Dive in Palau Pristine Seas and Shark Sanctuary

Why We Love It

Dive among gorgeous islands and pristine seas in Palau, Micronesia. Palau was the first country to declare a shark sanctuary in 2009, successfully protecting over 135 Western Pacific shark species, as well as rays. With striving reefs, several WWII shipwrecks to explore, and some blue holes, steep walls, and caverns, the diving is very diverse. You'll also get to snorkel in the famous jellyfish lake! We love the super friendly and experienced team of this liveaboard - you'll benefit from their great knowledge of the sites!

Conservation

The dive operator is on the board of SeaSave NGO, which goes to the United Nations and other global bodies to effect international change. The Liveaboard is also providing essential supplies to local communities in need - food, educational materials, pharmaceutical necessities, and other commodities, which they deliver to remote areas.

Who Is It For?

For advanced divers who like big and small. Divers are required to have a minimum of 40 logged dives.

Prices and Dates

Dive Briefing!

Marine Life

• Palau’s rich marine life includes approximately 400 species of hard corals, 300 species of soft corals, 1400 species of reef fish, 7 out of 9 of the world’s species of giant clams, the world’s most isolated colony of dugongs (a relative of the sea cow) and Micronesia’s only saltwater crocodiles.
• Foreign fishing was quickly depleting Palau’s marine life. Since 2020, the country has had 80% of its waters as protected areas, with no fishing allowed.
• Most of the country is surrounded by a barrier reef, and the approximate southern half of the reef comprises the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Rock Island Southern Lagoon.

Dive Conditions

• Season: the best time is during the dry season from October to May
• Currents: medium to strong on some sites
• Visibility: 30 to 40 m (98 to 131 ft)
• Water temperature: 27° to 29°C (81° to 84°F)
• Depth: shallow and deep dives

Dive Sites

• There are around 40 dive sites in Palau. Every day, you'll be able to choose the ones you'd like to explore.
• Malakal Bay has incredible US and Japanese WWII wrecks, with both shipwrecks and airplane wrecks. Most of them are close to Koror.
• The Chandelier Cave is also a very popular and easy cavern you'll get to explore.
• The German Channel dive site is south of the boat passage, where manta rays come to feed and get cleaned.
• Near Ngemelis island, you'll dive along current swept walls, home of the Blue Corner and Blue Holes, and Peleliu.
• You'll get to dive in clear water, stunning coral gardens, and massive schools of both big and small fish, including an impressive number of sharks.

The Team

• Operation created in Palau in 2013
• PADI courses available onboard: Advanced Open Water, Nitrox - asks us
• Languages spoken on board: English, Italian, Spanish, Filipino
• 6 people maximum per dive guide

Safety Information

• Equipment Recommended: a 3mm wetsuit is usually enough. Bring a reef hook that you'll be able to use on rocks when the current is strong.
• Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe which has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote
• Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: nearest chamber is in Koror.

Visas, Flights, and More!

Visa Requirements

• If transiting via Guam and Hawaii, non-US citizens need to apply for an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or acquire a USA visa before traveling.
• Passport holders from most western countries are issued a 30 days tourist visa on arrival and the duration of stay is authorized for the number of days requested.
• Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 4 months from the date of entry into Chuuk. You are also required to show a confirmed ticket to leave Chuuk or any country you are transiting through, before boarding your flight.
• For further information regarding visas please visit the Federated States of Micronesia website

How to Get There

• Most flights going to Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) in Palau come from Manilla in the Philippines (MNL) or Guam (GUM), both with United Airlines.
• From Taiwan (TPE) you can fly with China Airlines a couple of times a week.
• From Australia, you can fly once a week from Brisbane (BNE) with Air Niugini via Port Moresby Airport (POM).
• Return airport transfers are organized by the liveaboard as follows:
  • Guests can check in from 18:00 on the first the day
  • Check-out is at the latest at 17:00 on the last day

More...

• Palau is subject to dengue, and zika. Take necessary precautions to avoid them
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, and a rash-guard