Palau Siren

Despite its remote location, Palau is accessible via multiple international flight routes to Koror's Roman Tmetuchl International Airport. Most flights, however, arrive and depart in the early hours of the morning or late evening, outside the embarkation and disembarkation times for Palau Siren. Therefore, we recommend arriving a day before your liveaboard departure to ensure you begin your diving holiday well-rested.

For guests arriving on early morning flights on the embarkation date, it is necessary to book a hotel for the previous night. You will be picked up from the hotel in the afternoon for transfer to Sam's Tours and Palau Siren, with embarkation at 17:30.

United Airlines offers direct flights from Guam to Koror six times a week and provides service from Manila twice weekly. China Airlines has direct flights from Taipei, and under normal circumstances, Korean Air operates scheduled flights from Incheon, South Korea. Flights can also be booked through Qantas and Virgin from Sydney and Brisbane as partners to the aforementioned carriers.

Here's an easy way to see all the Flight Connections

Prior to arriving in Palau, you will need to complete an online entry form which can be found at palautravel.pw. This must be completed at least 72 hours prior to arrival in Palau.

Once completed you will be provided with a QR code which must be presented upon arrival. Furthermore, all visitors will receive a Palau Pledge stamp in their passports which they are required to sign as an agreement to act in an ecologically and culturally responsible manner during their time in the country.

Should you be transiting via Guam you will also require an ESTA as Guam is a US Island Territory. Refer to the US Department of Homeland Security ESTA information page.

We advise divers to have a minimum of 30 logged dives and hold a qualification of Advanced Open Water diver or equivalent. Any guests that fall beneath this requirement, or the dive staff feel are not suitably experienced may be excluded from dives throughout the trip. Open Water divers will be restricted to a maximum of 18m and as such, may be excluded from some of the scheduled dives due to depth requirements.

Palau offers year-round diving, but you'll find calmer seas and better visibility during the dry season, with the best weather from December to April. During the wet season, seas can be rougher and visibility lower, but this doesn’t significantly impact diving, and most sites remain accessible. Additionally, the famous dive sites are less crowded, and hotels offer great deals, making it an excellent time for budget travellers.

The water temperature remains fairly consistent throughout the year, typically around 28°C (82°F), with cooler thermoclines on the deeper walls and reefs. A 3mm suit with an extra rash guard or hood is ideal for most divers. Visibility ranges from 15-20 meters during the wet season to over 40 meters during the dry season. Palau is located outside the main typhoon tracks and rarely experiences direct hits though it can occasionally be affected by wind and swell from typhoons impacting the Philippines during the wet season.

The US Dollar is the local currency within Palau and you can tap and go or use Visa & Mastercard with the larger establishments, however, family-run stores may only accept cash. We advise taking US Dollars with you as the local bank and ATM exchange rates are pretty steep.

Located 7 degrees north of the equator, Palau enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures around 27°C (82°F). As a tropical island nation, Palau experiences rainfall throughout the year, with more frequent showers between July and October. Despite this, diving conditions are excellent year-round, with the high season spanning from November to May.

Local regulations in Palau require all divers to be assisted by a guide during dives.

Nomadic Scuba says… You’d be crazy not to use local experience to maximise your dive vacation. Imagine climbing on board after a dive only to learn that you’ve missed the major critters. Use a guide, save the torture. That’s our take anyway.

Of course! As long as the boat has a vacancy. Simply let us know what you are looking for and we will be happy to provide you with some ideas.