Palau questions

[Liberty01]

Thinking about diving in Palau.
What would be the best time (month) for avoiding the crowds (low season), but diving in good conditions (and with big fish)?
Are there specific dive sites where you can see hammerheads?
Do the sites that are good for sharks etc. require very fast negative entries in very strong currents?
Which dive shop would you recommend? Is decent rental gear available?
Any recommendations for affordable packages etc. will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Liberty

 

[mjh]

Best way to do Palau is on a live-aboard. The currents were very managable when we where there, though a reef hook is a good idea. Most shops have good rental gear. You will see sharks at almost every site. Our website has a trip report, slideshow w/video and a gallery. Should give you an idea of what you will see.

www.aquabluedreams.com
Trip Report: http://www.aquabluedreams.com/palautr.htm
Gallery: http://www.aquabluedreams.com/palaugallery.htm
Slideshow:http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewshow.html?fl=2786644&alb=0

 

[Tomeck]

I have been in Palau in November 2006. It is very good, there are not too many tourists, the weather is not heavy. I did not have a problem with currents, because the dive shop organized very good with directory of tides. There are many gray reef sharks.

 

[Bubble Junky]

What would be the best time (month) for avoiding the crowds (low season), but diving in good conditions (and with big fish)?

When I was there it was Grey Reef mating season in December, and the Mantas seemed to be on the scene from December thru' February.

Are there specific dive sites where you can see hammerheads?

Hammerheads are pretty rare. I did hear of a couple of sightings at Blue Corner, but not the norm. You'll see Grey Reefs and White Tip Reef sharks on pretty much every dive, and the odd Black Tip Reef and Leopard shark too.

Do the sites that are good for sharks etc. require very fast negative entries in very strong currents?

Sometimes, depends on the strength of the currect and the knowledge of the guide. You have to jump out in the blue and get down below the top of the reefs before the current has pushed you towards the wall. Good dive guides will check the current, and jump a good distance from the wall to make the descents easier.

Which dive shop would you recommend? Is decent rental gear available?

For land based, Neco Marine or Sam's, for liveaboard, Big Blue or the Ocean Hunter boats.

 

[nereas]

Bring a reef hook and line.

But make sure you also have a sharp knife at hand so that you can cut the line in case the hook gets stuck, and you get into trouble.

Palau is supposed to be tied with the Red Sea as the #1 dive spot in the world. Have fun! But be safe too!

 

[robint]

MJH - fabulous gallery and slideshow! We are headed to Palau in Dec on the Big Blue Explorer.... thanks for whetting our appetites!

robint

 

[Divebuddies]

Just came back from Palau with my wife and brother-in-law (July 17-23). It's low season and the weather is hit or miss, but it was great for us--88 degrees/partly cloudy skies, lower humidity than Guam. We went with Sam's Tours booked through MDA in Guam. There's a divemaster there named Jim and we HIGHLY recommend him! He might be away starting this September because he plans to take complete his dive instructor course back in the US. Daniel is another good divemaster, and I hear Joanne is good too, but in reality, we were very impressed with Sam's Tours and everyone were super nice. Irene at the dive shop is great to work with. Sam's offers free EAN32 and they rent all gear including dive computers (Suunto Gekkos).

We didn't see hammerheads, and I don't think hammerheads visit any of the dive sites between Koror and Peleliu with any regularity. We did see a bunch of grey reef and white/silver tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a manta ray (specifically German Channel). Lots to see at Blue Corner and Ulong Channel. Sam's will provide you with a reef hook, so no need to buy one. There's not much in the way of fish at Blue Holes or Saies Tunnel, but they shouldn't missed. The Flame Scallops are a really need thing to see and the ambiance/setting is quite thrilling.

Expect 1-1.5 knot currents that will shift unexpectedly. Max current of 3-3.5 knots were reported around Western Pelelui, but luckily we didn't experience that! I HIGHLY recommend Nitrox certification if you don't have it yet.

That said, a livaboard may be the best way to dive Palau, but for about half the price, Sam's Tours was great! Included were airfare from Guam, 6 nights accomidations at the West Plaza Malakal (closest West Plaza to Sam's), 4 day three tank boat dives with free nitrox, and voucher's for free breakfast at Sam's Bottom Time Bar and Grill, and included lunch (the bento box was enjoyable, but sandwiches are available). The West Plaza is a basic no-frills hotel. If you want higher class, check out the Palau Royal Resort, The Palasia, or the Palau Pacific Resort. Either way, Sam's will pick you up via minivan or by boat.

 

[Divebuddies]

I forgot to mention that a kayak day was included (we hit Mandarin Lake, Black Tip Lake, and Lee Marvin Beach), and a trip to Jellyfish Lake. I was skeptical about the kayak tour, but it turned out to be great. We had Carl as a guide and he was awesome.

 

[Bubble Junky]

Bring a reef hook and line.

You'll be supplied with one there, or can get one whilst there.

Palau is supposed to be tied with the Red Sea as the #1 dive spot in the world.

Palau is much better than the Red Sea, and so are many other places. The Red Sea is good, but not that good - it gets great reviews as it's where most European divers travel to, and compared to lakes and quarries and cold, murky coastal waters of Europe, it is great.