Question 1

What is a typical diving schedule?

Accepted Answer

The diving schedule will focus on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rock Islands Southern Lagoon Complex with a day devoted to Peleliu Island in the south. The Rock Islands include narrow channels and tidal currents and are best suited for ski tenders. Due to the UNESCO status of the lagoon, liveaboards such as Palau Siren utilise specific mooring areas and anchor points. The boat's movement within the lagoon is limited. Transfers to dive sites are made via two fiberglass tenders. Entries by giant stride, backward-roll ,or seated entry. Exits are via ladders on the tenders. Local regulations require guided dives and some sites with strong currents or depth cannot be accessed by inexperienced divers

Question 2

What's special about the spawning itinerary?

Accepted Answer

During Full Moon trips, tens of thousands of red snappers aggregate to spawn. They change color and are joined by predators such as bull sharks and oceanic blacktip sharks. New Moon dives present hundreds of bumphead parrotfish aggregating for their mating displays, including very loud head-butting contests and brilliant color changes. Small groups of guests are transported to view these natural events without disturbing them

Question 3

What are the requirements to join spawning trips?

Accepted Answer

For a spawning trip, divers need to have at least 50 logged dives and some experience in strong currents. It is highly recommended that they are PADI Advanced Open Water certified or equivalent. They must have night diving experience if they want to participate in a spawning or blackwater dive. Guests who cannot fulfill the requirements or whom the crew sees unfit may be excluded from certain dives. Advanced Open Water certification cannot be completed onboard though PADI Deep Adventure Dives for diving beyond 18 meters can be arranged for Open Water Divers

Question 4

What is blackwater diving, and who can participate?

Accepted Answer

Blackwater diving consists of night dives that are well away from reefs and allow divers to see the vertical migration of deep-sea creatures, such as larval fish and cephalopods. This is a very special activity that is sometimes available on spawning itineraries, although it cannot be guaranteed. All divers must have diving insurance that covers the cost of emergency evacuation and recompression chamber.
Highlights This tour focuses on the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dive sites include Malakal Harbour, Ulong Island, Ngemelis Island, the German Channel, and Peleliu Island. Specific dive sites depending on conditions, diver experience, and the captain's discretion. Site selection is based on safety and environmental considerations, with alternative sites available when conditions require

Question 5

What other activities are offered?

Accepted Answer

Guests enjoy the Rock Islands speedboat tour already included in the price. A stop is made at major features like "The Arch", while the views of an elephant- and whale-shaped islands are truly spectacular. Visits to Jellyfish Lake are temporarily banned due to the depletion of the population, for which the on-board fees are adjusted.

WWII land excursion on Peleliu Island: This is an optional excursion that includes a two-hour guided tour of historic battle remnants and can be booked through the cruise director