The Beautiful Rock Islands
Written: Dec 30 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Magnificent diving and wildlife
Cons: Expensive
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| 12judge's Full Review: Palau |
As you are flying over Palau you will immediately see why they are called the Rock Islands. Beautiful mushroom shaped islands (dozens of them clustered together) - each covered in trees. Crystal clear water and extremely friendly locals.
We went to Palau to dive - as does most everyone. I would suggest Fish n Fins - that was the dive shop we used. They were great. They helped us with our hotel reservations and had plenty of suggestions on sightseeing while we were there. A very nice couple owns and runs the dive shop and were very hospitable.
Weather permitting (try to avoid typhoon season), you can get some great dives in at Blue Corner, Big Drop Off, Short Drop Off, Chandelier Cave, German Channel, and Neco Island - just to name a few. I have never seen such a variety of sharks in any one place. White tips, black tips, gray sharks, leopard sharks, barracuda, sea turtles, eels, rays - all in the same dive. It was absolutely amazing. The dive boats are fairly small (20 or so foot open V hull boats). If there are waves then you will have fun getting back in. We always had a divemaster and the lunches were great. It doesn't hurt that they stop at a nice beach on a deserted island for lunch break - the views are great - make sure you bring a camera - preferably an underwater camera.
On our last day (our decompression day) we went on a kayaking trip with Sam's Dive shop. I would highly recommend the full day kayak trip. The water between the islands was so calm. We stopped at several islands for short hikes to old WWII forts/outposts. We explored some caves and most of all we had a blast kayaking. The water is so clear you could see the occasional black tip swimming underneath you. Of course, there were plenty of stops for snorkeling.
The highlight of the day was snorkeling in an underwater cave that connects two islands. You can stand on the bottom and you have a couple of inches of air space - just enough for your snorkel to stick up. Then you wait quietly. After a couple of minutes, a nice family of black tip reef sharks comes out to play. They swim around you, in between you, and if you are lucky nudge up against you. There were a couple of adults and a couple of juveniles. The experience was incredible. They were just as interested in us as we were in them.
Palau is probably the best dive site in the South Pacific if wildlife is your interest (Truk Lagoon certainly is better for the wreck diver). Combine your dive trip with a day of kayaking and you will have memories for a lifetime - we do and we have the pictures to prove it. Before you leave make sure to go downtown and pick up a traditional wooden Paluan storyboard to hang on your wall at home. It is a great keepsake.
Have fun - we did.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
12judge
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Location: Panama City, FL
Reviews written: 82
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
What I love: my family & kids, travel, camping, diving, & the great outdoors.
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