Stella Maris Explorer is a pleasure yacht, as it has a spacious open-air top deck perfect for enjoying your sundowner while watching the sunset in the Philippines
The Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park is made up of 2 atolls rising in the middle of the Sulu Sea. A Study by Conservation International has confirmed what Scientists long theorized, that it is the nursery for fish and Coral larvae that populates the Sulu-Sulawesi Triangle – an area that not only covers the most important and productive fishing grounds of the Philippines but extends as far south as Malaysia and Indonesia.
What you can expect
The Stella Maris Explorer is a 36 meters liveaboard operating in the Philippines. The motor yacht is described as a “pleasure boat” and offers scuba diving cruises on the Tubbataha and Apo-Coron Reefs. Built in 1986, the dive vessel has been upgraded many times ever since and upholds great navigation & diving standards.
The Stella Maris provides enough cabins to welcome 20 guests on every voyage. Indeed, there are 10 air-conditioned cabins on the boat and each is completed by a full en-suite bathroom. Also, cabins have hot water running in the shower and new memory foam mattresses. Plus, every cabin displays enough storage and wardrobe space for your belongings. Moreover, cabins are divided onto 3 Decks and some feature Twin-beds and others have Double/Queen beds.
Stella Maris Explorer is fully air-conditioned inside and is fitted with modern furniture and a carpeted flooring. Additionally, the Indoor Lounge is fitted with cozy couches and feature a complete TV/DVD entertainment system. Of course, you will find an extensive DVD, books and games library on-board.
Furthermore, the partly shaded top sundeck features ample space for loungers but also a table and a Bar area. You will agree that it’s the best place to enjoy the ever changing view of the Philippines. You can watch the sun go down and the stars shine at night, while you enjoy a drink! The second favorite spot is definitely at the bow as that’s where the Jacuzzi tub can be found!
The Stella Maris Explorer is part of the Expedition Fleet Liveaboards which also include the Borneo Explorer, Eco, Crystal and Oceanic Explorer. This dive vessel is considered as one of the pleasure yachts of the fleet as it boasts plenty of cozy outdoor space.
How To Get There
Please refer to logistics section of each itinerary to find detailed info on how to get there.
Herewith are some information to help you book your flight schedules
1. The boat leaves its mooring between 6-8pm and travels overnight to Tubbataha Reef on the day of departure, so you can count on your first dive (conditions permitting) in the early morning on the second day of your booking and returns during the night, so your last dive is on the evening before the last day of your booking. The boat returns to its mooring at approximately 6am and check out is after breakfast.
2. 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.
3. 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.