Introducing Solitude Gaia, a scuba diving liveaboard from Solitude Liveaboard redefining the essence of ocean exploration. Launched in 2023, this 40-meter vessel seamlessly combines innovation and craftsmanship, boasting a robust steel hull for stability and an aluminum superstructure for added security and comfort. Beyond its structural excellence, Solitude Gaia prioritises a home-like environment, meeting the highest standards for passenger ships and inviting guests to share the profound wonder of the ocean’s depths.
Stepping aboard, Solitude Gaia emanates an atmosphere fostering freedom of the mind and openness, encouraging reflection on timeless virtues such as humility, charity, and gratitude. The vessel’s curated décor, with soothing neutral tones, reinforces appreciation for the remarkable world beneath the waves.
Cruising at 10 knots, Solitude Gaia offers a serene yet adventurous experience, featuring nine cabins and a luxurious spa suite for up to 18 guests. As you embark on a scuba diving journey, Solitude Gaia becomes a vessel for self-discovery, where the virtues of the sea converge with the vessel’s essence, creating an unparalleled and transformative experience.
COMFORT AT SEA
Experience unparalleled comfort at sea aboard Solitude Gaia, your premier Palau liveaboard where every detail is meticulously designed to elevate your liveaboard adventure. From thoughtfully appointed cabins to spacious common areas, our commitment to your comfort ensures ensures that your journey is marked by premium amenities, exceptional service, and a seamless blend of refinement and exploration. Unwind in style as you embark on an extraordinary maritime escape, surrounded by the soothing rhythm of the waves and the exclusive comfort that defines the Solitude experience.
DINING EXPERIENCE
Our commitment to culinary excellence on our Solitude Gaia liveaboard journey ensures a dining experience that mirrors the extraordinary nature of your adventure. Immerse yourself in carefully curated cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients, whether under the stars or within our dining area. Our culinary team takes you on a delightful journey for your palate, seamlessly blending luxury and exploration,
SCUBA DIVING
Dive into the unparalleled wonders of Palau’s pristine waters with Solitude Gaia, where each underwater excursion is a gateway to a realm of awe-inspiring marine biodiversity. As you explore the vibrant coral gardens and thriving ecosystems, our experienced dive team ensures a seamless and unforgettable scuba diving adventure. From the famed Blue Corner to the enchanting German Channel, Solitude Gaia promises an immersive journey beneath the surface, where the marine wonders of Palau come to life in every breathtaking dive.
Cabins
Step into Solitude Gaia, where comfort, style and adventure intertwine seamlessly. Featuring nine (9) meticulously designed cabins accommodating up to 18 guests, the vessel reflects thoughtfulness, elegance, and refinement. Each cabin serves as a serene retreat amidst the open sea, symbolising relaxation and refinement. Neutral hues and graceful furnishings establish a timeless atmosphere, fostering introspection and revitalisation.
These areas embody Solitude Gaia’s dedication to excellence, offering a spacious and welcoming setting where you can relax, engage with fellow travellers, and rediscover yourself. It’s a realm where the peacefulness of the sea coexists harmoniously with the onboard comfort of Solitude Gaia throughout your journey.
Itineraries
Departures
More Information
Safety
From the very beginning, safety has always been the most important aspect of Solitude and at the forefront of all decision making. Given the remote areas we operate in, it is vital to us that our crew are well trained and we are equipped to handle any scenario should it occur.
During your stay onboard we provide our guests with a complimentary Nautilus Marine Rescue GPS to provide that peace of mind when out diving in the remote parts of Indonesia.
Our Features & Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) equipped with:
- Emergency Position-Indicating Radio beacon (EPIRB)
- Life Rafts
- Emergency Survival Packs
- Semi-Automated Fire Suppression Sprinkler System
- VHF/SB Radios
- Fleet Broadband Satellite Phone & Internet
- Inmarsat-C
- Local Navigation Maps with Furuno GPS Chart Plotter
- Radar (Long/Short)
- Weather Plotter
- Depth Sounder
- 6,000L Water Storage with On-board Water-Maker capable of producing 15,000L of fresh water per day.
We know that time and investment in holidays are valuable and you want to dive as much as you can, exploring the beauty of reefs, wrecks, and the vast marine life. We fully understand that, as we take diving holidays too! Be assured that we are committed to providing you with as many dives as we safely can. Besides the obvious reasons why we would not let you go for a dive (stated in your registration form declaration), being well-rested and rehydrated for your first dive is a good first step.
This is why we need to ensure that you have at least 6 hours of proper rest after your arrival before making your first dive. We know you learned about safety during your scuba course(s) but sometimes the excitement and anticipation of a diving holiday can get the better of us and we tend to overlook our own condition for a dive.
Our commitment to safety also includes our crew which is why we limit a maximum of 4 dives (including a night dive) in a day so that they too get ample rest to minimise fatigue, ergo minimise the risk of working on a vessel.
As always, itineraries are subject to weather, logistics, and also, importantly, where sites are better during the week of your cruise. Your cruise directors will constantly be updating you on the schedule/plans on board during your cruise.
For more information or clarification, please do not hesitate to write to emailus@solitude-liveaboards.com
FAQ
Enriched Air Nitrox
Enriched Air Nitrox is exclusively offered to certified divers. Our proficient dive team will determine the blend, approximately between 28-32%, considering the MOD, dive site, its profile, and target species, ensuring the best opportunity for a safe and optimised diving experience.
EANitrox prices are as follows: USD$8 per dive OR USD$135 for 8 days/7 nights Palau itinerary, with subsequent additional use USD$20 per day.
DIN or International?
We have both.
15L/100cuft Scuba Cylinders?
Yes, we have. It is an additional USD$8 per cylinder per diving day.
Side-mount Diving?
+ Additional 12L/80cuft cylinder with air: USD$10 per cylinder per diving day
+ Additional 12L/80cuft cylinder with EANitrox: USD$18 per cylinder per diving day. Whole Trip Use discount applies. Please check with your cruise directors or our sales and reservation staff.
Rebreather Diving? Twins?
No, We do not have support for Rebreather or Twin Tank Configuration.
Dive Insurance
At Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts, we prioritise the safety of our guests above all else, recognising that a secure diving experience is paramount to an unforgettable adventure. Our commitment to dive safety is unwavering, and we implement rigorous measures to ensure the well-being of every diver exploring the depths with us.
While we go to great lengths to provide a secure environment, we firmly believe in the importance of personal responsibility. Hence, it is mandatory for diving at both our Liveaboards and Resorts that all guests possess appropriate dive insurance before embarking on any underwater excursions. This requirement is not just a formality; it is a crucial step towards safeguarding yourself and your fellow divers against unforeseen circumstances.
In the unpredictable world of underwater exploration, having reliable dive insurance is a prudent decision. To assist our guests in making informed choices, we recommend two reputable and specialised dive insurance providers – DAN WORLD and DIVE ASSURE. These organisations are renowned for their comprehensive coverage and dedication to diver safety.
We encourage you to carefully review the offerings of DAN WORLD and DIVE ASSURE to find the insurance plan that best suits your individual needs. Choosing the right coverage ensures peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking underwater experiences that our Liveaboards and Resorts offer. Remember, your safety is our top priority, and we are here to support you in making the right decisions for a secure and memorable diving adventure.
Additionally, we want you to know that if we receive any affiliation commission upon your selection to purchase cover from either of these companies, the funds will be reinvested to continue to educate, train, and provide the necessary and much-needed personal equipment to our dive guides at our various locations. Your decision to prioritise safety not only benefits you but also contributes to the ongoing improvement of our diving programs, ensuring an enriching experience for everyone involved. Remember, your safety is our top priority, and we are here to support you in making the right decisions for a secure and memorable diving adventure.
Floorplan
Technical Information
General
Type and Year Built Steel Mono-Hull with aluminium superstructure, launched in 2023.
Port of Registry/Flagged Indonesia
Cruising Itinerary Routes Palau
Length 40m (meters) Beam 9m Draft 2.3m or Length 131.24ft (feet) Beam 29.53ft Draft 7.55ft
Cruising Speed 10 Knots with top speed 14 Knots
Diesel Capacity 62,256L (16,459.25 US Gal.)
Cruising Range is approximately 4150 nautical miles (7,685km) – with allowances made for weather and variations in manoeuvrability).
Engine & Propulsion twin Yanmar engines 829 HP @ 1900 RPM.
Electricity (2 x BAUDOIN 6W105S RATED 107KW- 1500RPM) and (1 x WEICHAI WP4CD66E200
50KW/62.5KVA 3PH 50Hz)generators providing 24 hours of 200V to 240V – 50Hz power.
Navigation equipped with local navigation maps, GPS chart plotter, radar (long/short range), weather plotter, and depth sounder.
Communication System VHF/SB radios, VSAT satellite phone & internet
Ship Safety System GMDSS with EPIRB, AIS, life rafts, emergency survival packs, and a semiautomated fire suppression sprinkler system.
Fresh Water Capacity 63,086L (storage) with 3 onboard water-makers each capable of
producing 280L of fresh water per hour.
Diving
Dive Skiffs there are two purpose-built aluminium boats measuring 6m each, equipped with single 100HP outboard engines.
Support Skiff purpose-built fibreglass boats measuring 6m, equipped with single 100HP outboard engines.
Air Compressors 3 x Bauer Poseidon compressors Nitrox Membrane System Aaragon
Dive Guides ratio 1 to 6 divers. Private guide service is available for USD150 per diving day (pdd).
Dive Equipment Rental is available, which includes dive computers, but underwater cameras are not included.
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB), Lead Weights & Belt are complimentary but responsible to replace if lost or damaged
Enriched Air Nitrox Diving EANx 28 to 32%, to provide a more suitable M.O.D for divers
Scuba Cylinders of various DIN sizes (York Adaptors available). Twin tanks are not available, side-mount friendly.
Rebreather Support only on full charters with rebreather divers. Organising scrubbers requires advanced notice of 60 days or more, although there is no guarantee.
Alternatively, you have the option to order and send them to us. It’s important to note that oxygen supply in Palau is both limited and costly. Medical Oxygen and Comprehensive First Aid Kits are available
FOR YOUR SAFETY
NO SOLO diving is allowed, even if you are certified. It is mandatory for ALL guests engaging in scuba activities to have an audible signalling device (such as a whistle), a dive computer, a surface marker buoy, appropriate dive insurance coverage, a valid dive certification, and have completed waiver Form A and Form C for the activities.
Digital Area
Large Camera Rinsing Tanks rinse tanks with air-gun and towels just for cameras.
Pressurised Air for drying is available.
Camera Setup Bench, Editing and Charging Stations are available.
Universal Power Sockets are available.
Power Type 200V-220V/50Hz
Surge Stabilisation and UPS Sockets are available throughout the Digital Area.
Electrical Plug Adopters and Extensions are available.
E6 Photo Processing is not available.
Hospitality
Entertainment onboard entertainment includes smart TVs installed in every cabin, lounge, and dining area. The lounge features a Bose audio system designed to elevate your viewing experience, complementing the 65-inch smart TV. Additionally, guests have access to cards and board games for their leisure and enjoyment.
Types of Coffee Available onboard there is a fully automatic (self-service) ground coffee machine, local and instant coffee.
Types of Tea Available onboard, we maintain a diverse selection that includes Chamomile, English Breakfast, Ginger, Green, and Chinese teas, subject to availability.
Drinking Water free flow from potable water dispenser with additional 4-stage filtration.
Alcoholic Beverages Available* beer, red/white/rose wine, and popular liquors, you may also BYO (at a reasonable amount – i.e. Philippines or Palau duty-free allowance) with no corkage charge. We do not allow any request to assist in personal purchases to stock alcoholic beverages as we conduct sales of alcoholic beverages on board.
Non-alcoholic Beverages are subject to availability, popular selections include light and zero options. Tonic and Soda water are also available.
Self Serve Snacks are available 24 hours.
Ice Maker available.
Special Dietary Requests with prior notice, we can cater to vegetarian and selective non-meat diets. However, for vegans, we kindly request advanced notice and a specific list of allowable ingredients for their meal preparation.
Souvenirs* Solitude Gaia apparel are still in progress, however, local souvenirs can be purchased when we take you to the local shopping mall.
Onboard Guest Services* satellite internet and laundry services are available.
* are subject to additional costs
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