Palau Scuba Diving Frequently Asked Questions

We hope that you find our Palau Scuba Diving frequently asked questions helpful. If you have any other questions about Scuba Diving Palau, please don't hesitate to contact us. More information may also be found in our Scuba Diving Palau brochure.

1. Where is Palau?
The Republic of Palau is 900 miles southwest of Guam and 400 miles south of Yap at the western-most edge of Micronesia. Palau is north of New Guinea and east of the Philippines.

2. What is included in the charter?
Accommodations aboard the vessel, diving, compressed air tanks, weights and weight belts, airport transfers on day of arrival and departure, meals and snacks, non-alcoholic and local alcoholic beverages are included in the charter rate.

3. How many days is the charter and how many dives can I make?
A Palau Aggressor II charter is seven days, Sunday afternoon to Sunday morning, with five and one-half days of diving. The boat departs from port on Monday morning around 5:30 a.m. Diving begins Monday morning and ends Saturday afternoon when the Palau Aggressor II returns to port. Most guests make four to five dives a day.

4. What airlines service Palau?
Continental and Air Micronesia via Honolulu, Guam and Manila. Inter-islands flights are subject to schedule changes without notice. Always check your flight schedule prior to departure.

5. When should I arrive in Palau?
You will lose one day when you cross the International Date Line.

We recommend that you arrive in Palau on Saturday. With a departure from Honolulu on Friday.

If you choose to arrive on Sunday. The last flight from the US prior to the vessel's departure departs Honolulu at approximately 1:00 pm on Saturday, so that does not leave much leeway in case of flight delays or lost luggage.

6. Are there any taxes or fees not included in the charter price?
Yes, there are a few. The Palau Government has levied a cruising tax of $35 US per person per week for live-aboards. This tax is collected at the end of the week when you settle your tab. Dive taxes are also charged by the local government at $35 US per person, which is good for two weeks. Each person will get a temporary pass which must be on them when diving from a boat. This fee is also collected at the end of the week when settling your tab. The airport departure tax is $20 US and is paid upon departure. These fees are levied by the Palau Government and are subject to change without notice. They are not included in the charter rate. The Palau Aggressor II charges a $100 per guest fuel surcharge

7. Do I need a passport?
U.S. citizens are required to have a passport for international travel. For details on travel requirements for U.S. citizens, please visit the U.S. State Department's web site. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate.

8. How do I meet the Palau Aggressor II on the day of departure?
If you arrive anytime on Sunday, a uniformed crew member will meet you at the airport. Please make sure if you arrive on the island early you note what hotel you are staying at on your Agressor Fleet application/Liability waiver. The crew will then pick you up at your hotel at 4:30 p.m. Sunday and drive you to the vessel for boarding. If you arrive on Sunday evening, you will be met at the airport and taken directly to the vessel.

9. Where does the Palau Aggressor II dock?
The Palau Aggressor II docks at the "M" dock in Palau.

10. What is unique to diving in Palau?
Palau's waters are considered the #1 Underwater Wonder of the World. Its rich, pristine marine environment is famous for its drop-offs, currents and pelagic activity. Palau's protected inner reefs offer an abundant, extensive variety of marine life. Most dives are drift dives.

11. What is the water temperature? Will I need a wet suit?
The water temperature averages between 82 to 85F year round. A thin wet suit (1/8" maximum) or lycra suit (Darlex or Polartec) is recommended, however, as divers often make four or more dives a day and can develop a chill. The visibility ranges from 60 to 100 feet. On the outer reefs and walls, visibility usually exceeds 100 feet.

12. Is there dinghy diving?
Yes, most dives are made from the 30-foot skiff due to the currents at most dive sites.

13. Is there night diving?
Yes, night dives are offered every night from the Palau Aggressor II.

14. When is the rainy season?
The wet season is between May and September. February to April is considered the dry season, but typically it rains about one day each week.

15. What type of topography can I expect to see in Palau?
Palau is a chain of over 300 lush, tropical islands. This remote, idyllic paradise features white sand beaches and dense jungle.

16. Is it customary to offer a crew gratuity?
We believe gratuities should be voluntary and based upon the quality of the service the crew has provided. When setting your account, the Captain will have an envelope for gratuities to be divided equally among the crew. Gratuities may be left by cash, credit card, or travelers checks.

17. What is planned Saturday afternoon and evening after we return to port?
This is your opportunity to shop, sight-see or visit the Palau Ethnic Center. The crew of the Palau Aggressor II hosts a cocktail party Saturday evening. Dinner is not served on board. This is the only meal not included in the charter. The crew can recommend a local restaurant and arrange transportation.

18. When is check-out time on the vessel?
Check out is between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. The crew will transport you to the airport or your hotel.

19. Where is the nearest recompression chamber?
Palau has a new two-man recompression chamber in Koror.