Palau, budget?

[Lethal_OZ]

Palau sounds amazing, is on my list of places to dive. What is a likely daily budget for basic accommodation and 2 dives, US$100? or more like US$200?

Im going to be in Philippines in December - January, so Palau will only be a short flight away.

[deepdiver47]

Oz,

I was going to go to Palau in July for a second time but decided to go to Bali instead, below is quote that I received from Sam's Tours for 9 nights. This is for 1 diver only. It is closer to $200 per day when you incude all meals.
However, you can get cheaper accommodation's if you wish. I also included a kayak tour on the off gas day which I highly recommend.


For returning guest we would be happy to offer you 10% discount on all tours and hotel accommodation.

ARRIVE: May 05, 2007 - CO955 - 7:50pm
DEPART: May 14, 2007 - CO954 - 1:45am

HOTEL: West Plaza by the Sea - 1 standard single room - 9 nights - May
5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13, 2007 Includes hotel tax, breakfast $6.50 per person per day,
airport transfers roundtrip $20.00 per person

DIVING: 1 persons for 5 days - May 6,7,8,9,10, 2007 - you can add more when you get here.
Includes daily hotel transfers (to dive shop and back to hotel - roundtrip), 2-tanks (air or nitrox), weights, lunch and refreshments

REQUESTS: Nitrox everyday

DIVE EXPERIENCE LEVEL (Open Water, Advanced etc.): Repeat

EQUIPMENT RENTAL: Have own gear

KAYAKING: persons for full day tour -
Includes daily hotel transfers (to dive shop and back to hotel - roundtrip), use of dry bag, lunch, and refreshments

PRICE:
Hotel: $70.00 x 9 nights = $630.00 (at 10% discount)
Breakfast: $6.50 x 1 person x 8 days = $52.00 (at 10% discount)
Airport transfers: $20.00 x 1 person roundtrip = $20.00
Diving: $107.10 x 1 person x 5 days = $535.50 (at 10% discount)

TOTAL= $1237.50

PERMITS: Prices do not include the required Koror State Government Permit & Peleliu State Government Permit. Permits are $35

We will pick up guests at 8:30 a.m. each day for diving. Pick up for kayaking is 7:45 a.m. Registration is the first day. Note that proof of
scuba certification is required.

E-MAIL: samstours@palaunet.com
WEBSITE: www.samstours.com

REMEMBER NITROX is FREE at Sam's Tours .... to all EANx certified divers.

_

[Lethal_OZ]

Thanks for that, deepdiver47. I noticed you had a couple of non diving days, I was under the impression there was exremely little to do other than dive. Or is that wrong?

[deepdiver47]

There isn't much but sea kayaking isn't to be missed, trust me on this. Try talking a 1 day trip where they will boat you out into the rock islands with a guide and lunch. Look at Sam Tours site as that is where I got my tour from as i think that it is ~90 US. Otherwise, you can go to the jail to shop for storyboards!

[Travelnsj]

I have been there 8 times. 2008 will be my first time since 99 I have not gone in the spring.....Best month to go is generally March...December can be a hit or miss...weather can be windy.

Reasonable places to stay the Guest house or the West Plaza Malakal which are close to the dive ops and great places to eat. I use PalauDive.com....Keith merged with Sams a few years ago and headed up their diving...then they split a couple of years ago....he usually never has more than 6 divers on his boat....Best instructor I have dove with anywhere on this planet and a good friend. Keith can book hotels etc. for you.

Need more info let me know.

[Damselfish]

kayaking in the Rock Islands definitely rocks.

[Travelnsj]

Kayaking looks so easy but when you are a 1/2 mile out there.....need to be in shape....good work out.

[deepdiver47]

I guess it can be, it all depends on where they drop you off.
Sam's took us out in a boat and dropped us off in some coves. The water was like glass and it was easy going. Just row and glide.

[NavyDM]

Sam's is set up but definitely high volume I was in a boat with 15 people and none other then myself with over 15 dives. I had a couple of great dives but it seemed like a waste for me. Let’s just say I was with a boat full of air hogs. I for one like to get the most out of my dive and each dive I came up with half a tank and plenty of bottom time left because there was no one left to dive with me. The DMs which there were 2 were too busy with this big group to stay down with me for a few more minutes.

I'm going back some time soon I'll let you know if I find another company. One of the locals told me about a place I just have to get back in touch with her.

[Travelnsj]

Originally Posted by NavyDM

Sam's is set up but definitely high volume I was in a boat with 15 people and none other then myself with over 15 dives. I had a couple of great dives but it seemed like a waste for me. Let’s just say I was with a boat full of air hogs. I for one like to get the most out of my dive and each dive I came up with half a tank and plenty of bottom time left because there was no one left to dive with me. The DMs which there were 2 were too busy with this big group to stay down with me for a few more minutes.

I'm going back some time soon I'll let you know if I find another company. One of the locals told me about a place I just have to get back in touch with her.

Dive with Palaudive.com I have been diving with Keith for over 7 years and the last 5 when he left Sams and re-opened his operation again. DeepDiver47 just got back diving with Keith....I think he liked it. He told me the last 2 days diving with Keith was a bit crowded on the boat....It was just Keith and him!

Keith is the best I have ever dove with.