Palau—an incredible cluster of islands and giant lagoon. The diverse diving cannot be matched anywhere else. Inside the lagoon the glistening flat ocean surface is sprinkled with 328 rock islands. These unusual formations are topped with a thick green growth of tropical foliage. Small marine organisms have spent centuries boring into their limestone base, sculpting them into fantasy mushrooms. Clustered together, the rock islands form lovely and intricate passageways through which boats motor at full speed.

Palau is world renowned for spectacular drop-offs. Vertical walls begin at a depth of two feet and plummet straight down to more than 1,000 feet. Diving these magnificent formations is an exhilarating experience. More than 50 shipwrecks are sunk in the lagoon—remnants of WWII attacks. Most ships are Japanese, but sunken aircraft are both American and Japanese.

A landlocked marine lake offers a bizarre opportunity to dive with a million non-stinging jellyfish. Blue holes, giant undersea tunnels, stalactite filled caves and a dozen more oddities make Palau Lagoon different from any other place in the world.

Fabulous Wall Diving—Palau is best known for its spectacular wall diving. Vertical drop-offs provide the opportunity to enjoy 200–foot visibility and a spectacular array of colorful marine life. Some of the deep gorgonian fans reach gargantuan proportions—15 feet tall and 10 feet wide!

          Ngemelis Drop-Off—On the north side of German Channel, the reef begins in two feet and plummets vertically to more than 1,000 feet. It is world renowned for its giant gorgonian fans and magnificent soft corals in radiant yellows, purples, oranges and golds.

          Blue Corner—One of Palau's most exciting sites, the wall makes a 90 degree turn, forming a sharp point that juts out into the open sea. Divers drift, letting the current carry them around the point. This is a high voltage dive. Divers encounter packs of Gray Reef Sharks swimming in the current, moving very close to the wall. This spot is famous for Blue Marlin, Manta Rays, Dogtooth Tuna and schools of over 100 Pacific Barracuda and other pelagics.

          Siaes Tunnel—Siaes Tunnel is another extraordinary dive that can be experienced only in Palau. On the west side of the atoll the vertical wall line juts out into the Philippine Sea, forming a very pointed corner, where a horizontal tunnel cuts right through the wall. This huge tunnel measures some 50 feet high. The ceiling is approximately 80 to 90 feet, while the floor is at 120 to 130 feet. The interior is covered with soft corals and deepsea gorgonian fans. Halfway through the tunnel there is a "window" in the wall that looks out into the deep blue sea.

          Big Drop-Off—In a protected area close to Ngemilis Island this wall dive begins in five feet. Absolutely vertical, it offers a multitude of large fans and rare tropicals.

          New Drop-Off—Halfway between Blue Corner and Big Drop-off, this vertical wall is similar to Blue Corner where a horizontal shelf sticks out of both ends. The spot is a favorite for Gray Reef Sharks, Dogtooth Tuna, Manta Rays and Blue Marlin.

          Shark City—A vertical wall, it forms a point jutting out into the open sea. A deep-V crevice cuts into the vertical face of the wall. Several giant Table Corals measuring six to eight feet in diameter are found It is a favorite haunt for several Gray Reef Sharks and a school of Barracuda.

          Jellyfish Lake—This is one of the strangest bodies of water known. Millions of years ago, a geologic upheaval caused a portion of Palau's lagoon to become trapped in a landlocked lake in the center of a larger rock island. To reach this lake, divers hike over a steep ridge and descend into a valley surrounded by jungle foliage. Although the lake is surrounded by high ridges on all sides, it is fed seawater through a maze of cracks and fissures in its limestone base.

In this mysterious, prehistoric lake live million or more non-stinging jellyfish. Traveling in a tightly clustered school, the cloud of jellyfish moves around the lake-following the sun's rays. Instead of stinging and feeding upon stunned fish, these former predators have become undersea farmers—growing their own food through photosynthesis. Divers can reach out and touch these jellyfish without injury, even gathering them in their arms.

          Chandelier Cave—Another fairyland experience is a dazzling underground tunnel and cave system. Chandelier Cave is under and inside the island of Ngarol. You enter this labyrinth through a 10–foot wide tunnel opening in the side of the Rock Island. The top of the tunnel is approximately 15 feet below the surface.

The cave system, comprised of five or six distinct chambers, meanders 400 feet or more under the island with several chambers filled with magnificently colored flowstones and crystalline stalactites. The freshwater portion is exceptionally clear as it forms a crystal lake.

Big Blue Explorer—This fully air–conditioned 160–foot long cruiser offers roomy cabins with private bathrooms, and plenty of storage space. Features include large deck with Jacuzzi, 4 open rinse showers, an entertainment center with TV, VCR, stereo, salon, bar and a large galley to prepare excellent meals. Four 24–foot skiffs give divers a good amount of flexibility at each site. Nitrox, E–6 processing and camera rentals are offered. Highly sophisticated communications equipment also gives guests access to email.

          Big Blue Explorer, 8 days aboard * All meals Onboard (excluding Beverages) * Private Bath * Jacuzzi * Unlimited Diving * Weekly $1899.

Palau Aggressor II—a newly constructed, 106–foot, jet–driven power catamaran,.it cruises at 26 knots, while only drawing 4–1/2 feet of water. Revolutionizing diving in Palau, it allows high speed access through outer reefs at any tide. Air–conditioned staterooms feature queen or single beds, private bathrooms and large windows. Palau Aggressor II provides individual dive lockers, a 3–tier camera table with low pressure air nozzles, 2 camera rinse tanks, fresh water showers, wet suit racks and a retractable dive platform. Other features include—full service indoor/outdoor bar, entertainment center with TV, VCR, CD player, tape decks and library, E–6 photo processing, photo equipment rental, spacious "sunroof" with hot tub and self service bar, and on–boared certification courses.

          Palau Aggressor II, 8 days aboard * All meals Onboard (except one dinner) * Beverages * Twin Cabin * Private Bath * Unlimited Diving * Weekly $2495.

Ocean Hunter—This intimate alternative to the big liveaboards carries only six divers. Its shallow draft allows for uncrowded dive sites and maximum flexibility. Palau's Ocean Hunter has three separately air–conditioned cabins—Cabins 1 and 2 share a luxurious bath, while Cabin 3 has a private bath. The salon is very homey with a sophisticated entertainment center and scientific marine library. A gourmet menu offers low-fat, fiber rich international cuisine, and caters to the vegetarian diver.

          Ocean Hunter, 8 days aboard * All meals Onboard (excluding Beverages) * Intimate * Three Cabins * Private and Shared Baths * Unlimited Diving * 6 divers in water max. * Weekly $2695.

Land-Based—All prices are land only, per person, double occupancy plus tax. Prices include boat, guide, 2-tanks daily, weights/weightbelt. Prices do not include transfers or dive permits.

Carolines Resort, 7 nights * 5 dive days * $1127. Experience the intimacy of the Carolines Resort. Enjoy your own private bungalow, inspired by Palau's centuries old traditional Palauan architecture. Handcrafted these wonderful structures using local materials such as bamboo, mahogany, and mangrove. Air-conditioning, private bath, cable TV/VCR and mini bar. At the end of the day a stunning sunset awaits you on your balcony, overlooking Palau's magnificent Rock Islands.

Each bungalow has its own private balcony that's perfect for enjoying your spectacular view, reading a good book, having a good chat or sipping a glass of fine wine. Relax into your fabulous sunset from your bungalow. You have the best view on the island!

Cliffside Hotel, 7 nights * 5 dive days * $1040. Alii and welcome to Cliffside Hotel Palau. You will experience the family-owned and operated hospitality that extends the true Palauan spirit of welcome. Situated on a quiet hillside overlooking Koror and its bays, Cliffside Hotel is the island's best kept secret. It is only 5 minutes away from downtown Koror and all dive shops.

During your visit to Palau, your days begin at Sunrise while hundreds of lush emerald islands strung together in a pellucid sapphire sea await your discovery. At the end of your daily activities, you will always find comfort and relaxation here. Enjoy the comfortable cocktail lounge, a full service restaurant and a pool with pool bar & hot tub. Outstanding service sets them apart. Extra effort from attentive staff is just part of the service. They will try to accommodate any special request you may have. Let your days in paradise begin and end where you will always feel at home... Paradise with a Personal Touch.

Desekel Hotel Palau, 7 nights * 5 dive days * $840. Desekel Hotel Palau West Plaza Desekel is a clean and comfortable modern economy hotel near the center of Koror City. It is within walking distance to restaurants, shops and museum. There are thirty standard and deluxe rooms with air-conditioning, telephones, televisions, refrigerators and private bathrooms.

Malakal Hotel Palau, 7 nights * 5 dive days * $840. West Plaza Malakal is located a few minutes from downtown Koror. This new hotel offers 26 rooms within easy walking distance of restaurants, dive shops and tour operators. Rooms range from standard to two-bedroom suites and feature ocean views, refrigerators, telephones, televisions and air-conditioning.

Palau Pacific Resort, 7 nights * 5 dive days * $1279. Palau Pacific Resort nestles among 64 acres of lush tropical gardens with exotic tropical flowers. On the western shore of Arakebasang hamlet in Koror, Republic of Palau, part of the Western Caroline Islands chain in Micronesia.

Surrounded by pristine and crystal blue waters of the western Pacific, this luxury international resort combines the true spirit and culture of the islands with tranquil ambience and beauty. The only luxury international resort hotel in Palau featuring a private 1000-foot blanket of white sand beach. Excellent snorkeling right off the beach front. Freshwater outdoor beach side swimming pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, two outdoor lighted tennis courts, a saltwater fish pond showcasing over 200 fish, clams and stingrays. The hotel's all-day alfresco restaurant and a fine dining restaurant offer the finest seafood and international cuisine on Palau.

Palau Pacific Resort offers 160 hotel guest rooms and suites, all thoughtfully appointed with a range of modern amenities for your relaxing hotel stay. Hotel guests enjoy fine dining in tropical style in a variety of dining outlets. Savor a wide range of Pacific Rim cuisine, including local fresh seafood, US prime beef and island specialities.

For leisure and relaxation, there is an array of hotel facilities, including a well-equipped Fitness Centre, freshwater swimming pool, two outdoor jacuzzis and tennis courts equipped for night play. Water sports enthusiasts can choose from windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing or kayaking. Splash, a PADI five-star Dive Centre, located on the hotel property, offers first-class diving for beginners or experienced divers.

Other Dive Adventure Options

Your Dive adventures can be custom-tailored re: length of stay, number of dives, type of room, and divers vs. non-divers in party. Do you want a Resort Course, to become certified, go for advanced certifications and specialties, use the OW Referral to complete your basic certification? If you don't see what you are looking for here, please ask.