Description
The spawning routes of the Palau Siren are scheduled to coincide with one of the most unique marine phenomena in Micronesia: the reproductive aggregations that occur every month in the waters of Palau linked to the lunar cycle. Beyond the main event, the itinerary explores the landmarks of the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring walls, current channels, caves, and World War II wrecks. Blue Corner, German Channel, and Ulong Channel round out a program with a distinctly pelagic nature, featuring reef sharks, mantas, Napoleon wrasse, and large schools of fish.
The focus of the trip is the spawning of the red snapper, which aggregates each month around the full moon. At dawn, tens of thousands of snappers rise from the depths to begin their courtship rituals, changing their coloration from red to white in a display of great energy. These massive concentrations attract Palau's apex predators, such as the bull shark and the oceanic blacktip shark, which actively hunt within the school.
Itinerary
Departure Day - Arrival in Palau and Boarding
Departure from Spain on an international flight with two layovers to Palau. Due to typical connection times, arrival usually occurs two nights before the cruise begins, allowing for a pre-stay at a five-star hotel in Koror. Boarding the Palau Siren takes place at Sam's Tours in Koror at 5:30 PM, with complimentary transfers from the hotel or the airport. The embarkation day includes presentations, boat and safety briefings, and dinner onboard; there is no diving on this day.
This package includes a hotel stay to simplify flight and transfer logistics.
Included
- International flights
- Scuba Finders backpack with t-shirt
- Printed travel documentation at home
- International flight from Spain to Palau with two layovers (round trip)
- Transfers from airport/hotel/Sam's Tours (round trip)
- Pre and post-stay at the Palau Sunrise Sea View Landison Retreat (five stars) in Koror, typically two nights before and one night after, depending on the international flight schedule
- Life on board: 10 nights on the Palau Siren in a double occupancy cabin, on a full board basis
- Breakfast on hotel days
- Up to 31 guided dives (approximately 27-31)
- Tank, weights, and dive guide
- Boat excursion through the Rock Islands
- Travel insurance with Scuba Safe
- Turtle nesting itinerary fees ($240, included in the cruise price)
Not included
- Permits and state fees for the Rock Islands of Palau (300 USD per person, payable on board)
- Visit permit for Jellyfish Lake (50 USD, optional)
- Nitrox, equipment rental, and tanks
- Reef hooks and surface marker buoys (SMB): not available for rent; please bring your own or purchase on board
- 10% local GST on payments made on board
- Alcoholic beverages, laundry, massages, and tips
- Everything not specified in the 'Includes' section
Cancellation more than 60 days in advance: 70% penalty of the total, which is non-refundable.
Cancellation 60 days or less in advance: The full amount will be non-refundable.
These conditions will be subject to those of the chosen insurance. For greater flexibility and peace of mind, we recommend reviewing our travel insurance options.