12 nights

Duration

18 People

Max Group Size

Palau is one of the most beautiful Pacific Island nations and one of our favorite places to snorkel – especially when combined with the unparalleled comfort and attention to detail of the liveaboard we’ve chartered for this tour.

Widely known for its clear turquoise water, a proliferation of schooling fish, large pelagics, sharks and a diverse range of reef systems to explore, this destination is truly spectacular. A paradise for snorkelers.

Above water, our group will explore the lush green limestone formations and their hidden coves, beaches, and World War II relics. Palau was pivotal during the Second World War and there are many interesting historical sites to visit, including a few airplane wrecks, which make for curious snorkel sites.

We’ve chartered the lovely and very well-equipped Solitude Gaia liveaboard exclusively for us. The liveaboard is captained and staffed by an experienced crew who know the area inside out. They know when the water conditions are best to visit the various snorkel sites and understand the currents and tides. There will be experienced guides in the water with snorkelers at all times.

Cass. March 2025

‘Our trip to Palau with Snorkel Venture was wonderful. Our tour leader, Alex, was continually working to ensure everything went well and we spent the absolute most time possible in the water. Graham, our primary Snorkel Venture contact prior to the trip promptly answered my questions and addressed any concern I had’

Marine Life Guide

This tour is partnered with Manta Trust. Find out how we support Manta Trust via this tour here.

Please note that the liveaboard’s itinerary/exact route is subject to change, at the sole discretion of the cruise director, based on the weather and ocean conditions.

Day 1 - Arrival to Palau

Upon arrival in Palau, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Palau Royal Resort for check-in. Here you will meet your tour leader and other tour members over a group dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

Day 2- Board the Solitude Gaia

After lunch, we’ll check out of the Palau Royal Resort and jump into a private van, which will take us on a tour of this little island nation. One of the stops will be the museums of Palau, where we’ll get some insight into the rich history of Palau. We’ll return in time to board the Solitude Gaya, where we’ll get a full boat briefing, unpack, and settle into our new home for the following days!

Day 3 - 11 - Snorkeling from Solitude Gaya

Each morning, we start the day with a delicious breakfast.

We then have a snorkel site briefing followed by a snorkeling session. Each session will last 60 – 90 minutes and be accompanied by in-water local guides and your group leader. The large tender boat will also be around. If you would like to exit the water sooner or just take a break, you can let your guide know and hop onto the comfortable boat.

Each day will be a little different, but in general, we will do two morning snorkel sessions punctuated by a snack break. After our second snorkel session, we’ll return to the main vessel, where we can shower and dry off before enjoying a beautiful lunch.

After a little time for a siesta, we’ll then jump back into the tender boat for our third snorkel session of the day.

Upon exiting the water, hot snacks and beverages are served, which can be enjoyed while watching the stunning view as the sun dips beneath the landscape.

Dinner is a three-course affair that is usually plated with table service. Sodas, beers, and wines are included and served with the evening meal.

Each day may vary a little, but this is what one can generally expect from the liveaboard portion of the tour.

Day 12- Disembarkation

After an early continental breakfast, we disembark and bid farewell to the wonderful crew. You can book international departures any time on this day.

If you intend to stay on in Palau or if your flight departs later this evening, we will arrange a day room or 1 full night at a local hotel (including airport transfer) accordingly.

The Palau Royal Resort, Koror

The Palau Royal Resort is the perfect place to relax and gather before the snorkeling adventure begins. There’s a pool and even a little manicured beach area where you can take your first plunge into the sea. The Royal has a fantastic breakfast buffet and close by are excellent choices of bars and restaurants. Set near the astonishing views of The Rock Islands and the Marina, the rooms are outfitted with all the modern comforts, including AC, ceiling fan, a de-humidifier, plush linens, wi-fi, a balcony, and a safe.

Resort Guide

Solitude Gaia

Launched in 2023, this 40-meter vessel seamlessly combines innovation and craftsmanship, boasting a robust steel hull for stability and an aluminum superstructure for added security and comfort. Beyond its structural excellence, Solitude Gaia prioritizes a home-like environment, meeting the highest standards for passenger ships and inviting guests to share the profound wonder of the ocean. Cruising at 10 knots, Solitude Gaia offers a serene yet adventurous experience, featuring nine cabins and a luxurious spa suite for up to 18 guests.

Ocean View Stateroom – 2 Staterooms (Upper Deck Cabins 301 & 302)

Ocean View Staterooms Include:

Twin or king bed options
Large shared balcony with the other stateroom, with day beds and sun loungers
Individual air conditioning system with climate control
A safe deposit box
Bathrobes, face, and bath towels
Hair dryer
Intercom
Television
Body wash, Shampoo, and Conditioner
Bedding including pillows, duvet, and sheets. Extra pillows and light blankets are available on request
Wardrobe organiser with ample hangers
Desk with universal electrical points conveniently located for gadgets

Ocean View Cabin – 1 Cabin (Upper Deck Cabin 303)

Ocean View Upper Deck Cabin Includes:

King bed
Individual air conditioning system with climate control
A safe deposit box
Bathrobes, face, and bath towels
Hair dryer
Intercom
Television
Body wash, Shampoo, and Conditioner
Bedding including pillows, duvet, and sheets. Extra pillows and light blankets are available on request
Wardrobe organiser with ample hangers
Desk with universal electrical points conveniently located for gadgets

Ocean View Cabins – 4 Cabins (Main Deck Cabins 201 – 204)

Ocean View Main Deck Cabins Includes:

King or twin bed configurations
Individual air conditioning system with climate control
A safe deposit box
Bathrobes, face, and bath towels
Hair dryer
Intercom
Television
Body wash, Shampoo, and Conditioner
Bedding including pillows, duvet, and sheets. Extra pillows and light blankets are available on request
Wardrobe organiser with ample hangers
Desk with universal electrical points conveniently located for gadgets

Interior Cabins – 2 Cabins (Below Deck Cabins 101 – 102)

Interior Cabins Includes:

King or twin bed configurations
Individual air conditioning system with climate control
A safe deposit box
Bathrobes, face, and bath towels
Hair dryer
Intercom
Television
Body wash, Shampoo, and Conditioner
Bedding including pillows, duvet, and sheets. Extra pillows and light blankets are available on request
Wardrobe organiser with ample hangers
Desk with universal electrical points conveniently located for gadgets

Vessel Guide

Snorkel Boats & Tenders

All of our snorkeling will be via a custom-built high-speed boat, with a full canopy, for quick access to even the most remote sites. The boarding ladders were designed for convenience to allow for easy exits and entries. The tenders return to the mothership after each snorkel.

On this page you will find our Tour Dates & Pricing, a Request to Book Form and Details of Payment schedule including deposit and final balance.

My name is Graham and I’ll be your personal consultant for this tour, I’ll manage your booking right up until you meet our tour leader in destination. I’ll be on hand to assist with everything from additional nights before and after your tour and making sure you are on time for our ‘Welcome Dinner’ to guidance on what to bring and the snorkeling conditions you are likely to experience. We share an email inbox at Snorkel Venture, you can fill out the form below or drop me an email at hello@snorkelventure.com. I look forward to assisting you on this tour.

Make an Enquiry or Book this Tour

Tour Dates 2028

November 21 – December 2

December 5 – 16

Tour Price:

Upper Deck Stateroom: $10,250

Upper Deck Cabin: $9,550

Main Deck Cabin: $9,050

Lower Deck Cabin: $8,550

How to book your place:

Initial deposit to secure your booking $800 per person

12 Months before departure interim payment of $1,000 per person

6 Months before departure interim payment of $1,000 per person

Balance due 3 months before departure

Please note for single supplement bookings we ask for 2x the deposit for each payment.

Includes:

1 night at The Palau Royal Resort with a welcome dinner and breakfast
10 nights Solitude Gaia, all meals and snacks
9 full days snorkeling (3 to 4 boat snorkeling sessions per day) plus 2 boat snorkels on the last day. Some night snorkeling is possible, subject to conditions.
1 Koror Museum Tour
Complimentary soft drinks, juice, local wine and beer onboard the Solitude Gaia only
1 day stay/night The Palau Royal Resort after disembarkation (depending on departure flight)
Internal transfers to/from Koror International Airport.
Port, fuel, and any applicable Marine Park Fees
Services of a Snorkel Venture tour leader throughout

Excludes: