Stella Maris Explorer

Planning a trip to Tubbataha? Well, aboard on Stella Maris Explorer – the exquisite and luxurious steel yacht measuring 36×74 meters that offers cruises round about Tubbataha. Stella Maris Explorer was created sometime in 1986 and is a large vessel, cozy and settled on sea. It can accommodate up to 22 guests.

Stella Maris Explorer’s electronics components of direction-finding are made up of Global Positioning Systems or GPS, sounders and also radar for direction-findings at night. The communication of Stella Maris Explorer is secured by radio VHF and SSB technologies. When urgent situation arise, the vessel is equipped with pharmacy, medic first aid kit, oxygen, life raft, life jackets and fire extinguishers.

Accommodations

There are 1o cabins offered with Stella Maris Explorer, each cabin is equipped with ensuite bath that has hot & cold water, towels, centrally air conditioning, twin prong socket which is 220v mains outlet. Specifically, there are 4 standard cabins that have twin bed located on upper deck, 3 deluxe cabins that have double or twin bed located on main deck, and 3 C-Deck cabins that have twin bed located on lower deck.

To the upper deck, along at the arc is the huge 20 square meter sundeck that has spa bath, the wheelhouse as well as the officer cabin and then standard cabins.

The main deck is equipped with deluxe cabins, the camera suite, the gallery and tavern, after that the dive podium. The camera suite is intended for storing and preparation of underwater camera work gears.

The indoor tavern is fully air-conditioned that has windows. It’s actually a huge area where everyone meets during mealtimes and dive briefings. On board is an amusement center that is composed of music, TV and DVD for every guest’s leisure time. Also, an extensive selection of underwater life books and scuba diving journal library is available for your pastime.

The dive area is made up of a very wide kitting up zone, and a couple of detach enter/exit stepladders and four freshwater bath areas for a snappy bathe after dive. Huge buckets with freshwater are also available intended for rinsing photographic cameras, dive computer systems and torches. Stella Maris Explorer likewise features a membrane system which is Nitrox compressor on the yacht. The bottom deck is occupied by C-deck cabins as well as the engine room.

Stella Maris Explorer’s tour guide is either local or foreigner who is capable of English speaking. On board, PADI professionals are present to guide guests who wish to dive. 4/5:1 is the dive ratio within Stella Maris Explorer where everyone can fully enjoy a serene dive.

Rates and Packages

Stella Maris Explorer rates start with 1334 US Dollars per person for C-Deck Cabin, 1445 US Dollars per person for standard cabin and 1556 US Dollars per person for Deluxe Cabin. The following are the inclusion of the packages:
 Professional PADI dive guide
 5 dives a day which includes nighttime dive
 12L tanks belt and weights
 Full accommodation such as meals and snacks, water, coffee and tea

Take note of the following which are not included of the package:
Land transportations from Manila to Batangas for the Tubbataha trips
Domestic air travels from Manila to Puerto Princessa and then Puerto Princesa to Manila
Soda and alcoholic drinks
$100 per person for fuel surcharge
$38 for Apo Reef Conservation Fee
$78 for Tubbataha Conservation Fees
Diving Insurance
$15 per day of Full Set Dive equipment
12L Nitrox tanks ($7/tank or $30/day)

Stella Maris Explorer cruises last 6 days and 5 nights on Tubbataha or 8 days and 7 nights for transition trips.

Reviews from Tripadvisor

“I went here in Mid march, maybe a bit early in the Season as the water was a little murky.. Think it was only the 2nd or 3rd trip of the season… Visibility of about 15 metres or so. Went on the Stella Maris Explorer Liveaboard for 5 days. Boat was good, staff were also good.” del200ontour, Reading, Berks