Route Description - Palau Northern Itinerary
11 Days 10 Nights
Day 1 – Embarkation in Malakal (No Diving)
Guests board Solitude Gaia between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM at the port of Malakal, Koror. Transfers from Roman Tmetuchl International Airport or local accommodations are arranged. Upon boarding, guests are greeted by the crew and guided through orientation and registration, including the collection of permits and park fees. The evening is capped with a welcome dinner as anticipation builds for the diving journey ahead.
Day 2 – Remote Diving in the West Passage (2–3 Dives)
The first diving day begins as Solitude Gaia sets a course northwest toward Palau’s rarely explored West Passage. Guests dive at remote sites such as Devil’s Playground and Satan’s Corner, experiencing a side of Palau that few divers ever reach.
Day 3 – Devilfish City and Northern Channel Reefs (3–4 Dives)
Anchored near the Northern Channels, guests begin the day with dives at Devilfish City, a site known for possible manta ray sightings and large schools of reef fish. In the afternoon, the vessel continues northward to begin exploration dives along Palau’s uppermost reef systems.
Days 4–6 – Expedition to Kayangel and the Northern Frontier (3–4 Dives Daily)
For three days, Solitude Gaia ventures into Palau’s remote northern waters, offering rare diving opportunities around Tailtop, Velasco Reef, and the outer reefs of Kayangel Island. These dives feature stunning coral formations, dramatic drop-offs, strong currents, and an abundance of pelagic life. Guests experience pristine reefscapes far from the usual dive traffic.
Days 7–8 – Spawning Dives and Ulong's Best Reefs (3–4 Dives Daily)
These two days are centered around morning dives focused on observing fish spawning events, which occur around the full or new moon. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, the aggregation behavior alone is an impressive spectacle. Later dives explore Ulong’s top sites—Siaes Tunnel, Shark City, Sandy Paradise, and the iconic Ulong Channel—showcasing dramatic walls, fast drifts, and thriving marine ecosystems.
Day 9 – Iconic Reefs of Ngemelis (3–4 Dives)
The itinerary continues at some of Palau’s most celebrated dive locations around Ngemelis Island. Divers explore sites like Blue Corner and Blue Holes, experiencing powerful currents, reef sharks, lush coral walls, and the renowned cavern system dramatically lit from above.
Day 10 – Last Dives in Southern Peleliu (Up to 3 Dives)
The final day of diving focuses on the powerful sites in southern Peleliu, including Peleliu Corner, Peleliu Cut, and Peleliu Express. These dives are characterized by fast-moving currents, steep drop-offs, and large pelagic encounters. Guests observe a mandatory minimum surface interval of 18 hours before flying.
Day 11 – Scenic Day Tours and Disembarkation (No Diving)
After breakfast, guests are invited to join complimentary speedboat tours to Palau’s natural wonders, including Jellyfish Lake and the Milky Way. (A separate permit is required for Jellyfish Lake.) Disembarkation follows lunch and is available until 5:00 PM, with late check-out options provided upon request and availability.