Palau Q&A

1. Where is Palau?
The Republic of Palau is 900 miles southwest of Guam and 400 miles south of Yap at the western-most edge of Micronesia. Palau is north of New Guinea and east of the Philippines. We fly from LAX or HNL to Guam and then a quick stop in YAP and onto Palau. Its a long way to go, but well worth it when you get there. My suggestion would be to extend your stay by a few days if you can.
 
2. What is included in my Kids Sea Camp package?
Your Kids Sea Camp package includes 7 nights accomodations at Palau Royal Resort, 5 days of diving with Sam's Tours, Rock Island Tour, Jellyfish Lake snorkel, 3 meals daily, roundtrip airport transfers, marine art painting program, rental gear & course materials for kids, and kids program of choice. For more information, please visit the What's Included section. Also, Kids Sea Camp has booked group air space for this reservation departing out of LAX.
 
3. Are there any taxes or fees not included in the price?
Yes. The airport departure tax is $35 US and is paid upon departure. These fees are levied by the Palau Government and are subject to change without notice. They are not included in the charter rate.
 
4. Do I need a passport?
U.S. citizens are required to have a passport for international travel. For details on travel requirements for U.S. citizens, please visit the U.S. State Department's web site. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate.
 
5. What is unique to diving in Palau?
Palau's waters are considered the #1 Underwater Wonder of the World. Its rich, pristine marine environment is famous for its drop-offs, currents and pelagic activity. Palau's protected inner reefs offer an abundant, extensive variety of marine life. Most dives are drift dives.
 
6. What is the water temperature? Will I need a wet suit?
The water temperature averages between 82 to 85F year round. A 3mm wetsuit or lycra suit is recommended.
 
7. Is there a night dive included in the package?
Yes, there is a night dive for adults and kids age 12 and over. Everyone else can enjoy a fun pizza/movie night.
 
8. Is it customary to offer the dive staff gratuity?
We believe gratuities should be voluntary and based upon the quality of the service provided.
 
9. Where is the nearest recompression chamber?
Palau has a new two-man recompression chamber in Koror.
 

10. When is the best time to visit Palau?
Anytime of year is good for a visit to Palau and diving is great year round. Palau is close enough to the equator to be considered outside of the typhoon belt. Best time of year is between November and June.

11. Is Palau for advanced divers only? 

No. There is great diving in Palau for divers of all skill levels. Sam's has many newly certified divers who dive with us (and many who come to Palau to get certified). While there are indeed dive sites that may require more advanced skills, there are over 70 dive sites to choose from and lots of fantastic diving for divers of all skill levels. Sam's Tours dive guides choose the dive sites based on a variety of factors, including: surface conditions, weather, tides, diver skill level and diver preference. We offer a full range of PADI dive certification courses.

12.What type of wetsuit do I need? The water around Palau is warm about 84-86 degree Fahrenheit. Many people dive with just a swimsuit. Most who wear wetsuits in Palau choose a 3mm suit either short or full. Sam's  has a good selection of both short and full suits available for rental.

13. Do I need to rent a car?
Not really. Sam's provides complimentary shuttle service every morning and late in to the evening to all hotels in town.

14. What kind of tanks and valves do you use? For sport diving Sam's uses only aluminum tanks in a variety of sizes. Our most common tank size is 80cu. feet / 12 Litre. We also have larger 100 cu. feet / 15Litre tanks and some small 50cu. feet tanks for junior divers. Our tanks are equipped with multi-purpose valves that support DIN or US Yoke style regulators.

15. How big are your dive groups? Sam's observes a maximum of 6 divers per guide although most of our dive boats are set up for 8 divers. We do have some larger boats designed for up to 12 divers however, we still observe a maximum of only 6 divers per guide for safety and more pleasant diving.

16. If I book diving with Sam's Tours through Family Dive Adventures and Kids Sea Camp will I pay more? No. There is no surcharge for booking our services through our professional travel  partner.  Booking through Kids Sea Camp can save you money on air/hotel/diving packages and help you plan a good itinerary. Please refer to our Agent Partner list.

17. Is there a store in town? Yes. There are two large and very well stocked supermarkets and department stores in the center of town. There are also lots of convenience stores all around town. The stores stay open until 9:00pm.

18. What type of electrical power do you have? Palau uses 110 Volt electricity with the same tyoe of outlets as U.S. At the dive center we also have 220 Volt service.

19. Is there really a "Sam" in Sam's Tours?

Yes! The company was founded by Sam Scott whose residence is right at the dive center. He's around every day and still leads dive trips and fishing trips. Chances are you'll meet him at Bottom Bar and Grill chatting with customers around sunset  Sam loves to bring his family to Kids Sea Camp Family weeks, so you may just get to dive with him and meet all the little ones too.

REMINDER: ALL US PASSPORTS MUST BE VALID FOR UP 6 SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO EXPIRATION DATE TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY. AIRLINES ARE ENFORCING THIS