I dived Palau way back in 2004. Back then, there were direct flights Darwin - Koror and it was a pleasant quick route. But that option was shortlived and over recent years, the only way to get to this much sought-after dive paradise was via Taipei and Guam with an overnight both ways. This made it a very expensive and arduous journey. But now, Air Niugini have started up weekly flights Port Moresby-Koror direct. This is a game changer - a 3 hour flight from Brisbane followed by 2 hours at Moresby airport; then a 3 and a bit hour flight to Koror and you’re there! Making this one of our more accessible destinations - only 8 hours or so ex Brisbane. And the diving is legendary - the stuff of Attenborough documentaries.

Palau is different to our normal dive destinations in that we won’t be staying on an isolated island at a beach resort. Pretty much all affordable accommodation is more clustered around downtown Koror, the only exception being the more opulent and very expensive Palau Pacific Resort, which is located out of town on its own manufactured beach. The offshore islands are all marine parks and development is prevented. One thing you need to be aware of with Palau - dives sites are mostly around one hour away each way and double dives are done as day trips. But this is a highlight in itself - zooming on speedboats through awesome rock island scenery, with snorkelling spot lunches on gorgeous beaches before the afternoon dive. Daily routine means leaving around 8:30 am and getting back 3:30 - 4:00 pm.

To confirm a place on this trip , you will need to complete the online booking links and arrange payments of a non-refundable deposit amount of $ 750.00.