Palau Dive Adventures
Palau Dive Adventures
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About
At Palau Dive Adventures, we offer small, flexible, flawlessly organized dive adventures. You choose the dive spots you want to see and we take care of everything else. Live-Aboard Adventures by day, shore based freedom and comfort at night. Our impeccably organized 5-day itinerary packs in 13 stunning dives (plus 2 land tour options) during the day, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the culture,conveniences and comfort of the island at night. Each trip begins on Monday and finishes up on Friday. Group size is limited to 10 guests per week and we have have 3 dive masters that guide in the water, so no matter what level you are, we can accommodate you. Book your trip now, before someone else does!
Koror, Palau
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Palau Dive Adventures
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
445 reviews
Excellent
432
Very good
6
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Michmcin
3 contributions
Jun 2019
Palau Dive Adventures was fantastic. As a snorkeller, the guys from Palau Dive adventures went the extra mile to make sure that we all had an amazing time and saw beautiful sites. One of my friends didn't have much confidence in the water but she felt very safe and supported. I've snorkelled around Australia, Hawaii, other places in Micronesia and this is by far and away the best. I'm talking to my friends about coming back ASAP!
Written May 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear "Michmcin",
Thanks so much for snorkeling with us!!!
Yes Palau is such an amazing place that whether you snorkel or dive it is amazing!
See you next time and thanks for taking the time to review us!
Kindest regards,
Chris
USA - Reservations
Written May 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel S
San Francisco6 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
Before you finish reading this, reach out and book with PDA! You will not be disappointed.
I truly had one of the *best* weeks of my life with this bad ass delightful magical crew. I traveled to Palau for a few weeks as a solo woman which is always its own type of experience. With so much magic in Palau you’d think it would be hard to think of anything as stand out, but my time with PDA was truly miraculous. Cheryl also just goes above and beyond with coordinating and driving. Truly the whole team is a gem!
From the delicious food to the stories to watching miyles free dive to soaking in arsons stories to Chris overseeing the whole dive with a thoughtful and considerate eye — there’s nothing like it.
I did dive with other shops and trust me there was a difference. Everyone is great on the island but PDA is magical. You won’t regret it!
Guys, please forgive me for how long this review took to write! Thanks for all you taught me and all the adventure you gifted me. I’ll be back, with friends next — though I made friends aplenty on the sea!
Rachel xx
I truly had one of the *best* weeks of my life with this bad ass delightful magical crew. I traveled to Palau for a few weeks as a solo woman which is always its own type of experience. With so much magic in Palau you’d think it would be hard to think of anything as stand out, but my time with PDA was truly miraculous. Cheryl also just goes above and beyond with coordinating and driving. Truly the whole team is a gem!
From the delicious food to the stories to watching miyles free dive to soaking in arsons stories to Chris overseeing the whole dive with a thoughtful and considerate eye — there’s nothing like it.
I did dive with other shops and trust me there was a difference. Everyone is great on the island but PDA is magical. You won’t regret it!
Guys, please forgive me for how long this review took to write! Thanks for all you taught me and all the adventure you gifted me. I’ll be back, with friends next — though I made friends aplenty on the sea!
Rachel xx
Written February 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel,
Thank you for one of the nicest, heartfelt reviews we have ever gotten. Palau is magical and we are very fortunate that many on our team are gems as well.
Can't wait to see you and your friends next time. Stay safe and well!
Forever grateful,
Team PDA
Written May 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KaVa
United States57 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
We were fortunate to be the first on the reefs with Palau Dive Adventures since Palau reopened. We had an amazing time on the reefs with happy sharks and mantas thanks to Captain Arson and dive guide Chris. Cheryl was always helpful and on time to drive us to and from the airport and boat. The bento box lunches were good and the boat was comfortable and had a good layout for divers, especially compared to other bots we saw. When the weather changed, the crew did an excellent job navigating the reef for amazing dive sites in calm waters. Even better, we has the reefs all to ourselves. Definitely recommend diving with Palau Dive Adventures!
Written December 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CEO
Haleiwa, HI2,409 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We booked 5 days/13 dives with this dive shop online months before our arrival in Palau. They responded promptly to our inquiry and provided all the necessary information, including pricing. Mary Grace took care of our reservations and answered our questions.
They kept in touch with us, providing updates/information before our arrival in Palau. One of their staff, John, met us the day before our scheduled first dive, which started Monday. We signed some documents. He briefed us on a few things and took our gear.
PDA picked us up every day at our hotel dock. Their boat is nice and well-maintained. We had individual seating areas with all gear set up. We were very comfortable on the boat. They provide good/informative safety briefings before each dive. We felt confident and safe. We ended up doing 3 dives/day, a total of 15 dives. Dive sites visited depended on weather/surf conditions. The experience in each and every dive was unique and simply amazing. Fresh fruits were served after the first dive, followed by a bento lunch (many choices) after the 2nd dive. Compliments to the team - Jason, Javen, Chris, Marcus, and Miles. They all made our dives fun, memorable, and safe. All our dives were awesome.
In addition to the awesome diving, PDA can also help make arrangements for dinner, transportation, massages, and other tours.
We absolutely enjoyed scuba diving with PDA. They are the best. We look forward to many more scuba diving experiences with PDA in the future.
They kept in touch with us, providing updates/information before our arrival in Palau. One of their staff, John, met us the day before our scheduled first dive, which started Monday. We signed some documents. He briefed us on a few things and took our gear.
PDA picked us up every day at our hotel dock. Their boat is nice and well-maintained. We had individual seating areas with all gear set up. We were very comfortable on the boat. They provide good/informative safety briefings before each dive. We felt confident and safe. We ended up doing 3 dives/day, a total of 15 dives. Dive sites visited depended on weather/surf conditions. The experience in each and every dive was unique and simply amazing. Fresh fruits were served after the first dive, followed by a bento lunch (many choices) after the 2nd dive. Compliments to the team - Jason, Javen, Chris, Marcus, and Miles. They all made our dives fun, memorable, and safe. All our dives were awesome.
In addition to the awesome diving, PDA can also help make arrangements for dinner, transportation, massages, and other tours.
We absolutely enjoyed scuba diving with PDA. They are the best. We look forward to many more scuba diving experiences with PDA in the future.
Written February 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie G
Golden, CO37 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We hoped to dive some of the most famous dive sites in the world within a small group of similarly experienced divers and with a safe, adventurous, and knowledgeable crew. We got exactly what we came for!
We went in June, so technically off-season because of rain. It did rain, but mostly the weather cooperated. One day, just my husband and I were on the boat. Other days there were 2 or 3 other divers. On our last 2 days, there were 6-8 divers, so another guide was added to keep the ratio small.
Chris, our only guide for our 10 day stay, took us to The Blue Holes, Blue Corner, German Channel, Chandelier Caves, and oh, so many more. Since I was uncomfortable hooking myself in during the drifts, Chris handled it effortlessly for me. He and Marc (another guide who joined us for two days when the group was larger), set up our kits, assessed our abilities, and introduced us to new creatures (a Disco Clam!) as well as the sharks, mantas, turtles, rays, Bumphead Parrotfish, and Napoleon Wrasses in huge quantities that we hoped to see. On they boat they provided snacks and Bento Box lunches, dry towels, and rain gear when necessary. When my husband’s reg sprang a small leak, Chris deftly fixed it on the boat.
Our boat captain, Jacob, was a jovial storyteller during the intervals between dives. On other days, Allen or Belau, steered us safely through the seas providing help and care and information as needed.
Enough cannot be said about the kindness and helpfulness, Jan provided on a daily basis. From picking us up and returning us to the airport, providing transportation to dinners and shopping, making recommendations for restaurants and activities, and in general answering our questions, and caring for our gear. He is extraordinary!
All of the crew went above expectations when my husband had an accident while walking to the boat. He slipped and sprained his knee. On days when he could not dive, the crew were so understanding and flexible. On days when he could dive, they helped him manage his gear and arranged for dives that were a little less athletic as he tested his pain levels.
We went in June, so technically off-season because of rain. It did rain, but mostly the weather cooperated. One day, just my husband and I were on the boat. Other days there were 2 or 3 other divers. On our last 2 days, there were 6-8 divers, so another guide was added to keep the ratio small.
Chris, our only guide for our 10 day stay, took us to The Blue Holes, Blue Corner, German Channel, Chandelier Caves, and oh, so many more. Since I was uncomfortable hooking myself in during the drifts, Chris handled it effortlessly for me. He and Marc (another guide who joined us for two days when the group was larger), set up our kits, assessed our abilities, and introduced us to new creatures (a Disco Clam!) as well as the sharks, mantas, turtles, rays, Bumphead Parrotfish, and Napoleon Wrasses in huge quantities that we hoped to see. On they boat they provided snacks and Bento Box lunches, dry towels, and rain gear when necessary. When my husband’s reg sprang a small leak, Chris deftly fixed it on the boat.
Our boat captain, Jacob, was a jovial storyteller during the intervals between dives. On other days, Allen or Belau, steered us safely through the seas providing help and care and information as needed.
Enough cannot be said about the kindness and helpfulness, Jan provided on a daily basis. From picking us up and returning us to the airport, providing transportation to dinners and shopping, making recommendations for restaurants and activities, and in general answering our questions, and caring for our gear. He is extraordinary!
All of the crew went above expectations when my husband had an accident while walking to the boat. He slipped and sprained his knee. On days when he could not dive, the crew were so understanding and flexible. On days when he could dive, they helped him manage his gear and arranged for dives that were a little less athletic as he tested his pain levels.
Written June 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMW9219
Brooklyn, NY371 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We had a wonderful five days diving with PDA. They picked us up every morning at 8am from our hotel dock (Palau Pacific Resort) and we did 3 dives every day, with the exception of a 2 dive day with jellyfish lake. Jason was a great dive master and knows the dive spots very well. Every day the dive team took us to great spots depending on the weather and where we wanted to dive. Most days we had just our family of 4 on the boat. My parents and I dive but my sister does not, so at each location we dove with the dive master and my sister had a private snorkeling guide. The dive team set up all of our equipment and washed our gear at the end of each day. PDA goes above and beyond gifting us with t-shirts, water bottles, reef safe sunscreen, and delicious bento boxes for lunch (including vegetarian options). Our family has going diving with Fish & Fins and Splash (the company at Palau Pacific Resort) and Palau Dive Adventures has been our favorite so far.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear "AMW9219",
Thanks so much for diving with us, we truly appreciate it! Jason is truly one of the top guides in Palau and glad you got to spend some time with him and the rest of our team. We always pride ourselves on delivering the best possible service and it seems like you had a "wonderful" time with us.
Thanks for taking the time to review us as well.
Forever grateful,
Team PDA
Chris USA Reservations
Written January 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pioneer42751806542
1 contribution
May 2024 • Solo
I did 18 dives over 6 days. This was my third time to Palau and second time with Palau Dive Adventures. They are simply outstanding; the boats are very well set up, their knowledge of local dive sites and more importantly selecing the best dive site for the prevailing conditions; weather and tides is superb.
They are very accomodating for different experince levels. Snacks, lunch, water, coffe, rain jackets and towels are provided every day.
Dive guides and boat drivers are second to none and they provide very personalized service.
I thoroughly enjoyed diving with PDA and would recommend the outfit with no reservations.
They are very accomodating for different experince levels. Snacks, lunch, water, coffe, rain jackets and towels are provided every day.
Dive guides and boat drivers are second to none and they provide very personalized service.
I thoroughly enjoyed diving with PDA and would recommend the outfit with no reservations.
Written May 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FosterPL
Portland, OR14 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
A group of six of us recently booked a week of diving through Palau Dive Adventures. From start to finish, each step of the way, they took care of every detail. Everything from greeting us at 1:30am at the airport, chauffeuring us to our hotel and various restaurants, planning 18 of the most spectacular scuba dives over 6 days, delicious daily bento box lunches, a fabulously equipped boat that was comfortable and roomy, and the guides, led by owner Jason, were the most competent, fun, professional crew that at all times made me feel safe. We saw "the Serengeti of the ocean" on our dives; mantas, sharks, tuna, barracuda, hundreds of schools of colorful fish and amazing coral and sealife. Our hotel, Palau Pacific Resort, was spectacular, the included breakfast buffet hearty and delicious, the setting stunning and the rooms while simple were clean and perfect. We are looking to book again! Palau Dive adventures offers you a window into this beautiful Archipelago of Islands.
Written February 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davidhughtaylor
Melbourne, Australia608 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Palau expensive to get to and expensive to dive, so you want to make the most of it. Palau Dive accommodates independent divers with a 5 day dive package seeing different sites all out on the main spectacular reefs. Many of the other dive shops cater more for package charters so independent divers can end up on a single boat and if someone only doing two dives then boat comes back and the third dive is then usually something disappointing close to harbour and you can sometimes end up back at the same sites as the dive guides change etc = so if coming independently i would recommend Palau Dive Adventures
Written April 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eaksmama
Dhaka City, Bangladesh7 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Five days of diving with Palau Dive Adventures where we were treated like family. Communication before we arrived was helpful, detailed, and timely. The crew handled every detail, even anticipating needs we may have or dive sites we may want to visit based on conversations we had on the boat. Chris was our dive master 4 out of 5 days and went above and beyond to make our trip the best it could be. He was thoughtful and kind, fun, and most of all attentive to safety. Allen, our boat captain, helped out as well and chimed in with friendly banter. Jan was our go-to guy who gave us rides when needed, rinsed and washed our equipment, and even set up a day tour for us on our final day when we couldn't dive. Each and every moment of our week was spectacular thanks to this great team. Oh, and the diving? Stunning! I think we saw more sharks in one dive than we've seen combined in all of our diving. The schools of fish were abundant and the coral lovely. Our WWII obsessed son was over the moon to see the wrecks and items left behind after the war. I cannot recommend diving in Palau, and diving with Palau Dive Adventures, highly enough.
Written April 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Safari15262562257
San Diego, California
I have never dive before, can i get training there and get certified right away. Thanks !!
Written January 21, 2020
You can, and they are a great company with awesome people that care deeply about your experience.
Written January 27, 2020
Primero, hablan español, segundo precio por 1 dia 3 tanques, que incluye y que no incluye, que otras actividades hay para realizar otro día en palau
Written October 10, 2019
Hola, no hablan español, sólo inglés. Aproximadamente eran unos 300 euros el día con toda la equipación incluída, pero mejor preguntarles directamente a ellos porque los precios pueden variar según días, disponibilidad o temporada.
Palau tiene muchas actividades, todas ellas extraordinarias: snorkel, visita al lago de las medusas, kayak por las islas, vuelo en avioneta para ver las islas desde arriba, alquilar un coche y recorrer la isla grande donde está el aeropuerto (al lado de Koror)...
En Palau Dive Adventures son muy profesionales, simpáticos y te facilitan todo. Irán a recogerte a la puerta de tu hotel.
Written October 14, 2019
Dear PDA, I am planning to learn diving course in Taiwan first so then I can join you. Is SSI system good for you? Nitrox ? Thx
Written June 8, 2018
Hi Elizabeth,
Sorry we just saw this question. SSI is great and yes, take nitrox course as well. Thanks for messaging us! :)
For quickest answers to your Palau questions. Just contact us via our contact us page.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Written July 15, 2018
Do you pick up at all hotels? Do you have any recommendations for inexpensive hotels?
Written December 19, 2017
CaptQ1 is right, Garden Palace is really nice, big rooms and newer. If you want cheap and clean go with Lehns, DW Motel or in the center of town at Palau Paradise. Hope this helps!
Written December 23, 2017
What about single divers?
Written December 6, 2017
We have lots of single divers come with us and yes, some meet the love of their life. We have had two marriages so far :) And no divorces. . . .yet :)
Written December 18, 2017
Hi PDA, i'm trying to arrange the time to come to Palau maybe even as soon as next month (May or June '17). Read all about your operation and it seems fantastic for me.
Two questions:
1) I will be coming on this trip solo... I assume most people come as a couple. Is it easy for you to handle me as a solo diver in the group? Is this uncommon at PDA?
2) Do you offer Nitrox training? Never done it but would like to learn.
Thank you!
-josh
Written April 18, 2017
Hi Josh!
Thank you for your email to us (PDA). I run PDA reservations in North America and you can always call me if you like at 310-321-2558. Sometimes this is more personal and I can help more this way. To answer your questions now.
1. Many people do come to Palau as couples, but, actually for some reason at PDA we get lots of solo divers, pretty much every week we get a couple solo divers. Our guests are always friendly and we have a great crew that will always be there for you, so you will never be alone, especially underwater.
2. We do offer a PADI nitrox certification. It can be done online and then once your in Palau, our instructor will do the final hands on portion. We can have you diving on day #1 with us :)
Hope this helps! And we look forward to having you as one of our guests in the near future.
Kindest regards,
Chris - Palau Dive Adventures
N. America Reservations
Written April 18, 2017
I see from previous ? that it is less expensive to do a hotel as opposed to live aboard. Could you rate the quality of hotels available? Also could I get an idea for a price for a package for a 2 week stay? 12 to 15 dives.
Written July 26, 2016
Jeff,
What Camervp and Geoff said are correct. Palau Pacific Resort is the best resort on the island. We have packages there for 7 nights and 5 days diving with us us for around $2,400 for 2016, 2017 will be a slight increase. Just fill out our "Luxury" package inquiry form and we will get back to you with all the details. Thanks again CamerVP and Geoff! Appreciate your responses here, sorry did not see this sooner.
Thank you!
Chris
Written August 5, 2016
hygeiaz
Antipolo City, Philippines
Do you offer freediving at the dive sites? And are there rental gears for free divers in the island (Long fins)
Written June 6, 2016
Hi. Yes you can freedive the dive sites. Long fins are not rented on the island, but, there are shops you can buy them from or you could ship them to us ahead of time and your fins will be waiting for you when you arrive in Palau. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Chris
Written June 9, 2016
hygeiaz
Antipolo City, Philippines
Do you offer freediving at the dive sites? And are there rental gears for free divers in the island (Long fins)
Written June 6, 2016
We were there for the diving, but a lot of the sites would be fantastic for freediving as well. You should contact Chris Lubba directly and he can give you the rundown on freediving options. Call or text him at 310 321 2558
For some of the long drift dives through the channels and Blue Corner, you would be missing much of the experience if you're not scuba diving. At Blue Corner, it's literally like watching an underwater IMAX movie with all the sealife passing by
Written June 6, 2016
cherppy
Quezon City, Philippines
Is it possible to do 2 dives and still go to jellyfish lake on the same day?
We'll be in Palau for only 3 days. Trying to maximize out stay.
Written March 27, 2016
Hi Cherppy,
Yes, you can do two dives in one day and go to Jellyfish Lake. That is fairly common to do in Palau.
Cheers,
Chris
Written March 28, 2016
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