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Palau - Week 2 - Resort and Liveaboard
Sunday, July 9, 2028
to
Monday, July 24, 2028
2 Nights in Paradise + 8 Nights of World-Class Liveaboard Diving
Palau is one of the most legendary dive destinations on the planet — and for good reason. Crystal-clear water, steep blue walls, manta cleaning stations, shark-filled channels, pristine coral, and iconic sites like Blue Corner make every dive unforgettable. Add in a stunning resort, a world-class liveaboard, and warm island hospitality, and you get a once-in-a-lifetime adventure both above and below the surface.
What’s the diving like?
Family Friendly?
Family-Friendly & Full of Adventure. From shallow snorkeling lagoons to world-class diving, Palau delivers excitement for all ages — perfect for families who want to explore the ocean together.
Known For:
Palau is world-renowned for its crystal-clear waters, massive shark populations, pristine coral reefs, and legendary drift dives. Sites like Blue Corner, Blue Holes, German Channel, and Ulong Channel are consistently ranked among the best dives on the planet. From mantas to sharks to huge schools of fish, Palau delivers big-animal encounters and dramatic underwater scenery that divers dream about.
Water Temp:
79–84°F (26–29°C)
Diving in Palau is nothing short of spectacular. Expect clear blue water, healthy reefs, thrilling drift dives, and constant big-animal action. Sharks patrol the walls, mantas glide through cleaning stations, and huge schools of fish swirl around you on nearly every dive. Many sites start with calm reef tops and then drop into dramatic walls, giving divers of all levels something to enjoy.
Itineraire/Group Excursion Options:
Summary Itinerary – Palau 2028
Experience one of the world’s most iconic dive destinations with a perfect blend of resort relaxation, a world-class liveaboard adventure, and the rare chance to witness the incredible Red Snapper Spawning event.
Stay in Japan: We’re exploring an optional layover stay in Japan during our transit through Tokyo. This would give travelers the chance to enjoy a short cultural stop—food, sights, and adventure—before continuing on to Palau. More details will be released as we gauge group interest and get closer to departure.
July 9–11: Travel to Palau
Depart Indianapolis and cross the Pacific and International Date Line en route to Koror. Arrive the evening of July 10 and transfer to the beautiful Palau Pacific Resort.
July 11–13: Palau Royal Resort (2 Nights)
Ease into island life with warm beaches, perfect snorkeling, and time to explore the Rock Islands, local culture, or simply relax. This short stay helps you acclimate, unwind, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
July 14–July 22: Black Pearl Liveaboard (8 Nights)
Board the Black Pearl for a week of unforgettable diving. Explore Palau’s legendary sites including:
Blue Corner – shark action & dramatic drift dives
German Channel – manta cleaning stations
Blue Holes – cathedral-like swim-throughs
Ulong Channel – a signature high-speed ride
Chandelier Caves – unique cavern experience
Big Drop-Off, Turtle Cove, New Drop-Off, Siaes Corner and more
Up to 4 dives per day, warm water, excellent visibility, and some of the healthiest reefs in the world create the perfect recipe for an epic liveaboard trip.
⭐ Special Highlight: Bumphead Parrot Fish
Depending on moon phase and conditions, the itinerary may include the rare opportunity to witness thousands of Bumphead Parrot Fish schooling and spawning in massive swirling formations — one of Palau’s most spectacular natural events.
July 22: Disembark + 1 Night Back at the Resort (Resort Stay Optional)
Return to port, enjoy a final night at the resort, and relax before the journey home. This built-in buffer also ensures a safe no-fly interval after the last dive.
July 22-24: Travel Home
Fly from Palau back to Indianapolis, returning with unforgettable memories and world-class diving stories to share.
Rates:
Prices for this trip are divided into two components: your 2-night resort stay and the 7-night Black Pearl liveaboard. Separating the pricing allows you to clearly see the cost of each portion and choose room types or upgrades based on your preferences.
Black Pearl Explorer Liveaboard 2028 Pricing
Rates per person, based on double occupancy.
Master Seaview Staterooms: Queen bed, AC, safety deposit box, wardrobe, sofa, large windows, TV with in-room entertainment, private ensuite bathroom, and shower. Staterooms 13-14. | $ 5,970.00 |
Main Deck Deluxe Seaview Staterooms: Two twin beds or one Queen bed, AC, safety deposit box, wardrobe, sofa, large windows, TV with in-room entertainment, private ensuite bathroom, and shower. Staterooms 9, 10, 11 and 12 | $ 5,550.00 |
Lower Deck Standard Cabins: Twin beds, AC, safety deposit box, wardrobe, portholes, TV with in-room entertainment, private ensuite bathroom and shower. Staterooms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. | $ 5,160.00 |
Palau Royal Resort Pricing
Resort pricing is shown as an estimate based on known 2026 rates. These rates are provided only as a guideline and may change once the official 2028 pricing is released. Final costs will be updated as soon as we receive the new rate sheet from the resort, and your balance will be adjusted accordingly.
Rates per person for 2 Nights, based on double occupancy.
Superior Premium Double Bed | $ 336 |
Superior Premium Twin Beds | $ 336 |
Deluxe Ocean Double Bed | $ 370 |
Deluxe Ocean Twin Beds | $ 370 |
Corner Suite King Bed | $ 782 |
Rates do not include taxes and fees. https://www.palau-royal-resort.com/rooms
What's Included:
Black Pearl Explorer Liveaboard
8 nights/9 days aboard the vessel; 3 or 4 dives daily (weather permitting); 3 meals daily; same-day hotel transfers within Koror and Malakal islands (Airport transfers are not included); between-dive snacks; towels, linens, etc.; use of tanks, weights and weight belts; all air fills; Nitrox (certification required); hot beverages & biscuits; use of kayaks and Stand-Up paddleboards; 10% GST.
Palau Pacific Resort
2 Night Stay in double occupancy in room option chosen, daily buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi.
Not Included:
Flights; hotel accommodations; airport taxes; airport transfers; rental gear & dive courses; travel and dive insurance required.
Black Pearl Explorer Liveaboard
Marine Park & Harbor fees and fuel surcharge payable on board; soft drinks and alcoholic beverages; crew gratuity; optional land excursions.
Palau Pacific Resort
Resort Rates do not include: 10% Government Tax, 7% Service Charge, or 10% Palau Goods & Service Tax
Note: Rates do not include the $200 Booking Fee per person or 3% charge for credit card payments. We appreciate your understanding that we do not inflate the trip costs for all travelers to include credit card fees.
Payment Schedule:
Guests who reserve their spot by December 15, 2025 may do so with a reduced $500 deposit. The remaining deposit amount is due February 1, 2026. Early bookings also receive a $300 per person discount on the trip.
Per Person:
$1,000 Non-Refundable Deposit
Tuesday June 1, 2027 additional 10% of Reservation due.
Thursday September 30, 2027 additional 20% of Reservation due.
Final Payment Due by Wednesday, March 1, 2028
Cancellation Policy:
Deposits are per person and are non refundable. A full refund of payments made to date, minus deposit and a $400 processing fee for cancellations greater than 180 days from departure. If a reservation is canceled within 180 days prior to departure we will refund a trip minus the deposit and a $400 processing fee, ONLY if the trip is full and if you are able to resell your canceled space within the same parameters as the original booking.
For liveaboard trips, additional cancellation fees apply due to the unique booking requirements. Cancellations made more than 12 months before departure will incur an additional 5% fee. Cancellations made between 6 to 12 months before departure will incur an additional 10% fee.
Ray Scuba may alter the payment schedule or cancellation policy based on vendor rules for a particular trip. Please consult the individual trip details to determine a particular trip's cancellation policy and payment deadlines.
If payment is not received within 10 days past the due date, a 10% late fee will be added to the balance owed. If a payment is outstanding for 21 days, the space on the trip will be released and all funds paid will be forfeited.
If you do not sign up with a roommate, we will try to find you one; if we cannot find one, the single person will need to pay the Single Supplement price. Changes to package and cancellation penalties do exist, consult the trip application and wavier.
Travel & D.A.N. Insurance are always recommended.
