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Stella Maris Explorer
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Stella Maris Explorer, Philippines

4.0Good2 verified reviews
from
USD
345
per day

Stella Maris Explorer offers an exceptional diving experience in the Philippines with a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio and Nitrox included in the price. Visit the best diving destinations, including Tubbataha and Visayas, known for their excellent macro diving, stunning corals, and healthy reefs.

Boat Interior

The boat comfortably accommodates 20 passengers. Economy cabins on the lower deck feature two single beds and can be shared. The main deck houses Deluxe cabins with double beds, while the upper deck offers 4 standard cabins. All staterooms are en-suite and equipped with air conditioning. Between or after dives, guests can relax in the lounge area, perfect for reading a book or watching TV or DVDs. Another relaxation space is the sun deck, where guests can enjoy the view or use the boat's jacuzzi.

Safety

The liveaboard is equipped with a full range of safety equipment, including life vests, emergency rafts, a first aid kit, and firefighting equipment, ensuring a secure diving adventure.

Itineraries

The itineraries include diving at the Tubbataha Reefs. The trip features visits to renowned dive spots such as Delsan Wreck, known for its abundant fish life and frequent shark sightings, including whitetip and blacktip sharks. At Black Rock, divers can encounter schools of surgeonfish, sweetlips, lobsters, and nurse sharks. The Washing Machine dive spot attracts colorful corals, barracudas, mantas, and large Napoleon wrasses. Tubbataha's shallow reefs are home to big turtles and a vast array of soft and hard corals, including large sponges, anemones, and gorgonian fans, which host numerous sea creatures.

When to Go

The diving season at Tubbataha runs from March until June, offering the best visibility and most comfortable water temperatures, ranging from 26°C to 28°C.

Stella Maris Explorer provides an excellent opportunity to explore the marvelous diving destination of Tubbataha, supported by a quality team and the comfort of a modern diving yacht. With its exceptional service and facilities, it ensures a memorable diving adventure in the Philippines

Cabins

Economy Cabin
Lower Deck
Economy Cabin
2 Guests
Standard Cabin
Upper Deck
Standard Cabin
2 Guests
Premium Economy Cabin
Lower Deck
Premium Economy Cabin
2 Guests
Deluxe Cabin
Main Deck
Deluxe Cabin
3 Guests
Boat plan
Boat deck plan

Boat Specification

Year built / Renovation
1986
Number of cabins
10
Dive guides to divers ratio
5:1
Groups or charters
Yes
Gear rental
Surcharge
Wi-Fi
No
Nitrox
Free
Fleet/Managing company
Expedition Fleet Liveaboards
Length and width
31 m / 7.4 m
Capacity
20
Tenders
2x 27ft with Yamaha engines
Material
Aluminium
Languages crew speak
English
Power plugs onboard
220/110V-60htz
Engines
MTU
Generator
2 x Isuzu 60 KVA 1 x Kobota 10 KVA
Tech diving friendly
No
Handicapped Friendly
No
Compressors
3 x Coltri
Nitrox Membrane
Nitrox Membrane System
Freshwater maker
5000 ltr

Dive Facilities

  • Warm Water Showers
  • Compressors
  • Rinse Hosts
  • Tenders for Diving
  • Dive Deck
  • DIN Adaptors

Boat navigation & safety

Full safety

Food & Drinks

  • Western Food
  • Local Food
  • Dietary Restrictions
  • Buffet Style
  • Alcoholic Beverages and Spirits
  • Hot & Cold Soft Drinks

Onboard Facilities

  • Audio & Video Entertainment
  • Air Conditioned Saloon
  • Sun Deck
  • Sun Loungers
  • Open Air Saloon
  • Indoor Saloon
  • Hot Tub / Jacuzzi

Stella Maris Explorer Reviews

4
Good
2 verified reviews
Cabins & Facilities
Food & drinks
Guiding & Safety
Service & Infrastructure
4.3
Highly recommended
I loved the diving, guides are professional and they prioritize safety first. Each group has two guides so if you needed any assistance or needed to go up, one of the guides help with you and rest of the group can continue diving. Cabin has A/C that you can adjust temperature on your own and it's very clean and spacious. Food was good, but they did not really accommodate for the guest who was vegetarian. Staff are all very kind and friendly, overall it was wonderful trip and would highly recommend.
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2023-07-11by O. Yuko
3.8
Stella Maris May
The trip got off to a slow start as the Stella Maris Explorer (and all other liveaboards) were stopped from travelling to Tubbataha by the coast guard due to a low pressure front. On the first day liveaboards were stopped from diving at Puerto Princessa so the owners offered a free trip to the underground river to divers. A nice gesture. On the second day we were able to do two local dives. That evening we were able to travel overnight to Tubbataha. In an additional effort to make up for lost dives we were offered two five dive days. I shared an economy cabin. It was basic but comfortable. There is not a lot of head room in the bunks. The bathroom is compact and has a sit down shower. It is a bit cramped but usable. Everything functioned. If you are tall or large it may be a challenge. Overall the cabin was fine. The diving operation was generally smooth. The dive staff were good. The dive deck is small, but after a couple of dives we adapted to the space available and it worked well. The showers at to back were welcome after a dive. I used my own equipment so I can’t comment about the rental gear. The tenders carried 10 divers plus dive crew. I experienced no issues with the tender and its operation. It was a back roll on exit and the tender had a reasonable ladder to reboard. If you required assistance it was offered. The food was good to very good with plenty of it available. The desserts and soups were a highlight. Those with dietary requirements were catered for. The variety of soft drinks was limited as were reasonably priced wines. The staff were very good and my fellow divers a diverse and friendly bunch. Overall a pleasant trip.
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2023-05-18by N. David

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