SY Palau Siren

Palau is an archipelago of more than 586 islands and about 20,000 inhabitants, located in the western Pacific Ocean and sharing maritime boundaries with Indonesia and the Philippines. Palau is part of the Micronesian Island chain and is located just north of the Equator. This gives Palau some of the most favourable tropical weather on earth with moderate temperatures and soft ocean breezes all year round.

Consistently ranked as one of the world's most spectacular dive destinations, Palau is the ultimate paradise for the adventurous traveller.  It boasts amazing underwater features such as vertical drop-offs, hidden caves, tunnels and wartime wrecks as well as the world-famous Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake (currently closed - please check with Regaldive).

Beneath the surface, Palau is home to an astonishing spectrum of marine life, with more than 1,400 species of fish, 500 species of corals, and seven out of nine species of giant clams. Palau is famed for its pelagic action. As Palau waters have been protected since 2009, sharks are frequent visitors to these waters. There are also a number of Manta Ray cleaning stations, including the famous German Channel, and even whale sharks can sometimes be spotted around the outer reefs. There are plenty of smaller and more unusual critters to be found, including the elusive nautilus, frogfish, mandarin fish, pipefish and an array of nudibranchs.

Strong currents should be expected and the use of reef hooks is common place when diving in Palau. The area offers such an incredibly diverse range of diving experiences that there will almost certainly be something to thrill everyone from relative newcomers to even the most experienced and well-travelled divers.

Flight information

The majority of visitors to Palau arrive via either Guam or Manila. Flights from Guam are offered on a daily basis. Flights from Manila are offered twice-weekly.

There are regular connections to both Guam and Manila throughout the year via hubs in Asia. Guam can also be reached via the USA.

Departure Tax

A departure tax and a “Green Fee” are required for each person departing Palau. The “Green Fee” is used to fund Palau’s Protected Area Network’s for conservation purposes.

Please note: The U.S dollar is used throughout Palau. Credit cards are widely accepted. Banking facilities in Koror are limited therefore it is recommended that you obtain US dollars prior to your arrival in Palau.

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.