FAQ

Where is Palau?

Palau is located in the north of the equator in Western Pacific Ocean.

How do I get to Palau?

Cruise Island Adventure can give special fares for guests going to Palau (Manila/Koror/Manila). Most visitors to Palau arrive on Continental Airlines by the way of Guam, the international air service hub for the Micronesia region. Two weekly flights from Manila and charter flights also currently connect Palau with other metropolitan Asian cities.

Schedule Continental Airlines (valid from October 31, 2010)
CO893  MNL/ROR         WED/SAT         0910-1150
CO892  ROR/MNL         SAT/WED         1240-1415

For guests entering via Guam a US Visa is required.

What is included in the Palau Flexi-Dive package?

Accommodations on board, unlimited no decompression diving, tanks, weights, weight belt, boat, services of a divemaster roundtrip transfers from Koror airport to Big Blue Explorer, meals, and complimentary tea, coffee, juice.

How many days are the Flexi- Dive Palau and for how many dives they could do in one day?

The Palau Flexi Dive Packages is minimum of 2 Days Diving. You could choose any of the Palau Dive Sites. Guests can do maximum of 4 Dives a Day with 1 Night Dive.

Does the vessel move around much from one dive area to the next or does it remain in one place for the day (or longer) and then divers go off on a separate tender boat ?

Yes, Big Blue moves from one dive site to another depending on the weather and the proximity of the dives.

Does the vessel visit Peleliu regularly ?

We normally don’t go to Peleliu if the guests are staying less than 5 days because there are enough dive sites in the area; but if the majority of the guests in any particular trip request that it this can be easily be arranged.

On arrival in Koror, do guests get transferred immediately to the vessel from the airport or do they need to wait until later in the day when the transfer boat leaves ?

We can transfer the guests as soon as they get off the plane; Guests should arrive by 4pm. If they arrive after dark, they will have to spend the night in a hotel because we cannot use the chase boat thru the islands. It’s dangerous and requires special permission from the coastguards.

What are the taxes or fees not included in the package?

The taxes that are not included in the package are the Koror State Diving Permit which is US $35.00/ person, Peleliu tax at US $20.00/person, Airport departure tax $ 20, Cabin Tax of $10 per pax PER NIGHT, gear Rentals, Courses, Alcoholic Beverages and Souvenir Items on board.

Do I need a Visa and Passport?

Proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate) by US citizens’ id required. Visas are not required. Non-US citizens must have a valid passport. All visitors must have return travel arrangements or approval by the Chief of Immigration for an extended stay.

How will I go onboard the Big Blue Explorer?

Upon arrival in Koror, our Expedition Fleet Staff will welcome you on the airport.

What is the weather in Palau? And when is the best time to go to Palau?

Palau enjoys a pleasantly warm climate all year round. Palau enjoys an annual mean temperature of 82 degrees F (27 C). Rain showers starts on the month of June, but the rainy season starts September to November. Although rain falls during these months, most of the dive sites are sheltered by the island and there is still much sunshine. Then, thru December to February, trade winds start to blow. Typhoons are rare as Palau is located outside the typhoon zone.

Are tender boats used?

We have one 10-meter chase boat.

Should I be an advanced diver?

Diving in Palau is open to all Open Water Divers. An Advanced Open Water Diver Certification is a plus.

What wetsuit should I use in diving?

You could use a 3mm wetsuit all year round but during the months of December, January and February, you have to bring a vest and overlapping wetsuit.

In case of emergency where is the nearest medical and re-compression facilities?

Here are the medical and re-compression contact:

BELAU NATIONAL HOSPITAL & RECOMPRESSION CHAMBER

Ngerekebesang Island

Tel. No: 680-488-2558

DR. YANO’S BELAU MEDICAL CLINIC

Koror Center

Tel.No: 680-488-2688

SDA Clinic

Behind the post office in Koror

Tel.No: 680-488-1911