| The Remote Reefs of
Palau & Yap
March 27-April 8, 2009
&
April 10-22, 2009
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For a colorful impression of our trip to Palau & Yap, click here
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Trip
Overview
Snorkeling Palau & Yap. The Republic of Palau is made up of over
500 idyllic islands, all clustered together in a relatively
small area. Located in the Western Pacific, Palau is one of
the most aesthetic archipelagos imaginable, home to some of
the greatest amount of marine biological diversity on Earth!
It's the perfect destination for snorkeling enthusiasts.
During
this program we will have the opportunity to venture into a
variety of marine habitats, from seagrass beds, patch, fringing,
and barrier reefs, as well as the unique marine lakes hidden
in the famous Rock Islands. We will also be able to learn first
hand about current research by visiting marine labs on the main
island of Koror.
Palau
only became independant on October 1st, 1994 and yet it has
quickly become a model for the rest of Oceania due to the protection
given to its marine ecosystems. Though the country is relatively
westernized, Palauans still rely heavily upon their reefs and
surrounding environments for food, so they are careful to protect
these resources.
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Palau offers the snorkeler opportunities to see more species
of fish and invertebrates than almost anywhere we can think
of. Several anemonefish species are conspicuous reef inhabitants,
along with Napolean wrasse, parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish,
surgeonfish, anthias, groupers, moorish idols, and the list
goes on and on. The reef fishes here are highly specialized,
occupying predictable niches, like the beautiful mandarinfish
that thrives in shallow inner lagoon habitat.
Although
not as profuse, we may also encounter hawksbill and green
turtles, sting rays, and harmless reef sharks.
We
plan to charter a private boat to be used exclusively by our
group for exploration of the best snorkeling sites throughout
the archipelago. Due to the nature of this program, we will
have the chance to visit many sites that most visitors never
see, from the inner lagoon to the dramatic dropoffs of the
barrier reef.
Another
aspect of Palau that we will encounter, is its historical
role in WWII. Wreckage and remnants of the war remain prevalent,
slowly being absorbed back into the lush forests that cover
the islands. Over 60 wrecks, sunk during the the war, litter
the bottom of the lagoon.
We've
arranged some exciting elements that should allow us to take
best advantage of Palau's natural, historical, cultural, and
culinary highlights. After
our days activities, we will "explore" some of the island's
best restaurants. We have selected some of our personal favorites,
and convinced their management to let us bring 15 or so "friends"
as well.
Finally,
in addition to excellent snorkeling, and fine dining, we have
invited key individuals associated with Palau's marine environment
to share their knowledge, expertise, and perspective with
our group. Of course, we will still delight in giving several
slide-illustrated interpretive presentations, but we're sure
we will all benefit from the contributions of our guest speakers.
After
many years of dreaming about snorkeling Palau, it is our privilege
to have the opportunity to invite you to experience the great
joys this diverse Republic has to offer.
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Skill
Level
All
snorkelers, from novice to expert, will enjoy this program. Your
staff will gladly provide any needed snorkeling instruction, from
floating to freediving. Whenever possible we will seek out protected
water for our snorkeling excursions, but at times the surface may
be choppy due to wind.
Trip
Limit for Palau & Yap
The
Palau & Yap program is limited to 16 participants, with a minimum of 10.
Due to the limited space available for this tour, reservations for
space will be accepted in the order deposits are received.
Weather
Though
we have timed our program for the calmest season possible, even
the best preparations cannot guarantee weather, but Palau's climate
is warm, usually in the mid 80's with refreshing trade winds from
the Northeast. Palau lies below the usual typhoon track, and any
storms, more than an occasional rain shower, are rare.
A
Note About Snorkeling
Water
temperatures are expected to be in the low 80's, though local upwellings of water in the high 70's may occur. Thermal tolerance
obviously varies with each individual. As a guideline, many people
wear a thin wet suit when in the water longer than 30 or 40 minutes.
Please remember that some kind of covering (such as a Lycra suit
or even a t-shirt) when in the water is highly recommended as protection
from sun, occasional stinging zooplankton, or to prevent coral abrasions.
Financial
Information for Palau & Yap
Based on a land and air package the
cost of the 2009 "Remote Reefs of Palau & Yap" is $7350, based on double occupancy. The cost includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles to Yap and Palau. For those requesting a single room an additional supplement of $1350 will be added to the tour cost. Please be advise that single space is limited and subject to availability. Land only (without airfare) is $5490 per person/double occupancy. Land only, including air within Micronesia (Yap to Palau to Guam), is $6090 per person/double occupancy.
REQUEST
ITINERARY
MAKE
RESERVATION
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