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Description
Boat
Stella Maris Explorer is a 36 meters long, 7.4 meters wide aluminium vessel with twin screw, cruises at 10 knots per hour. It was originally built back in 1986, and compeletly rebuilt in 2017. It offers great service with a professional team.
Stella Maris Explorer has three decks in total, provide guests both social areas as well as privacy in mind :
A main salon situated main deck. with living and dining areas and TV, DVD and stereo and an assortment of movies, DVDs, books and magazines.
The front upper deck is for those who want to sunbathe on the chaise longues or relax in the jacuzzi. The top sundeck is 20sqm in size and partially shaded with chairs and lounges is for lounging and relaxing in or out of the sun. There is also a bar area can provie drinks.
Stella Maris Explorer will prepare 3 gourmet meals daily served buffet style. Guests can expect a blend of Asian cuisine along with French and Italian influence. A choice of at least 2 entrees is offered at lunch and dinner accompanied by fresh vegetables, a salad, pasta and rice. Snacks and exotic fresh fruits are always available.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free as well as allergies so let us know upon booking if you require special meals. If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special life event, please let us know. Our crew stands ready to assist you in making your special day something to remember.
Stella Maris Explorer also have a spacious and well equipped dive deck. Onboard there are 9L, 12L and 15L tanks for guests to use. Side mount diving and Rebreather diving are both possible with supplements.
Cabin
Stella Maris Explorer has 10 air-conditioned guest cabins, it can host up to 20 - 21 guests :
All cabins have ensuite bathroom, storage area, universal electrical outlets with 220/110V.
All beds come with hypoallergenic memory foam mattresses and pillows.
1 Premium Cabin (B1) :
Located on the main deck, this cabin comes with 2 twin beds - can be configured as a kingsize double bed, 40” inch TV and Nespresso coffee machine, port windows.
1 Premium Cabin (B3) :
Located on the main deck, this cabin comes with a queen-size double bed, 40” inch TV and Nespresso coffee machine, port windows.
1 Deluxe Plus Cabin (B2) :
Located on the main deck, this cabin comes with twin bunk beds, 40” inch TV and Nespresso coffee machine, port windows.
4 Deluxe Cabins (A1 - A4) :
Located on the upper deck, each cabin comes with twin bunk beds, port windows.
In cabin A3 & A4, the bathroom are facing the stern with semi-private patio.
1 Premium Standard/Triple Cabin (C3) :
Located on the lower deck, this cabin is the largest cabin onboard, it can be used as a triple cabin. This cabin comes with one double bed and two single beds side by side, accommodating 3 persons max.
2 Standard Cabins (C1, C2) :
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with twin bunk beds and seated shower.
Diving
- 3 dives per day + alternating additional sunset/night dives.
- No night dives are allowed in the Tubbataha Marine Park.
- No dive on the embarkation and disembarkation day.
- Only 1 - 2 dives will be provided on the last diving day.
- All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
Other Information
- Nitrox：Complimentary for Nitrox divers
- 15L Tanks：Available with additional charge
- REBREATHER Dive：Not available at the moment yet
- Technical Dive：Not available at the moment yet
- Dive Equipment Rental：Available with additional charge
- Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
- Wi-Fi Internet ：Not available at the moment yet
- Laundry Service：Not available at the moment yet
- Massage Service：Not available at the moment yet
- Payment on board：Visa, MasterCard or cash (USD/PHP)
- Crew Number：21, each guide for 5 - 6 divers only
Itineraries
Tubbataha itinerary - 7D/6N, up to 19 dives
Day 1 - Arrival in Puerto Princesa :
Boarding from 12:00PM. Check-in onboard Briefing by Boat Manager/Dive Master 18:00H Departure to Tubbataha Reef (ETD) Accommodation and meals onboard Explorer.
Day 2 - North Tubbataha (4 dives) :
Arrive at Bird Island, North Tubbataha.
Dive Sites: Shark Airport, Washing Machine (Larry’s Reef), Sea Fan Alley
Day 3 - North Tubbataha (4 dives) :
Whole Day Diving at North Tubbataha
Dive Sites: Ranger Station, Amos Rock
After dinner during the night departure for Light House, South Tubbataha
Day 4 - Lighthouse, South Tubbataha (4 dives) :
Whole day diving at South Tubbataha
Dive Sites: Black Rock, North wall of South Atoll
Day 5 - South Tubbataha (4 dives) :
Whole day diving at South Tubbataha
Dive Sites: Light House, Delsan Wreck, Staghorn Point
Day 6 - South or North Tubbataha :
Day Diving only (2-3 dives)
Departure for Puerto Princesa City
Day 7 - Check out :
Arrival in Puerto Princesa City, Breakfast onboard then transfer to Airport around 10AM.
Apo Reef & Isla Verde - 7D/6N, up to 21 dives
Day 1 - Embarkation at Anilao Pier, Batangas : Check-in onboard the Explorer, Dinner onboard, Departure for Apo Reef ETD 2100H
Day 2 - Apo Reef ( Reef Diving )
Day 3 - Sangat Reserve ( Wreck Diving )
Day 4 - Sangat Reserve ( Wreck Diving )
Day 5 - Sangat Reserve ( Wreck Diving )
Day 6 - Siyete Pecados / Barracuda Lake ( reef diving)
Day 7 - Check out at Anilao pier, Batangas
Arrival in Anilao, Batangas, Breakfast onboard.
Note : The above shown are as suggested itineraries ONLY. Timings/dive sites are subject to change depending on tide, current, weather, sea and safety considerations.
Flights Suggestions :
Tubbataha Trips :
Take Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines flights from Manila (MNL) to Puerto Princesa (PPS).
The boat travels overnight to Tubbataha reef on the day of departure and return so you can count on your first dive (conditions permitting) in the early morning on the second day of your booking and your last dive on the evening before the last day of your booking.
Flights between Manila and Puerto Princesa are often delayed so it is recommended to book your flights with arrival well before 4pm on the day of departure. Extra time can be used to organize your gear on the boat. You might also want to consider arriving a day earlier and do an Underground River Tour.
Departure flights are recommended 24 hours after your last dive. If you plan to dive in the evening the day before the overnight return trip to Puerto Princessa, it is recommended to schedule your departure flight in the late afternoon or evening on the last day of your trip.
Apo Reef & Isla Verde Trips :
Embarkation point is at the Anilao Pier in Anilao, Batangas. Guests will need to book a shuttle or take a taxi from Manila Airport to Batangas. Guests should arrive in the afternoon, boarding time is 0600pm.
From Manila, it is approximately 2 ½ hours going to Batangas. We can help you arrange your land transfers.
Schedules & routes
Prices & conditions
Included
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Cabin cleaning service
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Dive guide service
- Fuel surcharge
- Nitrox fills
- Dinner ashore the night before disembarkation
- Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
- Boat accident insurance
Not included
- Domestic flights in destination country
- Complimentary alcoholic beverage with dinner
- Soft drinks
- Dive courses on board
- Crew gratuity
- Dive equipment rentals
- Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
- Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Marine park fees & Port fees
Useful information
Tubbataha Reef
Best time for diving
March to June is considered the best season for diving in Tubbataha, as the seas are calm and visibility is excellent, often between 20 – 40 meters. Currents can be moderate to strong, making some sites more suitable for experienced divers. The park is closed from mid-June to mid-March due to rough seas during the rainy season.
About temperatures
Air: generally ranges between 28°C - 34°C during the diving season.
Sea: warm all year round, around 27°C - 30°C.
Wetsuit Recommendation
A 3 mm wetsuit is usually sufficient, although some divers prefer a 5 mm for longer dives or early-season trips.
Diver requirement
Due to strong currents at some sites, advanced open water or equivalent experience is recommended, although there are calmer sites suitable for less experienced divers. You can find out more information about diving in this area here: Tubbataha
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Liveaboards usually depart from Puerto Princesa (PPS), Palawan. For the 1st and last trip during the dive season, itineraries include a return to Puerto Princesa or an alternate port, please check with our agent for exact details.
Visa Requirements
The Philippines offers visa-free entry for many nationalities, allowing stays of up to 30 days, with possible extensions available locally. For the latest visa information, please consult the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. Immigration authorities may request proof of onward or return travel upon arrival.
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations are required for travelers arriving from non-risk countries. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only for travelers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Cash is recommended for small purchases, while USD, credit and debit cards are accepted in major hotels and liveaboards.
Drones
Drone use is generally allowed in the Philippines, but restrictions may apply in marine protected areas and near airports. For details, visit Drone laws in the Philippines
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Coron and Apo Reef
Best time for diving
November to May is considered the best diving season, with generally calm seas and optimal visibility. The dry season runs from October to June, offering the most stable weather conditions. Diving is possible year-round, but July to September may experience stronger winds and rougher seas due to the southwest monsoon. Visibility typically ranges between 15 – 30 meters, and currents are usually mild, especially in Coron, while Apo Reef can experience moderate currents.
About temperatures
Air: generally ranges between 26°C – 32°C year-round.
Sea: warm throughout the year, usually between 26°C – 29°C.
Wetsuit Recommendation
A 3 mm wetsuit is recommended year-round. Some divers may prefer a shorty during the warmer months.
Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels in Coron, especially for wreck diving with calm conditions and shallow depths. Apo Reef is better suited for Advanced Open Water due to depth and currents. You can find out more information about diving in this area here: Coron & Apo Reef
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most liveaboards embark and disembark in Busuanga / Coron (USU). Some itineraries may start or end in Batangas or Puerto Galera, especially when combined with other destinations. Please ask our agent to confirm the exact port for your selected trip.
Visa Requirements
The Philippines offers visa-free entry for many nationalities, allowing stays of up to 30 days, with possible extensions available locally. For the latest visa information, please consult the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. Immigration authorities may request proof of onward or return travel upon arrival.
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations are required for travelers arriving from non-risk countries. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only for travelers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Cash is recommended for small purchases, while USD, credit and debit cards are accepted in major hotels and liveaboards.
Drones
Drone use is generally allowed in the Philippines, but restrictions may apply in marine protected areas and near airports. For details, visit Drone laws in the Philippines
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
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