Few places in the world can boast such stable year-round conditions as Palau. The water temperature seldom varies outside of the 28-30°C (82-86F) range. Even during the rainy season, particularly July to September, conditions can be fabulous with occasional dips in visibility from the usual (and incredible) 40m+ down to around 20m (still good!). So it's good for a vacation all year round, but if we had to pick an absolute best time to visit then November to May would be our choice.

The water temperatures do not vary much throughout the year, normally staying between 26 and 30°C. Many divers don't wear wetsuits and most find a 3 mm shortie to be sufficient. You may be doing 4 dives a day so continued exposure to the water can make you feel the cold more. A full length 3 mm wetsuit should be adequate for anyone's needs, and hoods are popular at cooler times.

Many of the sites on a Palau liveaboard trip are suitable for all levels and the guides are trained to provide services to both experienced and inexperienced scuba divers. If you are inexperienced but you can handle a bit of current and learn how to use a reef hook then you'll be fine. Some current is to be expected at certain sites and it is not uncommon for the inexperienced/cautious to sit out dives at these sites. Many inexperienced divers have been on Palau liveaboards and, making sensible decisions together with the dive crew, have had the time of their lives.

Reef hooks are a great piece of dive kit to have. When in conditions conducive to their use, such as some sites in Palau, they make your life so much easier. If you haven't used one before you will be taught on the liveaboard cruise. One end of the rope fastens somewhere centrally on your BCD and you place the hook, at the other end, securely somewhere on a dead, rocky spot on the reef. This anchors you to the reef as you relax and allow the rope to take the strain. Then you simply face into the current, breath slowly and watch the action. No need for finning or flapping.

Reef hooks are not always available for rent or purchase on all safaris so we recommend you buy one in advance and make sure you bring this, your own safety sausage (SMB) and dive computer with you. Every diver in Palau should have a reef hook.

If you require a cabin to yourself, then yes. It is expected that single travellers will be happy to share a cabin with another diver, almost always of the same sex. If privacy is a must, then you can expect to pay a supplement of 65 to 100% of the regular 'per person' price, depending on your choice of liveaboard cruise.

It is possible that we will sell land-based diving in Palau one day. However for now we feel, and our customer feedback confirms, that the best way to see all around Palau is from a liveaboard tour. Many excellent sites are accessible as daytrips, but when we visit a destination we like to feel we have really seen as wide a range of its finest offerings as possible. It is our view that in Palau liveaboards are the best way to achieve that goal.

Furthermore, the best dive sites are a long way from Koror, meaning that long and repetitive boat rides will be involved if you want to make daily day trips from a hotel or resort on the Palau mainland.

Yes! Nearly all our liveaboard trips include an excursion to snorkel with the jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake. If this is a key interest for you, please confirm with us so we can double check that your particular trip does indeed include Jellyfish Lake in its itinerary.

Palau is an island in the Western Pacific Ocean and forms part of the island group known as Micronesia. It is east of the Philippines and north of Indonesia, its closest neighbours, and to the west of Hawaii ... a long way west.

The climate is tropical, meaning mostly sunshine, high humidity and occasional downpours. Average temperature is 28°C (82F). Rain is more frequent between July and October although the sun usually comes out straight after a cloudburst.

Palau lies beyond the main path of typhoons. They hit the Philippines hard but bring little more than a tail-end of wind and rain to Palau. On rare occasions one might veer off course and affect the islands but that is not the norm. If you really want to eliminate all risk come between February and April - the months when there is no risk of typhoons anywhere in the area.

December and January are the months when tourist numbers hit their peak.

Visas for a tourist visit are not required in advance. US citizens with valid passports will get a 1 year visa on arrival. Visitors from most other countries will be given a 30 day visa on arrival. It is recommended that you ensure your passport is current and valid for at least 6 months. You may be asked to show proof of a return airline ticket and adequate funds to support yourself during your stay. Regulations are not the same for all countries so be sure to check your own visa requirements in advance of travel on the Republic of Palau website.

If you are joining one of our Palau liveaboards then the itinerary will include some fun and interesting non-diving activities, most commonly snorkelling in Jellyfish Lake and visits to sights of significance to WWII activity. Beyond that you may spend some time in Koror, a very small but friendly little town.

Koror is not a hive of activity. One main street is the focus of most of the action, so at least you won’t get lost. Here you will find most of the shops and restaurants. There are 2 main shopping centres here: WCTC Shopping Center and Surangels Super Center. Every fortnight the Palauan and international night markets take place, offering you a great chance to experience local cuisine and traditional entertainment. Nightlife is limited to bars like Barracuda on the dockside, an expat hangout called Riptide and, for a more local flavour, you can check out the Palauan cha-cha at Peleliu Club.

You could visit the Palau International Coral Reef Center where among other things there is an aquarium and nursery of giant clams. You could also inspect World War II monuments and relics, and visit the crocodile farm. The Senior Citizens Center houses a shop for traditional arts and crafts, such as weaving and wood-carvings, and there are 2 main museums: Belau National Museum and the Etpison Museum.

For more ideas visit: The Palau Visitors Authority and The Rock Island Tour Company.

The currency of Palau is the US dollar. There are plenty of ATMs around so you can access your cash.

Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted at all major hotels, restaurants, shops, the airport and on the larger liveaboard boats.

Belau National Hospital in Koror is the only real hospital and it has a hyperbaric chamber for scuba diving emergencies. There are also 2 private clinics. Our recommendations are to drink bottled water only as an upset stomach is the most common complaint. Malaria is not present. If you are coming from an area where cholera and yellow fever are present, immunisations will be required.

Internet and email is available in hotels and various other outlets in Koror, including internet cafes. There are national Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country, accessible on your device with a pre-paid internet card. These hotspots are at the airport and various restaurants, coffee shops and tour offices. Most of the liveaboard boats in Palau provide some type of internet access.

If you need to make international calls or faxes you can do so from all major hotels and resorts or from the Palau National Communications Corporation office opposite the Koror Post Office.

Palau is in the same time zone as Japan and Korea - +9 hrs UTC, or +14 EST.

Tipping is optional but appreciated. At markets you can put your bargaining skills to the test. Unlike in more modern shops, the market traders expect and seemingly enjoy a good bit of haggling. They won’t sell to you unless they are happy with the agreed price.

Lightweight and quick-drying clothes such a dry-fit T-shirts work well to keep you cool. It may be worth taking a long-sleeved shirt or top and long pants for cooler evenings, particularly when out at sea. A waterproof jacket may also be worth bringing in case the clouds open.

24-hour electricity comes in 110 and 220 volts, with standard U.S. outlets for 2 or 3 prong plugs. Most of the liveaboards have standard US outlets. It is always a good idea to travel with universal adaptors for your electrical equipment.

The people consist of native Palauans, other Micronesians, and overseas workers from the Philippines. Generally, they are very relaxed about etiquette and will make allowances for foreign tourists. You don’t need to worry too much about dress code or unknowingly offending religious or cultural sensitivities. As long as you are suitably dressed when visiting religious sites, there should be no problem.

Official numbers suggest 75% Christian, with the local Palauan religion of Modekngei at a little under 10%. The rest is made up of Buddhism, Chinese folk religion, and tiny populations of Jews and Muslims.

Palauan and English are the 2 official languages. Other recognized regional languages include Japanese, Sonsorolese, and Tobian.

Palau is considered a very safe destination for liveaboard divers and travelers. As a small island nation, it is known for its friendly and warm locals. However, as with any destination, it’s wise to exercise common-sense precautions:
• Stick to well-lit areas at night.
• Avoid displaying money, expensive jewelry, or phones openly.
• Remain in control of your actions.

Palau has a relatively low crime rate, and most visitors have no issues. The most likely encounter with "criminality" might be purchasing wood carvings at local markets, some of which are crafted by Palauan prisoners.

Laws & Official Regulations:
• Marine Conservation: Palau enforces strict marine protection laws. Taking marine life (such as shells, coral, or wildlife) is prohibited, and severe penalties apply. Take only photographs.
• Customs & Prohibited Items: Do not attempt to bring in narcotics, weapons, plants, fruits, or animals. Airport officials inspect luggage upon arrival.

Police & Security:
• Palau’s national defense is handled by the U.S. under the Compact of Free Association.
• Local law enforcement is managed by Palau’s own police force.

hotelscombined.com, our affiliated hotel reservation agents, have a variety of accommodations in Palau. Browse through the choices on their website, use their live chat to ask your questions, and then simply use your credit card to make your reservation.



From 5 star beach resorts to cheaper hotels, there's something to suit most people's taste and needs. And you can be sure that whatever option you go for, it will be backed up with their 'Low Price Guarantee', so you will always get value for money.