Late December Diving Destination: Palau, Solomon, Philippines?

[kagejumper]

Thanks for your response @kagejumper. What land based dive op did you use in Palau? Is the boat ride very long?

I realize this is a very late reply, but just in case it's useful for others, I dove with Fish and Fins. The DMs were great, the boat was fast, the office folks were super rude, and not always helpful, but the dive guides worked it out. Boat rides are not short, but the boat was fast, so it wasn't bad. Honestly, the boat rides were worse from the BP on several days because the tender engine was not at full power.
I did s solo/ self guided day of kayaking from Paddling Palau- definitely recommend. The snorkeling was underwhelming, but the area is beautiful.
I mostly stayed at sea passion. It was perfectly nice, very convenient to diving and kayaking (i like to walk rather than rent a car) and the in house beach was lovely, if tiny.
I also stayed at the Palasia in town for hours after arrival and before leaving. They were so incredibly helpful and kind. the hotel was very clean, and spacious, and dated in quaint ways.
The Canoe House tiki bar was lovely.
The local beer (Red Rooster) is fantastic, and they make several varieties (i love a wheat beer, which i can almost never find it while diving). They serve RR on tap and in cans all over the island.

 

[DivingChipmunk]

I realize this is a very late reply, but just in case it's useful for others, I dove with Fish and Fins. The DMs were great, the boat was fast, the office folks were super rude, and not always helpful, but the dive guides worked it out. Boat rides are not short, but the boat was fast, so it wasn't bad. Honestly, the boat rides were worse from the BP on several days because the tender engine was not at full power.
I did s solo/ self guided day of kayaking from Paddling Palau- definitely recommend. The snorkeling was underwhelming, but the area is beautiful.
I mostly stayed at sea passion. It was perfectly nice, very convenient to diving and kayaking (i like to walk rather than rent a car) and the in house beach was lovely, if tiny.
I also stayed at the Palasia in town for hours after arrival and before leaving. They were so incredibly helpful and kind. the hotel was very clean, and spacious, and dated in quaint ways.
The Canoe House tiki bar was lovely.
The local beer (Red Rooster) is fantastic, and they make several varieties (i love a wheat beer, which i can almost never find it while diving). They serve RR on tap and in cans all over the island.

Thanks for the very helpful info.

Yes, we ended up going to Palau. We did 3 days of landbased diving, and then a 7 night liveaboard on a new boat, Solitude Gaia. Both were great diving experiences. For the landbased dives, we used Neco Marine and stayed at Sea Passion. Solitude Gaia is a beautiful new boat with capable and helpful crew. We had a wonderful time.

 

[kagejumper]

Thanks for the very helpful info.

Yes, we ended up going to Palau. We did 3 days of landbased diving, and then a 7 night liveaboard on a new boat, Solitude Gaia. Both were great diving experiences. For the landbased dives, we used Neco Marine and stayed at Sea Passion. Solitude Gaia is a beautiful new boat with capable and helpful crew. We had a wonderful time.

What did you think of Sea Passion?

 

[DivingChipmunk]

What did you think of Sea Passion?

We liked it.
Pros: The room is huge, with 2 large and comfortable beds , and the view of the water is beautiful. Very short walk to dive shops.
Cons: The bathroom is kind of "part of the room". No real balcony to sit on, although you can open the sliding door. The breakfast is basic.