Route Description - Palau 10 Nights
11 Days 10 Nights
Day 1 – Welcome Aboard in Malakal (No Diving)
Guests embark on their journey aboard Solitude Gaia starting at 5:00 PM at the port of Malakal, Koror. Transfers from the airport or local hotels are arranged for convenience. Upon boarding, guests are greeted by the crew and guided through orientation and registration procedures, including the collection of dive permits and park fees. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Wrecks and Caverns of Malakal Bay (3–4 Dives)
The first day of diving takes place in the sheltered waters of Malakal Bay. Divers explore remnants of World War II, including shipwrecks like the Iro and Hafa Dai, and the Jake Seaplane wreck. A highlight of the day is the Chandelier Cave, a unique cavern dive located within the rock islands. While visibility here is lower than in the outer reefs, the historical and geological diversity creates a rich introduction to Palauan diving. In the evening, Solitude Gaia sets sail for Ulong Island.
Days 3 to 5 – Scenic Drift Dives at Ulong Island (3–4 Dives Daily)
For the next three days, the vessel anchors off Ulong Island, renowned for its white sand beaches and ancient rock art. Dive sites in this area include Ulong Channel, Sandy Paradise, Siaes Corner, Siaes Tunnel, and Shark City. Guests experience a mix of walls, channels, and current-swept corners teeming with marine life. Weather permitting, a beach excursion and BBQ on shore offer a relaxing break between dive adventures.
Days 6 to 9 – Outer Reefs and History in Peleliu & Ngemelis (3–4 Dives Daily)
The journey continues southward to the Rock Island Southern Lagoon and the outer reefs of Peleliu and Ngemelis. Divers encounter dramatic drop-offs, vibrant coral gardens, and powerful currents that bring in abundant marine life. Notable sites include Blue Corner, Blue Holes, German Channel, Yellow Wall, and Turtle Cove—each offering exceptional opportunities to see reef sharks, schooling fish, and possibly manta rays. A World War II land tour of Peleliu Island is also available, offering a cultural and historical complement to the underwater explorations.
Day 10 – Final Dives in Ngemelis (Up to 3 Dives)
The final day of diving takes place around the famed reefs of Ngemelis Island. Sites may include Virgin Blue Hole, Dexter’s Wall, Ngedebus Wall, and Ngemelis Coral Garden. These last dives allow guests to soak in Palau’s underwater wonders one last time before Solitude Gaia returns to Malakal. Divers observe a minimum 18-hour surface interval before flying.
Day 11 – Scenic Farewell Tours and Disembarkation (No Diving)
After breakfast, guests have the option to join complimentary speedboat tours to iconic Palauan landmarks such as Jellyfish Lake and the Milky Way. (Note: A separate permit is required for Jellyfish Lake.) Disembarkation takes place after lunch, with late checkout options available on request and subject to availability.