PALAU is a truly stunning diving and eco-tour destination and lies about 2 hours southwest of Guam and two hours south east of Manila. Sharks, barracuda and large fish are seen on almost every dive as well as turtles, giant clams and lovely coral formations. Plus don't forget the world famous Rock Island eco-system. The variety of diving is almost endless. Walls, caves, tunnels, drift dives, open ocean dives the list just keeps going! The Palau Visitors Authority website is a "must vist" for anyone wanting more information on Palau.
Sam's Tours is one of the largest dive operations on Palau and has been instrumental in setting new standards of diving in the island. Sam's offers many different options on diving depending upon your length of stay. The waterside PADI 5-Star IDC Center is convenientlylocated very near Chandelier Caves, and offers a wide range of activities. Among these are Planet Blue Kayaking (you gotta do this) that offers incredible rock island trips, and Sam's has the only fully equipped 41' Bertram ocean fishing charter services in Palau
Fish N Fins Tova and Navot Bornovski, owners and operators of Fish ‘n Fins, and Ocean Hunter liveaboards would love to welcome you to Palau. Fish N FIns will broaden your knowledge of Palau, show you the best dive locations for diving and snorkeling, lazy relaxing kayaking tours that will take you to explore the Rock Islands while their international, professional and friendly staff will be there to assist you and looking after you while you are in Palau. Fish N Fins offers kayaking, diving, land tours, PADI Specialty Courses and more.
Take a video tour of Palau. There are over 12 different videos featuring many of the top dive sites and attractions in Palau, all in high quality 'instant view'. Go right here and begin your exploration of Palau.
PALAU HOTELS Palau offers a variety of different styles of accommodations ranging from budget hotels, luxury resorts, bungalows and cottages to family suites. Choose below what best fits your need and expectations.
Awarded “2007 Best Dive Resort in Asia” and "2009 Republic of Palau's Leading Hotel" by the World Travel Awards, Palau Pacific Resort is an ideal luxury island resort in Micronesia for divers and non-divers alike. This superb hotel has two outdoor tennis courts, A saltwater fish pond, and the orchid nursery at the PPR has over fifty varieties of orchids. All tour operators will pick you up dock side.
Sea Passion is a smaller hotel with all the amenities of the large resorts. They are located within 5 minutes of Sam's Tours.
The Sea Passion offers a full service restaurant that includes a complementary breakfast each day, swimming pool, beach, water sports, airport transfers, free internet in the lobby, a gift shop and massages facilities or in-room massages. Also on site is the Sea Passion beach bar that offers music while watching the sunset.
Palau Royal Resort is a 5-star international resort hotel, operated by Nikko Hotel International. Located 25 minutes from the airport, 3 minutes from Sam's tours, and just a few minutes to the center of Koror. Offering 157 luxurious rooms and suites, all day dining at the restaurant offering international cuisine: Chinese, Japanese and Western. A salt water moat has many varieties of tropicla fish.
They offer a wide range of recreational activities on site such as internet library, gift shop, children’s playroom, table tennis, gym, swimming pool, beach, tennis courts and full service Mandara Spa. An added bonus is that they have thier very own whie sandy beach and scenic view right beside their pool. Take a look at recent pictures here.
------------------
West Plaza is a budget hotel with several locations. If you are looking for a “no frills” hotel but….. clean, comfortable, air conditioned, affordable, and close to many different areas in Koror this is ideal. Walking distance from restaurants, shops and small markets. Airport transfers included. (No pool or beach)
------------------
Cliffside HotelLocated out from the main town of Koror the Cliffside is built into the hill. Cliffside Hotel is positioned higher up on the cliff line with an awesome view of the famous Rock Islands. The rooms are large and comfortable for singles, couples, or entire families.
They have 2 Executive Suites with 2 bedrooms per suite as well as a kitchenette and living area which makes them ideal for a family group. There is a comfortable cocktail lounge, a full service restaurant and a pool with pool bar & hot tub for you to enjoy. Located 25 minutes from the Palau airport.
It's just a short taxi ride to shops, restaurants and more.
(No beach)
------------------
The Carolines is a unique resort located in the mountains of Koror. With Palauan-style high peaked rooms this hotel offers a spectacular view of the lagoon. Located just 25 minutes from the airport. Bungalows are structures made of local materials such as bamboo, mahogany, and mangrove.
Bungalows may seem rustic from the outside, but each bungalow is equipped with air conditioning, TV and VCR, refrigerator, mini bar and private bathroom, all the conveniences you've come to expect from a resort. Just a short taxi ride from the center of Koror. (No Pool or beach)
Got some time and looking for that deserted beach resort??? For a well rested trip to Peleliu, you should spend at least 3 nights here. Taking a water taxi to Peleliu, you will be staying on the southern tip of Palau, this location is just minutes away from the really great dive sites. Located on Peleliu, Dolphin Bay Resort has 7 natural style bungalows. If you want a totally "laid back" atmosphere, with no night life, this is perfect for you. Internet service, unlimited unguided kayaking, full service dive shop and bicycle rental is available. (No pool) The onsite full service restaurant offers 3 meals per day and has a traditional beach bar for sunset watching.
Peleliuo Divers offers a 2 tanks dive day, lunch, tanks, weights, boat and guide. The GREAT ADVANTAGE of diving with Peleliu Divers is that you can be out diving the Blue Corner, Blue Holes, and the Peleliu tip before all the other dive boats leave Koror for an hour boat ride south! This means you literally have the Blue Corner to yourselves. They also will not take more than 8 divers out on one boat!
PALAU TIPS
-Visa not required. Yopur passport MUST be valid for 180 days (6 months) after your intended stay. Departure tax and Green Fee are a total of $35 per person, to be paid at the airport when departing Palau, in cash. This could also increase.
-Palau requires all persons in water activities to obtain a permit. The required Koror State/Jellyfish Lake Government Permit & Peleliu State Government Permit. Permits are $55 each person, and are valid for 10 days and may be purchased at Sam's Tours and Fish N Fins. Cash only for permits. This rate might change.
From our Clients
1. If you are staying at either the PRR, Sea Passion, or West Plaza Malacal there are 3 very good restaurants within easy walking distance, less than 5 minutes. Bottom Time Grill at Sam's, Kramers, and the Drop Off at Neco. Take a taxi to the Taj...wonderful indian food.
2. There are also a couple of food stores right next to the Weat Plaza and Sea Passion.
3. We didn't know what to do about tipping the staff, so we gave the divemasters cash each day, and gave the divemaster that took care of our kids a little more. They were very appreciative.
4. When going on a dive trip take a rain jacket and a dry bag!! The boats on the other islands are not like the MDA Boats. So bringing along a rain jacket and dry bag will help.
5. Bring your beach towel, sunscreen and a hat. If you are a burner, pack the ALOE!