Where to stay in Palau?

[pjtj2k]

Hey everyone, my wife and I are heading to Palau next January...ish
I am looking for a good place to stay that won't break the bank.
I want to do at least 2-3 dives a day and hit all the famous spots etc...
She doesn't dive at all. She is more of a "sit on the beach with a book and drink" kinda girl.
Basically need a decent hotel with a beach she can sit on that is close to a bar while I go dive.
I have looked at PPR and that is EXPENSIVE, the only other place that was recommended on here was Palau Sea Passion.

Does anyone have a recommended dive shop to go through?
Heard PDA was good, FishNFins???
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Lorenzoid]

I'm guessing you've already done a search on SB for past threads. Did you see this trip report posted yesterday?

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/pacific-islands/458767-palau-trip-report-june-2013-a.html

 

[pjtj2k]

Lorenzoid, yes saw that trip report. Just looking for more input. Thanks!

 

[jfcl01]

Lorenzoid, yes saw that trip report. Just looking for more input. Thanks!

I went out with both Sam's and Neco Marine. Neco was a better fit for me. I suggest you book with them and try to go out with Sergio as your DM if you can get on his boat at least once. I found Sam's just too chaotic and big-however, very nice people, fun little snack bar/restaurant. They have a large and loyal following.

 

[Woodiver]

If you want to keep the non diver happy, buck up and go with the expensive PPR, I can't see returning to the Sea Passion or PRR.

 

[Deep Water Dan]

The Sea Passion doesn't have much to offer the non-diver. It's a good place for divers to stay, because you're gone all day. But you probably want the Palau Royal or Palau Pacific if the wife isn't diving. I think next time we do Palau we're going to stay at the Palau Royal.

 

[neuro]

Sea Passion has a nice small beach with lagoon for swimming (including Mitsubishi "Zero" plane wreck in shallow water). I enjoyed it, still your wife can join you for the boat ride and stay on one of beaches nearby diving spot.

Cheers,
Piotr

 

[jake11]

We stayed at PPR and Sea Passions. We loved PPR and Sea Passions was okay!!!! We dove with SAMs Tours and had a great time! It is kind of crazy busy but after day 1 we got used tot he routine! Have a great time!!!

 

[cozcharlie]

I haven't been to PPR in a while, but if you can make the stretch I would probably recommend PPR given you have a non-diving wife. You might see if you can get some sort of package with your diving to save a little bit on cost.

I usually stay at Sea Passion before I get on the Aggressor or Dancer. I have always been happy there (especially since I am only there 2-3 nights), but not sure how good it would be for a non-diver. I have usually booked one of the Sea Passion's better rooms and have been happy (I think the lagoon view suite or whatever it was called was only marginally more). There have been some mediocre reviews from people renting some of the cheaper rooms at Sea Passion. There generally haven't been too many people at the little beach they have at Sea Passion (it is an artificial beach in a narrow channel).