DestinationsUpdated 21 September 2026
Micronesia is a paradise for divers, and Palau offers an extraordinary mix of WWII wrecks, shark-filled channels, blue holes and colourful reefs. A liveaboard puts diving at the heart of the trip, with meals and accommodation aboard and less time spent travelling back to a hotel.
Looking for an affordable Palau liveaboard in 2026? Start by comparing the lowest cabin category on several boats, then add every compulsory extra. Palau is a premium diving destination: “budget” here means finding good value for your dates, rather than expecting a low-cost holiday.
Compare Palau liveaboard prices and available departures →
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Palau liveaboards: price comparison for 2026
These are advertised starting rates observed on LiveAboard.com on 21 September 2026, in euros per person per day. They are comparison benchmarks, not quotes for a particular 2026 departure. The lowest rate may apply to another travel date or a limited cabin offer. Check the full trip price, currency and exclusions before booking.
| Boat | From / day | How to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Palau Aggressor II | €254 | Lowest starting rate among these three examples; check compulsory extras. |
| Ocean Hunter 3 | €304 | Compare standard cabins and the total cost of 7- versus 10-night trips. |
| Black Pearl | €452 | A higher-price benchmark; only treat it as a budget option if your actual quote fits. |
This is a starting shortlist, not an exhaustive cheapest-boat ranking. Availability, cabin sharing and promotions can change the order. Do not multiply a daily headline rate by seven to assume the price of a seven-night cruise: booking platforms may calculate it over eight calendar days.
Palau Aggressor II: a useful starting point
Palau Aggressor II accommodates up to 18 guests in nine air-conditioned staterooms with private bathrooms. Its listed Best of Palau trips run for eight days and seven nights. Meals and a diving package are included, but the booking page lists compulsory tax, fuel and port charges separately; nitrox, equipment rental and transfers can also add to the bill. Ask for a total for your exact departure and cabin before comparing it with another boat.
Ocean Hunter 3: compare the standard cabins
Ocean Hunter 3 carries up to 16 guests in eight air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms. Seven- and ten-night itineraries are listed, and the boat has dedicated camera facilities. For a value-focused trip, compare a standard cabin with the other cabin categories and check how many diving days the itinerary actually provides.
What should your total budget include?
Request one written breakdown for each option. Use the same dates, occupancy and currency so that a cheaper headline price does not hide a more expensive holiday.
- Cruise fare: cabin category, number of nights, sharing arrangements and any single supplement.
- Compulsory extras: applicable taxes, fuel surcharges, port charges and diving or conservation permits. Ask which are already included to avoid counting them twice.
- Diving extras: nitrox, rental equipment, courses and any activities outside the package.
- Travel: flights, checked diving luggage, airport transfers and hotel nights around the cruise.
- Personal costs: drinks outside the package, gratuities, insurance and a contingency allowance.
Example calculation only: a €2,600 cruise plus €500 in compulsory extras and €150 for your chosen diving extras totals €3,250 before flights, hotels and personal spending. These figures illustrate the method; they are not a current boat offer.
How to find better value
- Compare several departures. A cabin promotion is only a saving if the flights and hotel nights still make sense.
- Ask about shared cabins. Solo travellers should check berth availability and sharing terms before assuming they can book the advertised twin-share price.
- Compare diving days. Arrival and departure days are not necessarily full diving days; a longer itinerary may offer better value per dive but a higher overall cost.
- Check the cancellation conditions. Read payment deadlines, cancellation charges and what happens if the operator changes the trip.
- Price a land-based alternative. If you want fewer dives or more time ashore, compare accommodation plus day-boat diving in Koror with the full cruise total.
What happened to the older boat recommendations?
SS Thorfinn: its current listing describes wreck diving in Truk (Chuuk) Lagoon, a different destination from Palau. It has therefore been removed from this Palau shortlist. Read our SS Thorfinn review if you are planning a Chuuk trip.
Palau Sport: the old entry was incomplete. We have not verified a current Palau departure and fare for this update, so it is not ranked here as an available budget option.
Frequently asked questions
Which Palau liveaboard is cheapest?
Palau Aggressor II has the lowest advertised daily starting rate in the three examples above. The cheapest bookable trip for you depends on your dates, available cabin and compulsory extras.
Can I save by travelling outside peak season?
Palau offers diving year-round. Compare dates outside your first-choice period, but do not assume a wetter-season trip will automatically be discounted. Weather can affect the itinerary, so choose a trip you would still enjoy if the dive-site order changes.
Where can I compare more boats?
Browse our Palau liveaboard reviews and luxury Palau liveaboard guide, then check current schedules with the booking provider.
Find a Palau liveaboard that fits your dates and budget →
Sources checked for this update: Palau listings, Palau Aggressor II, Ocean Hunter 3 and Thorfinn. Prices and availability can change after the check date.
