This expedition explores Palau’s most iconic and remote dive regions, combining world-class diving with exploration of pristine reef systems. The journey includes current-swept channels, dramatic walls, and rarely visited northern reefs, with dive plans adapted to weather and sea conditions.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation (No diving)

Embarkation will begin between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and all guests must be onboard by the following morning. Airport transfer and/or local hotel transfers are included. Upon boarding Solitude Gaia, a welcome from the rest of the crew awaits you. Orientation and registration (remember your C‐Cards and/or Log Books!) will begin once you are welcomed. During the registration, permit, and National Park fees will be collected as well. Please refer to our Know‐Before‐You‐Go document for the complete guide and amount. Dinner is included.

Day 2: West Passage and Surrounding areas (2 - 3 Dives)

• Dive sites: Devil’s Playground / Satan’s Corner

Today is our first day of diving, and in the morning, Solitude Gaia will lift anchor and move northwest towards the West Passage. Today we’ll be diving on the western edge of Palau’s reef in areas seldom visited by divers.

Day 3: Devilfish City and Northern Exploration (3 - 4 Dives)

• Dive sites may include: Devilfish City / Northern Reefs Exploration

Today, we wake up anchored close to one of the Northern Channels. We will dive into Devilfish City today, where there is a possibility of seeing manta rays and many other schooling fish. In the afternoon, we will sail further north and begin our Northern reef exploration.

Day 4 - 6: Exploration of Palau’s Northern Reefs and Kayangel Island (3-4 Dives each day)

• Dive sites may include: Tailtop / Kayangel Island / Velasco Reef / other exploration

We spend the next 3 days diving in the northern area of Palau’s reef system in areas that few have seen. There’ll be sharks, abundant coral, dramatic drop-offs, strong currents, and many species of schooling fish.

Day 7 - 8: Ulong Area + Spawning dives (3 -4 Dives each day)

• Dive sites may include: Shark City / Siaes Corner / Siaes Tunnel / Sandy Paradise / Ulong Channel

Over the next 2 days, we will dive each morning in an attempt to see the Spawning event and the aggregation that precedes it, which happens around every Full/New moon. During the day, we will enjoy some of Palau’s famous dive sites in the Ulong area with dramatic walls, current-swept corners, channel drifts, and beautiful reefs filled with many fish, turtles, sharks, and more.

Day 9: Ngemelis Area (3 -4 Dives)

• Dive sites may include: Blue Corner / Blue Holes

Today, we’ll dive into some of Palau’s most iconic dive sites. Dramatic coral-filled walls full of fish, plenty of sharks, a picturesque cavern lit from above, and challenging currents that Palau is famous for.

Day 10: Southern Peleliu Area (up to 3 Dives)

(All guests must adhere to a minimum of 18 hours pre-flight surface interval)

• Dive sites may include: Peleliu Corner / Cut / Express

Today is our last day of diving, and we will enjoy a few of Southern Peleliu’s famous dive sites. More dramatic walls, challenging currents, sharks, and schooling fish await.

Day 11: Disembarkation & Day tours (No diving)

Today, after a big breakfast, you will have optional complimentary tours via speedboat to either Jellyfish Lake, Milky Way, or both (If visiting Jellyfish Lake, you will need to purchase a Jellyfish Lake permit). Disembarkation will be after lunch up until 5:00 pm at the latest. Late checkout can be accommodated, subject to availability and an additional fee.

Snorkeling Information

This itinerary is designed primarily for scuba divers. Snorkeling is only suitable for strong, experienced swimmers, as dive sites may have strong currents. These trips are not suitable for beginners.

Snorkeling is unguided and subject to daily sea conditions. The Cruise Director will determine availability.

For safety reasons, snorkelers must wear or carry a life jacket at all times and stay close to the dinghies. Snorkeling may not be available every day.

Palau is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. Divers may encounter sharks, manta rays, turtles, and large schools of reef fish, along with vibrant hard and soft corals. Seasonal highlights may include fish spawning aggregations, making each dive dynamic and unique.

The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after the last dive.

(*) The itinerary description is provided by the boat operator. Sample itineraries and maps are for illustrative purposes only, and the exact route and sites visited may change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics, at the Captain’s discretion.