Where to travel now? 

Where can Americans travel to now?

So,,,, who is SICK TO DEATH of this Covid-19 mess? ME!! ME!! ME!!

I had to run away to French Polynesia and just returned on Labor Day weekend,
I went to check out 2 islands I have not been to before; Marquesas, Hiva Oa to check out the diving and the culture; then onto Moorea to check out the whale watching operators and diving!

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The country opened July 15; I have been planning trips! They require 72 hr negative Covid test before boarding the plane, they offer a free self-test kit 4 days after arriving in the country.  Very good protocols, masks, sanitizing and spacing.  All great!
I was thoroughly impressed! I will be working on my trip report and it will be up on our website soon!  I also made 3 Facebook posts; 1 from Marquesas, 2 from Moorea with images and pictures, please have a look:

** See my French Polynesia posts on Facebook!
** French Polynesia: Marquesas & Moorea, August 25-September 6 2020 Trip Report 

It is a great place to run away to, its barely 8hrs from LAX and SFO!
If you want to swim with the whales, I was very lucky with a singing male underwater
then the other whale day I had 3 whales, mama, baby and male escort!
If you want to run away NOW, the whales are there through to mid October!!
Check this out on FB and view the video below!

Mama holding up baby to keep her safe from the male escort – the white underside

Posted by Cindi Laraia on Monday, September 7, 2020

 

Some other great ideas to travel to!

Scuba diving~ Sun and Fun & SPECIALS:
We have some great places Americans can travel to NOW!

Baja Mexico- Magdalena bay- Striped Marlin and more, October 04 -11 ,2020
12 stateroom berths available: $1795 per person before tax- plus 65/port fee paid on board.  We’re super excited to announce new 7-night Mexican Sardine Run trips on the Nautilus Under Sea. Join a trip of a lifetime to magical Magdalena Bay to snorkel/dive/photograph the sardine run, bait balls, zippy striped marlin, 2 newly discovered wrecks and a whole lot more! Intro rate of $1795. Per person. Ask me asap on this, this is a fantastic deal, close to home and FUN!!! See pictures below.

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Maldives– lovely liveaboards and land-based resorts all with heavy discounts!

Red Sea– many liveaboard offers here and very well priced. We also offer Egypt touring on luxury Nile cruise ships and Cairo city touring.

Galapagos & Ecuador– You need a negative PCR from the US within 10 days of arrival in Ecuador and another PCR on arrival in Ecuador. You need 2 nights in Quito or Guayaquil to allow for this.
There are a couple dates for 2020 with 25 to 30% off!
Oct 24-31, 2020 and Nov 7-14, 2020 Tiburon Explorer only $4495 plus $150 fuel tax ($1900 savings). Specials cannot be combined with other discounts or group comp policy and do not count toward the 6th trip credit. Additional booking terms and requirements apply, contact us for details. More savings to come for Dec-March but not finalized yet. Please inquire.

Costa Rica & Coco’s island– some USA states are allowed to travel here with updates coming. As of September 1, 2020, U.S. citizen tourists who are residents of New York, New Jersey, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia may enter Costa Rica on limited flights departing from the United States. As of September 15, residents of Colorado, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania can also enter Costa Rica on limited flights departing from the United States.

Africa ~ Seeking Seclusion on an African Safari & great deals!!

ZAMBIA!!! I am all about Zambia!
Zambia is open for business! Ethiopian and Emirates are flying into Lusaka, we have limited domestic schedules and several camps that are open and operational, most importantly we are issuing tourist visas to anyone arriving with a negative COVID test that is no more than 2 weeks old.
We have several options for safari with South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue; all different price points, from budget meaning REAL BUSH experience (yes please) to more moderate priced to stunning Luxury!
This is such a game rich country, the least visited and the golden Secret of Southern Africa!
IF you really want to get the heck out and feel free and find your meaning in life again.
Just do this…! You will love me forever! ?
See some samples we have on our Africa Discovery Website.
We have so many lovely camps with outstanding game; walking safaris in the bush was invented here!
The best guiding for those who want to walk and see life as the animals do!
Stunning & beautiful landscapes! Abundant wildlife, LEOPARDS, Wild dog! Canoe the Zambezi!
NO OTHER PEOPLE! YOU do not see other people! What a concept!

Tanzania and Kenya are open and this is prime time for the annual migration! We have beautiful camps waiting to welcome you and be alone, Africa and the wildlife to yourself!

Rwanda for Gorillas is open now!
Uganda will open October 1.
Zimbabwe will open October 1.
Namibia opening soon!
Morocco is open!
West Africa opening international airports, hardly any covid there!! Excellent Culture!

South Africa is still pondering what to do, they will not look at opening until OCT 15.
We are all so disappointed in this news as of yesterday!

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We are here for you to help you decide the best place you can escape to!
Trust me, my runaway trip to French Polynesia was very much needed and
what a great escape I had for 10nts.  It is worth it. The airports are very empty not many people, everything is sanitized, the airlines are doing a fine job with allowing spacing, offering sanitizer, wipes and masks!  I was extremely impressed!!
Let me help you keep your sanity and run away to some place cool!!!

Stay safe, follow the rules, wear a mask, and let me send you away!

Cheers!
Cindi

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Plan your trip for 2021

Plan your trip for 2021
while you have all this time on your hands!

Many places to choose from.
With Cindi’s recommendations, expertise and personal experience;
Plan a trip of a lifetime.

Orangutan

Coralia liveaboard

Coral reef in Raja Ampat - photographed by Quentin Bennett

Now is the perfect time to start planning for travel in 2021!

Where would you like to go?
What would you like to see?
What would you like to experience?

What is on your wanderlust list?

Would you like to snorkel with whales in the Dominican Republic?

Would you like to go on an African safari that goes to multiple countries within Africa?

How about going to Brazil to see the jaguars?

Do you want to experience other cultures in Papua New Guinea?
There are many festivals to go to throughout the year.

Have you been on the new Coralia liveaboard in Indonesia that all guests are raving about? Indonesia is a scuba divers paradise. Did you know we can also add on an Orangutan river safari before or after your diving trip?

Don’t forget South Africa and its Winelands. Safari and wine make a fantastic getaway.

And lastly, who is looking for some romance?! Quality time someplace beautiful with your loved one. Consider one of these: Tahiti, Sri Lanka/Maldives, Fiji,
Alphonse Island- Seychelles, and Tanzania.

Cindi can custom tailor a trip just for you based on your wants and needs.

Let us know how we can assist you in creating the perfect trip for you by clicking the email us button below.

Explore- Enjoy- Experience.

Somalisa Acacia - Zimbabwe safari camp

Wings Over Southern Tanzania - Africa Discovery

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

 

2020 Discounted Trips- Cocos Island and Silver Bank

Cocos Island
&
Silver Bank Whale Watching

2020 Discounted Trips

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Been dreaming of Cocos Island? Count hammerheads instead of sheep.

Cocos Island was named one of the ten best scuba diving spots in the world by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and is a “must do” according to diving experts.

Breathtaking marine life and biodiversity.

We’re offering HUGE deals & discounts on new bookings for the following 2020 trips aboard the MV Argo! Best of all, the DeepSee submersible is scheduled to sail on all four of the following journeys,
so don’t forget to reserve your space on the sub as well.

Email us today for more info!

Apr 19-29 – Regular price: $6,445 | $2,000 discount | Special price: $4,445
May 15-25 – Regular price $6,445 | $500 discount | Special price: $5,945
May 28-June 7 Regular price is $6,445 | $1,500 discount | Special price: $4,945
June 10-20 – Regular price is $6,445 | $500 discount | Special price: $5,945

*NOTE* Offers are valid for new bookings only.
Prices listed above do not include the national park fee.
The national park fee is an additional $490.

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Last chance for whales at Silver Bank!

We still have a few spaces available on our special expedition to Silver Bank, Dominican Republic aboard the Sea Hunter Mar 28 to April 4!
The whales are calling…book now and save $500 USD on new bookings!

March 28 – April 4 – Regular price: $4,395 | $500 discount | Special price: $3,895

*NOTE* Special price does not include the national park fee. The national park fee is an additional $450.

Click the email us button below to reserve your space or to get more information

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Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

 

Liveaboard Diving and Orangutans in Indonesia 

Truly Experience Indonesia
Scuba Diving and Orangutans!

The Coralia Liveaboard and an Orangutan add on in Kalimantan

Liveaboard Diving
The Coralia was voted BEST liveaboard in 2019 by Dive Magazine!
Our guests have also raved about this boat!

8-11 night itineraries
Komodo
Banda Sea
Forgotton Islands
Raja Ampat
Alor

*Let us know your specifications and we will check availability.

Master Cabin on Main/Upper Deck (double): 540 USD per person per night
Lower Deck Cabin (double or twin): 495 USD per person per night
Single Cabin Surcharge: above rates plus 55% (percent)

Plus: Port, fuel and park fees. Cost depends on location.

View Boat Details

Orangutan Add-on in Kalimantan – tour options:

Orangutan tour- 3 day/ 2 nights
Samboja Lodge is a part of Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation.
Visitors of the lodge will be able to gain first-hand knowledge on what is required to
rebuild a forest and protect its wildlife. The efforts here are to preserve the rainforest and supports the preservation of Bornean orangutans and their habitat.
On this tour, you will go trekking to observe the orangutans and go to Bukit Bangkirai
to observe the typical Borneo rainforest.

Orangutan River Cruise- 4 day/ 3 nights
Board a deluxe houseboat and cruise down the Seikonyer River.
You will see some wildlife such as birds, Macaque, Proboscis Monkey and Orangutan,
and if time permits, visit Orangutan feeding in Tanjung Harapan.
Observe and learn more about Proboscis monkeys along the river banks.
Proboscis monkeys are an endemic animal that can be seen only in Borneo.
Trek up into the forest to see orangutan feeding.

For more information or to book both or 1 of these tour options,
click the email us button below.

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Brand New Liveaboard – Tiburon Explorer – Galapagos Diving!

Galapagos Diving!

Aboard the brand new Tiburon Explorer
Special price in May!
Add on a land tour

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Diving the Galapagos

A world class dive destination, Galapagos is listed as one of the seven underwater wonders of the world!
If you wish to dive in Galapagos with numerous schools of hammerhead, galapagos sharks, oceanic whitetip, dolphins, whale sharks and whales, you must be sure you visit the northern most islands of Wolf and Darwin. On most Galapagos dive sites you will be escorted by playful sea lions.
Other opportunities to spell bind you will be with sea turtles, penguins, eagle rays, groupers, schools of shiny bait fish, and very unusual species such as the red-lipped batfish.

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Special pricing this May:

May 30-June 6 Tiburon Explorer at $5,395 per person twin share
(Regular price is $6,095)

Package includes: 7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel; up to 4 dives daily (weather permitting); 3 meals daily, except Sunday’s evening meal; between-dive snacks; towels, linens, etc.; use of tanks, weights and weight belts; all air fills; transfers within Galapagos Islands for same day arrivals & departures; local alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages.
Rates may increase for existing reservations and will be confirmed no later than 12 months
before the charter departure date.

All pricing are in US Dollars, per person double occupancy.
Additional cost: Galapagos National Park Fee ($100), Chamber Support Fee ($35), Tourist card ($20) and fuel tax.
Airfare to Galapagos Islands and land options before/after cruise additional.

Price for June 2020 is $6,095
July 2020-2021 is $6,395
per person twin share

*Let us know if you would like to add on a land portion to this trip.
Click the link to see what land tours we offer.

Click the email us button below to book or for more information.

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Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Croatia- Scenic Southern Dalmatia Itinerary

Experience Croatia

Scenic Southern Dalmatia Itinerary

Best time to travel with great weather & least amount of tourists:
May- early June and mid September- mid October

Hvar, Croatia

Scenic Southern Dalmatia- 9 nights

3 Nights in Dubrovnik:
Dubrovnik offers an unusual blend of modern culture and ancient traditions.
Marble-like polished limestone streets, a labyrinth of alleyways, and breathtaking architecture compose the unique atmosphere of the Old Town.
You’ll experience a true variety of sightseeing, leisure, and outdoor adventures here.
But there are also several exciting day trips and cruises to enjoy.
From kayaking through hidden coves to an authentic Croatian cooking class, vineyard tours, and trips as far afield as Montenegro, you’ll have more than enough to fill your itinerary.

3 Nights in Hvar:
One of the gems of the Adriatic, Hvar is more than a beautiful coastal town.
It’s also an ancient epicenter of culture, boasting the oldest communal theater in Europe, and a stunning medieval fortress dating back to the 7th century.
There’s a little bit of everything here, from history and architecture to modern culture,
outdoor adventures and isolated beaches.
Scuba dive and snorkel at Pakleni Islands and the Southern Coast of Hvar.

Croatia, underwater

Photo courtesy of https://hvardiving.com
PUBLISHED LOCATION: https://worldadventuredivers.com/diving-croatia-split-dubrovnik/

3 Nights in Split:
Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is a great place to see Dalmatian life as it’s really lived.
This exuberant city has just the right balance between tradition and modernity.
Step inside Diocletian’s Palace (a Unesco World Heritage Site- 1,700-years-old) and get to know the incredible history of this ancient city center.
Split is a big city, but the surrounding area is perfect for a relaxing day at the beach.
Travel along the beautiful coast, passing picturesque villages and islands.

*We can add an additional day of scuba diving, wine touring, off-roading and or a cycling tour to your itinerary.

COST:
From $3,950 per person
Based on 2 people staying in 4 Star Accommodation

Click the email us button below for more details.

Email us

Hvar, Croatia

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

The Kimberley Region Aboard True North- Adventure cruising- Australia

The Kimberley region in North Western Australia

The Kimberley has been included in the New York Times

“52 Places to go in 2020”

Don’t just see the magnificent Kimberley coast – EXPERIENCE IT!
Aboard True North adventure cruise

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The Kimberley region in North Western Australia is a panorama of majestic waterfalls, rugged mountains, and breathtaking gorges.
This region attracts visitors from all over the world –
but not everyone is able to truly experience this ancient land.
This stylish adventure-cruise ship TRUE NORTH was purpose built to go where other ships cannot. This ship provides a level of access that leave others envious!
True North can safely navigate the region’s many shallow river systems
and provide guests with up close access to the region’s iconic nature features.
These activity-based itineraries include tangible experiences such as hiking, fishing, picnics, mud crabbing, natural history interpretation, ancient rock art of the Australian Aborigines
and thrilling helicopter rides.

Here are 4 itineraries and date ranges for 2020 and 2021:

COAST AND CORAL (13 nights)
This adventure is the only one in this area that offers scuba diving and snorkeling.
This itinerary combines the best of two equivalently stunning destinations –
the Kimberley coast and the Rowley Shoals!
Vista’s framed by layers of ancient geology and moments will be awash in vibrant colours of a coral wonderland.
Experience all of the coastal icons and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most-rare habitats!
KUNUNURRA / WYNDHAM – ROWLEY SHOALS – BROOME

Aug 2020 – Sep 2021
Rates USD per person – 2020

OCEAN CLASS from $15,867
RIVER CLASS from $20,007
EXPLORER CLASS from $22,767

Rates USD per person – 2021

OCEAN CLASS from $15,867
RIVER CLASS from $20,697
EXPLORER CLASS from $23,457

KIMBERLEY WATERFALLS (10 NIGHTS)
Experience the stirring beauty that results from the end of the wet season!
Enjoy the Kimberley’s prominent summer storms and spectacular light shows!
Observe crashing waterfalls, expanded billabongs.
You will not want to miss, unexplained rock-art, extraordinary wildlife and enormous barramundi!
BROOME – WYNDHAM / KUNUNURRA (OR REVERSE)

Mar 2020- Apr 2021
Rates USD per person – 2020

OCEAN CLASS from $13,107
RIVER CLASS from $15,867
EXPLORER CLASS from $17,937

Rates USD per person – 2021

OCEAN CLASS from $13,797
RIVER CLASS from $16,557
EXPLORER CLASS from $18,627

KIMBERLEY ULTIMATE (13 NIGHTS)
The Kimberley Ultimate has become known as one of Australia’s most exclusive holiday experiences – and for good reason! The Ultimate is 2 weeks of grand indulgence. All of the Kimberley coast’s iconic attractions are included in this itinerary plus much more. This trip leaves guests raving about how remarkable it truly is.
KUNUNURRA / WYNDHAM – BROOME

Apr 2020- Aug 2021
Rates USD per person – 2020

OCEAN CLASS from $15,867
RIVER CLASS from $20,007
EXPLORER CLASS from $22,767

Rates USD per person – 2021

OCEAN CLASS from $15,867
RIVER CLASS from $20,697
EXPLORER CLASS from $23,457

KIMBERLEY SNAPSHOT (7 NIGHTS)
This itinerary is perfect for those pressed for time.
This is the Kimberley Ultimate itinerary (listed above) shrunken down into a single week voyage!
This itinerary features several Kimberley icons which include:
the King George Falls, the Hunter River, the Prince Regent River, Montgomery Reef and the Horizontal Waterfalls.
BROOME – WYNDHAM / KUNUNURRA

May 2020- Aug 2021
Rates USD per person – 2020

OCEAN CLASS from $10,761
RIVER CLASS from $13,107
EXPLORER CLASS from $14,487

Rates USD per person – 2021

OCEAN CLASS from $10,761
RIVER CLASS from $13,797
EXPLORER CLASS from $15,177

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Click the email us button below for more information
or to book one of these adventure filled cruises.

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Jaguar Safari in Brazil- 8 Days- 2020

Brazil

North Pantanal Jaguar Safari

8 days- July through October 2020

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Highlights

  • Spend time in the Pantanal, the best region in the world to see jaguars in the wild
  • Follow your expert jaguar guide and tracker in search of the largest predator in the Americas Scour for wildlife such as capybara, caiman, giant river otters, tapir, macaw and more
  • Learn about the Pantaneiro lifestyle as you spend two nights at a traditional but comfortable ranch

COST:
2 people in a double room with private activities: from $7,625 per person
4 people in 2 double rooms with private activities: from $6,000 per person

Includes: Accommodation and meals as stated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), private transfers, private activities while at Pousada Piuval, private jaguar viewing, preservation fees and all park fees.

View our other Brazil trips

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Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Gray Whales in Baja

Thar she blows in Baja!

Gray Whale Tours

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From early January to mid-April, you can witness the wonder of gray whales with their calves in close-up encounters in Magdalena Bay or San Ignacio Lagoon.
These aquatic mammals take the journey every year from the Arctic to
the Baja California Peninsula in search of warmer waters.
These whales are extremely friendly and peaceful.
It’s a special moment when you first look over the edge of your skiff to see a large
(some ranging from 36 to 40 feet in length) gray whale
swimming beneath you and then moments later see the whale poking out of the water.
You’ll never forget the first whale you meet!

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WHALE WATCHING- LAGUNA OJO DE LIEBRE
(February 3 through March 18, 2020)
This tour will take you by airplane from San Diego to Guerreo Negro and the seaside camp at Laguna Ojo de Liebre.
Here you can watch whales right from camp.
Boat trips will take you out for your up close whale watching experience.
Experience watching baby gray whales, just after being born, learning to surface, take breaths
and come right up to the boats

Fly in Gray Whale Watching at Laguna Ojo de Liebre- 4/5/6 Day

BAJA WHALE WATCHING – MAGDALENA BAY
(January – March)
See the great gray whales at our Magdalena Bay whale camp in Baja California Sur.
Go out on boats each day in search of the abundant and friendly whales that often come right up to
our boats with their calves to gently investigate.

Magdalena Bay whale watching 3/4 days

6 Day Magical Magdalena Bay Whale Watching and Kayak Tour, Mexico

THE ULTIMATE BAJA TRIP – SEA KAYAKING AND WHALE WATCHING
(Late January – mid March)
Sea kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with whale watching in Magdalena Bay and sea kayaking through the magnificent beauty of Loreto Bay National Marine Park in the Sea of Cortez.
Go eye-to-eye with gray whales in a calving lagoon on Baja’s Pacific coast and then cross the Baja Peninsula to paddle a kayak alongside dolphins and blue whales in the clear waters of the Sea of Cortez.

6 day kayak & whale watching

SAN IGNACIO WHALE WATCHING
(March- April)
San Ignacio Lagoon is one of our sheltered lagoons that are connected to the migratory path of the gray whales as they travel the Pacific Coast of North America from Alaska to Mexico, where they arrive every December and January to calve.
On these whale-watching tours you will get up close and personal with these gigantic animals.

3 day San Ignacio whale watching

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Shark Week Palau- March 2-9, 2020

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18th Annual SHARK WEEK- PALAU 2020

Enjoy 7 nights and 5 dive days with Palau’s premium dive shop Fish’n Fins.

Included in the package are 7 nights at the chosen hotel/resort, daily breakfast, transfers between hotel/diving center/airport, 5 dive days with 2 tanks per day, weights, weight belt, bento lunch on the boat/beach depending on dive site choice, NITROX 32 free of charge, daily afternoon/evening event with finger food & cocktail, gala dinner on last night, lectures and presentations –
and LOTS OF FUN!

If you are a shark fan, Shark Week Palau is for you!

Indulge into dedicated adrenaline shark diving during Shark Week Palau.
This program will take you to spectacular dive sites.

As part of SHARK WEEK PALAU you will dive early morning Blue Corner
to view the awakening marine life and watch shark behavior during dawn.
Peleliu Dive sites, stronger oceanic currents and opportunity to observe different shark scenery.
New dive locations that our team explored and will be unveiled first time to our divers.
Check out the Shark action at Siaes Corner.
Observe schools of Juvenile sharks (in 2019 we observed over a 100 pups).
Early morning Fish Spawning and shark observations near Ulong Island.
German Channel, a great Elasmobranch gathering galore.
As always, guests will gather in the evenings for fascinating lectures and seminars,
taste home-made shark shaped bread to campaign against shark fin soup.

The famous Gala Night will entail a festive Palauan buffet, meet and greet local conservationists,
and a presentation of Shark Week 2020 video.

March 02-09,2020

HOTEL ROOM CATEGORY DBL OCC Per Person/ SINGLE OCC

Palau Pacific Resort
Garden View $2,595 $4,165
Ocean View $2,875 $4,725
Ocean Front $3,155 $5,285

Palau Royal Resort
Superior Garden $2,020 $3,015
Deluxe Ocean View $2,352 $3,675

Palau Hotel
Classic room $1,445 $1,860
Deluxe Ocean View $1,490 $1,955

Ocean Star
Standard City View $1,415 $1,810
Standard Ocean View $1,475 $1,925

West Plaza Hotel By The Sea
Standard room $1,468 $1,891

Package Exclusions:

Koror State Permit $50 or $100 Jellyfish Lake (valid for 10 days) plus, $5.00 processing fee, Peleliu Permit is $30 + $3.00 processing fee, Peleliu Fuel surcharge $30.00.
Diving Equipment rental fee is $75.

Email us

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Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com