Palau Practicalities
Travelling within Palau can be made exceptionally easy when you book with Worldwide Dive and Sail. We offer a range of hotels and short excursions that can be arranged before or after your trip. We wish to provide you with an all-round service to ensure you get the most out of your liveaboard diving safari in the Palau.
About the Republic of Palau
Like many young countries in South East Asia, Palau has seen many years of ocupation and retains influence from various nations. A staging point for Japanese forces during World War II, Palau was then placed under the trusteeship of the United Nations and governed by the US before attaining independence in 1994. The strong ties to the US remain through language and currency, however we also see influences from Spanish, German and Japanese occupation. The Republic of Palau is made up of 6 main islands and has 200 limestone "rock" islands dotted along the coastline - many of which have underground caves formed byshifting tectonic plates.
- Getting There
- On Arrival
- Staying There
- Tours & Activities
Roman Tmetchul International Airport (ROR) situated 6km from town of Koror, is the only international airport within the island archipelago. There are daily flights with United Airlines from Manila, Philippines, via Guam or there are direct flights from Manila at 10pm on Tuesday and Friday evenings. You may also fly via Seoul, S. Korea or Taipei with China Airways and Asiana Airlines.
All non-US citizens opting to travel via Guam must obtain a US visa or Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers without the required visa or ESTA may be denied flight boarding. Citizens of 37 countries, including most European nations, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are eligible for the ESTA and should apply online. There is a charge of US$14 and the issued authorisation is valid for 2 years and allows for multiple entries into US territores within that period.
There are no domestic flights required for either our 7-night or our 10-night Palau Island diving itineraries.
A departure tax of $20.00 USD and a $30.00 “Green Fee” is required for each person departing Palau. The “Green Fee” is used to fund Palau’s Protected Area Network’s for conservation purposes. The $50.00 USD is required to be paid in cash prior to exiting the ticketing area.
Banking facilities in Koror are limited, therefore we advise our guests to make their currency exchange prior to arrival. 300-400 US$ cash is recommended for incidental local and on board expenses. All prices on board are in Euros, however we are pleased to accept cash payment in Euro, US$, GBP and AUD. The S/Y Palau Siren also has a credit card facility for on board expenses, for which there is an admin charge of 3.5%.
Citizens of the United States are granted a 1 year visa upon arrival while passport holders of most other western countries obtain a 30 day tourist visa on arrival, at no extra charge. All visitors to Palau are required to be in possession of a current passport and a return airline ticket. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into Palau.
For non U.S. citizens intending to stay longer than 30 days, you may obtain two 30 day visa extensions for a total of 90 days. Applications for an extension must be approved at least 7 days prior to visa expiry and there is a charge of 50US$ for each 30 day extension.
It is the responsibility of our guests to ensure they have the correct visa and fulfill the requirements for entry into the Palau. For updates and changes please check the Palau Visitors Authority website
Our travel team has selected a number of hotel and resort options in Koror to ensure that you can arrive to your cruise departure relaxed and well rested. We recognise that for most of our guests, travel to the Palau requires long haul flights. We have put together package options which allow you to extend your stay in Palau pre or post cruise and get the most enjoyment from your diving vacation.
Each hotel comes with a range of room options to suit every budget and guest needs. Below are some examples you may choose from. Please contact our reservations team for a full list of options.
Koror – Palau Pacific Resort provides 160 rooms with tropical décor and modern facilities situated along pristine white sand beach. There is an activity centre, boutique and PADI Dive Centre.Rates from 220€ for Garden View Villa
Koror – Sea Passion Hotel features a private beach, pool and bar with 68 ocean view or mountain view rooms each en-suite with a/c and basic in room facilities.Rates from 110€ for Standard Double or Twin
Yap – Manta Ray Bay Resort provides 35 elegant and spacious rooms, as well as a fully equipped modern dive cente and the Taro Leaf Spa. Why not add a dive excursion to Yap to your Palau experience?Rates from 210€ from Standard Double or Twin
Rock Island Tours, 1 day
Take a full day excursion and wind your way through the amazing Rock Islands of Palau. During this tour you will visit a variety of excellent snorkelling sites including Milky Way and Jellyfish Lake, while learning about Palau with one of our naturalist guides. Stop off at Palau’s beautiful beaches and wander through the tropical forests; a truly enchanting experience.
Babeldaob Land Tours, 1day
Journey around the biggest island in Palau and see Palau’s “other side”. During our day tour we visit ancient stone monoliths and traditional Melekeok villages to see the Bai’s (men’s meeting hut) and learn about Palauan culture and folklore from one of our experienced guides.
These are just some of the many flight, hotel, transfer and tour options to choose from when you book with Worldwide Dive and Sail. Prices for these add-ons vary depending on the time of booking. Prices listed on our website are for guideline purposes only. Please contact our reservations team or ask your tour operator for further information.
