Geographically part of the larger island group of Micronesia, Palau (or Belau in Palauan language), is an island nation comprised of 16 states.
Officially know as the Republic of Palau, this island nation in the Pacific Ocean is approximately 500 miles east of the Philippines and 2000 miles south of Tokyo. Palau gained independence in 1994, after emerging from United Nations trusteeship administered by the US for 47 years and is one of the world’s youngest and smallest nations. It was the American Diver’s Association CEDAM International (CEDAM stands for conservation, education, diving, awareness and marine research) who nominated and chose the Palau Reefs for one of the seven wonders of the underwater world in 1989. CEDAM chose the wonders in accordance to their quality of marine life, and whether we should keep them well preserved as protected sites.
You don’t have to get wet to take pleasure in Micronesia’s richest flora and fauna. Palau’s scenery ranges from soft, white sand beaches, tropical rainforest, jungle trails, to spectacular waterfalls and hidden lakes. There are a multitude of activities to get involved in, from kayaking, snorkeling, bird-watching and hiking.
Visit the remains of ancient Palauan villages where stone paths and ceremonial stone plinths tell us the story of the past. You can explore caves, decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, within the rock islands or take in the history of Palau’s WWII past, such as the Japanese forts, lighthouses and other structures. Please see “Things To Do”. We are happy to assist in arranging customised itineraries to suit your needs.
The Palauan archipelago is incredibly diverse, Palau’s most populated islands are the tiny island of Angaur; Micronesia’s second-largest island Babeldaob (the land that Pacific standard time forgot); Koror and the once war-ravaged but now alluring, Peleliu. The latter three lie together within the same barrier reef, while Angaur is an Oceanic Island several miles to the South. Roughly two-thirds of the population lives on Koror. The coral atoll of Kayangel is situated north of these islands, while the uninhabited and most photographed, Rock Islands (of which, there are about 400) are situated to the west of the main island group. A remote group of six islands, known as the Southwest Islands, some 375 miles (600 km) from the main islands, are also part of the country and make up the States of Hatohobei and Sonsorol.
In 2009, Palau created the world’s first “shark sanctuary”, banning all commercial shark fishing in its surrounding waters. With half of the world’s marine sharks currently at risk of extinction, conservationists saw the move as “game-changing”. Since then, other countries that have followed suit, include the Bahamas, Honduras, the Maldives, Tokelau and the Marshall Islands.
04 February 2014, President Tommy Remengesau Jr. announced the plans to UN to make Palau a complete marine reserve, banning all types of commercial fishing.
AVAILABLE DATES: as of 24 September, 2020
01 – 08 Dec, 2020 10 slots
Palau, Malakal
[1] All dives inclusive of a Dive master, boat, weights, and tank. Rental of additional dive gear, nitrox and night dive cost extra.
[2] All pre-booked dives inclusive of Local Environmental Fees. Not included are camera fees, diesel surcharge (far dive sites), mooring fees, and dive site specific fees.
[3] Inclusive of ground transfers to/from designated pick-up/drop-off locations. Request of pick-up/drop off at locations outside designated pick-up/ drop-off points may cost extra. Please see our article about designated pick-up/ drop-off locations.
[4] Luggage considerations: We expect our diver guest to have one (1) piece of standard luggage (22kg), one (1) dive gear bag (22kg), one (1) handheld bag.
[5] Transportation surcharges may apply for extra luggage not specified above [4]. Please inform us additional luggage requirements to facilitate proper transportation. (Please check your international airline carrier of their luggage limits/requirements).
Disclaimer: We reserve the right to change the schedule due to Weather, Safety conditions, Driver, Dive
Embarkation and airport or hotel pick-up transfers will begin from 1800hrs. If you are arriving after midnight on day 1, do not worry, you will be met by our crew at the airport on your arrival and be transferred to Solitude One. The distance from the airport to the embarkation point is no more than 30 minutes. If you are staying at a hotel in Koror or Malakal, our crew will communicate with your hotel/resort front desk to inform you of your pick-up time. Embarkation transfers will stop at 1000hrs on Day 2 as Solitude One will get underway leaving Malakal Harbour.
Upon boarding Solitude One, a welcome from the rest of the crew awaits you. Orientation and registration (remember your C-Cards and/or Log Books!) will begin once you are welcomed. Your are encouraged to complete your registration and general liability release forms prior to arriving in Palau; this way you will save yourself some time with the orientation and can use this towards getting yourself settled in and rested! If you have not, there is nothing to worry about as you can complete them after the orientation to hand to your cruise directors. During the registration, the Koror and Peleliu Permit Fees & taxes (total of US $160) will be collected (cash only) as well. Jellyfish Lake Permit fees of US $50 (optional trip) will also be collected.
Choice of Sites: Helmet Wreck/Chandelier Cave/Jake Seaplane/Teshio Maru
Leave Malakal Lagoon Anchorage for Ulong Island.
Choice of Sites: Iro Wreck/Ulong Channel/Sandy Paradise/Siaes Corner
Choice of Sites: Siaes Tunnel/Siaes Corner/Ulong Channel/Sandy Paradise/German Channel/New Drop-Off
Choice of Sites: Peleliu (Wall/Cut/Express/Corner)/Orange Beach/German Channel/Blue Corner/Blue Holes)/Turtle Cove/Big Drop-Off
Choice of Sites: German Channel/Blue Corner/New Drop-Off/Big Drop-Off/Ngedbus Corner
Return to Malakal Lagoon Anchorage in the late evening.
After a big breakfast, you have optional complimentary tours (you will only need to pay for the entry permit fees) of Jellyfish Lake & Milky Way by speed boat. After the tour, you will return to Solitude One and prepare for check out before a late lunch. You will also be briefed on your check-out bills for you to prepare for payment. We accept USD Cash (preferred) or Credit Card (Pleaselet the cruise directors know the day before disembarkation). Disembarkation (check-out) will be by 1700hrs (dinner is not included). Late check-out till latest 0000Hrs (the next day) can be accommodated subject to availability and extra charge (please enquire for the current rate that will also include dinner).
PALAU 2020 | |||||||
MV SOLITUDE ONE | |||||||
SCHEDULES | Itinerary | Embarkation | Disembarkation | Nights | Rate per Diver (Less 10% for Non-Diver) Rates are valid til 31 December 2020 |
||
Port | Port | Stateroom | Deluxe | Quad | |||
01 Dec – 08 Dec, 2020 | Palau | Palau, Malakal | Palau, Malakal | 7 | 3,710.00 | 3,395.00 | 3,115.00 |
Additional Cost:
1. Although the standard mix for EAN is 32%, on most dives we have made an educated decision to provide in the proximity of EAN30 instead to allow a safer M.O.D. EAN 30% would provide some degree of depth buffer if you are caught especially in a down current but will still allow ample extended length of bottom time (compared to normal air). EANitrox prices are as follows: US $8 per dive OR US $135 for 8 days/7 nights itinerary, with subsequent additional use US $20 per Day.
The Map is currently Unavailable for this tour
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