Dive Palau - WWII Wreck Diving Palau

When wreck fans think about booking a trip to dive fantastic WWII wrecks it is usually Truk Lagoon which comes to mind. Many avid wreck divers are surprised to hear that Palau offers 30+ WWII wrecks. Unlike the wrecks in Chuuk most of the wrecks in Palau are relatively shallow and easy to dive - some are wonderfully overgrown with colorful soft corals.

This is why Fish’n Fins, knowing the locations of all the WWII wrecks in Palau, has been offering its unique WREXPEDITION Palau annually since 2009. In 2020, the 11th annual WREXPEDITION will take place from June 4-11.

Wreck fans are cordially invited to join the event and dive 14 WWII wrecks during 15 dives with Fish’n Fins Palau’s Pioneer Dive Shop.

As one of the wrecks in the program we’d like to introduce the ship wreck of the Amatsu Maru.

Wreck of the Amatsu Maru Palau

Location: West Malakal Anchorage. 

Distance from Koror: 5-minute boat ride from most dive shops in Koror.

Visibility: Visibility will vary from 80 feet (24 meters) at the bow to 20 feet (6 meters) at the stern.

Level of Diving Experience: Advanced with deep and wreck diving experience is recommended.

Diving Depth Summary: The ship is resting upright at 130 feet (40meter). The deck is at 90 feet (30 meters). 

Currents: None.

Amatsu Maru Palau - History 

Nicknamed Black Coral Wreck for numerous bushes of Black Coral that adorn the ships guardrails and the superstructure. The Amatsu Maru is the largest shipwreck in Micronesia and the deepest Japanese wreck in Palau.

This oil tanker sank, like all other WWII Japanese wrecks in Palau, during the air raid Operation DESECRATE ONE on March 30-31, 1944. She was partially salvaged after the war. The bow is raised above the main deck with ladders on both sides connecting it to the deck. The anchor winch and anchors were removed during the unsuccessful salvage operation in the early 1950 s. Part of the anchor chain can still be found scattered on the foredeck. From the bow, moving aft, toward the bridge, pipes, hoses and large valves used for loading and unloading the oils and fuels are visible. The bridge is constructed of 3 decks, the uppermost is the navigational deck, some instruments can still be found.

The bridge can be entered from above between the support beams. The wooden walls and floor structures were destroyed by fire or have deteriorated over time. The main fuel storage area behind the bridge features a large piping system now covered with extensive marine growth. Square holes were cut through the deck during the salvage attempt. The Amatsu Maru was hit directly by several 1000 lbs. bombs. US Navy archive aerial photos were taken during the attack clearly show heavy smoke rising from the engine compartment. Diving through this section of the ship reveals huge piles of twisted metal, partly due to salvagers but mainly from a direct bomb hit.

At the stern, the twisted remains of a circular gun platform can be seen; the gun is missing. If the huge 4-bladed prop is of interest, begin your dive at the stern before visiting the rest of the ship. To really see this large and magnificent WWII wreck more than one dive is necessary. Salvage Operation After WWII: the Japanese were granted salvage rights in the Pacific. Through the late 40s and early 50s Japanese salvaging companies attempted to dismantle or raise many of the wrecks in Palau and Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon. The Amatsu Maru was a prime salvage target when the recovering world economy was craving for tankers. The salvage company originally sought to raise the ship, but later decided to dismantle the ship. During an attempt to cut through the plates, it is believed the flame of a torch hit trapped gases setting off an explosion that killed two men. The Japanese then abandoned the salvage attempt, believing the accident to be an omen of foreboding. 

Length: 502 feet (153 meters) | Beam: 65.6 feet (20 meters) | Tonnage: 10,567 tons | Built: 1943 by Mitsubishi.

Reef Formation: 130 feet (40 meters) silt bottom, no coral formations around the wreck. 

Marine life: Various lagoon fishes.

Diving: The Amatsu Maru has no marker buoy; the dive guide will locate the wreck then tie the boat to an anchor line. The dive usually starts at the bow section of the ship. 

Fascinating Facts:

Many sunk and beached ships were salvaged in Palau after the war. The salvagers loaded the scrapped metal on some of the re-floated ships in order to tow them back to Japan. On the return trip to Japan the entire salvage fleet was hit by a typhoon in the South China Sea and sunk! Not one ounce of scrapped metal ever made it back to Japan. The ocean claimed back what belonged to it. 

Sea Turtles in Palau

We have two species of sea turtles in Palau, the Green Sea Turtle, and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, both protected by the environmental protection laws of Palau. Hence we have a lot of turtles and they are very relaxed around us divers. While you dive Palau you'll surely see a couple of them and will be able to take underwater photos home. To give you more information on the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles we've compiled the following information about this species. We hope you'll enjoy the read. 

Possessing a bird-like beak and distinctive overlapping scales and serrated edges of their shells, the Hawksbill sea turtle is one of the smaller and most agile of marine turtles, reaching ~75 cm long and weigh~ 50 Kg as adults.  A reptile in the Cheloniidae family, the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) is the only extant species in the genus Eretmochelys. Sea turtles are a group of reptiles that have been roaming the seas for the last 100 million years.

Hawksbill Turtles - Habitat 

Hawksbill sea turtles prefer the warm waters, and are circum-tropical; using different habitats at different stages of their life cycle, most commonly inhabit the top 20 meters of the water column. They are mostly found in coral reefs, lagoons, shallow coastal areas and in mangrove-fringed bays and estuaries. Once a Hawksbill has found a good resting spot, it will go back to it nightly. Having a tough shell, adult Hawksbills have few natural predators, including sharks and crocodiles, making them approachable by divers and snorkelers.

Hawksbill Turtle Diet

Hawksbills have a varied diet, consuming seagrasses, sea urchins, barnacles, anemones, jellyfish and their favorite food is sponges. They close their eyes when feeding on stingers, and are resistant to the sponge’s toxins. Like other species of sea turtles, Hawksbills contribute to marine and coastal food webs and transport nutrients within the oceans. Hawksbills are important components of healthy coral reef ecosystems and have been found to support healthy reefs by controlling sponges and algae which would otherwise out-compete reef-building corals for space.

Hawksbill Turtle Reproduction

Hawksbill turtles are solitary for most of their lives and aggregate only to mate. Every two to three years females return to nest on the very same beaches where they themselves were hatched. After the two-month incubation period, ~5-centimeter hatchlings emerge as a group. Hatchlings use the bright, open view of the night sky over the water to find their way to the sea. Surviving females will not return for at least 20 years when they reach sexual maturity. 

Protection of Sea Turtles

Hawksbills are Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red-List. Sea turtles are affected by a multitude of impacts. The greatest threat to hawksbills is the overexploitation of their shell often referred to as "tortoiseshell"; primarily by the European and Asian countries to make jewelry, hair decorations, and other ornaments. Coastal development degrades nesting grounds and causes hatchlings to mistaken the direction of the sea as attracted to the shining lights. As coral reefs are degraded world-wide there is a direct impact on habitat loss. Marine pollution and debris, watercraft strikes, and takes from commercial fishing operations all contribute to human-related hawksbill sea turtle losses.

Conclusion

Palau has imposed strict environmental protection laws and severe punishment awaits people harming the Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Palau is a role model in international marine life protection and many other countries should follow P Palau's example. It makes Palau to one of the last pieces of paradise on this planet.

The 5 Pillars of a perfect Palau Dive & Adventure Vacation

If you are planning a trip to the Republic of Palau this blog is going to be the most important and complete source of information you will find on the internet.

The following 5 Pillars of your perfect Palau Dive & Adventure Trip will leave no questions unanswered on how to get to Palau - the best Palau Hotel or Resort you can book with your Palau Dive & Adventure Package Deal - the best flight connection to Palau - the best time to visit and dive Palau - best activities you need to experience in Palau and last but not least taking photos, videos and using your drone in Palau.

For any additional questions leave us a comment in the box below and we’ll respond visibly to all interested readers. We are Palau’s Dive & Adventure Specialist and here to help you plan the best Palau experience possible. If you have inquiries to hotels and resorts and their prices please email us - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Table of Content

Pillar 1 - find the Best Price Hotel - Resort Dive Package Deal Palau
Pillar 2 - find the best flight to Palau Micronesia
Pillar 3 - Choose the best timing for your Palau Vacation
Pillar 4 - Enhance your Stay with The best activities Palau has to offer
Pillar 5 - check if you can take Photos, videos, and use your drone

Pillar 1 - Book the perfect Dive & Adventure Hotel & Resort Package Deal

Palau Pacific Resort - Luxury Dive Package

Palau Pacific Resort (Palau Pacific Resort Google Map) is the most luxurious resort in Palau and attracts visitors with the taste for excellence. Nested in a tropical garden the resort offers about 160 high-end accommodations from "simple" Garden & Ocean View Rooms to opulent Overwater Bungalows with butler service.

3 on-site restaurants, pool and a fantastic beach with views of Ulong Island and the surrounding hills of Meyuns Island complete the 5-star resort experience.

Palau Pacific Resort and Fish 'n Fins Palau have been inseparable partners for many years due to their dedication to upscale service and impeccable quality. Curious to learn more? Check out reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews.

Stay at Palau Pacific Resort and avail our - Dive Palau - Best Price Dive & Adventure Packages starting at US$ 2,370.00 for 7 Nights and 5 dive days including breakfast, 5 dive days, weights, weight belt, bento lunch, boat, guide and NITROX 32 for all Nitrox certified divers.

Palau High-End Resorts with Private Beach

The two best choices in the class Palau hotels & resorts with beach are the Palau Royal Resort and the Sea Passion Hotel, both with private beach and both in Malakal only a short distance from Fish 'n Fins dive & adventure center.

Palau Royal Resort

Palau Royal Resort (Palau Royal Resort Google Map) with its 160 rooms is a member of the Japanese Nikko Hotel Group. It offers all the amenities you could wish for. The resort features one restaurant, 2 bars, pool, fitness room, kids playroom, meeting & event space, SPA, ground golf, and tennis court. Furthermore, if I recall correctly, there is Yoga twice a week at the pool terrace.
As with Palau Pacific Resort, Fish 'n Fins enjoys a long-standing business relationship with Palau Royal Resort. Fish 'n Fins and Palau Royal Resort have been working hand in hand for many years to exceed guest expectations of excellent value for money. Curious to learn more? Check out reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews.

Stay at Palau Royal Resort and avail one of our - Dive Palau - Best Price Dive & Adventure Packages starting at US$ 1,835.00 for 7 Nights and 5 dive days including breakfast, 5 dive days, weights, weight belt, bento lunch, boat, guide and NITROX 32 for all Nitrox certified divers.

Sea Passion Hotel

Sea Passion Hotel (Sea Passion Hotel Google Map) is one of my personal favorites - this hotel is a rather cozy place with only 74 rooms. The rooms at Sea Passion Hotel are spacious and offer amazing views of the surrounding Rock Islands - the private beach is unbelievably cute and seems to be embedded in the rock islands - making sure that days spent on the private hotel beach offer beautiful snorkeling right from the beach and produce the most amazing vacation pictures.

All rooms feature "open" bathrooms and free drinking water for all guests. The in house restaurant provides authentic Chinese cuisine. Sea Passion Hotel is only 120 meters from Fish 'n Fins and Barracuda Mediterranean Restaurant for guests who prefer western high-end cuisine and vegetarian & vegan dishes. Curious to learn more? Check out reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews.

Stay at Sea Passion Hotel Palau and avail one of our - Dive Palau - Best Price Dive & Adventure Packages starting at US$ 1,198.00 for 7 Nights and 5 dive days including breakfast, 5 dive days, weights, weight belt, bento lunch, boat, guide and NITROX 32 for all Nitrox certified divers.

High-End Resorts with Amazing Pools

The Cove Resort Palau

The winner in this class is without question The Cove Resort Palau (The Cove Resort Palau Google Map). This newly built 70 rooms resort is close to Palau Royal Resort, Sea Passion Resort, and Fish 'n Fins Dive & Adventure Center in Malakal, Palau.
The rooms are very spacious and feature fantastic bathrooms. The breakfast buffet offers everything you'd expect and transforms Sunday's into a venue for Palau's most visited brunch - with very affordable pricing and live entertainment. Palau's biggest pool does not only invite swimming and sunbathing, but it is also the perfect place for a sunset cocktail after a day of diving and adventure - I personally love the resort's cheesecake - the BEST in all of Palau ;-) Curious to learn more? Check out reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews.

Stay at The Cove Resort Palau and avail one of our - Dive Palau - Best Price Dive & Adventure Packages starting at US$ 1,738.00 for 7 Nights and 5 dive days including breakfast, 5 dive days, weights, weight belt, bento lunch, boat, guide and NITROX 32 for all Nitrox certified divers.

Your Perfect Palau Budget Dive & Adventure Package

If you do not wish to spend more than absolutely necessary on your accommodation but are looking for a nice budget hotel the following hotels in town are what you should book for your dive and adventure vacation.

Palau Hotel Koror

One of our absolute best sellers is Palau Hotel Koror (Palau Hotel Koror Google Map) - a 40 rooms property in a central location in Koror - Palau Hotel Koror is literally steps away from Koror's two main shopping malls and numerous restaurants and is our most booked budget option. Palau Hotel Koror offers very cozy rooms with private bathroom and free toiletries. The breakfast room is very cozy and inviting. Breakfast itself simple and nice. A stay at Palau Hotel is your fit if you are looking for a budget solution and/or a hotel in the center of Koror with lots of surrounding amenities.
Curious to learn more? Check out reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews.

Stay at Palau Hotel Koror and avail one of our - Dive Palau - Best Price Dive & Adventure Packages starting at US$ 1,235.00 for 7 Nights and 5 dive days including breakfast, 5 dive days, weights, weight belt, bento lunch, boat, guide and NITROX 32 for all Nitrox certified divers.

Palasia Hotel Koror

A step up from Palau Hotel and a few steps away from it is the more cosmopolitan Palasia Hotel Koror (Palasia Hotel Koror Google Map). A property featuring about 160 city and bay view rooms, an in house duty-free shopping center, café, bar, and restaurant. Groups and seminars find space in several executive board and seminar rooms. Palasia Hotel Koror also offers an outdoor pool, a SPA and Palau's best-equipped fitness center.
A stay at Palasia Hotel is perfect for larger groups, shopping enthusiasts :-) and people who love to be in town and free to walk about restaurants and shop once back from their daily adventure tours.
Curious to learn more? Check out reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews.

Stay at Palasia Hotel Koror and avail one of our - Dive Palau - Best Price Dive & Adventure Packages starting at US$ 1,440.00 for 7 Nights and 5 dive days including breakfast, 5 dive days, weights, weight belt, bento lunch, boat, guide and NITROX 32 for all Nitrox certified divers.

Ocean Star Hotel Koror

And last but not least Fish ’n Fins Palau offers Best Price Dive & Adventure Packages with Ocean Star Hotel (Ocean Star Hotel Koror Google Map). The hotel is located at T-Dock, maybe 5 minutes walk from the center of Koror with Shopping Malls and Restaurants. The property is small with only 31 rooms. The rooms are very very nice and provide some of Palau’s BEST value for money. Ocean Star Hotel rooms are spacious with fantastic bathrooms and great balconies and terraces, depending on the room category you book.
It is built right by the water and has no beach, but has a nice BBQ area next to the ocean - of all our budget hotels Ocean Star Hotel offers the highest standard of accommodations. So, if you want to keep costs reasonably low and don’t mind walking a couple of minutes to Koror center the Ocean Star Hotel is a match for you. Curious to learn more? Check out reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews.

Stay at Ocean Star Hotel Koror and avail one of our - Dive Palau - Best Price Dive & Adventure Packages starting at US$ 1,160.00 for 7 Nights and 5 dive days including breakfast, 5 dive days, weights, weight belt, bento lunch, boat, guide and NITROX 32 for all Nitrox certified divers.

All the above hotels and resorts are suitable for single travelers, couples and families.
For families traveling with 2 or more children, we'd recommend having a look at our Family Package Deals - especially created and priced for the needs and budgets of families with kids.

Pillar 2 - How to get to Palau and the best flights to Palau

Planning your flight to Palau is as easy as clicking one of the following links to airlines servicing Palau and following their online booking instructions. In this blog post, I will give you some tips on how to save time with your airline booking to Palau and describe in detail on how to book your airfare to Palau.

Coming from the Americas to Palau you have the following options.

Take United Airlines and fly from Huston, San Francisco or Los Angeles via Hawaii and Guam on to Palau

Flight times are about 6 hours from Los Angeles LAX to Hawaii - from Honolulu to Guam about 7:50 hours to Guam and on to Palau for about 2 hours flight time.

Another way would be to take any flight available to Tokyo, Japan and fly from there via United Airlines to Guam and Palau.

The third option, one that I like personally very much, enjoying the service of China Airlines, would be flying with China Airlines from Los Angeles to Taipeh, Taiwan and from there to Palau.
If you wish to search the United Website for the availability of a route go to.

Coming from Australia

Best flight connection is hands down with China Airlines directly from Sydney to Taipeh and Palau.

Coming from Asia

Coming from Manila, the Philippines take United Airlines twice a week.
Coming from Taipeh, Taiwan take China Airlines three times a week
Coming from Tokyo, Japan take United Airlines - flights are daily
Coming from Seoul, Korea - take Asiana Airlines …

Coming from Europe

Coming from Europe you have lots of choices - you can make your way with any available airline to Tokyo, Japan - Manila, Philippines - Taipeh, Taiwan - Seoul, Korea and from there to Koror, Palau.

My favorite connection to Europe is China Airlines - great service, convenient connections, and competitive pricing. Direct flights with China Airlines from Vienna, Austria and Frankfurt, Germany are daily available. Note however that connecting flight to Koror, Palau is only provided three times per week - but who knows, you may like to add a couple of days in Taipeh ;-)

Pillar 3 - The Best Time for your Palau Vacation

When is the best Season for Palau?

The answer to question one is - the season for Palau is 12 months a year - we have always around 28 degrees air and between 26-28 degrees Celsius water temperature. As we are in the tropics we are getting frequent rain - the rain showers are usually short, and the rain is warm :-). There is no particular rainy and dry season (not anymore).

What season is the water the clearest?

The answer to this question is that underwater visibility does not depend on a season, like diving in a lake - it solely depends on tides and waves. Meaning in any season the visibility is the same and changes only with tides and waves. If tides are getting low, and you are close to sandy patches or channels the “outgoing current” will transport sediments and visibility will drop - the other way around if the tide gets high clear waters will push with “incoming” current towards the reef and allow for very clear visibility.
When do I see aggregations of spawning fish?

What is the best timing to see fish aggregation and spawning?

We dive with spawning fish twice every month - the best times to enjoy spawning dives are about 3 days before New and Full Moon. We usually leave early in the morning to see thousands of fish aggregating. If you wish to join us on a Spawning Dive please plan your vacation accordingly.

Pillar 4 - The Best 4 Activities to book in Palau

Relaxed Kayaking around the Rock Islands

Fish ’n Fins will bring you by boat to Nikko Bay, a very picturesque bay surrounded by Rock Islands. From there your guide will lead you through the Rock Islands of Palau, exploring overhangs and little caves.

Waterfall & Island Adventure Tour

This tour is the perfect last day after diving Palau. One of the Fish ’n Fins guides will pick you up from your hotel or resort in the morning and show you around Palau - you will see the big island, Babeldaob, visit Palau capital and hike along a river to a stunning waterfall. Don’t forget your camera :-)

Jellyfish Lake & Rock Island Boat & Snorkeling Tour

If you are not a diver and you did not have the opportunity to snorkel with thousands of non-stinging jellyfish after a dive day, then book this trip - the trip to jellyfish lake will lead you through Rock islands along tropical sandy beaches and finally to Jellyfish Lake and it’s amazing Jellyfish - note, however, that you have to buy a Koror State + Jellyfish Lake permit to visit Jellyfish - this permit costs currently US$ 100.00.

Off-Road Jungle Tours

There is no cooler tour in Palau than the Off-Road Jungle Tour - you’ll get around the island in 4x4 ATVs and can drive one yourself if you want to. This tour will put a smile on your face and plenty of mud on your clothes ;-)

Pillar 5 - Photo,s Videos & use of Drones in Palau

Palau is a photo & video opportunity of a lifetime. Whether in the water or on land you’ll collect the most amazing photos and videos. Shooting during your island tour and cultural sites is permitted and included in your tour fee.

f you are considering bringing your drone to Palau, please be aware that a national permit is required as well as a Koror State permit. For more information, please contact our reservation This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you wish to learn more about one of our fantastic offers, do not hesitate and contact our reservations department - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Concluding a very successful Shark Week 2019

Yes, we did it again - to be exact the 17th time - we have concluded another very successful Shark Week Palau, an event we have been hosting from March 16 - 23, 2019 - this time at our new location at Pier 7 in Malakal.

As we reported earlier Fish ’n Fins has moved to a brand new and way better location at Pier 7 in Malakal - click here to see us on a Google Map. Although we tried very hard to have Dive Shop, Dive Boutique, Barracuda Restaurant and docks all dolled up for Shark Week one of our prestigious yearly events, we were not able to obtain all permits in time. Dive Shop and Dive Boutique were finished and are looking fantastic, Barracuda Restaurant and our docks were 90% finished and still in need of the final touch.

Nevertheless our 32 international guests enjoyed Shark Week at its finest. Fish ’n Fins offered a great program consisting of 2-3 shark dives daily followed by a rest at the hotel and evening presentations enjoyed with great food provided by Barracuda Restaurant.

Our sharks divers were asked to participate in a “citizen science” project to count the shark seen during their dives. This is a project, which our dive masters have been engaged in on daily basis for many years.

The winner of the citizen science project counted over 140 sharks during 10 dives with our team of Palau’s finest dive masters - see a short interview with the winner later in this post.

The highlight apart from the amazing shark diving was however the opulent Gala Dinner on the last evening of Shark Week 2019 - you should have been with us - the food was just AMAZING - Barracuda offered from vegan to crispy pork everything you could ask for - it was delicious …

To summarize the 2019 event we would like to invite you to watch Udi’s wonderful video - I think he really captured the essence of Shark Week - great diving - fun - friends - shark education and good food ;-)

As every year our event was organized by Fish ’n Fins and the Micronesian Shark Foundation - I guess you know who Fish ’n Fins is - allow us to give you a short introduction to the second partner though.

Micronesian Shark Foundation

The Micronesian Shark Foundation is a non-profit, Palauan based foundation whose goal is to research and monitor Palau’s sharks as well as to provide shark education for future generations and communities in the Micronesian region. In 2002, Tova and Navot Bornovski, together with Kenneth Johnny founded the Micronesian Shark Foundation. They started with small pilot research programs and

expanded to bigger programs, as well as monitoring, DNA collecting and education throughout the region.

Key questions that led to the foundation of the MSF in 2002: Are the sharks we see in Palau here all the time? If and when they leave, where do they go? Is the Palau shark population in decline or increase? Do sharks avoid dive sites because of divers? Is the shark behavior changing? What is the status of sharks throughout the region?

Micronesian Shark Foundation Research and Education programs:

Monitoring abundance. Ecotourism operators recording numbers.

2. Tagging – Acoustic Receivers.

3. DNA sampling of shark populations in Palau.

4. School education programs and presentations in Palau and Micronesian islands.

5. MSF initiated the first study of socio economic analysis of sharks in Palau.

6. Photo-identification. Mark, recapture, and demography.

7. Special work-books created by Palauan college interns and high school students.

Micronesian Shark Foundation is partnering with Australian Institute of Marine Sciences, for continuing research and research programs. Scientific papers have been published with more to come. Educational programs are expanding with more islands in the Micronesian region gaining exposure to the programs. The Micronesian Shark Foundation is working closely with the Palauan government to enhance the protection of Palau’s shark population. The efforts of the Micronesian Shark Foundation were highlighted by the declaration of Palau’s President in 2009 of creating the world’s first shark sanctuary. (A documentary film of the Micronesian Shark Foundation work is scheduled to be published at the end of 2012.)

The Micronesian Shark Foundation future plans are:

To continue & expand the shark research & study in Micronesia. Create and maintain cooperation in other parts of Micronesia through educational material and regional workshops. Develop scientific tools to protect the prime dive sites of Palau. Expand education at elementary school in Palau  and Micronesian islands. Share data collected by the MSF with local agencies and government. Make Palau synonymous with shark research, protection and environmental awareness

For further information and donations, please contact:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.msfpalau.org Finny the Shark

Finny the shark is our Micronesian Shark Foundation Mascot and a good friend of all Palauan kids, the Palauan Rangers and of course all of Palau’s sharks. Over the years, Finny the Shark Rangers have visited the schools in Palau to create awareness regarding the importance of the ecosystem and the need for a healthy balanced ocean.

Shark Week Palau 2019 Program

Saturday, March 16, 2019   Arrival of participants, optional diving

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Day 1 - Sunday, March 17, 2019 Theme: Data collection and observation of shark movement patterns around Ngemelis Island

8:00 AM Hotel pick up & registration for those who are arriving late that night.

8:30 AM Opening of Shark Week

9:00 AM Boat Departure

Dive #1 New Drop Off

Dive # 2 German Channel Incoming current

Dive # 3 Optional: Blue Corner

7:00 PM Pick up from hotel, to Barracuda Bar and Restaurant at Fish ‘n Fins, snacks and drinks provided, hosted by Tova Harel-Bornovski of the Micronesian Shark Foundation.

7:30 PM Official opening of Shark Week 2019

The official opening and followed by an introduction to the Micronesian Shark Foundation by founder Mrs. Tova Harel-Bornovski.  Introduction of Finny the Funny Shark and visiting scientists and volunteers.

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Day 2 - Monday March 18, 2019 Theme: Sharks behavior during the Spawning of Bohar Red Snapper early morning dive before Full Moon

5:30 AM Departure

Dive #1 Shark City

Dive #2 Siaes Corner

Dive #3 (optional) – Ulong Channel

7:00pm  Evening @ Barracuda Restaurant and Bar, Fish ‘n Fins, with snacks and drinks

Lecture: Shark Tourism in Palau by Stephanie Nakamura

In 2005, Ms. Nakamura completed her Associate of Science in Travel & Tourism at Kapio`lani Community College then, quickly pursued her Bachelor of Science degree in the School of Travel Industry Management with an emphasis in Hospitality at University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2007.  Three years later, Nakamura graduated with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in San Diego, California in 2010. She holds a three-year experience as an Instructor/Program Chair for the Palau Tourism & Hospitality School of Excellence at Palau Community College in the Republic of Palau. Currently, Nakamura is the Managing Director of Palau Visitor’s Authority and has been the PVA’s Managing Director for nearly two years. She is also now this year’s Chairwoman for PATA Micronesia Chapter.

Day 3 - Tuesday, March 19, 2019 Theme: Shark Populations at Peleliu island

8:30 AM Departure

Dive #1 Peleliu Cut (outgoing current)

Dive #2 Peleliu Express (incoming current)

Dive #3 Turtle Cove Optional dive

7:00 PM Lecture- Evening @ Barracuda Restaurant and Bar, Fish ‘n Fins, with snacks and drinks.

Lecture by Tova Harel Bornovski

Lecture: Micronesian Shark Foundation work in Palau and Micronesia: Shark Research, Data Collection, Education and Conservation by Founder Tova Harel Bornovski.

Tova Harel Bornovski is the founder and President of the Micronesian Shark Foundation, the general manager of Fish ‘N Fins and the Ocean Hunter Liveaboards. The realization of the mistreatment of sharks led to the Micronesian Shark Foundation in 2002.

Via MSF, Tova initiated the first shark research in Palau in order to collect, distribute and analyze data that could be used for shark regional protection.

Tova created the first shark count in Micronesia and the collection of DNA samples, the documentation of illegal shark finning in Palau.

School education in Palau and the Micronesian region has been in process since 2009 as well as publishing children shark books and drawing competitions.

Tova was indicted to the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2013. A new project to research Oceanic Sharks that are depleting rapidly is in collaboration with Stanford University under the leadership of Professor Barbara Block.

Day 4 - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 Theme: Shark behavior at West Passage

9:30 AM Departure

Dive #1 West Passage North

Dive #2 West Passage South

Dive #3 (optional) – Short Drop Off

 Graceful Shark has been seen twice by Shark Week participants at West Passage. It was never sighted elsewhere.

7:00 PM - Evening @ Barracuda Restaurant and Bar, Fish ‘n Fins, with snacks and drinks.

Lecture: Right Timing for Video & Diving by Noah Perdue & Udi Bornovski

Lecture: A dive guide and sharks stories, by Noah Purdue & Udi Bornovski, Fish ‘n Fins dive instructors.

Day 5, Thursday March 21, 2019 Theme: Blue Corner at New Moon

8:30 AM Departure

Dive #1 Blue Corner outgoing tide

Dive #2 Blue Corner Incoming tide

Dive #3 (Optional) German Wall

7:00 PM Evening @ Barracuda Restaurant and Bar, Fish ‘n Fins, with snacks and drinks.

MOVIE: Shark on the Ledge by Micronesian Shark Foundation and Scuba Vision Productions

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Day 6 - Friday, March 22, 2019    OPTIONAL DIVING DAY FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS

7:00 PM Gala Evening at Barracuda Restaurant and Bar, Fish 'n Fins, with gourmet local food and drinks, raffle drawing for all Shark Week participants.

If you did not have the chance to visit us for Shark Week Palau 2019 - you'll have another chance for the 18th annual Shark Week Palau 2020 :-)

Scuba Diving for Kids - Fish 'n Fins' Aqua Kids

Fantastic NEWS from the BLUE BLOCK  department

The most exciting part of our BUILDING BLOCK SYSTEM - AQUA KIDS PALAU - are our scuba diving lessons …

Add for each day of program one BLUE BLOCK and advance from PADI SASY - PADI BUBBLEMAKER  to PADI SEAL DIVER

 

Fish ’n Fins is Palau’s only PADI 5 Star Instructor  Development & Diving Center - offering highest quality since 1972 - Fish 'n Fins where quality and competence matter 

BLOCK	ADULT	5-12 YEARS
Blue Block	USD 140.00*	USD 110.00*
Red Block	USD 110.00*	USD 75.00*
Green Block	USD 175.00*	USD 88.00*

 Fish 'n Fins' Aqua Kids Palau - Seal Team 

The PADI Seal Team is for young scuba divers who are looking for action-packed fun in a pool by completing exciting AquaMissions. Have you ever wondered what it's like to dive with flashlights, take digital pictures underwater or float effortlessly like an astronaut? Beyond learning basic scuba skills, there are specialty AquaMissions, such as wreck diving, navigation, buoyancy, environmental awareness and more. PADI Seal Team includes doing some cool stuff in the pool, meeting friends and sharing in the adventure of the underwater world. To join the PADI Seal Team, a child must be 8 years of age or older. No prior experience with scuba diving is necessary, but kids should be comfortable in the water. Parental approval is required. 

The PADI Seal Team program teaches responsibility and respect for the aquatic realm. It’s broken into two parts.

Part one, AquaMissions 1 - 5, covers basic scuba diving skills, such as breathing underwater, clearing a mask of water, recovering a regulator and swimming around experiencing the sensation of being weightless. Each session takes about an hour. Complete these AquaMissions and become a recognized PADI Seal Team Member. Your experience may also count toward the PADI Open Water Diver course when you’re old enough to participate in the course.

Part two, 10 specialty AquaMissions, includes adventures like creature identification, search and recovery diving, and skin diving. Complete all of these and you’ll become a PADI Master Seal Team Member – joining an elite group of young scuba divers.

In the PADI Seal Team program, you learn to use basic scuba gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, dive gauges and a tank.

Visit your local dive center to ask about gear and get advice about how to prepare from your PADI Seal Team Leader (a.k.a. PADI Instructor).

Fish 'n Fins' Aqua Kids Palau - Bubble Maker

Experience scuba diving under the direct supervision of a PADI Pro. Take your first breaths underwater in water shallower than 2 meters/6 ft. For children who are at least 8 years old.

Bubble Maker is as fun as it sounds – a chance for kids to blow bubbles by scuba diving. Children who are at least 8 years old can use scuba gear to breathe underwater and swim around in shallow water. A child must be 8 years old or older. Kids must be comfortable in the water, but no prior experience is necessary. Parental approval is required. 

Bubble Makers get a chance to:

• Experience scuba diving under the direct care and supervision of a PADI Pro.
• Take their first breaths underwater in water shallower than 2 meters/6 feet.
• Learn about and use scuba diving equipment made for children – not adults.
• Have lots of fun.

In the Bubble Maker program, participants get a basic introduction to how to use scuba gear, how to clear a regulator and mask, and an overview of breathing do’s and don’ts. Your local dive shop will advise you about anything else you need.

Fish 'n Fins' Aqua Kids Palau - SASY 

SASY Program (5yrs+) 

Can’t wait to turn 8 to try Scuba?  No problem!  Aqua Kids Palau offers kids as young as 5 years old their 1^st breath on scuba with the Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth (SASY).

In the SASY program, kids 5-8 yrs old wear a “BCD” and scuba equipment just like the older kids, but they stay on the surface, and experience breathing from a regulator while floating and without going underwater.

The BCD is like a life preserver, and it holds a real scuba tank with a functioning regulator and air gauge. However, the BCD is not weighted, so the child remains positively buoyant at the surface of the pool.  Kids wear a mask and fins just like the older kids, and they can practice “scuba” on the surface.

How Long Does It Take?

The SASY Experience takes a couple hours – it can be done in one fun, exciting afternoon!

The Learning Materials Your Child Needs

• Just your child’s willingness and undivided attention!
• To enroll in SASY, you must be at least 5 years old.

What are the Condition to Book Family Packages?

Booking Conditions:

Package rates are exclusively for families with children not older than 17 yrs. of age | Minimum booking - Book Accommodation with Fish 'n Fins and a mix of 8  Blocks - RED, BLUE or GREEN. 

Booking Period from February 01 until October 24, 2019. Travel Time from June 01 until October 31, 2019

Fish 'n Fins - Always one idea ahead

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Accommodations | Aqua Kids Scuba Brochure | ECO RANGER Program | Adventure Building Blocks

Fish 'n Fins' Aqua Kids Palau - Eco Ranger Program

Fantastic NEWS from the BLUE BLOCK  department 

We have added an amazing BLUE SUPER BLOCK - put 3 BLUE BLOCKS together and be well on the way to earn Palau’s most prestigious AQUA KIDS title ever - the title of  E C O  R A N G E R  PALAU

E C O  R A N G E R S are independent adventurers - explorers who seek the special experience …

Far from their diving parents this elite group works on solutions for the future of our planet. 

Gaining first hand knowledge in multiplying corals, reef ecology & trash recycling E C O  R A N G E R S spend three full days with their instructors, experienced marine biologists to achieve the unthinkable and to finally be awarded with highest honors and the title E C O  R A N G E R 

Regular Blue Blocks: Scuba Diving with Fish ’n Fins at  Palau’s world famous dive sites - click here to see the entire family program

Blue Super Block: 3 Blue Blocks combined to a 3 days kids super adventure and the title Eco Ranger Palau

BLOCK	ADULT	5-12 YEARS
Blue Block	USD 140.00*	USD 110.00*
Red Block	USD 110.00*	USD 75.00*
Green Block	USD 175.00*	USD 88.00*

Description of the E C O  - R A N G E R  - P A L A U  Program

After meeting at Fish ’n Fins our young E C O  - R A N G E R  - P A L A U apprentices will leave from our pier for a short trip to Dolphin Bay, an eco research center.

Dolphin Bay takes its name from the dolphins, which have been living there for the past 20 years - dolphins rescued from Japanese Taiji and brought to Palau to live free - to the surprise of the Japanese biologist team the dolphins came back after being set free - biologists have even taken the dolphins for long trips and were surprised that the animals would follow the boat out in the sea and back home. The head biologist suggested that the dolphins may enjoy safety and easy meals over exploring the ocean by themselves.

A sign of their content is that they have made babies -  E C O  - R A N G E R S will see adult dolphins and their babies and be able to feed and of course be in photos with them.

Here is our great program in detail …

Day 1 Coral Reef Ecology, Coral Planting & Dolphin Challenge

08:30 Check in of children & boat ride to Dolphin Bay Facility

09:00 Participation in the “Close Encounter Program”*

10:10  About our Ocean and corals - stories, lecture & coral planting

11:30 Lunch - provided by Barracuda Restaurants for booked children

13:00 Watching Dolphin's Show and playing the “Nature Game”**

14:30 Snorkeling

15:30 Back to Fish ’n Fins

Day 2 Recycling Challenge 1, Swimming and Snorkeling

08:30 Children meet at Fish ’n Fins and walk over to Dolphin Pacific

09:00 Tour of Recycling Center in Koror - learning about recycling

11:00 Visit to Long Island Park

11:30 Lunch - provided by Barracuda Restaurants for booked children

13:00 Children & Instructors will “clean the island”  

14:20 Wash the collected trash and recycle the item

14:40 Swimming & Fun at the Long Island Beach

15:30 Back to Fish ’n Fins

Day 3 Recycling Challenge 2, Building photo frame from recycling materials, Ecology, Snorkeling

08:30 Children meet at Fish ’n Fins and walk over to Dolphin Pacific

09:00 Boat Ride to Dolphin Bay Facility

09:15 Recycling program - children produce photo frames from trash

10:30 Break

11:00 Children and instructors will produce an original “Eco Bag” from trash

13:00 Children learn about the ecology of dolphins

13:30 Nature Game**

14:30 Snorkeling

15:30 Back to Fish ’n Fins

*Close Encounter (Definition)

This is one of the programs that Dolphins Pacific offers. The program includes a walking tour around the facility. At the end of the tour each kid will have the opportunity to touch the dolphin, do a handshake and signal the dolphin to jump. All procedures are done from the floating dock.

**Nature Game (Definition)

Together we will have fun and learn at the same time. We will teach about the environment, ocean and reef, how dolphins catch their fish and more ... 

Days of Tours

Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; every week; days can be moved according to flight schedule.

Inclusions in price

3 days program; 3 days insurance; Instructors/marine Biologists/Trainers from Dolphin Bay; all taxes and local fees.

Cancelation

No cancelation fee applies if canceled more than 24 hours prior to event. For cancelations less than 24 hours prior to event a fee of 1 blue block applies.

Minimum Number of Participants: 

Minimum number of participants is THREE  -  Age 6 yrs - 12 yrs. Maximum number of participants is TWELVE  -  Age 6 yrs - 12 yrs. Fish ’n Fins will provide one of their employees to support Dolphin Pacific staff members in their efforts during the program for 5 and more participants.

Lunch

Lunch for the children is supplied by Barracuda our in-house restaurant. Please let us know dietary restrictions ahead of time, we are happy to accommodate your needs.

Booking Conditions:

Package rates are exclusively for families with children not older than 17 yrs. of age | Minimum booking - Accommodation booked with Fish 'n Fins, a mix of 8  Blocks - RED, BLUE or GREEN. 

Booking Period from February 01 until October 24, 2019. Travel Time from June 01 until October 31, 2019

Family Vacation Example Package

7 Nights Double Occupancy including breakfast, all transfers & local taxes at the hotel/resort of your choice - parents sharing one blue package and buying RED and GREEN Blocks according to the number of children.

Day 1 - Both Parent Diving - Kids in ECO RANGER boot camp

Day 2 - Both Parent Diving - Kids in ECO RANGER boot camp

Day 3 - Both Parent Diving - Kids in ECO RANGER boot camp

Day 4 - Off Road Jungle Tour for the whole family 

Day 5 - Rock Island Tour with Milky Way for the whole family

Day 6 - Relaxed Kayaking Tour for the whole family 

Day 7 - Walking around Koror and relaxing at the beach/pool

All activities include transportation, guide & lunch/snack/water. Activities do not include state & national park fees.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Fish 'n Fins' Aqua Kids Palau Program | Accommodations | Eco Ranger Brochure | Scuba Building Blocks | 

--- Fish 'n Fins - Always one idea ahead ---

Diving Palau with Photographers & Journalists Udo & Rose Kefrig

We would like to introduce Rose & Udo Kefrig, two very good old friends who have been with Fish ’n Fins many time over the years and who have made many stories about Palau, Fish ’n Fins and our Ocean Hunter Liveaboards. I met them at the Fish ’n Fins/Ocean Hunter booth at Boot 2019 in Germany and I asked them if they would feel like being featured at FNF MAG and here we are.

Rose & Udo Kefrig are known in the diving scene as Team Oceanpics. For over 30 years, the couple has been traveling with the camera from native waters to tropical dream destinations. They have published various books and participated in television productions. In addition to underwater photography, they also shoot unique topside photography, which includes local highlights, people, cultures, and other feature themes.

Udo is a celebrated photographer, his photos have received many international awards. Rose is a writer and photographer, her reports and photos have been published in numerous national and international magazines. Both are permanent freelance editors of diving magazines like Unterwasser, online magazine HEINZ and Scuba Diver UK. Furthermore Rose & Udo are co-authors of various wreck, travel and diving guide books.

Photographic equipment

Udo has been shooting with a Canon 5D MK III in the SEACAM housing since 2016.

Quoting Udo, After all these years using SEACAM equipment I have to say, SEACAM is the Mercedes Benz amongst the underwater housings, it’s the best system there is.

The housings are easy to use, the levers and switches are in the right place and are still very easy to operate even with three-fingered gloves. Camera installation, change of different viewfinders, ports and lenses, everting works perfectly. I believe SEACAM’s creed to using only best materials and producing premium quality is unmatched.”

As lighting Udo uses two Seaflash 150D from SEACAM. Udo mentioned he is very impressed by the strobes TTL functions - “it works exactly to the point”. The flashes offer all important information for the photographer, as well as flash ready and underexposure display, two-stage pilot light setting, slave flash sensor and a very good wide-angle coverage. The replacement battery system is masterfully designed to allow the system always to be ready.

Photo Gear

1 SEACAM Housing silver for Canon EOS5D MKIII; 2 SEACAM strobes Seaflash 150Digital and 2 SeaCam Strobe Arms; 2 View Finders, both SEACAM S45 and S180; 1 SD Super Dome; 1 MIP Macroport plus wet diopter system 2,5:1; Canon EOS-5D-MARK-III DSL Camera; Canon EF 16-35 mm 1:2,8L III USM; Canon EF 15 mm f/2.8 Fisheye; Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8L USM Macro

Dive Equipment

Both have been using ScubaPro dive gear since the 1980s. They enjoy ScubaPro’s quality and longevity - some of their gear lasted for over 3,000 dives. Hence no discussion that Rose and Udo love their ScubaPro regulators and BCDs.

The couple was kind enough to send us an assortment of photographs to share - all taken in Palau, one of their absolute favorites - their all time favorite dive sites are Blue Corner, German Channel, Chandelier Cave and of course Ulong Channel. While taking these amazing photographs Rose and Udo stayed at several occasions at Palau Pacific Resort, Palau Royal Resort and Palasia Hotel. If you wish to get in touch with Rose & Udo Kefrig here are their FIRST WEBSITE - FACEBOOK - YOUTUBE - SECOND WEBSITE

Did you like their phots? Leave us a comments …

Ready to pack your camera and come to Palau - check out one of the following great Hotel/Dive Packages - if you don't find the right package there, send us and email or call us on WhatsApp :-)

Book one of Palau's
Best Price Dive Packages

Book a Luxurious Dive Package with Palau Pacific Resort

Learn More

Book a High End Dive Package with Sea Passion Hotel

Learn More

Book a Budget Dive Package with Palau Hotel in Koror

Learn More

FUN & ACTIVITIES“BUILD YOUR OWN FAMILY VACATION PACKAGE”

Fish ’n Fins is Palau’s market leader in Adventure & Family Vacations. As such we are pleased to introduce our latest family vacation product AQUA KIDS PALAU - which provides great Family Vacation Packages to children and parents alike - and all that for very AFFORDABLE prices. The rates of this program are reduced especially for families. - Tova Harel Bornovski, Director

The Dive & Adventure Vacation Building Block System

The system is simple - choose the accommodation of your liking and add RED, BLUE & GREEN vacation building BLOCKS for are great and unforgettable Family Vacation.  

Blue Blocks: Scuba Diving with Fish ’n Fins at Palau’s world famous dive sites, Scuba Diving for kids - SASY, Bubble Maker and Seal Team, 3 Block together for 3 days of ECO RANGER program

Red Blocks: Snorkeling, Land Tour, Kayaking, Rock Islands &  Jellyfish Lake, Family Kayaking & Hiking

Green Blocks: 30 minutes Resort Scuba Dive at Fish ’n Fins House Reef, Full Day Trip with Off Road Jungle Tours

How much are these single Blocks worth?

BLOCK	ADULT	5 - 12 YEARS
Blue Block	USD 140.00*	USD 110.00*
Red Block	USD 110.00*	USD 75.00*
Green Block	USD 175.00*	USD 88.00*

All prices are in US Dollar per person, per activity | * Conditions apply | Kids 0-4 yrs. Free of Charge

The best thing is that all building blocks are interchangeable and can easily be transferred from one family member to another. 

Blue Blocks:

Scuba Diving with Fish ’n Fins at Palau’s pristine Reefs. Dive with dozens of sharks, mantas and schooling fish and enjoy drop offs richly covered in hard and soft corals. Each BLUE BLOCK represents one Double Tank Dive Day - 2 dives - from one of our speed boats and includes weights, weight belt, 12 liter DIN/INT tanks with air or Nitrox 32 for all Nitrox certified guests, lunch, water, your personal Fish ’n Fins drinking bottle to take home and all transfers. Not included is the Korror State Dive Permit - see permits.  

We are known for our premium services - we care that our boats are never crowded - each of our dive masters guides a maximum of 8 divers. 

Red Blocks:

Snorkeling 

Explore the stunning beauty of Palau’s shallow reefs, enjoy snorkeling with an abundance of small colorful fish. This fun event includes guide, boat, lunch on the beach and water. The best thing is - the whole family can be on the same boat - some diving, some snorkeling.

Kayaking

Glide silently on your kayak through the Rock Islands and enjoy one of our Relaxed Kayaking Tours to Nikko Bay and the Bat Cave with your whole family. The trip includes single & twin kayaks, guide, 

Land Tour

In one of our comfortable mini-buses, we can take you up the rocky dirt roads of Babeldaob Island (the Big Island) to see the sprawling, panoramic view on top of Palau's highest peak. Hike across the freshwater river, stopping to bathe in the mini-waterfalls and mountain pools along the stream, until you reach the big 80-foot drop waterfalls, and rejoice in that clear water. Head to the stone monoliths of Palau's old civilizations. You can visit WWII tanks, relics and monuments, and even include stops around town at museums and the storyboard shops.

Kayaking & Hiking

Take your kayak and meander through the rock island surrounding Malakal Channel. Hike the trail to the Japanese fortress and lighthouse. See the cannons aiming at Malakal Harbor and rediscover ancient Palauan caves. This experiences coms with guide, kayak & lunch.

Rock Island & Jellyfish Lake

Join us for a fantastic boat tour riding around and between the world famous Rock Islands of Palau and snorkel at the Jellyfish Lake with millions of non-stinging yellow jellyfish. An adventure for the whole family including boat, guide and lunch.

Palau’s National Park Permits 

There are generally 2 Koror State Permits - you will have to obtain one of them depending on activities. The Rock Island Permit (Koror State Permit = Dive Permit) costs USD50.00/per person plus USD3.00 processing fee and is valid for 10 days. The Jellyfish Lake Permit (which includes the previous Rock Island Permit) costs USD100.00/per person plus USD5.00 processing fee and is  also valid for 10 days. Children 6 years and below are free of charge.

Green Blocks:

Off Road Jungle Tours - Great fun for the whole family - we’ll take you around Palau and through the mud wherever we’ll find it. Be ready to get back muddy from head to toe ;-) - our full day tours depart from Fish ’n Fins Dive & Activity Center at 9:00 am - stop at Japan Palau Bridge (formerly Koror Bridge) - visit Aimeliik rain forest , look at various flora & fauna under the forest canopy - Optional with extra fee, Option#1: Taiwan Farm with $5.00 per person

Option#2: Famous Terraces & Malsol Tomb $10.00 per person - Lunch - Visit Aimeliik waterfall.  After that either off roading on one of the beautiful hills of Aimeliik State or Hiking and swimming at the waterfalls with rope swing. Return to Fish ’n Fins Dive & Activity Center at 3:00 pm. A trip your family will love! Drive your own vehicle ;-)

Resort Dive with Fish ’n Fins - One of our experienced instructors will introduce you to dive equipment, breathing from a scuba tank and basic dive skills like mask clearing before taking you for a dive at Fish ’n Fins House Reef. Follow your instructor on a shallow dive along a Rock Island and explore Palau’s sea life. This activity includes all dive gear, instructor and transfers.

Accommodations from Budget to Luxury - your Choices …

Palau Hotel

.... is a small hotel with only about 40 rooms, located in Koror’s center, next to Palau’s two main malls. It is ideal for your family if you wish to be close to shopping opportunities and a variety of restaurants along Koror’s main road. The hotel offers a very attractive room rate and comes with daily breakfast for three. Get information and photos to Palau Hotel.

Seasonal Rates from Jun 01-30, 2019, Sep 01-30, 2019 & Oct 08-31, 2019

Room Category	Room Rate/night	extra Bed/night	Max. Kids/Room
Deluxe triple, 3 beds	USD 155.00	———	Two

All prices are in US Dollar per room, incl. Breakfast & local taxes | * Conditions apply

Seasonal Rates from Jul 01-Aug 31, 2019, Oct 01-07, 2019 

Room Category	Room Rate/night	extra Bed/night	Max. Kids/Room
Deluxe triple, 3 beds	USD 175.00	———	Two

All prices are in US Dollar per room, incl. Breakfast & local taxes | * Conditions apply

Kids 12 years old and below are free of charge sharing room with parents and using existing beds. Breakfast is at extra charge for the 4th person.

Palasia Hotel

... is a bigger hotel with great amenities. It has it’s own duty free shop, swimming pool, a very nice Gym, coffee house and restaurant with a good variety of international dishes. The hotel is in Koror, about 4 minutes by foot from Palau’s 2 biggest shopping centers. Rooms are very spacious and the daily breakfast very nice. Get information and photos to Palasia Hotel.

Seasonal Rates from Jun 01-October 31, 2019

Room Category	Room Rate/night	extra Bed/night	Max. Kids/Room
Deluxe Town View,    2 beds	USD 130.00	USD 60.00	Two

All prices are in US Dollar per room, incl. Breakfast & local taxes | * Conditions apply 

Kids 12 years old and below are free of charge sharing room with parents and using existing beds. Breakfast is at extra charge from the 3rd person on.

Palau Royal Resort

... is located in Malakal, about 3 km from Koror center and a short distance - about 400 meters from Fish ’n Fins Diving & Activity Center. It offers about 160 rooms and all amenities you could wish for. From Coffee House, Restaurant, SPA, Gym, Pool to a private beach facing Palau’s famous Rock Islands. There are a couple of restaurants in reach including our Barracuda Mediterranean restaurant :-). Get information and photos to Palau Royal Resort.

Seasonal Rates from Jun 01-Aug 31, 2019

Room Category	Room Rate/night	extra Bed/night	Max. Kids/Room
Superior Garden Room, 3 beds	USD 360.00	———	Two
Superior Premium Room, 3 beds	USD 390.00	———	Two
Deluxe Ocean Room, 3 beds	USD 450.00	———	Two

All prices are in US Dollar per room, incl. Breakfast & local taxes | * Conditions apply

Seasonal Rates from Sept 01-Oct 31, 2019

Room Category	Room Rate/night	extra Bed/night	Max. Kids/Room
Superior Garden Room, 3 beds	USD 340.00	———	Two
Superior Premium Room, 3 beds	USD 360.00	———	Two
Deluxe Ocean Room, 3 beds	USD 440.00	———	Two

All prices are in US Dollar per room, incl. Breakfast & local taxes | * Conditions apply 

Kids 12 years old and below are free of charge sharing room with parents and using existing beds. Breakfast is at extra charge for the 4th person.

Sea Passion Hotel

... is only about 200 meters from Palau Royal Resort and 120 meters from Fish ’n Fins Diving & Activity Center. Its 70 spacious rooms offer 2 double beds per room and big bathrooms. Ocean View Rooms provide fantastic views of sea and Rock Islands. The hotel’s beach is lovely and extremely inviting for a relaxing family time and snorkeling around Rock Islands. Get information and photos to Palau Royal Resort.

Seasonal Rates from Jun 01-Oct 31, 2019, Aug 21-Sept 30, 2019, Oct 08-31, 2019

Room Category	Room Rate/night	extra Bed/night	Max. Kids/Room
Mountain View Room, 2 beds	USD 140.00	USD 105.00	Two
Ocean View Room,   2 beds	USD 190.00	USD 105.00	Two
Family Room, 3 beds	USD 338.00	———	Two

All prices are in US Dollar per room, incl. Breakfast & local taxes | * Conditions apply

Seasonal Rates from Jul 01-Aug 20, 2019

Room Category	Room Rate/night	extra Bed/night	Max. Kids/Room
Mountain View Room, 2 beds	USD 160.00	USD 105.00	Two
Ocean View Room,   2 beds	USD 210.00	USD 105.00	Two
Family Room, 3 beds	USD 416.00	———	Two

All prices are in US Dollar per room, incl. Breakfast & local taxes | * Conditions apply 

Kids 12 years old and below are free of charge sharing room with parents and using existing beds. Breakfast is included for 2 persons in rooms with 2 beds and 3 persons for rooms with 3 beds.

Palau Pacific Resort

... is located in Meyuns in a picturesque bay and is Palau’s most luxurious resort, offering restaurants, pool, SPA, spacious & luxurious rooms and a large private beach for relaxation during the day and wonderful beach BBQs featuring fresh fish and lobsters at night. This is the right place for your family if you enjoy a more upscale travel experience. Get information and photos to Palau Pacific Resort.

Seasonal Rates from Jun 01-30, 2019, Oct 07-31, 2019

Room Category	Room Rate/night	extra Bed/night	Max. Kids/Room
Garden View Room,  2 beds	USD 465.00	FOC	Two
Ocean View Room,   2 beds	USD 515.00	FOC	Two
Ocean Front Room,  2 beds	USD 565.00	FOC	Two

All prices are in US Dollar per room, incl. Breakfast & local taxes | * Conditions apply

Seasonal Rates from Jul 01-31, 2019, Sep 01-27, 2019

Room Category	Room Rate/night	extra Bed/night	Max. Kids/Room
Garden View Room,  2 beds	USD 470.00	FOC	Two
Ocean View Room,   2 beds	USD 535.00	FOC	Two
Ocean Front Room,  2 beds	USD 595.00	FOC	Two

All prices are in US Dollar per room, incl. Breakfast & local taxes | * Conditions apply

Seasonal Rates from Aug 01-31, 2019, Sep 28-Oct 06, 2019 

Room Category	Room Rate/night	extra Bed/night	Max. Kids/Room
Garden View Room,  2 beds	USD 475.00	FOC	Two
Ocean View Room,   2 beds	USD 550.00	FOC	Two
Ocean Front Room,  2 beds	USD 625.00	FOC	Two

All prices are in US Dollar per room, incl. Breakfast & local taxes | * Conditions apply

Kids 12 years old and below are free of charge sharing room with parents and using existing beds. Breakfast is free of charge for room sharing kids.

What are the Conditions to Book Family Packages? 

• Booking Conditions: Children 10 and below are not eligible for the Resort Dive | Package rates are exclusively for families with children not older than 17 yrs. of age | Minimum booking - 7 Nights Accommodation, 4 RED Blocks & 4 BLUE Blocks per adult 
• Booking Period from February 01 until October 24, 2019 
• Travel Time from June 01 until October 31, 2019

How do you get to Palau & Where can you Book? 

China Airlines

It’s very easy to get to Palau. We have daily flights to/from Palau. The best connections are with China Airlines via Taipei to Koror. China Airlines offers very reasonably priced flights from Sydney, Australia - Los Angeles, California - Frankfurt & Vienna, Europe to Koror, Palau. 

United Airlines

If you come from close by or want to arrive via Manila, Philippines - Tokyo, Japan or Guam, USA you should clearly have a look at the website of United Airlines, which offers daily flights to Korror, Palau.  

Korean Airlines & Asiana Airlines

For all our guests coming from/via Seoul, Korea you ideally connect to Koror, Palau several times a week with either Korean Airlines or Asiana Airlines. 

If you wish to book your flights online please do not forget to choose “Multi City” - if you wish to book your flight through Fish ’n Fins Dive & Activity Center, please let us know - we’ll be delighted to find the best connection for your Palau Family Vacation. 

Example Family Vacation for 7 Nights

7 Nights Double Occupancy including breakfast, all transfers & local taxes at the hotel/resort of your choice - parents sharing one blue package and buying RED and GREEN Blocks according to the number of children.

Day 1 - 1 Parent Diving - 1 Parent Snorkeling with kid/s whole family on the same boat

Day 2 - 1 Parent Diving - 1 Parent  Rock Island & Jellyfish Lake Tour with kid/s 

Day 3 - 1 Parent Diving - Relaxing Family Day at the hotel beach or pool

Day 4 - Off Road Jungle Tour for the whole family 

Day 5 - 1 Parent Diving - 1 Parent  Island Tour with kid/s

Day 6 - Relaxed Kayaking Tour for the whole family 

Day 7 - Walking Koror and relaxing at the beach/pool

All activities include transportation, guide & lunch/snack/water. Activities do not include state & national park fees.

Contact us for your BOOKING - Fish ’n Fins  - PADI 5 Star IDC & Activity Center, PO Box 964, Koror, Palau, Phone: (680) 488 2637 - WhatsApp (680) 775 5416, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*** DOWNLOAD AQUA KIDS PALAU BROCHURE ***

Portrait of Franco Banfi a Pro Photographer from Switzerland

I know Franco since many years and admire his great photos. It was no surprise to me to see, when starting my job with Fish 'n Fins that Franco had been one of our happy customers. Hence it was very easy to get him to agree to be featured on FNF MAG and display some of his underwater art.

Franco Banfi Biography

Franco was born in Switzerland in 1958 and started diving in 1981. Although in Switzerland there is no sea, there are many lakes and rivers. In one of these lakes Franco learned how to dive and one year later was immersed in the Maldives shooting his first roll of film.

Although the rivers aren't colorful as many tropical seas, in these waters Franco learned to compose images, looking more at the form, shadow, reflections and light. After a while he started to enter photographic competitions where in some years he won more than a hundred prizes all around the world: Europe, Japan, America and New Zealand.

In 1992 Franco was invited to participate at the World Champion in Cuba where he won first prize World Champion in underwater photography. After this he started to work with magazines and publications. In 1996 Franco published two books about Papua New Guinea edited from White Star Overcall. I like almost every kind of picture, from macro to wide-angle, but my favourite shots are wide-angle, underwater landscape with animals and model, light and colours. 

Franco started an underwater photographer career 35 years ago and in 2000 left his job to become a professional photographer, specializing in underwater and wildlife images. Recently he founded a company skilled in running trips for micro-groups of enthusiasts, traveling to enjoy wildlife above and below the surface.

The basic elements that characterize his pictures are curiosity, attention to details, movements, innovation. When Franco records the changes in life-forms and the interactions with humans it is not to convey the concepts of static conservation of exotic ecosystems but as a becoming, a perpetual mutation of existing biological diversity, the result of an evolution that consistently adds new variants to all ecosystems, a never-ending mutation.

Franco is an ambassador for Canon Italy; he is member of IEPA.org (International Environment Photographers Association) and of the Wild Wonders of Europe.

As mentioned before Franco is an award-winning photographer (World Champion in underwater photography in Cuba) and he regularly gets top honors at the more prestigious international photo-competitions as Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY), Nature’s Best, International Photography Awards (IPA), etc.

Franco about his Palau Experience and diving with Fish 'n Fins

Fish & Fins is a great company to work with - skilled experienced friendly and very helpful people.The atmosphere is great and easy going, which is a must for everybody, from tourists looking to enjoy a great vacation to professional photographers in search for the more elusive animal in crystal clear water.Palau underwater offers something for everybody, from beginners to experienced divers. I especially liked Blue Corner, where I found unbelievable visibility when I took pictures of the sharks, and Chandelier Cave a fairy-tale location, which can transform to a magical place when lighted correctly.

Franco is using Canon cameras in underwater housings of Italian producer Isotta.

If you wish to connect with Franco Banfi click one of the following links - WEBSITE OF FRANCO BANFI - FACEBOOK - INSTAGRAM