Location
Located between Guam, The Philippines and Papua New Guinea, Palau is a 640km long archipelago that harbours one of the world's greatest concentrations of corals, fish and other marine life. The Palau islands include more than 200 islands, of which only eight are inhabited. Having emerged from the United Nations trusteeship in 1994 it is one of the worlds youngest and smallest sovereign states.
Few other travel destinations in the world can compete with Palau when it comes to diversity - sharks, mantas, wrecks, caves, reefs and the unique Jelly fish lake. Palau is a scuba destination like no other. Many of the dive sites are reachable from both resort and liveaboard. Scuba Travel have worked for many years with the premier scuba diving operators in Palau and we're more than happy to help you discover this fantastic destination.
Covid Travel Information
View entry requirements here
All travellers to Palau must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except those under 12 years of age.
A Pre-Arrival Negative COVID-19 test (or Documentation of Recovery) must be provided. PCR tests must be taken within three (3) days. Antigen tests must be taken within one (1) day before departure from the point of origin to the Republic of Palau.
Proof of Vaccination: All travelers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, with the final dose received at least 14 days before arrival in Palau.
On Day 4, you will be required to appear at a designated health facility to take a mandatory COVID-19 PCR test
From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you:
do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
It includes people who are transiting through England.
Updated 13SEP 2022
Weather and Climate
Palau enjoys a tropical climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of 28 °C. Rainfall can occur throughout the year, averaging a total of 150 inches (3,800 mm). The average humidity over the course of the year is 82%, and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Typhoons are rare as Palau is outside the main typhoon zone. Water temps are usually around 28C
Travel
Flight options
There are no direct flights to Palau. The best route is via Manila (you may need to overnight here) and then onto Palau. On some dates the flight will stop in Guam before landing on Koror. You will fly with United Airlines between Manila and Palau.
We are able to book most major airlines as far as Manila. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday.
If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Koror, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
Stopovers
You can chose to break your journey in Manila or en route with your airline. Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai are popular options.
Arrange before you go
Visa requirements
UK passport holders are able to obtain a visa on arrival. Please ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. Guam is a US protectorate - you must have a valid ESTA before travel if your flights transit through Guam. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Previous travel to certain countries (eg Cuba, Sudan) will exclude you from the ESTA programme and you will need to apply for a visa before travel. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Insurance
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities.
We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Immunisations
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
Check in
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
Lounge
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world.
click here
Parking
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think.
click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival in Palau you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met outside of arrivals by a representative from your liveaboard or resort. Some reps are able to meet you airside. They will be holding a board with either your destination or your name on it.
If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers
All transfers will have been arranged for you. Transfers are by land and not usually more than about 30mins.
Departures
Return transfer details will be advised locally. There is a $50 departure tax & green fee on leaving Palau
Info
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the guides and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
Currency
US Dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards can be used in larger hotels and shops - a local surcharge will apply for all card transactions
Phone coverage
Non Palau phones will not work - you will need to purchase a local SIM to make calls. You may need to unlock your phone for this.
Plugs and electricity
Ocean Hunter I generators operate 24 hours and provide 110V/220V/12V electricity
Extras
Hire equipment
Please prebook any kit hire required - local charges apply
Extras
Please prebook any course requirements - local charges apply
Souvenirs
Souvenirs are available at the end of your trip, from the Fish n Fins dive centre
Nitrox/Gas
Nitrox (7 nights $299)
Payments
Deposits and Balances
Special payment conditions apply to this booking. Your travel consultant will confirm the deposit required to secure your booking. All deposits and interim payments (where required) are non refundable. Cancellation at any stage will be with full loss of all monies paid to date.
Ways to pay
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 2% surcharge. Overseas bank transfers must add £6 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions.
Group Payments
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Discounts
Repeat Guests
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our loyalty discount is all about! If you have booked directly with Scuba Travel, on your 3rd full price holiday you will automatically be eligible for a loyalty discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction. We are always happy to offer discounts as described below but these are not cumulative and we do not offer further discounts on special offer prices.
5% off for loyalty customers
Included
You have a full board package including all meals, snacks, water, tea and coffee. Please do request specific cabins at the time of booking. All trips are fully guided and include 12lt tank & weights.
Excluded
This holiday does not include any international flights to Koror. To pay on board are the Koror and Peleliu diving permits plus jellyfish lake fee (approx $130), soft drinks, alcohol, additional kit hire, nitrox (7 nights $299) and any souvenirs. Airport transfers are included. There is a departure tax ($50). Ask your travel consultant for a competitive quote to add flights to your booking.
Back at work now and what can I say about the trip only - WOW ! It was great just can not believe I back at work now, and thinking how can the next trip be good after that !