Liveaboard Diving

Palau FAQs

Before Your Trip

Special Packing considerations: Sunscreen

On 1st January 2020, Palau introduced a ban on sunscreens which contain ingredients that are toxic to reefs. This directive means it is illegal to sell sunscreen products that contain reef-toxic ingredients and also illegal to bring any into the Republic of Palau; any prohibited products shall be confiscated upon entry into the Republic of Palau.


Reef-toxic sunscreens are those which containoxybenzone, octylmethoxycinnamate, octocrylene, 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor, triclosan, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, butyl paraben, benzyl paraben, phenoxythanol, or other chemical ingredients that are considered harmful to the marine environment. 


Full details of the Palauan Government’s Sunscreen Regulations, and banned ingredients can be downloaded from the following link: PalauGov.pw – REGULATIONS PROHIBITING REEF-TOXIC SUNSCREENS

Travel

Passports & Visas

Passport validity 
Your passport should be valid for a period of at least 6 months from the date of your arrival in Palau and have a minimum of two empty pages.

Visa Information
US, UK, EU, Australian and Canadian nationals visiting Palau do not require a visa for visits of up to 30 days. To find out if you need a visa to enter Palau, please visit the Palau embassy/consulate website at: https://www.passportsandvisas.com/embassy-consulate/palau

Extensions of stay cost 50 USD for an additional 30 days and must be applied for with the Bureau of Immigration at least 7 days before the current permitted stay expires. Contact details for extensions are (+680) 488 2498 or 2678 (Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm); email imm@palaunet.com

Transit via Guam and Hawaii – ESTA or Visas
Non-US citizens travelling to Palau via Guam or Hawaii  will need to apply for an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or acquire a US transit visa prior to departure from your home country.

IMPORTANT: All travellers wishing to enter the US or its territories under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport).

If you are in any doubt about whether you qualify for the VWP, or if you are concerned that an existing ESTA may have been cancelled, you should contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

Pre-Travel Health & vaccinations

Guests arriving from countries which are affected by Cholera or Yellow Fever must show proof of immunisation upon arrival.

Travellers should ensure that routine vaccinations (MMR, Polio, Tetanus, etc.) are up-to-date prior to travelling. Immunisation against Typhoid and Hepatitis is recommended. We advise guests to check with their nearest travel health clinic for the latest advice and recommendations at least 4 weeks prior to travelling.

Electronic Entry Form

All travellers must complete the Palau Entry Form within 72 hours before arrival into the Republic of Palau.

  1. The form can be accessed and completed through the Palauan Government’s official portal:  https://palautravel.pw/
  2. Once the form has been submitted online, a unique QR code will be generated and an email confirmation will be sent with a copy of the completed form. 
  3. The QR code must be presented on a mobile device or printed copy during your flight check-in process and upon arrival at the Palau International Airport. 

Country Information

Is diving in Palau suitable for everyone?

Some of the diving in Palau is not suitable for inexperienced divers due to depths and strong currents.

The recommended qualification is PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent, and divers should have at least of 30 logged dives (mandatory)*, preferably with experience in currents and using a reef hook.

While we are happy to welcome Open Water certified divers on board, any guests who our crew feel have insufficient experience to dive comfortably and safely in certain conditions may be advised not to participate in some or all dives during the liveaboard.

The Palau Pledge

The Palau Pledge was introduced in 2017 in recognition of the need to protect the natural and cultural environment of the Republic of Palau, and is now part of the nation’s immigration laws.

Please take the time to read our Palau Pledge blog to learn more about this ground-breaking initiative and how it applies to you as a visitor to the Palau Islands.

E-cigarettes and Vapes

With effect from 29 May 2023 importing, advertising, selling, owning and using electronic smoking devices in Palau will be illegal.

Please do not bring e-cigarettes / vapes with you to Palau. Individuals caught violating this ban are liable to be fined $1,000 USD.

There will be signs posted at the airport to inform arriving travellers of this law, and they will have the chance to surrender any e-cigarettes / vapes without penalty.

Climate & weather

Palau is 7 degrees north of the equator and enjoys a warm tropical climate year round. Temperatures average 27°C (82°F) and, as a tropical island nation, Palau is subject to rainfall throughout the year though more frequently between July and October. Diving is excellent year around though the peak season is considered to be November through May.

Water Temperatures

Water temperatures in Palau remain consistant at 28°-30°C 82°-86°F) throughout most of the year although occassinally may drop to 26°C (79°F).  

Some divers are comfortable in little more than swimwear and a rashguard or skinsuit, although most find a 3mm shorty wetsuit is optimum.

Language & religion

Palauan and English are the official languages of the Republic of Palau, although you may hear Tagalog, Japanese and Mandarin too. The population is predominantly Christian and there is approximately 10% of the population adhering to traditional Palauan customs. We recommend our guests are respectful and wear suitable attire when making island tours or visiting religious buildings.

Communications

Mobile phone coverage in Palau is with PNCC (Palau National Communications Company) which may not be compatible with many international mobile network providers. Please note that while some international phone carriers say they are compatible with Palau, in reality many are not.

Data only, visitor sims and other pre-paid packages can be purchased from the PNCC Offices, which are open 08:00 – 16:00 (8am-4pm) Monday – Friday only. Further information can be found on the PNCC website, here: https://www.pnccpalau.com/visitors. Internet access is available in most major towns and at resorts/restaurants.

Wi-fi internet access is also available to purchase on board Palau Siren.

Money Matters

The official currency of Palau is the US Dollar (USD).
The majority of established hotels, shops and restaurants accept major credit cards or travellers’ cheques. Occasionally smaller, family-run business will only accept cash. There are several US operated banks and plenty of ATMs so cash is readily accessible although the rate of exchange is very poor. Therefore, guests are advised to change money prior to arrival in Palau.

Time zone

UTC+9

Electricity

Power outlets on land in Palau are 110v. Guests whose electrical items are designed to charge or operate on a 220v supply should bring power adapters with them. (Outlets on board Palau Siren are 220v).

Health

Health care is readily available in Palau, but are not free. The Belau National Hospital is a professionally staffed hospital for outpatient and emergency cases. The hospital also has an operational Hyperbaric Chamber staffed with an experienced barotrauma team.

Follow normal precautions with food whilst travelling to prevent stomach upsets and be sure to drink bottled water only.

Guests are also advised to use insect repellent and cover exposed skin when on land to reduce the risk of Dengue Fever and other insect borne diseases.

Recompression chambers

For diving related emergencies there is a recompression chamber at Belau National Hospital in Koror. Depending on the location of the vessel at the time, evacuation by speedboat from the Palau Siren may be necessary. In some cases, additional air evacutaion to Manila may be required. Therefore, diving specific insurance which covers emergency evacuation, chamber treatment and medical costs is a must.

Can I fly a drone in Palau?

The use of drones is allowed as long as the drone has been registered and a permit obtained from the Palau National Aviation Administration office in advance.

Permits are free of charge and usually take 2-3 working days to process. Drone registration can be submitted online via the Palau Visitors Authority website, here: https://pristineparadisepalau.com/drone-registration/

During Your Trip

Environmental considerations

In addition to respecting The Palau Pledge which all visitors are required to sign upon arrival into Palau, we ask Palau Siren guests to also consider the following to help with our mission to reduce our environmental impactAlthough there are recycling programs and facilities in place in Palau, they are limited. 

Batteries
While some batteries may be available to purchase on board, please bring extras if your personal dive equipment may require a unique size, or need a lot of replacement batteries during your trip. We respectfully ask that you take spent batteries home so that they can be recycled or disposed of properly. Alternatively, consider using rechargeable batteries as there are plenty of sockets to plug in a charger on board.

Water Bottles
Plastic straws and stirrers have been banned on all  Siren Fleet and Master Liveaboards vessels and we do not provide water or any other drinks in single use plastic bottles.

If you own a sports bottle, we simply ask that you bring it with you, or you can purchase one on board. If you don’t have one and you don’t want to purchase one, we have plenty of cups on board which you can use to ensure you remain well hydrated.

Plastic bags and wrappers
We do not provide plastic bags for purchases made on board, although reusable canvas bags are available for sale. Please help us minimise plastic waste by removing plastic wrappers and packaging from items before travelling. If you bring plastic bags with you, please reuse them, and take them home.

Toiletries
We kindly ask that guests consider the type of products which they are bringing with them and, where possible, to bring only environmentally friendly toiletries for use on board, and to take partially or unused products home with them.

Sun Protection
Suntan lotions that contain environmentally harmful ingredients are illegal in Palau and will be confiscated. If you wish to use sunscreen, please ensure that any products you bring with you are marked as reef safe and do not contain any banned ingredients.

We also suggest wearing sun hats, lightweight clothing that covers arms and legs, long-sleeve rash guards / full-length skin-suits, and remaining in shaded areas as natural forms of sun protection.

Can I fish on board Palau Siren?

Fishing is NOT permitted on Palau Siren.

Although fishing is allowed in some parts of Palau, there are strict regulations controlling where, and who may do so. Operators are required to have a fishing license and a fishing permit is required for each person.

As a scuba diving liveaboard vessel, Palau Siren is licensed by the local authorities to conduct diving and snorkelling activities only. Therefore, we can not allow guests to fish while on board the main vessel, or from one of the skiffs even if they have a permit.

What are spawning trips?

Palau Siren’s dedicated spawning itineraries are scheduled around the new and full moon phases when you will have the chance to see different species of fishes aggregating to reproduce. These large congregations also normally attract predators, giving you a great chance to see different types of sharks. Spawning itineraries often involve more challenging conditions with strong currents so we recommend a minimum of 50 logged dives, including experience with currents.

What thickness wetsuit is suitable?

The warm tropical waters of Palau average a pleasant 27°C throughout the year. Most guests find that a 3mm wetsuit is suitable and many dive with just a skin. For guests who tend to get cold easily, especially after repetitive dives, we recommend bringing whatever you feel most comfortable in.

Rental wetsuits on Palau Siren are 3mm shorties.

Dive Teams

Local regulations dictate that all divers are required, by law, to dive with a guide at all times in Palau.

  • Solo diving is not permitted.
  • Diving in a buddy team without a guide is not permitted.

There are usually 3 dive guides on board Palau Siren enabling small dive groups of 5-6 divers per guide.

Diving from skiffs

Palau Siren has 3 dedicated, fibreglass skiffs named Buils, Sils and Melek which are almost vessels of their own. Two of the skiffs will accompany the main vessel for the duration of the liveaboard itinerary and diving will take place from them. Palau Siren normally remains at anchor away from the dive sites so the skiffs will take you to the entry points of your dive and back to the liveaboard vessel afterwards. The skiff journey to most dive sites generally takes 5 – 15 minutes although in some cases may be longer. 

Entry into the water is usually a ‘Giant Stride’ from the side of the skiff although seated or backward roll entries are also possible. Exit from the water back on to the skiff is via a ladder at the side. Our crew are happy to assist with guests with their equipment if needed.

Rebreather divers

Palau Siren is not equipped to support rebreather divers. There are no  booster pumps, pony cylinders or scrubber on board.

In some cases we may be able to accommodate rebreather divers by prior agreement, although we can not guarantee the availability of sofnolime and guests need to bring their own booster pump and cylinders. 

Additionally, as solo and unguided diving is not permitted, rebreather divers will usually dive as part of a group with open circuit divers lead by one of Palau Siren’s guides. Therefore, extended dive times are generally not possible.

Electricial outlets

Power outlets onboard Palau Siren are 220V, universal sockets that compatible with most electrical equipment and plugs.  We also have some USB power outlets available in the common areas and cabins. 

Guests whose equipment requires 110V output are advised to bring adapters with them.

Communications during your trip

We are happy to be able to offer wi-fi internet access on board Palau Siren, for which charges apply.

Mobile phone network infrastructure has  greatly improved in Palau over recent years meaning that coverage is available in most areas throughout the Palau Islands. This means that internet connectivity is usually available for the majority of each Palau Siren itinerary (about 90% of the time). 

PLEASE NOTE: While some international network providers say they are compatible with Palau, in reality many are not. Mobile phone coverage in Palau is with PNCC (Palau National Communications Company) which might not be compatible with many international mobile phone systems. 

State Permits & Tax surcharges

Palau Islands State Permits and Tax charges are dependent on the duration of your trip and incorporate  visitor permit costs and taxes for the areas covered on each itinerary. The applicable amount will be added to your invoice to be paid on board Palau Siren before disembarkation.

These surcharges are exclusive of, and exempt from GST which applies to all other onboard payments.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • All state permits are valid for 10 days only.
  • If you are doing back-to-back trips you may need to pay the fees on both trips.
  • If you will be extending your stay in Palau and doing any activities that require a permit either before or after your liveaboard, you may need to pay for additional permits if the total number of days including your time on Palau Siren exceeds 10 days.
  • Guests joining a 7 night Palau Siren itinerary who already have a permit that will cover the duration of their time on board MUST inform us of this 2 days before embarkation otherwise they will be charged for an additional permit.
On board payments

Effective from 1st Jan 2023: With the exception of state permits and taxes, all payments on board Palau Siren for items such as equipment rental, nitrox, courses and other extras are subject to 10% GST (Goods and Services Tax) which will be added to your bill as a separate charge.

You can pay your onboard bill in cash (USD, GBP or EUR), or by card (Visa and Mastercard).

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Cash payments in EUR and GBP are subject to a cash handling fee;
  • a 3% surcharge applies to payments made by credit or debit card.  
Tipping guidelines

We believe that tipping is a matter of personal choice; Should you feel that our crew has made your holiday extra special, they will certainly appreciate a tip as a sign of your appreciation. An envelope will be provided by your cruise director at the end of your itinerary and all gratuities will be divided equally amongst all crew, including the captain and dive guides.

If you are unsure how much to tip, we suggest 5-10% of the liveaboard cost. Tips can only be accepted in cash.