3 Day Dive Tour

Palau’s underwater world is the main event here: three mornings on the water from Koror, with coral reefs, schools of fish, sharks, and sea turtles possible along the way. The added Jellyfish Lake visit gives you a completely different kind of water experience, above a famed marine lake rather than on an ocean reef.

I like the practical setup: hotel pickup keeps your early start simple, and lunch, bottled water, two tanks per day, and weights are included. I also like the small maximum of 14 people, plus Nitrox 32% for divers certified to use EANx. The main catch is the final cost. The $600 price does not include the $160 Koror State permit for Jellyfish Lake, tax, or rental gear.

Key points at a glance

• Three mornings from Koror: Start at 7:00 a.m. and travel by boat from Neco Marine Marina or a hotel dock.
• Two tanks each day: Tanks and weights are included, while scuba gear rental costs extra.
• Jellyfish Lake included as a bonus visit: The required Koror State permit costs $160 per person.
• Small-group format: The maximum is 14 participants, with certified guides leading the outings.
• Useful support before arrival: Kim has handled booking questions and planning, while Aki, Giovanni, and Fraser are among the staff names connected with instruction and boat operations.
• Good practical inclusions: Lunch, bottled water, and Nitrox 32% for EANx-certified divers are covered.

Three mornings of Palau’s famous underwater scenery

This is a solid choice if you want several ocean outings rather than a single introductory trip. You meet the staff at 7:00 a.m. on the first morning, finish registration, meet your guide, and sort out equipment sizing before heading out.

Hotel pickup and return are offered, which matters in Koror. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi before sunrise or worry about finding the marina on your own. Depending on your pickup arrangement, the boat leaves from Neco Marine Marina or collects you from your hotel dock.

The stated package provides two scuba tanks per day, for six tanks across the three-day program. That gives you a useful amount of time underwater without turning the schedule into a marathon. One review describes three outings per day, but the official inclusions list two tanks daily, so I would confirm the exact number of planned outings before you pay.

The group limit is 14 people. That is not a private charter, but it is small enough to feel more manageable than a crowded boat. Group size can affect how quickly everyone gets fitted out, how long briefings take, and how much direct attention you receive from the guide.

What the first morning is really for

The first day includes more than simply stepping onto a boat. You check in with staff, complete registration, meet your guide, and confirm equipment sizes. This is the point to raise any concerns about your certification, comfort in the water, or rental needs.

That initial organization has earned strong praise from people who worked with Kim before arriving. Kim has been noted for prompt replies, clear pricing, and help with planning. One useful detail is that multi-outing discounts have sometimes been offered, so it is worth asking about current pricing if you want extra time underwater beyond this three-day plan.

The staff roster includes names such as Aki san, Giovanni, and Fraser. Aki has led instruction, Giovanni has taught certification courses, and Fraser has handled boat duties as captain. The experience you receive can depend on the day’s assignment, but having named staff involved gives you a better sense of who may be handling different parts of the operation.

Bring your certification details and allow time for setup. If you need a full regulator, buoyancy compensator, wetsuit, mask, fins, or other equipment, that rental is not included. The package covers tanks and weights, not a complete kit.

Six tanks, changing reef sites, and open-water variety

The strongest reason to book this program is the chance to see more than one part of Palau’s marine world. The exact sites are not specified in advance, and conditions can affect the plan, but the area is known for coral reefs, many fish species, sharks, and sea turtles.

That variety matters. One reef may reward you with smaller fish and coral detail, while another may give you a wider view and a chance to watch larger animals. I would not book this expecting a guaranteed list of creatures. I would book it because three days give you repeated chances to see Palau at its best.

The boat-based format also keeps the focus on the water rather than on long shore transfers. You travel out from Koror, spend the day with your guide, have lunch and water provided, and return to your hotel or the marina arrangement used for pickup.

Lunch sounds like a minor detail, but it makes the day easier. You do not need to pack a midday meal, and the schedule can keep moving between outings. A Chinese-language review specifically recommends choosing a bento box, noting that it offers a larger portion. Meal choices may change, so ask what is available when you check in.

Jellyfish Lake changes the pace

The Jellyfish Lake visit is the program’s distinctive extra. Instead of spending every hour on ocean reefs, you get a guided visit to Palau’s famous marine lake. The outing is included in the experience, but the mandatory Koror State permit costs $160 per person and is not part of the $600 price.

That fee is large enough to include in your budget from the start. Tax is also excluded, as is equipment rental. Once those costs are added, this is not a $600 all-in program.

The lake also breaks up the rhythm of repeated boat outings. You get a different setting and a change from ocean conditions, while still spending time in the water. A certified guide leads the visit, which is useful because the permit requirement and local rules make this more than a casual stop.

Ask the operator how the lake visit fits into the three-day schedule. The supplied details call it a bonus tour, but they do not identify the exact day or length. That missing timing matters if you are planning flights, other tours, or a rest afternoon.

Nitrox and included gear: read the fine print

Nitrox 32% is included for divers certified to use EANx. This can be valuable if you already hold the right certification and regularly use enriched air. If you are not EANx-certified, do not assume you can use it simply because it is listed in the package.

The inclusion of tanks and weights removes two common add-on costs. It does not remove the cost of rental equipment. You should ask for a current equipment list and rental rate before booking, especially if you are flying in without your own kit.

The first-day equipment sizing is another reason to arrive ready with accurate information. Staff can confirm the fit, but you will save time by knowing your own sizes and telling them about any gear preferences.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required. You should be comfortable with boat transfers, carrying or handling scuba equipment, and spending several mornings around the water. Service animals are allowed, and the marina is near public transportation, but hotel pickup may be the easier option for a 7:00 a.m. start.

How the $600 price compares with the value

At $600 per person, the base price works out to about $200 per day before tax, the state permit, and rental equipment. In return, you receive three days of boat-based scuba outings, two tanks each day, weights, lunch, water, and hotel transportation.

That can be fair value for a certified diver who wants several consecutive days on Palau’s reefs. The package saves you from arranging three separate bookings and covers basic daily needs. Nitrox-certified participants get another useful inclusion.

The final price is the important part. Add the $160 Jellyfish Lake permit, and the subtotal becomes $760 before tax and gear rental. If you need a full rental kit, the actual cost will rise again. I would ask for the full amount in writing, including tax, rental equipment, and any optional extra outings.

The value improves if you already own equipment and plan to use the included tanks. It is also stronger if you would have paid separately for a Jellyfish Lake visit. For a nondiver, this is the wrong product, since certification is required. For someone who wants only one or two ocean outings, three days may be more commitment than necessary.

What the staff support adds

The planning side seems to be one of the better reasons to choose this operator. Kim has helped with clear messages, pricing questions, and arrangements before arrival. That is especially useful if Palau is your first visit and you are unsure how many days to reserve.

Giovanni has taught certification courses in English and has been described as patient and humorous. That matters mainly if you are combining this program with instruction, although this particular package requires you to already hold a diving certification.

Aki san has led outings and instruction, while Fraser has served as captain. Staff assignments can change, but these names help you know who may be involved. Ask at check-in who your guide and captain will be, and tell the team what kind of pace you prefer.

The company has also been described as family-run, with newer boats and equipment noted in one account. I would still inspect rental gear at fitting and speak up if something does not feel right. Good communication is part of safe participation.

Safety, weather, and cancellation details

Boat conditions can change. One past incident involved a passenger moving toward the front of the boat in rough seas after being told not to, resulting in an injury. The practical lesson is simple: follow the crew’s instructions, stay seated or positioned as directed, and take rough water seriously.

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the program is often reserved around 100 days ahead, I would not leave a preferred date until the last minute, especially if your hotel and flights are already fixed.

Who should book these three days

This suits a certified diver who wants a focused Koror schedule, several ocean outings, and a guided Jellyfish Lake visit. It is especially practical if you value hotel pickup, provided meals, and a single operator handling the three-day plan.

It also suits someone who wants local guidance rather than trying to arrange separate reef trips and a lake visit. The staff support before arrival can help if you are not familiar with Palau’s permits or boat procedures.

You should think twice if you are not certified, dislike early starts, or need a fully inclusive price. You should also compare costs if you need every piece of scuba equipment rented. The base rate looks straightforward, but the mandatory permit and gear charges change the final total.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The program lasts approximately three days.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 7:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and return to your hotel are offered. Some participants may also board from Neco Marine Marina or a hotel dock.

How many scuba tanks are included?

Two scuba tanks per day are included, for six tanks over three days.

Is scuba equipment rental included?

No. Scuba equipment rental is not included. Dive weights are included.

Is the Jellyfish Lake permit included?

No. The mandatory Koror State Permit for the Jellyfish Lake visit costs $160 per person and is separate from the tour price.

Do I need scuba certification?

Yes. You must have scuba certification to participate.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.

Should you book it?

I would book this if you are already certified, want three organized mornings on Palau’s reefs, and like the convenience of hotel pickup, meals, tanks, and a guided Jellyfish Lake visit. The strongest value comes from using the included tanks and bringing your own equipment.

Before confirming, ask for the full price after the $160 permit, tax, and gear rental. Also confirm the daily schedule, the number of planned outings, your guide, and the meal arrangement. If those details fit your budget and you want a concentrated underwater stay in Koror, this is a practical way to see a lot in three days.