Palau Royal Resort and Sam’s Tours

Welcome to Palau Kids Sea Camp Vacation

Summer week for 2022: July 5th to 15th (10-nights)

Palau is an incredibly unique country and should be on every diver’s bucket list. This island is truly one of a kind diving experience in the entire world.  For families that are wanting more from vacation and looking for more of a thrill, Palau is the place! From soaring through the rock islands, diving with sharks, learning about the culture, and even getting to explore WWII ruins- it has something to offer for the entire family. The memories and adventures created on this trip are priceless.  Kids have the opportunity to dive with cuttlefish and mandarin fish right at Sam’s dive shop dock, every day at 4 pm. Several amazing presentations about sharks, WWII history, the biodiversity in Palau, and even about the plastics in our ocean. Families will learn about and have the opportunity to dive Blue Corner with reef sharks and manta rays as well as dive the famous Iro WWII wreck and many others that are covered with giant clams, bubble corals, frogfish, clown anemones, and walls of schooling fish.

WHY? The reef is home to more than 1,300 species of fascinating fish, 700 species of colorful coral, and approximately 130 rare sharks and stingrays. Palau is recognized for being the world’s first shark sanctuary and having some of the best shark dives in the South Pacific. Palau’s Southern Lagoon has earned a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The local government has made the entire island a shark sanctuary and made their underwater world a priority. Also, Sam’s Tours is the leader for PADI training on the island. Sam’s Tours takes certified divers of all ages and skills set in the water — with all types of marine life. In fact, there is no “real” excuse for any certified diver not to take this remarkable journey to the eighth wonder of the world.  They start with Jr. Open Water certifications starting at 10, imagine your child seeing a manta ray on their first dive! For the little ones, the PADI Seal Team kids age 8 & 9 can dive Ulong Channel, Sam’s dock, and snorkel the famous German channel to see the Manta.  The whole family will enjoy Giant clams to snorkel with at Clam City and have fun coating each other in the mud at the Milky Way.   SASY kids will learn all about the marine environments in fun ocean-oriented programs from 8 am to 3 pm daily.  We have added a full day of touring and diving in Peleliu so families can dive the best Palau has to offer and learn about its history. Give Margo or Olivia a call today to talk about Palau.  We want to give you the WOW of Palau!!

See KSC Palau Video

National Geographic Traveler Rainer Jens Rated Kids Sea Camp #1 in family travel.

JellyFish, Palau, Kids Sea Camp, Family Vacations

Palau’s diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems create a unique atmosphere and experience for ocean-oriented families. It is great for divers of all levels and even if you are not a diver, there is plenty to do topside. Between kayaking adventures, waterfall hikes, shopping in town, or even enjoying an afternoon at the spa, non-divers have the chance to experience the rest of Palau’s beauty. 

Palau is rich in WW II history with hikes to wartime artifacts, shipwrecks, and sunken airplanes in as little as 8 feet of water. Everyone can experience the history and culture of this destination. Parents and kids can dive into the old relics and have the opportunity to dive into the German Channel. They may encounter manta rays at a cleaning station, or perhaps even see sharks, turtles, or dolphins on almost any single dive. Any avid diver you speak with if you were to ask what their “Bucket List” diving destination is, most would say Palau!

The beauty of Palau lies in its pristine water and islands: untouched, uninhabited, and unaffected by man. Sam’s Tours, very much like the Palauan nation, respects and appreciates nature, and does what it can to preserve it as such. Our environmental efforts are part of our holistic approach and tie to our philosophy of being part of the community. Even your passport stamp has you sign the “Palau Pledge”. 


Terms & Conditions No refund policy applies to all payments made to Kids Sea Camp inc. This includes disruptions due to weather, illness, pandemic, epidemic, acts of God, war,  government mandates, canceled/delayed flights, and all unforeseen circumstances outside of Kid Sea Camp inc control. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all trips. Kids Sea Camp is not an insurance company and does not collect payment for any insurance purchased with DAN, MASA, or USI. We  provide links  to sources that may assist you on our website www.familydivers.com 

Welcome to Palau: Palau Royal Resort and Sam's Tours family dive vacation

Palau, Kids Sea Camp, Bucket List

Palau is known for its unique culture and some of the villages, that still stand to this day, are traditionally organized around matrilineal clans. Women not only had the responsibility of taking care of their families and homes but they had the job of teaching the kids traditions and culture. Some of those traditions will be seen on our opening night where we will be privileged to witness traditional Palauan dancers with dinner. This show is very entertaining and will provide insight into Palau’s vast history and culture. Even with modern-day influences, the people of Palau are giving a lot of effort to preserve the culture and traditions that still remain. There will even be some guest speakers in the evening welcoming us to their country. Sometimes there is the possibility of meeting the President of Palau; an added honor and very special experience. He is truly inspirational along with the other guest that welcome us.

This trip is well suited for kids of all ages, we’ve done this trip with 2 and 3-year-olds and they have enjoyed the kids’ program! They join along with all the SASY kids ages 4 and up, however they cannot use the compressed air from the SASY unit. For our Seal Team kids that are ages 8 and up, they will have opportunities to use the dive equipment in the resort's lagoon where they might see different reef fish or even a baby sea turtle. Jr. Open Water certification course students start at age 10-17, since this is a longer trip they will have even more time to enjoy the epic diving Palau has to offer. For the kids that are already certified, they will get to enjoy diving with other kids around their age while the parents are diving with each other. With fun adventures longing to be had and new friends waiting to be met, Kids Sea Camp/Family Dive Adventures will take you to a pristine environment that will make the travel time well worth it.

Sam's Tours was founded by Sam Scott whose residence is right at the dive center. He’s around every day and still leads dive trips and fishing trips. Chances are you’ll meet him at Bottom Time Bar and Grill chatting with customers around sunset. Sam loves to bring his family to Kids Sea Camp Family weeks, so you may just get to dive with him and meet all the little ones too.

The Palau Package

  • 10 nights accommodations at Palau Royal Resort including hotel taxes and service charges
  • 3 meals daily (starting with breakfast on Wednesday morning and ending with dinner on Fri. night)
  • Round trip airport transfers from Koror airport to Palau Royal Resort and return
  • Rock Island Tour
  • Clam city snorkel (Depending on weather )
  • Milky Way
  • Jellyfish Lake
  • 8 days of diving and tours with Sam’s Tours Palau, depending on how long you choose to stay.
  • Diving at the famous Chandelier Cavern (located minutes away from Sam’s dock)
  • Jake's Sea Plane for kids under the age of 15 instead of Chandelier Cavern
  • Dusk diving with mandarin fish at Sam’s dock for kids
  • Night boat dive for adults and kids age 12+
  • Free Nitrox to all divers with Nitrox certification
  • Tanks, weight belts, and weights provided
  • Private boats for KSC
  • Private guides
  • Private instructor
  • Kids Sea Camp tote bags, t-shirts, flap straps, and other giveaways (giveaways vary from sponsors)
  • Online photo album, presentations, and slideshows
  • Kayaking adventure
  • Wreck dives
  • Dive Rental gear for all kids
  • Video from Sam’s Tours with photo memories
  • Opening ceremony & closing ceremony
  • Palau cultural activities
  • Palau Sanctuary presentation
  • Shark presentation
  • Slideshows
  • PADI course materials for PADI JOW, PADI Seal Team, and SASY (eLearning not included)
  • Non-divers package includes Babeldaob Island Tour, Ngardmau Waterfall Hike City Tour, and Palau International Coral Reef Center.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Round-trip air is not included. 
  • There are no meals provided on Tuesday arrival (Meals begin Wednesday morning with 3 meals daily until Friday departure night dinner.) 
  • Adult dive gear not included
  • Specialty courses for adults not included.
  • Nitrox, JOW, AOW, Digital Photo require eLearning prior to arrival, fees paid directly to PADI.

Please contact us at 803.419.2556 for information and RSVP on all courses. Any course booked or requested while in Palau is not included in your package and will be payable directly to Sams’s Tours Palau. Medical forms required for all courses.

 

Once you arrive on the island

This is a general sample schedule that will change depending on the weather, courses offered, and location. Other activities and courses and detail will be provided on a final schedule included with your trip documents.  This schedule is also subject to changes on the island.

  • Tuesday Evening: Arrival day, meet and greet at the airport with Sam's Tours staff, transfer to the hotel and late check in. It will be late so just get a good nights rest because everything will start the following day!
  • Wednesday: Breakfast early in the morning then orientation. You will get to meet the KSC host and the Sam's Tours staff who will be with you during the week. We will go over what to expect the next several days and answer questions you have. After the orientation, we will go out for a Rock Island tour, snorkel Giant Clam City, and stop by the Milky Way. For lunch, we will have a beach BBQ with beach volley ball. After lunch we will come back to the resort, you have an optional dive in the afternoon at Sam's dock or you can rest and relax before dinner. Dinner will be at the hotels buffet that evening. The next day will be the first day of diving!
  • Thursday: Breakfast then meet at the marina at the hotel for 2 boat dives and SASY, Seal, PADI JOW  training will meet with their instructors. Lunch will be on one of the Rock Island beaches. For dinner that night, we will have the opening ceremony to the Kids Sea Camp week. There will be a special traditional Palau performance and local cuisine for in the buffet dinner. Enjoy hearing from the local political figures, Sam from Sam's Tours, KSC staff, and maybe even a special fire dance!
  • Friday: Breakfast then 2 boat dives, one of the dives at. Chandelier cave for divers 15 and older- younger divers go to Jake's Sea Plane. Regular SASY, Seal, PADI JOW  training. Beach lunch and dinner at Sam's Tours at Bottom Time Bar & Grill. Jesse Alpert will do a presentation on sharks! SASY, Seal, PADI JOW  training
  • Saturday: Breakfast then 1 boat dives and optional kayak tour in the afternoon or additional dive, SASY, Seal, PADI JOW  training can all the the kayak tour too! Dinner at Kramers.
  • Sunday:  Breakfast and 2 boat dives, graduation dive for Jr. Open Water students with parents, and PADI SASY & Seal team programs. Dinner at the super delicious Indian food restaurant Taj. 
  • Monday:  Breakfast and 2 boat dives and lunch is BBQ on the beach, SASY & Seal team program will meet everyone at the beach for lunch. Night dive in the evening so pizza movie night for the kids while older certified divers and adults go on the night dive. Dinner will be at the hotel buffet afterwards. 
  • Tuesday: Pelelui day! Breakfast then 2 boat dives out by Pelelui island, SASY & Seal team kids will meet everyone out on Pelelui island for a tour of the old WWII relics. Dinner that evening will be at Sam' Tours Bottom Time Bar & Grill. 
  • Wednesday:  Breakfast and 2 boat dives and the afternoon is Jellyfish lake, SASY & Seal team will meet everyone at the Jellyfish lake. Dinner that evening will be a Elilai- beautiful sunset view of the rock islands. 
  • Thursday: Breakfast and family dive day! Get your poems ready for the closing ceremony at Sam's Tours Bottom Time Bar and Grill. Any one who participates in the poems gets a prize! 
  • Friday: No diving today- land tour day of your choice! Late check out at 6pm and flights that evening. Dinner will be available at the resorts buffet. Tearful goodbyes and see you next year!

To view a sample schedule from our 2019 Palau Kids Sea Camp week you can click Palau 2019 Summer Schedule. You can see all the restaurants we ate at each night and some of the different activities we did throughout the week. This will also help give you an idea of what to expect with your kid's schedules. 

Palau Royal Resort

Palau Royal Resort is located on the east coast of Malakal Island in Koror State. Palau Royal Resort opened to leisure travelers and eco-tourism enthusiasts on June 28, 2005. The resort is owned by the Royal Hotel group and operated by Nikko Hotels International. As you walk into the open air fore, you feel the tranquility of the setting- calm waterfall noises, beautiful garden, and ocean air breeze. The front desk is open 24/7 and is just a phone call away while in your room. The staff welcome you with a warm smile and are ready to assist with any potential needs. 

Palau Royal Resort is the first of its class in the Republic of Palau, famous for its diving and a fantastic array of marine life. It boasts of top of the class amenities for the travelers looking for leisure and relaxation. The Resort is about 25 minutes drive from the Palau International Airport and few minutes to the city center of Koror. It is only walking distance from the Sam's Tours dive shop, however, the dive boats pick up the divers each morning from the resorts marina area. It makes the commute to the dive boat much easier! 

There are 157 luxurious guest rooms and suites overlooking the scenic seascape of Palau’s pristine waters. Rooms are serviced once daily,  guests can enjoy free coffee & tea with full room service up to 11:30 p.m. They come with a king-size bed or two queen-size beds, some rooms can become inter-connecting as well. Each room is very spacious and comfortable, think of Hilton style rooms but in Palau. Some of the rooms have views of the harbor or garden and others have the view of the ocean with some of the rock islands heading out to sea. 

There is a restaurant on the property that is open all day. There are two bars in the resort, which offer a wide choice of international cuisines such as Chinese, Japanese, Western Cuisine, and snacks to ensure everyone in your family will be satisfied! Breakfast is at the buffet each morning with some traditional American breakfast cuisine as well as the cuisines mentioned already. 

Rooms features:

  • Smoke-free rooms
  • An LCD TV with cable
  • Phone
  • In-room safe
  • Minibar
  • Air conditioner
  • Balcony
  • All rooms have views of the ocean
  • Ceiling Fan
  • Twin/Queen/King Sized Beds

Resort Features:

  • Private Beach
  • Swimming Pool
  • Restaurants
  • Beach Bar
  • Fitness Center
  • Tennis Courts
  • Children’s Play Center
  • Spa
  • Shops
  • Internet

Standard Rooms: Standard rooms have 2 double beds. They are the same layout as the deluxe room with the same amenities (Sleep 4).

Deluxe Rooms: Deluxe Rooms have two queen beds (Sleep 4)

Family Rooms: Four total – there are two types of family rooms one has three beds twin beds in one room and a very nice sofa bed in the other (sleeps five comfortably possibly 6). We have 2 of these. We also have the option of connecting two beds out of the 3 to make one king and one twin. The other has two beds Queen Beds and a sofa bed (sleeps 6 comfortably).

Deluxe Connecting Rooms: These connecting rooms have one room with one bed King and the other with 2 Queens (sleeps 6 comfortably).

Standard Connecting Rooms: In 7 of these connecting rooms — both rooms have two double beds. We can make one room a king bed for the parents if that is better. In 2 of these, they are the traditional connecting rooms. One room King and the other 2 beds one double and the other Queen.

 

About Sam's Tours

Sam’s Tours, a PADI 5 Star IDC Center, is Palau’s most award-winning dive center and eco-adventure tour company.  Located in Malakal Harbor, Koror, Palau, they operate every day of the year, offering scuba diving trips, snorkel trips, rock island tours, land tours, sailing charters, Palau’s top-rated kayak trips with Planet Blue Kayak Tours. They also offer unique live-aboard dive experiences on “Eclipse”, a former racing sailboat customized for exploring Palau’s reefs and waterways.

Excellent customer care, personalized attention, and professional service have earned Sam’s Tours recognition as Palau’s premier tour service including ten Scuba Diving Magazine, Reader’s Choice Awards since 1997, including “Best Dive Operator”, Best Dive Staff” and “Best Value”. Sam’s Tour also recently won “Tour Operator of the Year” from Palau Visitors Authority.

Diving: Sam’s Tours has six boats to choose from, so parents and kids can dive with friends and others their age. Sam’s Tours also has a boat for young adults that can dive up to 70 feet and caters to youth 14-17 years of age. Plus, a boat that dives 40 feet for kids ages 10 and 11 who are already certified, or for those who just want to snorkel. Youth between 10-12 years old are certified to 40 feet, so there is plenty for them to see and explore. It’s one of the few places in the world where they can safely dive wrecks, reefs and see big animals. In addition, kids 8 years old with Seal Team, get to do the Nautilus dive. See if you can spot mandarin fish alongside the dock at Sam’s Tours or opt for a treat, such as a family swim in Jellyfish Lake or shark dive at Blue Corner.

Kids can even take their PADI Advanced Diver or Jr. Advanced Open Water certification in Palau. Just log onto www.padi.com and sign up for the eLearning ahead of time. You will get your quizzes out of the way and we will do the rest for you in Palau. This does need to be pre-booked, so give us enough notice and we will do our best to accommodate the course requested.

The adult diving program satisfies all dive levels, from deep wrecks and walls to shallow reefs and wrecks. There is an abundance of turtles, sharks on almost every single dive, and big schools of fish, so it’s picture-perfect for photographers. Warm water and calm seas make the summer a wonderful time to enjoy Palau. The Palau Royal Resort is just across the street from Sam’s Tours and transportation is provided daily. The staff Sam’s Tours are always very happy to do whatever they can to help. 

Non-Divers: Non-diving family members have the benefit of enjoying other great land and water activities including; island tours, history, and cultural tours, surfing, snorkeling, shopping, or spa services.

Diving Q&A for Palau

What is unique about diving in Palau? Palau’s waters are considered the #1 Underwater Wonder of the World. Its rich, pristine marine environment is famous for its drop-offs, currents, and pelagic activity. Palau’s protected inner reefs offer an abundant, extensive variety of marine life. Most dives are drift dives.

Is there a night dive included in the package? Yes, there is a night dive for adults and kids age 12 and over. Everyone else can enjoy a fun pizza/movie night.

Is Palau for advanced divers only? No. There is great diving in Palau for divers of all skill levels. Sam’s has many newly certified divers who dive with us (and many who come to Palau to get certified). While there are true dive sites that may require more advanced skills, there are over 70 dive sites to choose from and lots of fantastic diving for divers of all skill levels. Sam’s Tours dive guides choose the dive sites based on a variety of factors, including surface conditions, weather, tides, diver skill level, and diver preference. We offer a full range of PADI dive certification courses.

What type of wetsuit do I need? The water around Palau is warm about 84-86 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people dive with just a swimsuit. Most who wear wetsuits in Palau choose a 3mm suit either short or full. Sam’s has a good selection of both short and full suits available for rental.

What kind of tanks and valves do you use? For sport diving, Sam’s uses only aluminum tanks in a variety of sizes. Our most common tank size is 80cu. feet / 12 Liter. We also have a larger 100 cu. feet / 15 Liter tanks and some small 50cu. feet tanks for junior divers. Our tanks are equipped with multi-purpose valves that support DIN or US Yoke style regulators.

Where is the nearest re-compression chamber? Palau has a new two-man re-compression chamber in Koror.

How big are your dive groups? Sam’s observes a maximum of 6 divers per guide although most of our dive boats are set up for 8 divers. We do have some larger boats designed for up to 12 divers however, we still observe a maximum of only 6 divers per guide for safety and more pleasant diving.

Is it customary to offer the dive staff gratuity? We believe gratuities should be voluntary and based upon the quality of the service provided.


Palau, Kids Sea Camp, diving, family vacations

The Boats: Sam’s Tours has 9 custom built dive boats. Their custom-built dive boats are safe, fast, and comfortable and fully equipped for safety with twin engines, VHF Radio, Cell Phone, DAN Emergency Oxygen, and full canopy for sun protection. Continuing our efforts to protect Palau’s environment and improve the overall comfort of our guests, all boats have been outfitted with twin 4 stroke outboards (Yamaha). These provide a much quieter ride and are much more fuel-efficient.  The current fleet consists of four 30 foot vessels, four 33 foot vessels, and one 40 foot vessel. All vessels contain dry storage, tank racks, and rinse tanks. An assortment of juice, water, and other beverages are available on all trips as well.

All of their vessels are operated by professionally licensed local captains who know Palau’s waters and reefs better than anyone. They are a great source for knowledge of what Palau is all about.

Sam’s Tours is staffed by a team of experienced professionals with a long-term commitment to the company, the diving profession, and excellent customer service. Their recognition among scuba-divers as Palau's leading dive center is a testament to our skilled staff, many of whom have been serving guests for 10 years or more. Their professional diving staff consists of experienced, licensed, and insured PADI diving professionals that include marine biologists, professionally trained naturalist guides, published underwater photographers, and licensed boat captains.

Palau’s high-caliber diving ranks it among the top ten dive destinations in the world. With a reputation like that, diver expectations are high and the choice of diving centers becomes an even more important decision. Choosing the right dive center can make the difference between just another dive trip or enjoying a “trip of a lifetime!”

Digital Photo Center at Sam's Tours: Sam’s Tours Digital Photography Center is fully equipped to cater to digital photographers of all interest levels from those with handy “point-and-shoot” cameras to the most demanding digital photographers shooting in RAW format. Sam’s has six top of the line Apple iMac workstations are loaded with terabytes and terabytes of storage, archiving and secure data back up systems, lots of RAM, and completely optimized for digital imaging with Apple Aperture image management software, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Bridge, Toast, and topped off with DSL Wi-Fi internet access. No other photo center in Palau comes near!

Rental equipment includes the latest Canon Powershot SD850 digital cameras and Canon ZR830 mini digital video cameras complete with underwater housings, large storage media, plenty of additional batteries, and full-service support from Sam’s professionally trained Photo Center staff.

Reef Diving

  • Big Drop-Off & Ngemelis Wall
  • Blue Corner
  • Blue Holes
  • Chandelier Cave
  • Devil Fish City
  • German Channel
  • New Drop-Off
  • Ngedbus Coral Garden, Wall & Corner
  • Ngerong Outside & Inside
  • Peleliu Express & Yellow Wall
  • Peleliu Wall & Cut
  • Shark City
  • Short Drop Off
  • Siaes Corner, Wall & Tunnel
  • Turtle Cove & Barnum’s Wall
  • Turtle Wall
  • Ulong Channel
  • Virgin Blue Hole

Wreck Diving

  • Amatsu Maru
  • Bichu Maru
  • Buoy 6 Wreck
  • Chuyo Maru
  • Helmet Wreck
  • Iro Maru
  • Jake’s Sea Plane
  • Raizan Maru
  • Ryuko Maru
  • Teshio Maru
  • Zeke Fighter

Dive Training

  • PADI, SASY program: 8 mornings of activities from 8 am -1 pm daily. SASY kids keep fins, mask, and snorkel.
  • PADI, SEAL TEAM: 8 mornings of activities from 8 am-1 pm daily includes all 5 aqua missions. SEAL kids keep fins, mask, and snorkel.
  • PADI, Open WaterAll dives needed for certification (eLearning is not included.  For eLearning, you will have to pay PADI directly.  The link will be sent to you 4 weeks before departure to be completed prior to arrival.)
  • PADI, Dive Master course: RSVP 14 DAYS REQUIRED $700 add-on to package price/Contact Margo 803.419.2556 for more information. PADI C Card, E: learning and Crew Pack included
  • PADI, Dive Rescue Diver: RSVP $400 add-on to package price/Contact Margo 803.419.2556 for more information. PADI C Card, E: learning and Crew Pack included.

See more about Kids Sea Camp dive training

 

Family Dining

Palau Royal Resort: All-day Dining “Waves”: Restaurant chef to deliver a Japanese “All Day Dining” Waves through a feature-rich menu including fresh seafood, pasta noodles, and dim sum. We will have breakfast daily which includes a variety of dishes including Japanese, Chinese and Western foods. There is definitely something for everyone here. The meals are truly incredible and breakfast includes a large variety of Japanese and American cuisine. Want to request a specialty omelet? Just inform the on-site chef to add your favorite fixings.

Bottom Time Bar and Grill: Located on the water at Sam’s Tours, Bottom Time Bar and Grill overlooks Palau’s beautiful rock islands and is an ideal location to enjoy colorful sunsets or just relax among new friends and share stories from your day’s adventures. They are open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. serving fresh sashimi, light appetizers, and a variety of sandwiches including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and grilled chicken sandwiches. Bottom Time is a full-service bar offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including Palau’s own locally micro-brewed Red Rooster draft beer!

Taj- Indian Cuisine Restaurant: In the middle of the "downtown" of Koror, this is a great place to have Indian food! Very authentic and flavorful. Butter chicken, garlic naan, lentil soup, and some of your favorite traditional Indian food served when going as a group. They have a full service bar as well and you can always order more food from the menu to see what else they have to offer. 

Elilai: A seaside dining restaurant, with breathtaking views of the rock islands and vibrant sunsets at night. Everything is served family style however, many different options are provided. Pasta, seafood, chicken, beef, pork, and vegetarian options. Japanese, Italian, and western cuisines influence the gourmet dishes served. This is the "nicest" restaurant we go to so feel free to dress up if you like! Island casual is appropriate. 

It takes two days to get there, but only one day back!

You will be arriving in Palau very late at night on Tuesday. You will get a lovely, friendly welcome by the Sam's Tours staff and then you will be transferred to Palau Royal Resort. We will help get you checked in and all of your luggage will be taken to your room. You will enjoy some well-needed rest and enjoy the incredible breakfast buffet each morning at Palau Royal Resort. 

We suggest that you travel with very comfy clothes. The kids can even wear their pajamas or sweatpants and slippers on flights, and most of the kids do this each year. Bring a travel pillow and some games, books, etc. Also, please remember each family member gets one carry-on, and a purse or backpack so be sure to take advantage of this. 

If you need any medications, pack those as well in your carry-on. We know the trip to Palau is a long journey, but remember that your carry-on should contain everything you need in the instance that your luggage gets lost or delayed. Take in your carry-on any items that you cannot live without for two days. The hotel has a spa and plenty of products there so don’t weigh yourself down with things you will have available to you at the resort.

Other suggestions for your carry-on: 2 bathing suits, rash guard, hairbrush, clean T-shirts, ziplock pair of shorts, swim trunks, underclothes, flip-flops, your dive computer, you certifications cards, toothbrush, rain jacket, hairbrush, etc. If you have a particular size wetsuit and won’t enjoy a rental suit, or have a specific regulator that only works with your computer, etc. then pack those in your carry-on to make sure you have everything you need to have with you. Remember liquids must be 3.4 oz or less and must be contained a clear ziplock baggie.

Getting to Palau: There are several options to fly to Palau, and you can fly out of either LAX or Honolulu with United Airlines. You will need to depart from either LAX or HNL on Friday, and you will arrive in Palau (ROR) on Sat or Sunday depending on your flight choices. If you fly out of LAX, you will have a layover in Honolulu and also in Guam. Flights no longer stop in Yap. We have a flight consultant we work with to who can help book your flights for you. 

Please see the example below, and contact Margo 803.419.2556 for any questions or concerns or more information.

Are there any other flight options?

Another great question. There is an option flying out of Atlanta, to Tokyo and then into Palau. Atlanta is a Delta hub. You can save about 2-3 hours of flight time by flying to Tokyo.

Coming home (time travel)


PASSPORTS & DOCUMENTATION

All travelers must have a current passport, adequate funds to support themselves, and a return airline ticket to travel out of the USA. Travelers must have a passport that is valid for 6 months from the date of entry to any foreign country.

It is the travelers’ responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation to travel into each country on his or her itinerary as well as for re-entry and return to their country. Please check with the appropriate consulate as well as your chosen airline carrier to ensure you have the proper documentation. Always check your passport and visa requirements. US citizens may go to the US Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov for more information. The website also has information for consulates by country to assist with requirements.

There are special requirements for children leaving the US and many countries have adopted special requirements for the protection of children. If you are traveling with a child that is not your own, a single parent with a child, a child with a different last name, or traveling without both natural parents of the child, you will require documentation proving your right to travel with children. Since regulations vary by country, contact your consulate or embassy of your country and visit the immigration site of the country you are traveling to for the requirements. Kids Sea Camp Reservation Office and staff will not assume responsibility for passengers not having the correct documentation.

Banking & Currency: U.S. dollar is the official currency of Palau. Traveler’s checks and all major credit cards are accepted at most businesses, including Sam’s Tours. There are several banks (Bank of Hawaii, Bank of Guam, and Bank Pacific) and plenty of automated teller machines around town.

Health & Medical Services: Palau National Hospital is a well-equipped and professionally staffed facility with an experienced Barotrauma Team. Besides, there are excellent private clinics, out-patient surgeries, and pharmacies on the island. Local supermarkets carry the most common over-the-counter medications.

Dress Code: The dress code in Palau makes it great for kids, casual is in! Palau is a tropical island, so when it comes to attire it's:  T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops (rubber slippers) are appropriate with very few exceptions (thankfully, ties haven’t become a hit here)! For those who want to dress up, a polo shirt, aloha shirt, or blouse will usually suffice. Parents can leave the slacks and dresses at home! Short shorts and swimsuits are okay at the beach, pool, and around the dive shop but not appropriate around town. Please keep in mind that many restaurants and the resort are heavily air-conditioned so if you get cold easily you might want to bring something to keep you warm!

BELAU MEDICAL CLINIC:  bmc@palaunet.com

Tel. No: + 680-488-2688 / Fax No: + 680-488-1087

FAMILY SURGICAL CLINIC:

Tel. No: + 680-488-6920 / Fax No: + 680-488-6922

Postal Service: Palau is served by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), so you will be able to send as many postcards back as you would like. Mail only 6-9 days to get mail back to the U.S. mainland via first-class or priority mail.

Telecommunications: Kids Sea Camp guests will be able to call home whenever necessary. International direct dialing is readily available using Calling Cards from Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC). Cards are available at Sam’s Tours and many other business establishments. Internet access is free and available at Sam’s Tours and Palau Royal Resort.

Mobile phone service (GSM 900) is available on the island. However, international roaming is not possible, and phones will not operate without a SIM card purchased (or rented) locally.

Time Zone: Palau is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 9 hours or the same as Japan. At present we are 13 hours ahead of New York and 16 hours ahead of LA. An hour is added to daylight savings time.

Tipping: Tipping is not required but is a common practice for all service personnel, dive guides, and boat captains.

Transportation: There is no public transportation system in Palau. Sam’s Tours will provide Kids Sea Camp guests with complimentary roundtrip hotel and downtown shuttle service for things outside KSC activities. Taxi service is also readily available up until 10:00 pm and fares are very reasonable. Arrangements are easily made in advance for a taxi service after 10:00 pm. For all Kids Sea Camp activities transportation is provided as needed.

Quarantine Restrictions: As Palau’s unique island eco-system is very susceptible to invasive specifies there are tight restrictions on fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, meats, and other possible sources of contamination. Do not bring these items to Palau as they are subject to immediate confiscation.

Drugs: Anti-drug laws are enforced. Prescriptions should be carried for any particular medicines or drugs in your possession.

PPEF: Palau Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee is new as of 2018. This is a $100 fee per person that is included in your airline ticket. 

Departure Tax: Palau has a departure tax of $50.00 USD which is included in all Kids Sea Camp package pricing, and a representative from Sam’s Tours will be on hand during departure to organize this.

Palau point person:

Marc Rowbottom, Marc Bauman or Dermot Keane, Sam’s Tours Palau, P.O. Box 7076

Koror, Palau 96940 Office: 680.488.1062 Email: team.lead@samstours.com (Marc Rowbottom)

If there are any special considerations for meals, boat assignments, or anything else that you would like us to request for you, please let us know. Our Sasy and Seal Team treasure hunt is sponsored by PADI and ScubaPro.

Where is Palau? The Republic of Palau is 900 miles southwest of Guam and 400 miles south of Yap at the western-most edge of Micronesia. Palau is north of New Guinea and east of the Philippines. We fly from LAX or HNL to Guam and then a quick stop in YAP and onto Palau. It's a long way to go, but well worth it when you get there. My suggestion would be to extend your stay by a few days if you can.

Are there any taxes or fees not included in the price? Yes. The airport departure tax is $35 US and is paid upon departure. These fees are levied by the Palau Government and are subject to change without notice. They are not included in the charter rate.

Do I need a passport? U.S. citizens are required to have a passport for international travel. For details on travel requirements for U.S. citizens, please visit the U.S. State Department’s website. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate.

If I book diving with Sam’s Tours through Family Dive Adventures and Kids Sea Camp will I pay more? No. There is no surcharge for booking our services through our professional travel partner. Booking through Kids Sea Camp can save you money on air/hotel/diving packages and help you plan a good itinerary. 

Is there a store in town? Yes. There are two large and very well stocked supermarkets and department stores in the center of town. There are also lots of convenience stores all around town. The stores stay open until 9:00 pm.

What type of electrical power do you have? Palau uses 110 Volt electricity with the same type of outlets as the U.S. At the dive center, we also have a 220 Volt service.

 

Palau is more than just diving

Kayak Tours: Planet Blue kayak tours offer an excellent way to experience the beauty of Palau’s rock islands. Palau boasts more than 300 emerald islands set in crystal clear, turquoise lagoons. Our kayak tours provide the perfect medium to explore Palau’s hidden network of marine lakes, mangrove channels, marine tunnels, tropical beaches, and marine caverns, all in the serenity of nature. No paddling experience is necessary.

All tours begin with paddling instruction and speedboat shuttles to and from the kayak site to maximize fun and adventure while eliminating long, tiring paddle distances. Planet Blue offers a variety of day tours through the world-famous rock islands. All of the trips are a well-balanced mix of light paddling through calm waters with a combination of birding, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring. The tours are led by naturalist guides, armed with maps, books, specimens, and binoculars to help highlight the treasures of this Micronesian paradise.

Planet Blue uses the highest quality kayak equipment available. We offer all of our guests the freedom of choosing single or double Perception sea kayaks. These open-top sea kayaks, equipped with dry storage hatches, thigh straps, and incredibly comfortable seats for full-back support. We’ve chosen lightweight paddles, which are perfect for novice or professional paddlers. We provide you with dry bags and boxes to waterproof everything from T-shirts to video cameras. Our service is first class. We offer free shuttle service to and from all hotels in Koror. Every tour begins with a review of our tour menu, and we do our best to honor requests. After a brief orientation to the kayaks and paddles, we are swept into the rock islands by speedboat shuttle to begin our adventure.

Rock Island Tours: Discover Palau, the Eighth Wonder of the World! Of the thousands of idyllic islands that dot the mighty Pacific Ocean, Micronesia’s westernmost island chain known as the Palau archipelago is perhaps a best-kept secret. Rich in natural beauty, steeped in ancient culture, Palau is truly Mother Natures’ work of art! Our guided rock island tours offer an exciting full day of sightseeing, snorkeling, and exploring throughout Palau’s enchanting islands and a bounty of beautiful sights & scenes too numerous to be included in one tour.

Snorkel vibrant coral reefs are teeming with colorful marine life. Swim with the prehistoric inhabitants of mysterious Jellyfish Lake. Relax on white sandy beaches. Hike through tropical rainforests. Visit hidden marine lakes and fascinating natural wonders. Marvel at ancient stone money carved by intrepid voyagers from the nearby islands of Yap. Cruise through the fascinating geological formations of the Rock Islands.

Our rock island tours include a selection of attractions, snorkel spots, and beach stops including but not limited to Big Drop-Off, German Channel, Milky Way, Mandarin Fish Lake, Rainforest Walks, Rock Island Beaches, Risong Bay, Yapese Stone Money, Soft Coral Arch, WWII Zero Fighter Plane and more! All tours include snorkel gear, lunch & refreshments.

Tour details: A minimum of 4 passengers is required to ensure tour departure. We are happy to combine bookings to meet the required number of passengers. Contact Sam’s Tours to confirm departure details. Complimentary hotel transfer service at 8:30 a.m. Afternoon return to dock 4:30 p.m. (approx). Customized tour schedules are available upon request.

Land Tours

  • Ngardmau Waterfalls
  • Badrulchau Monoliths
  • WWII History Tour

Palau has much to offer in addition to diving. With a wealth of beautiful scenery, ancient culture, traditional villages, historic sites, tropical flora and fauna, and many endemic birds and other creatures, there is much to see and do outdoors. Sam’s Tours offers a variety of scenic trips to a variety of sites, including the spectacular waterfalls at Ngardmau, the ancient stone monoliths at Badrulchau dating back to 161 A.D., tropical jungle trails to German Lighthouse or the WWII sites and reinforcements of Peleliu island. Sam’s Tours can customize a one-day tour or a weeklong adventure to offer you a pleasant mix of fun, adventure, and relaxation.

The island is filled with World War II history. We’ll make that history lesson fun and informative by taking you to some of the most exciting sites in Palau. The trip to German Lighthouse is just one of many places you can experience first hand Palau's role in World War II history. This forested walk follows a path constructed by the Japanese during WWII and leads to forgotten relics from the war; secretive bunkers, massive cannons, and the rock island headquarters filled with relics. Along with other hidden treasures, this exploration is guaranteed to satiate the WWII enthusiasts.

The reward at the top of the island is a century-old coral-built lighthouse constructed during the German occupation. The look-out from the top of the lighthouse gives you a birds-eye view of most of the archipelago.