FAQ’s about diving in Palau

This is a quick guide to some of our most frequently asked questions.
If you have a question, you can always reach us at
[email protected] or Call, TEXT, or WhatsApp our Reservation office.

Table of Contents

Diving Operations & Procedures

This section covers how we operate our dive trips in Palau,  including daily schedules, gear handling, Nitrox, boat procedures, and what to expect during your dive week.

Also Read 👉  The Ultimate Guide to Diving in Palau

How many dives do you do per day?

We normally do 3 dives per day. The boat departs at 8:00 AM and returns before 4:00 PM, allowing time for relaxed surface intervals, lunch, and travel between sites.

How many divers do you take on the boat?

We keep groups small for comfort and safety. The standard ratio is about 4 guests per guide, although this can vary depending on conditions and diver experience.

What is included in your Palau dive packages?

Daily dive rates include 3 boat dives per day, lunch, tanks and weights, water and refreshments, towels and rain jackets onboard, valet gear handling, and hotel transfers. Nitrox is included free of charge for certified divers.

Do you support rebreathers?

Yes. We support rebreather diving, but availability depends on brand and configuration. If you require a specific unit, you may ship it to Palau in advance. We can receive shipments and clear customs with a 10% customs fee.

Do you have local dive guides?

Yes. Our lead guide Jason, has over 6,000 dives in Palau, and our boat captain is also local. Their in-depth knowledge of currents, sites, and marine life ensures a safe and rewarding experience.

Meet the crew

Do you offer hotel pickups for diving days?

Yes. We pick up divers from hotels in Koror and board from docks at Palau Pacific Resort and Palau Royal Resort. Van pickups will also drop guests at these docks for boat boarding.

Do you offer private charters?

Yes. Private charters are available for families, small groups, photographers, and film crews. Contact us with dates and group details to check availability.

Is lunch included in the dive packages?

Yes. A bento-style lunch is provided on dive days, along with fresh fruit when available.

We can accommodate dietary requests such as vegan, gluten-free, or allergies. Just let us know in advance.

How does tipping work on the boat?

Tips are optional but appreciated and typically range from 5 to 10 dollars per dive or around 60 to 130 dollars for a week.

You may tip your guide to distribute it to the team or give directly when someone has provided exceptional service.

What time does the boat leave and return each day?

The boat departs at 8:00 AM and typically returns before 4:00 PM. Hotel pickups occur shortly before departure, depending on where guests are staying.

Do you provide Nitrox?

Yes. Nitrox is free for certified divers, simply bring proof of certification.

Do you help with setting up and carrying gear?

Yes. We provide full valet gear service. Our crew sets up, breaks down, rinses, stores, and carries equipment for you throughout the week.

Can I rent dive equipment from you?

Yes. Rental gear is available individually or as a full set.

Daily rental rates in USD:
 – BCD 16.5/day
 – Wetsuit 11/day
 – Regulator 27.5/day
 – Computer 11/day
 – Fins 5.5/day

Full gear package 55/day

Please bring your own mask for best fit.

What extra fees should I expect?

Permits are not included in dive pricing.


Koror State Permit: USD$50 per person (valid 5 days)

Peleliu State Permit: USD$60 per person (valid 10 days)
Optional add-ons include 3rd dives, gear rental, airport transfer, and land tours.

Medical & Safety

This section answers the most common health and safety questions for diving in Palau including chamber access, hospitals, insurance, currents, and suitability for newer divers.

Is there a recompression chamber in Palau?

Yes. Palau has a recompression chamber located in Koror.

It is available for treatment in the event of decompression sickness or other dive-related emergencies. Incidents are rare, but knowing treatment exists gives peace of mind.

Is there a hospital in Palau?

Yes. Belau National Hospital is located in Koror and provides general medical care and emergency treatment.

For more advanced or specialized needs, evacuation may be required, which is why insurance is recommended.

Do I need dive insurance?

We strongly recommend dive insurance for every guest. It provides coverage for chamber treatment, evacuation, medical expenses, and unplanned travel interruptions.

Some divers also choose trip insurance for added protection.

Are your guides trained in emergency response?

Yes. Our guides are trained and experienced in rescue procedures, supervision, and emergency management. Small group ratios allow them to stay attentive and respond quickly if needed.

Can beginners dive in Palau?

Yes. While some sites are advanced, Palau also offers gentle reef walls, sandy-bottom areas, and low-current sites ideal for newer divers. Let us know your comfort level and experience, we match dives accordingly.

What safety measures do you follow on dive days?

We assess weather, tides, and current patterns daily and select sites based on safety and suitability.

All divers receive a briefing before entering the water, and our team manages gear, surface markers, boat pickup visibility, and communication throughout the day.

Safety takes priority over reaching any specific site.

Jellyfish Lake

Jellyfish Lake is a special location in Palau with environmental sensitivity, so access and conditions change over time. These FAQs help set expectations clearly.

Also read 👉 Jellyfish Lake Palau: Status, Best Time to Visit, Permits & Tours

Can I visit Jellyfish Lake?

Jellyfish Lake can be added to your itinerary if you wish, but with the population at a historic low in 2025, many travelers choose to focus on Rock Islands highlights until the lake recovers its famous swarms.

At Palau Dive Adventures, we often pair dive days with a Rock Islands excursion combining snorkeling on shallow reefs, relaxing on quiet beaches, floating in the Milky Way’s natural mud spa, and visiting the limestone arch.

Do you offer Jellyfish Lake trips?

We do not include Jellyfish Lake as a standard stop.

If visiting the lake is important to you, let us know,  access may be possible depending on the current status and permit requirements at the time of your trip.

Should I visit Jellyfish Lake or focus on other sites?

Many guests choose to spend their time in the Rock Islands instead, especially when jellyfish numbers are low.

Popular alternatives include shallow-reef snorkeling, beaches, limestone arches, and the Milky Way mud bath.

Where can I check current Jellyfish Lake conditions?

Conditions change, so we maintain an updated guide for travelers.

Read: Jellyfish Lake travel guide

General Travel Information

This section helps guests prepare for travel to Palau — covering currency, connectivity, weather, electrical outlets, safety, sunscreen, and basic everyday comfort.

What currency is used in Palau?

Palau uses the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, though small shops and local stands may prefer cash.

ATMs are available in Koror, but carrying some cash is recommended.

Will my cell phone work in Palau?

It depends on your carrier. Some international plans roam automatically, while others may not.

Many guests purchase a local SIM for more stable coverage and better rates. Service is strong in town but weaker in the Rock Islands.

How is the Wi-Fi in Palau?

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafés, but speeds can be slower than what you may be used to. Offshore or inside the Rock Islands, connection will drop — which makes diving days pleasantly offline.

What voltage and electrical outlets does Palau use?

Palau uses 110V power with US-style Type A/B plugs. Travelers from regions with 220–240V systems should bring a converter or universal adapter.

What is the weather like in Palau?

Palau is warm and tropical year-round, with occasional rain and high humidity.

Water temperatures stay comfortable through all seasons. Weather patterns influence dive site selection, especially on the outer reefs.

Do I need travel insurance?

While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended. It can cover medical emergencies, delays, lost bags, and changes in travel plans helpful on remote island itineraries.

Is Palau safe for travelers?

Yes. Palau is considered safe, with low crime rates and friendly locals. As always, normal travel awareness is advised, but most guests feel relaxed and comfortable here.

Can I drink the tap water?

Tap water is treated but many visitors prefer bottled or filtered water for drinking. Hydration is important in a tropical climate — especially while diving.

Do you recommend reef-safe sunscreen?

Yes — reef-safe sunscreen is required to protect Palau’s coral. We encourage guests to pack reef-safe formulas or wear rash guards for sun and environmental protection.

Travel & Arrival Logistics

This section covers flights, airport transfers, arrival timing, boarding, and how guests get to the boat.

Also read 👉 How to get to Palau & How to get to Palau from Australia

How do I get to Palau?

Flight routes change throughout the year, so instead of listing specific schedules, we maintain an updated guide that shows the best ways to reach Palau from all regions.

It includes airlines, transit hubs, and sample itineraries.

Read: How to get to Palau

When should I arrive and depart?

You may join us any day of the week, but in general our dive week begins on Monday.

If you arrive on Friday or Saturday, you can often join us for a Sunday add-on dive day (subject to space and conditions).

To complete a full week safely, plan your departure no earlier than Saturday late afternoon — our final dive on Friday normally finishes around 4:00 PM, and a 24-hour surface interval before flying is recommended.

Do you book flights?

Yes. We can help you find and book the most efficient flights to Palau.

Just let us know your home airport and preferred travel dates, and we’ll look at the best routing and arrival options based on current schedules.

How much is airport transfer?

Airport transfers can be arranged for 33 per person round-trip.

Palau does not have taxis waiting at the airport, so booking ahead is recommended.

We meet you on arrival and bring you directly to your hotel

Do you offer hotel pickups for diving days?

Yes. We pick up divers from hotels in Koror and bring them to the dock for boarding.

Guests staying at Palau Pacific Resort or Palau Royal Resort may board directly from those docks.

What time does the boat depart?

The boat departs at 8:00 AM and returns before 4:00 PM. Pickup times vary slightly depending on your hotel location.

Dive Sites & Conditions

This section explains how sites are chosen, how often we visit Palau’s signature locations, and what guests can expect in a typical dive week, including wreck dives.

Also Read 👉 Everything You Need to Know About Diving Palau  Currents, Seasons, Marine Life & Site Types

Do weather or tides affect site selection?

Yes. Many of Palau’s best dives are in the outer reefs, so tides, currents, and weather conditions determine where we go each day.

We review conditions each morning to plan safe, enjoyable dives suited to the group.

How strong are the currents in Palau?

Currents vary by site, tides, and season. Places like Blue Corner, Ulong Channel, and outer wall sites can have moderate to strong flow, which brings in sharks, pelagics, and high-energy marine life. Guides brief conditions dive-by-dive and choose sites suited to comfort and experience.

Can I add a 3rd dive on Peleliu day?

Yes. Peleliu dive days include two dives as standard, and you may add a 3rd dive for an additional fee when weather and group interest align.

A Peleliu land tour option is also available. You do not need to decide in advance,  you can choose once you’re here.

What dive sites can we expect in a week?

Most guests experience a mix of walls, channels, current-driven drifts, cleaning stations, and blue-water drop-offs.

When conditions allow, our weekly rotation frequently includes Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel, Siaes Corner, Big Drop Off, and reef sites rich in sharks, barracuda, and turtles.

Final site selection changes daily to match conditions and diver experience

How often do you visit signature sites?

When the tides line up, we aim to visit Palau’s key highlights several times per week.

No site can be guaranteed, but it’s common to reach multiple famous sites across a full dive week.

Do you dive wrecks in Palau?

Yes.  Palau has several historic WWII wrecks, and we dive them when weather and depth profiles are suitable for the group. Popular wrecks include the Iro Maru, Chuyo Maru, and Helmet Wreck.

Can I combine wreck and reef diving?

Yes, many divers mix Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel, and Big Drop Off with Iro Maru, Chuyo Maru, and Helmet Wreck in one week.

The balance depends on currents, weather, and group preference.

What wrecks are available to dive?

Helmet Wreck is accessible to most divers and offers long bottom times.

Iro Maru and Chuyo Maru are deeper, more advanced, and excellent for photography, penetration interest, and marine growth.

Experience level and conditions determine availability.

Do you dive Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel, and Big Drop Off?

Yes. We visit Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel, and Big Drop Off regularly when conditions are favorable.

These are Palau’s most iconic sites, known for sharks, mantas, schooling fish, strong currents, and dramatic reef structure.

We often highlight these sites in our weekly schedule when tides and conditions line up well.

Why Divers Choose Palau Dive Adventures

Don’t believe our word for it. These FAQs reflect the most common things guests mention in their TripAdvisor and Google reviews, not just how we describe ourselves.
Over time, a clear pattern emerges: divers love the personal service, relaxed experience, attentive crew, and small-group approach.

What do guests say makes Palau Dive Adventures different?

Reviews frequently mention that diving with us feels relaxed, well-organized, and never rushed. Guests often highlight that equipment is handled for them — tanks changed, gear rinsed, everything ready — allowing them to focus purely on the ocean.

What do guests say about group size?

Reviewers repeatedly mention appreciating the smaller group experience. Many say it gave them more comfort in the water, more interaction with guides, and a calmer day onboard compared to larger operations.

How do guests describe your guides and crew?

Reviews consistently praise the team as friendly, patient, knowledgeable, and safety-focused. Many guests share that they felt confident even in strong current conditions thanks to the briefing clarity and in-water guidance.

Do divers return?

Yes, repeat visitors are common in reviews, and many new guests say they booked because a past diver recommended us. Several reviews mention returning to PDA for a second or third time because the experience felt personal and memorable.

Choose the Most Beloved Palau Dive Shop on Trip Advisor (with 150 Five-Star Reviews and Counting)

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