Palau:  March 1-13, 2012

Palau is the western-most cluster of six major island groups which make up the Caroline Islands, 600 miles east of the Philippines. Home to many world class dive sites, Palau has recently made history by establishing the first shark preserve in the world. Palau is known for incredibly clear water to explore the 1300-1500 hundred species of reef fish inhabiting the surrounding coral lagoon and adjacent islands.

We have booked our diving through Sam’s Tours. Sam’s is a PADI 5-Star Dive Center that will take great care of us during our stay. 

Boats are custom dive boats fully equipped for safety and comfort. There is a maximum of 6 divers per guide. A typical day would have us leaving the dock around 9:00 am. Our dive trip begins with a 45-minute ride through Palau’s beautiful inner lagoon. As you might expect, Palau offers a wide variety of diving sites but is probably most famous for its drift dives, such as Blue Corner. After the first dive, surface intervals are spent on beautiful rock island beaches or snorkeling sites on the outer reefs. During this time lunch and refreshments are served. Afterwards you may want to enjoy snorkeling, beach combing, island exploration, or just kick back and rest before suiting up for the next dive.  On most days we will return to Sam’s dock around 4:00 pm.

• Roundtrip Airfare from Minneapolis (with just 1 stop)

• Roundtrip transfers

• 10 nights accommodations at the Sea Passion Hotel (double occupancy)

• 16 boat dives and unlimited shore diving from Sam’s macro wall

• 16 meals (breakfast daily and lunch on dive days)

• Hotel tax and service charges

• Snorkeling trip to the famous Jellyfish Lake

• Free Nitrox (with proof of certification)

• Location - 7° 30' North Latitude, 133° 30' East Longitude

• Official Languages - English and Palauan

• Time Zone - When it's Noon Monday in Palau, it is: Los Angeles 7:00 P.M. Sunday

• Climate - Palau enjoys a pleasantly warm climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of 82° degrees F. Rainfall can occur throughout the year, and the annual average is 150 inches. The average relative humidity is 82%, and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Typhoons are rare as Palau is located outside the typhoon zone.

• Currency & Credit Cards - The official currency of the Republic is the U.S. Dollar. Visa, JCB, Master Card, and American Express cards are widely accepted at stores and visitor facilities.

• Tipping - Tipping is optional, but appreciated.

• VISA and PASSPORT Requirements - All visitors must have a valid passport not less than 6 months from date of expiration and proof of return arrangements. Citizens of United States of America, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Guam, and the Common Wealth of Northern Marianas Islands with valid passports are issued 1 year Visa upon arrival.

Trip Cost: $3,499*
$3570.00 Now includes one additional day in Palau

All rates quoted by Scuba Center include a 2% discount for cash/check payments.

DAN Membership & Diving Insurance

Sample packing checklist