Where is Palau?
The Republic of Palau is a small archipelago nation in the Western Pacific, known for its unspoiled natural beauty and crystal-clear waters teeming with diverse marine life. It is located southeast of the Philippines and situated in the Micronesia region, which encompasses thousands of small islands spread across the western Pacific Ocean. Palau consists of over 200 islands, of which only nine are inhabited. The country’s pristine waters are renowned for their exceptional visibility, making it a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike. Palau is also home to a vast array of coral reefs, some of which are believed to be thousands of years old, and offer a unique ecosystem that supports an abundance of marine flora and fauna. Due to its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, Palau has become a famous destination for eco-tourists who want to experience the beauty of nature while also preserving it for future generations.
How do I get there?
Despite its remote location, Palau is easily accessible by air, with regular flights to and from Guam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.
Why is Palau on so many people's bucket lists?
Palau has become a sought-after destination for divers owing to the rich diversity of its marine life, which boasts more than 1,300 species of fish, 700 types of coral, and a myriad of other sea creatures. Another significant draw is the UNESCO World Heritage Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, consisting of more than 400 limestone islands and islets surrounded by pristine water, imbued with a tranquil sense of serenity.
With its unyielding dedication to conservation, Palau has reserved over 30% of its waters as a marine sanctuary and was the first Shark Sanctuary to be established in the world in 2009.
These measures mean that divers can expect to dive into the world's richest and most pristine marine ecosystems.
Palau is a diver’s paradise with unique and breathtaking dive sites such as the Blue Hole, Jellyfish Lake, and German Channel. Experience the thrill of diving alongside pelagic giants like sharks and mantas, as well as exploring coral gardens and caverns. With Pearl Fleet’s M/Y Black Pearl liveaboard, indulge in luxury accommodations and personalized service while diving some of the world’s most pristine waters.
Book your Palau dive vacation with Pearl Fleet today and discover the ultimate scuba diving adventure.
Experience the Best of Palau's
Wonders inM/Y Black Pearl's
Itineraries
Dive into a world of wonders in Palau - Micronesia's jewel in the Pacific!
Palau in Micronesia is a unique dive destination that offers crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and underwater landscapes including WWII wrecks and underwater caves. Its protected waters contain over 1,300 species of fish, and rare megafauna such as manta rays, sharks, and dugongs. Palau also has unique features like Jellyfish Lake, where visitors can swim with harmless jellyfish.
Discover the Hidden Gems of Scuba Diving in Palau ↓
Experience the ultimate escape and dive into the beauty of Palau with M/Y Black Pearl.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Booking, Flights, and Visas
Cruising on M/Y Black Pearl
Diving from M/Y Black Pearl
What weather should I expect in Palau?
Palau is a tropical destination, which enjoys a steady warm climate all year round. Air temperature can range from 24–32℃ / 75–89℉. Dry season in Palau runs from November to April, and July to October are deemed as wetter months. However, typhoons with straight days of rain, are rare due to Palau’s location near to the Equator.
What currencies and cards are accepted in Palau?
The currency used in Palau is the United States Dollar.
Major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are accepted in all major hotels, restaurants and shops, as well as in the airport. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your bank or credit card company to make sure your card will work in Palau, and to inform them of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card being blocked for suspected fraud.
It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or to use at local markets and shops, especially if you plan to venture outside of the resort areas.
American Express credit cards are NOT accepted in Palau.
When is the peak season for tourism in Palau?
What are the languages spoken in Palau?
What are the visa requirements to enter Palau?
A 30-day Tourist Visa will be issued upon arrival in Palau and may be extended within 7 days in advance with approval of the Chief of Immigration for a fee of US$50.00 before expiration date of the visa. (Note: Maximum of 90 days: 30 days upon arrival plus 2 extensions at US$50.00 fee per extension. After which visitors must exit the country).
Citizens of the United States of America, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Guam, and the CommonWealth of Northern Marianas Islands with valid passports are issued 1 year Visa upon arrival.
Citizens of Myanmar and Bangladesh must have a pre-approved visa.
It’s important to note that visa requirements can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information with Palau’s Bureau of Immigration at (680) 488 2498 or (680) 488 2678, Mondays to Fridays, from 7:30 am–4:30 pm or e-mail inquiries to imm@palaunet.com.
Passport
Visitors are required to verify their relevant embassies to check if a visa is required prior to leaving their country of travel origin.
Are group discounts available?
Yes, group discounts are available, depending on total group size. For more details, you may contact our Bookings & Reservations Team at info@pearlfleet.org.
How are check-in and check-out organized?
Check-In
All the instructions regarding your arrival on the check-in day will be provided 14 days or immediately upon booking if you book less than 14 days before your cruise date. Embarkation on M/Y Black Pearl will be organized starting 3:00 PM (local time) on the first day of the cruise. Guests are advised to strictly note the information that will be provided regarding the meeting point and exact time for pick-up.
The usual meeting points are organized as follows:
Airport: Guests arriving at the required airport on the check-in day can be picked up by a representative holding a sign of M/Y Black Pearl. The meeting point is usually at the main exit, immediately after luggage collection. Airport transfers are US$25 per person per way and US$50 per person round-trip. Airport transfers must be confirmed at least a day in advance.
Hotel or Resort: Guests who are coming from a hotel in Koror can be picked up by a representative of M/Y Black Pearl at no charge. The meeting is usually in the main lobby or at the reception of the hotel.
Check-Out
Airport to M/Y Black Pearl transfers cost US$25 per person per way, or US$50 per person round-trip.
M/Y Black Pearl offers complimentary transfers from M/Y Black Pearl to hotels in Koror only. If your hotel is located beyond Koror, kindly arrange your own pick-up from Malakal Port.
What do I need to pack before leaving my country of travel origin?
Administration and Paperwork
-
Passport
-
Dive certification cards including Nitrox certification card, if any
-
Dive log books
-
Dive insurance card or confirmation slip
-
Medical clearance from your physician (if any)—especially if you are taking a dive course
-
Insurance card or policy paper iGood to Knowncluding ways to contact your insurer in case of emergencies
Special Personal Items
-
Personal medication
-
Ear drops
-
Reef-friendly sunscreen, hats, sun glasses
-
Your own toothbrush and toothpaste to go green
-
Phone and camera chargers
-
Memory sticks or SD cards
-
Cash for tips and extra costs (USD)
Dive Bear
-
BCD, regulator, fins/booties, mask, snorkel, wetsuit, /p>
-
Dive computer*–check the battery level and bring spare batteries (it will be impossible to buy them in Palau)
-
SMB (safety marker buoy)*
-
Hood
-
Reef hook
-
Torch with batteries (it will be impossible to buy them in Palau)
-
Cash for tips and extra costs (USD)
*Dive computers and SMBs are compulsory for every individual diver in Palau.
Good to Know
Any piece of equipment listed above is available for rent onboard. It would be necessary to let us know in advance, should you need to rent items from the yacht—especially for very small or very large sizes.
Rental gear is subject to availability and extra costs. Please refer to our detailed Price List here.
What is included in the cruise fare?
-
Full-board accommodation with 3 meals for every full day onboard
-
Free drinking water, coffee, tea, except specialty coffee
-
Two-way transfers strictly between the hotels in Koror area and Malakal Port
-
3 guided dives a day (except 2nd last day), 1 night dive
-
12-litre diving tanks, weights and weight belts
-
Complimentary Nitrox-filled diving tanks
-
Palau Goods & Services Tax (PGST)
What is excluded from the cruise fare?
-
Marine Park Fees and Taxes – $150 per person (to be paid on board)
-
(Optional) Diving permit fee for Peleliu – $60 per person
-
(Optional) Transfer between Koror (ROR) Airport (and islands outside of Koror area) and Malakal Port – $25/per transfer/one-way
-
(Optional) Special Transfers between Malakal Port and M/Y Black Pearl – $250/per transfer/boat/one-way
-
International flights
-
Pre- or post-cruise accommodation
-
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
-
15-litre tank rentals and other dive gear rentals
-
Internet – can be purchased in advance
-
Diving insurance – can be purchased on board
-
Crew gratuities
*All prices are subject to change without notice depending on the market.
I have special dietary requirements. Will this be a problem?
At Pearl Fleet, we strive to provide our guests with a seamless and enjoyable cruise experience. If you have any specific dietary needs or allergies, please inform us when making your reservation. Our dedicated chefs are eager to accommodate your requests whenever feasible. It’s important to note that being situated on a remote island like Palau may limit the availability of certain foods and ingredients. Therefore, if you have highly restrictive dietary requirements or require a particular ingredient, kindly bring it along with you at your own expense.
What payment methods are available onboard?
Guests will receive a final invoice listing their extra costs on the final night before disembarkation. Invoices are payable:
By Cash:
We accept American Dollars (USD).
Via Credit Cards:
We accept the following major credit cards:
-
VISA
-
Mastercard
-
American Express
-
Union Pay
-
Discover
What type of electrical sockets are available onboard?
International sockets that can fit any type of electric plug are available onboard. Voltage is 220V.
The camera station also provides a variety of sockets and USB ports that should cater to your batteries and charging systems.
Will there be phone and internet signal during the cruise?
There may be limited or no access to mobile networks once the yacht sails into a remote area or open sea. However, M/Y Black Pearl offers SIM card services for you to purchase and use during the cruise. Please share your passport copy with us one week in advance to purchase the SIM card.
How much should I pay for crew gratuities?
Do I need diving insurance?
Guests may also purchase short-term diving insurance onboard to cover the duration of the cruise. This additional service is chargeable.
Are there any dives on check-in day?
What is the recommended diving experience level to dive on M/Y Black Pearl?
We recommend all divers to have a minimum 50 logged dives, with a minimum certification level of Advanced Open Water.
If you have less than the above minimum recommendations stated above, please reach out to us. There are three options for you:
We can arrange for a private dive guide for you, if a request is made a minimum of one month before departure. This extra service is at additional cost and subject to availability.
You can get certified as an Advanced Open Water Diver onboard.
You can do more dives to prepare yourself for the trip.
We recommend a skills review if guests with a limited number of logged dives have not been diving for more than 6 months. The skills review should be completed prior to arrival. Evidence of the date of your last dive should be shown in your log book and indicated at the time of the booking. Every diver, regardless of their qualification or experience, will be required to participate in a check-dive.
Cruise directors may ask you to skip a dive if your ability does not fit with the dive conditions. Full moon trips have some dives such as the spawning of the Red snapper that require a certain experience.
Do you provide 15-L diving tanks?
Yes, 15-liter tanks are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. They can also be pre-booked. They are subject to extra cost, payable onboard. Please refer to our detailed Price List here.
Do you provide Nitrox-filled diving tanks?
What type of valves are on the tank?
Are there any activities for non-divers?
Non-divers can snorkel when the area around the dive site is suitable while under the supervision of a snorkel guide, as required by Palau’s laws. We can arrange a snorkel guide if the request is made a minimum of one month before departure, subject to additional charges.
