owned by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, it is not part of the upcoming Four Seasons Yachts, a new cruise line expected to launch in late 2025. Previously, this ship operated as a luxury liveaboard, offering three-, four-, and seven-night itineraries focused on diving in the Maldives. Although there are no other Four Seasons locations in Micronesia to complement this experience, there are properties in nearby Indonesia (Bali and Jakarta).

Reservations are currently open, and those interested can book online or email [email protected]. Rates begin at $3,300 per cabin per night.