Getting to Palau

We recommend that you arrive one night prior to the boat's departure date, though we remain flexible if this is not possible. Continental Micronesia, a branch of Continental Airlines, holds flights to Palau via Guam (daily) or Manila (Wednesdays and Saturdays). However, check up-to-date fares and schedules on http://www.continental.com/. Also be sure to check the up-to-date baggage restrictions and requirements for your flight. Occasional direct flights to Palau are available from Taipei. We recommend that you make reservations ahead of time as well as purchase travel insurance in case of last-minute cancellations. We can assist with a special rate for a return flight from Manila to Palau (Manila - Palau - Manila) of $475; the regular rate is $760.

Entry requirements

U.S. citizens must show proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or passport). Non-U.S. citizens must show passport. There is a free 30-day visa issued upon arrival.

Upon arrival
At the Palau airport, you will be picked up by your hotel and transported to your accommodations.

Departure tax
Upon leaving Palau, there is a departure tax of $20.

Hotel Reservations
If you book your hotel through our Fish 'n Fins office in Palau, you will be offered better rates than the normal listed prices. In fact, we have special Hotel & Dive Packages - show me - that give you special deals on accommodation and diving. Accommodations in Palau range from budget motels to very upscale resorts.

Clothing

Bring very casual and lightweight clothing. Quick-dry material or light cotton works well, with maybe one long-sleeved shirt or sweater for chilly nights. We also recommend a waterproof jacket or windbreaker. On the island, dress is very casual, though beachwear in town is inappropriate. We recommend bringing hats, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Language

Palauan and English are both official languages. Both are widely spoken.

Currency

The U.S. dollar is used throughout Palau. Credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler's Checks in U.S. dollars can also be widely used as cash or exchanged. There are quite a few 24-hour ATMs in banks on the main road in Koror. Bank of Hawaii and Bank of Guam are represented.

Electricity
24-hour electricity comes in 110 and 220 volts, with standard U.S. outlets for two/three prong plugs.

Health
There is no malaria. We recommend drinking bottled water. The hospital on Palau is the Belau National Hospital, located in Koror. There are also two private clinics. There is a hyperbaric chamber at the Belau National Hospital.

 

Time zone
Palau, Japan and Korea are 9 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time, in London), Palau = GMT + 9. Central Europe (Geneva, Berlin, Paris) = GMT +1. Eastern Europe = GMT + 2. Moscow = GMT + 3. China, Singapore = GMT + 8. Sydney, Guam = GMT + 10. US Pacific Time = GMT - 8.   US Mountain Time = GMT - 7. US Central Standard Time = GMT - 6. US Eastern Time = GMT - 5. (Note: US times advance one hour on summer time, April to October).

Climate

Year round our climate is pretty uniform, at an average of 82 degrees F (27 C). Average humidity: 82 %. Rainfall, at 150 inches/year, can occur throughout the year. Though sometimes it rains more during July through October, this "rainy season" doesn't have a definitive start or end, and the weather is always changing and unpredictable. However, it is always dive-worthy, we have never had to cancel a dive trip!

Water Temperature
The average water temperature is a warm 28 degrees Celsius, 83 degrees Fahrenheit. For protection in the water, a 3mm wetsuit, full or shorty, a skin, or even a t-shirt pleases most guests.