diverchuck:
I am going to Truk and Palau in a few weeks and will be staying at Truk Blue Lagoon and the Palau Pacific. Any pointers anyone has? Must see, must NOT see etc.... I am an experienced diver but have heard the currents can be pretty strong. True? Anything to be concerned about?
Is it true that the natives do not appreciate it if tourists (especially women) have shorts that are above the knee? Will I feel comfortable wearing shorts that are above the knee and tank tops?
Any advice is
Hi, I just want to say that you will have a wonderful time! I have stayed at PPR and it is very nice. I now like staying closer in town because I like not being hostage to the whole shuttle routine in the am's and after my dives back to the room. Also, I admit that I am a little spoiled living in Hawaii and since I have an awesome view of the ocean, I would rather not pay premium prices for that. Having said that, you made a good choice especially if you are traveling as a couple.
Diving: The currents can be impressive. My advice would include: Have a safety sausage just in case you are swept some distance from the group or have a problem that causes you to surface earlier than the boat captains anticipate. Also, although I do clip my reefhook off to my BCD, my advice is to use the one with the "handle" until you have the whole current thing dialed in and are comfortable with it. AND make sure your trunks are tied a little tighter than usual. Be aware of your depth, the "current" can run vertically, especially near walls so be aware that you may need to use that BCD to compensate for downdrafts occasionally.The captains are very experienced with these drifts so be assured that they know what they're doing. Still, I tend to do a little "sizing up" of the people in charge and dive accordingly.
As far as dress for women: I dress for comfort (it is hot) California style and I felt that was fine while I was there. I like to take a cover-up for air conditioned restaurants, etc. and that way if I sense a little too much attention somewhere, just put it on.
If you like collecting local art, go to the jail and do a little storyboard shopping. These beautiful carvings are local legends carved as a scene on beautiful wood. The inmates carve them instead of making license plates I guess. (tell your girlfriend this is a perfect opportunity for that sweatshirt!) Seriously, the experience was fun and I chose one that I really love. Barter a little.
You will see LOTS of sharks. I am a big chicken but I did okay and never felt they were interested in me. Oh, one more little tidbit. Most of the operators all send the same lunches and they are nothing to write home about. I am going back in early December and my plan is to scout out a tasty Thai or Italian eatery and line up my own little week of food for the boat. If you are at the PPR (Pacific Palau Resort) just order something the night before.
I am a photographer so of course I think you should take a camera. Oh--and the most important thing of all is make sure you do Blue Corner as much as possible! The action is non-stop, it is like a major freeway down there as far as the Pelagic traffic. It is different each time so don't just do it once. Personally, I would skip Jellyfish lake and German channel and try to get more Blue Corner, Blue Holes and Big Drop-off sites instead. My awesome boyfriend and I are planning to overnight on a private little rock island (New Drop-off?) and free dive, etc then get picked up in the morning by the dive boat. Put together your own program a little and just tip accordingly and the staff (Sam's Tours) will be happy to accomodate. Have a blast and if you are ever in Hawaii look us up!
catherine@pacificparadisedivers.com
