TRAVEL Palau Dive Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Group Trip to a Pristine Destination – by Gil Zeimer, ScubaStoryteller.com and Zeimer.com, San Rafael, CA As a PADI diver since 1985, Gil has authored more than 300 scuba articles, blogs, and newsletters that have ap- peared in over 25 magazines and websites.
Palau is often regarded by magazines, websites, and scuba enthusiasts as one of the world’s most pristine dive desti- nations. It’s no wonder that a growing number of groups want to experience the biodiversity of this magically beau- tiful country. This article about the Pris-
USD/day for a two-tank dive with beverage, lunch, and free Nitrox. 4.9 stars for 52 Google reviews. Fish ‘n Fins: A resort operation with 14 instructors, free Nitrox, and 11 fast, comfortable dive boats. From 209 USD/day for a two-tank dive. 4.6 stars for 197 Google re- views. NECO Marine: A National Geographic Center with five divemasters among its crew of 90. As Palau’s largest and old- est dive operation, it offers free Nitrox, six dive boats (35’ and 38'), one drone/survey boat (42'), two 42' fishing charter boats, and one 54' Grand Banks for charters (sunset cruise, weddings, etc.), plus the area’s only scuba training pool. Its popular Drop Off Bar & Grill is adjacent to the dive shop. From 220 USD/day for a two-tank dive with lunch and bot- tled water. 4.7 stars for 57 Google re- views.
tine Paradise offers a non-biased guide for retailers, travel agents, groups, and dive clubs about who to dive with, where to stay, and what your clients can see. Frequent encounters with sharks, turtles, giant manta ▪ rays, and other pelagics. Over 60 iconic dive sites like The Blue Corner, German ▪ Channel, and Ulong Channel. More than 1,400 species of ▪ tropical fish, plus 700 species of hard and soft coral. Five-star dive operations for ▪ drift, wall, wreck, and cave div- ing. Excellent visibility. Top-rated resorts. Delicious ▪ sea-to-table food. Wonderfully warm water year- ▪ round. Friendly locals and a rich Mi- ▪ cronesian cultural heritage. With all this and more, Palau has been a bucket list desti- nation for decades. In fact, in 2020, the Palau National Ma- rine Sanctuary created one of the world’s largest Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The information presented here has been culled from each company’s websites. Check their sites for the most current offers and promotions. Most prices do not include 10% Palau Goods and Services Tax. SUGGESTED GROUP DIVE OPERATORS Blue Marlin: Established its dive shop on Malakal Bay in 1987, then expanded its business by moving into the 5-Star Palau Royal Resort in 2005. Today, Blue Marlin has five boats all designed for divers (from 25 to 37 feet long) with on- board heads, all available for charter, powered by environ- mentally friendly Suzuki four-stroke engines. From 150 Clownfish by Gil Zeimer
Sam’s Tours: This award-winning eco-adventure tour company is Palau’s top-rated and family-owned dive cen- ter since 1990, with seven instructors among its 25 employees, and six dive boats. Sam’s offers a full range of dive courses for recreational diving and technical diving, as well as scuba dive
trips, snorkel trips, land tours, kayak tours, and more. From 236.50 USD/day for a two-tank dive, including 10% Palau tax, free Nitrox up to 32%, lunch and refreshments, and Koror hotel transfers. 4.7 stars for 197 Google reviews. Palau Dive Adventures: A family-owned and operated resort operation that provides a boutique dive experience, with six instructors, eight to 10 divers per boat, and up to 13 dives over five days. From 291 USD/day for a three-tank dive. 5.0 stars for 152 Google reviews. Most dive shops offer free pick-ups for groups at the re- sorts listed below. EXCELLENT RESORTS FOR GROUPS Cove Resort Palau: A 4-star bed and breakfast hotel with 71 rooms. Hungry Marlin Bar and Restaurant, Wellness Gym, and Palau’s largest lagoon swimming pool. Complimentary breakfast buffet daily. From 270 USD/day. 4.4 stars out of 225 Google reviews.
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