Micronesia Trip?

[Aussie]

I am looking at planning a trip for 2-3 weeks diving Truk Lagoon and also Palau.

Few things I would like to throw around and see what people think.

Whats the best time of year to go?

Whats the best diveshop at both locations?

What accomodation does one recommend?

Anything worth while in Guam?

Any suggestions, advice, and or recommendations would be appreciated.

Aussie

[Travelnsj]

I'd pass on Truk unless you are really into Wrecks. If so do the Blue Lagoon and their dive shop....I like a few wrecks but for me it was too much and became very redundant.

Pass on Guam...overdove.

Palau....you'll see plenty of wrecks plus much more. I dive with Palaudive.com...Keith very seldom has more than 6 divers on his boat at any time or even less....Many places to stay...how much do you want to spend? You have the Nikko and the PPR expensive $200 to $400 or the West Plaza and Guest house which is moderate prices $60 to $80 and lots in between.

[Aussie]

Originally Posted by Travelnsj

I'd pass on Truk unless you are really into Wrecks. If so do the Blue Lagoon and their dive shop....I like a few wrecks but for me it was too much and became very redundant.

Pass on Guam...overdove.

Palau....you'll see plenty of wrecks plus much more. I dive with Palaudive.com...Keith very seldom has more than 6 divers on his boat at any time or even less....Many places to stay...how much do you want to spend? You have the Nikko and the PPR expensive $200 to $400 or the West Plaza and Guest house which is moderate prices $60 to $80 and lots in between.

Thanks for the info Travelnsj.

I love wrecks and Truk is on my list of things to do. I was thinking of killing two birds with one stone so to speak and try to add Palau in the trip.

Whats Yap like? Heard its something like a Manta heaven?

I have to look at the accomodation as I am not fussed but like to have something nice without breaking the bank. prefer to spend money on diving instead.

Cheers Aussie

[charlesml3]

Here are some photos from Palau and Yap:

Picasa Web Albums - Charles - Palau07

If you're going to Palau, you should seriously, seriously consider a liveaboard. I got to Palau three days before we sailed and dove those days with Fish N Fins. They're a great op and I would easily recommend them. That said, the boat rides are pretty long. Usually an hour or more and they're not going to take you all the way to Peleliu for a dive at the express. That's one you really shouldn't miss.

I found the diving in Yap to be just as good. Not as many of the big sharks but the visibility was amazing. Lots and lots of mantas in Yap. I could easily go back and do another week aboard the Aggressor and another week in Yap.

-Charles

[Travelnsj]

Aussie I'm not one to speak of Yap. Nice Island but I thought the diving was medicore. I saw a couple of Mantas...I've seen many more in Palau. But if you are one of the lucky ones and see the formation of 15 or more Mantas than it would be worth it. Out of about 30 people or so I have talked to about Yap....about 3 or 4 have ever seen that.

If you are into wrecks do Truk and then Palau.

[gbrdiver]

Well I'm off to Palau for the annual wrexpedition 6-13 June then over to Truk for a week. This will be my fourth visit to Truk and 100 dives there so far - and I can't wait for more!. Blue Lagoon's dive operation is ok, but the dive guides on Thorfinn are are just so superior that unless you've done both you don't know what your missing. Guam is ok...like anywhere when the vis is good. The Tokai/Cormoran wreck combo is a treat.

[deepdiver47]

Sorry Scott, I am not in your camp with regards to Yap as I love them both. I would say February/March

If you do go to Yap go there before you go to Palau as you will appreciate it. In Yap you need to consider diving with Beyond the Reef (Manta Ray Diving in Yap Micronesia with Beyond The Reef Dive Center), Dave and his crew are a small boat outfit and really excel at long dives. In Yap do not overlook the walls and reefs, they are very good. March 1st is Yap day, a very popular time to visit.

By all means go to Chuuk if you are REALLY into wrecks. From a culture standpoint that island is a bit of a ghetto. Not a place to walk about on your own.(IMHO)

Palau (heavy sigh), just got back last month and I am still in a dive coma over that place. I took Travelsnj (Scott's) advice and went with Keith, second to none, again a small outfit and takes a just a few divers. He will constantly ask you what do you want to see. He appreciates people that have a passion for wrecks. See him out.

Guam from a diving standpoint is not worth it when you consider you are thinking about the other 3. The people are very nice.

Accommodation, depends on your budget, mine is modest, in Yap I like Pathways, they have nice huts, really adds to the stay.
In Palau check out West Plaza as those rooms work for me. They are located in several locations.

[Aussie]

Thanks for your information so far guys. I appreciate it. Hopefully I will be looking at going Feb/March next year.

Aussie

[namabiru]

Plus Guam's going to be expensive. If it were me, I'd go to the Philippines before I went to Guam.

[gbrdiver]

Plus Guam's going to be expensive. If it were me, I'd go to the Philippines before I went to Guam.

Actually, if you have anything but US$, Guam is incredibly cheap right now! The A$ is almost even with the US$. I noticed a few months back in the Philippines that a lot of operators are now billing in pesos rather than US$ making it a bit more expensive. I agree Philippine diving beats Guam in all aspects, but if you already transiting Guam to other Micronesian locations - I wouldn't dismiss it.