Join Dirty Dozen Expeditions and Oceanic in Palau for the Ultimate Underwater Shootout!

Get ready for an epic dive adventure as we team up with Oceanic to explore the legendary waters of Palau—a diver’s playground packed with world-famous wrecks, vibrant reefs, and jaw-dropping caves. 

This trip is open to both recreational and technical divers, with a minimum certification of Advanced Open Water with Nitrox.

Joining us for the ride is none other than Nick Hollis, Brand Manager for the iconic Oceanic and Hollis dive brands. Nick will be bringing his expertise from the brand and product side to help you level up your underwater content.

Oh, and did we mention? Every guest will receive their own Oceanic+ Dive Housing to capture the action in stunning photo and video throughout the trip. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just testing the waters of underwater photography, this is your chance to dive, create, and connect with an adventurous and fun group!

PLEASE NOTE THAT GUESTS WISHING TO PENETRATE BEYOND THE LIGHTZONE WILL NEED TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF AN ADVANCED OVERHEAD CERTIFICATION (FULL CAVE OR TECHNICAL/ADVANCED WRECK)

Palau is one of the most remote diving destinations on the planet. Palau is located just north of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, sitting about 1,500km/780mi north of New Guinea.

The remote location of Palau makes operating an expedition here very challenging. But as you will soon find out, the diving we will encounter is one of a kind and it more than makes up for any logistical hassles the team might have to endure to get here.

Diving

Palau Siren will offer guided and unguided dives during this trip on the wrecks that have a permanent mooring. The dive guides in Palau are just that, guides and not instructors or technical diving gurus.

You are responsible for your own safety and dive planning at all times. There are lots of opportunities to penetrate the wrecks. Some of these penetrations are relatively easy and straightforward while others are quite advanced. Dive guides on Palau Siren do not run lines on any guided dives. If you want to run your own lines into the wreck then this is, of course, possible but not on a guided dive. The captain, cruise director, and expedition leader will explain the best course of action on each wreck for penetration.

Solo diving is permitted on the outside of the wrecks. There are big fines for anyone found removing artifacts from the wrecks.

Environment

The warm tropical waters of Palau are pleasant throughout the year averaging 27°C (82 °F). whether you are at 6m/20ft or 60m/200ft, and there are no major thermoclines. While the water is warm enough to dive in just shorts and a t-shirt, we recommend a full-length 3-5 mm wetsuit or a drysuit with light undergarments for those long runtimes.

Some of the diving in Palau has strong currents. Your cruise director will be able to advise you whilst onboard and may recommend that guests with insufficient experience sit out certain dives. 

Palau Siren has at least two fiberglass "skiff" dive tenders which are used to transfer guests to the dive sites during each cruise. Exit from the water at the end of a dive is via a ladder onto the skiffs. Our dive tender drivers are happy to provide assistance to guests who need help with their equipment and exiting the water. 

There are very few dive shops in Palau for the purchase of diving equipment, spares for rebreathers, or OC equipment. Palau Siren will have some basic diving equipment on board for hire, but with different configurations on board it’s crucial that you bring as many spares as possible so you do not miss any dives. If you service your equipment before coming to Palau, please use it a couple times before traveling to ensure there are no problems. Bring plenty of torches, the bigger the better. You will not regret it in the engine rooms!

Cylinders

The following DIN cylinders are available on Palau Siren:
» Aluminum 12L/80 cu ft Twinsets
» Sidemount Sets (AL80)

» 3L/23 cu ft, 2L/15 cu ft Rebreather Cylinders
» 6-12L/40-80 cu ft Bailout Cylinders

There are no M26 valves or adapters onboard, you must bring your own. Bring your own slings for deco/bailout!

Please specify the configurations you will dive in when you book.

Gases

Latest oxygen and helium prices can be found on the trip inclusions.
All Nitrox mixes from 32-99% will be available. O2 is provided up to 100% purity. As there is no means to bank gasses in Palau, all gasses supplied will be charged for, even if they are not used. CCR divers can arrange shared cost, team bailout gasses at the beginning of the expedition. After a brief discussion on the first evening, we can fill some standardized gasses which everybody agrees will work for the entire trip.

OC tech divers can plan their gas cost by looking at the wreck list and assuming there are two dives on one wreck each day. We think it’s fair for OC divers to budget for around US$300 in oxygen charges, given you’ll be topping up 50% and oxygen every day. But remember, it’s all based on your planning and consumption.

Sofnolime

Molecular Sofnolime 1-2.5mm is available and is sold in 22kg/44lb containers. The latest price can be found on the trip inclusions.

Diving Emergencies

Palau has one hospital, the Belau National Hospital (BNH) for outpatient and emergency cases. For diving emergencies, there is an operational Hyperbaric Chamber which is also located at the BNH. Palau also has three private medical clinics, one of which is open during evenings.

Serious DCI cases may involve medivac to Guam or elsewhere. With this in mind, it is mandatory that our guests purchase dive and liveaboard-specific insurance according to their level of certification. This insurance needs to cover air evacuation and the appropriate depths you plan to dive to. We strongly urge that all guests dive well within recognized limits and follow our advice.

Please click the following link for more information about our preferred insurance provider:

DiveAssure Insurance

Our expedition vessels are equipped with fully stocked medical first aid kits for treating minor injuries and ailments as well as for assisting trained medical professionals in remote locations. Each yacht has a full complement of medical-grade oxygen which can be administered to divers through DAN kits or unit-specific attachments. You will also find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on board. AEDs have been proven to greatly increase survival rates in the eventuality of cardiac fibrillation. Our dive teams are all qualified emergency responders. Should you feel unwell at any point during your cruise, please seek the advice of your cruise director who will be able to assist you.

Medical Treatment

Ensure you bring any medication you need as there is a strong possibility that it will not be available locally. Normal precautions should be taken with food and it is advisable to drink bottled water only.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required before entering Palau, however, we recommend consulting with your doctor for updated information prior to departure. If you are traveling from a Yellow Fever area, proof of immunization might be required. It’s recommended that tetanus immunizations are also up to date before traveling to Palau. Palau a malaria-free zone and mosquitoes are not a problem on the boat. But they can be annoying on shore, so consider bringing insect repellent. The Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika viruses have all been reported in Palau, and are spread by mosquitoes.

Flights

You should book your international flight to and from Palau International Airport, Koror (ROR). We highly recommend arriving into Palau 48-hours prior to embarkation day to allow time for delayed flights, missed connections, and lost baggage.

Even though Palau seems pretty remote, there are multiple international flight routes. United Airlines operates direct flights from Guam to Koror 6 times a week. Non-US citizens flying via Guam are required to obtain a ‘transit visa’ from US immigration prior to boarding. 

United Airlines also serves Palau from Manila twice a week. Air China operates direct flights from Taipei, and Korean Airlines has scheduled flights from Incheon, South Korea. 

Visa

Passport holders of most Western countries are granted a 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Koror at no extra charge.  United States citizens are granted a 1-year visa upon arrival.

All visitors are required to present a valid passport and a return/onwards airline ticket to travel to Palau. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Palau.

Visitors from countries other than the US should check the Visa requirements for the passport they hold.

Arrival

It is highly recommended that you plan to arrive in Palau several days before the cruise start date to allow time to acclimatize, and in case of flight cancellations or delayed baggage. Hotel accommodation in Palau is limited and can be expensive, so booking in advance is essential. 

On embarkation day you will be picked up from your hotel, or the airport, by the boat transport mid-afternoon.

Food

Meals are provided on a full board basis including a light breakfast, full breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks with unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee, fruit juices, and soft drinks. 

Local lager (beer), wine, and spirits are available from our cocktail bar for an additional fee. 

We offer a choice of International and locally inspired cuisine and can cater to special dietary requirements with advance notice. Should you have any specific dietary needs, allergies, or special requests, please advise your sales consultant at the time of confirming your liveaboard trip to ensure we are able to make provisions for your needs. 

Please note: It can be very difficult to find low-fat or soy products that are common elsewhere. While we always do our best to accommodate dietary requests, please consider bringing some of your own foods if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk or seriously compromise your enjoyment of your holiday. 

Clothing

For your time onboard Palau Siren, we recommend bringing casual and comfortable clothes; swimwear, shorts, and t-shirts. A sweater is advised for cooler nights, particularly after multiple dives. Palau Siren has equipped with laundry facilities and our housekeeper is more than happy to launder your clothes during the trip for a small charge. 

We do request that guests respect the wishes of others by donning clothing for mealtimes. Most guests prefer to walk barefoot onboard our vessel; however, island visits may require sturdy sandals or cross-trainers. 

Electricity

Both 220V and 110V universal sockets are available onboard and there are USB power outlets in common areas. Nevertheless, we do advise guests to bring their own adapters if in doubt of compatibility.

Gratuities

We believe that tipping is a matter of personal choice. Should you feel that your crew has made your holiday extra special, they would certainly appreciate a tip. Please note we are only able to accept tips in cash. For this purpose, you can use the envelope provided by the expedition leader. He/she will make sure the tips are divided equally amongst all crew members, including the captain and dive guides.

Smoking on board is permitted in designated outdoor areas.

Launched in 2012, the 40m Palau Siren was built on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and is handcrafted from ironwood and teak (traditional to the area). You will find no other diving liveaboard as beautiful in Palau waters and, being built by divers for divers, you can be rest assured that every need has been thought of and addressed.

Accommodation

Welcoming a maximum of 16 guests per cruise ensures that there is ample space to relax. The 8 comfortable, double occupancy cabins offer a choice of double or twin beds; 2 cabins are flexible double/twin. All cabins have individually controlled air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms with hot water.

The dive deck has individual personal storage for your smaller equipment items and is most likely be one of the most spacious and comfortable you will have come across. Separate rinse tanks are provided for scuba and camera equipment as well as fresh water showers on deck.

The covered outdoor dining area provides a great setting for all your meals and the spacious air-conditioned saloon offers a cocktail bar, comfortable seating and a large flat screen TV.

The saloon also has designated areas for charging and preparation of your camera and video equipment making the Palau Siren a top choice for underwater photographers and videographers.

Palau Siren also benefits from 2 shaded, high-bottom, fibreglass skiffs, nitrox compressor, equipment rental, kayaks, laundry and massage services.

Guest Facilities

- 8 twin-bed/double A/C and en suite cabins for 16 guests

- Large, convenient, easy entry dive platform

- Fixed deco/safety bar at 15 feet/6 m

- Gear rinse tanks

- Camera tables

- Camera rinse tanks

- Battery charging

- Portholes or windows in each cabin

- Fully air conditioned

- Private ensuite facilities

- Large entertainment lounge with TV with access to onboard entertainment system

- Nitrox compressor

- Laundry

- Airport transfers (for those arriving and departing on charter schedule)

- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and all snacks)

- Beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages

Check out what previous guests had to say about their experiences in Palau.

"The early morning sun penetrates the ocean surface. The tower of thousands of red snappers engage in their ancient mating ritual. Bull sharks lurk around, ready for an easy meal. And all this is enhanced by the audiovisual side-show by our trusted and ever so enthusiastic guides, Richard Barnden and Matt Boyle, pointing out the twists and turns of the weird plot written by nature. Being enveloped in this marine rollercoaster ride was an example of the underwater wonders you can only experience in Palau. 

I came for wrecks but returned with many additional stories I couldn't have imagined. Caves and creatures, the island scenery from a fantasy movie trailer. The ripping currents at Angaur island when diving the USS Perry. The reef walls reaching to the depths of the Pacific, summoning us to drop just a bit deeper and further. Thanks, Aron and Dirty Dozen Expeditions. As always, you exceeded expectations and overcame the surprises nature had waiting for us, making these challenging and fantastic dives happen."

Antti Apunen - Co-founder of Divers Of The Dark and writer behind “Diving Into The Unknown” 

 Palau 2022

"I am not much of a selfie guy, BUT, I could't help myself to turn the big Nauticam housing around and take one. Aron, Antti, Geoff (best buddies ever) and myself heading to do our deco after an amazing dive on the wreck of USS Perry. 

The USS Perry wreck was a WWII American destroyer / minesweeper now laying at 78m near Angaur Island - Palau. To our knowledge this wreck was only ever dived by about 30 divers and requires meticulous planning due to the harsh local sea conditions. This was however excellently planned thanks to Matt Boyle, Richard Bernden, and Aron Arngrimsson.

We actually only had to wait for about 2 hours on the surface for the current to ease off to be acceptable to dive. There is nothing better than your buddy waking you up all excited with, "Wake up!!! Wake up, get your breather on Jakub, we are going!!!"

This dive was the last dive of our 2 week breathtaking Palau expedition with Dirty Dozen Expeditions, where we explored Palau's reefs, caves and wrecks. Big thanks to The Dirty Dozen Expeditions, the whole crew and everybody who was able to join us for this ABSOLUTELY EPIC TIME!!!!!

Jakub Slama - Palau August 2022

Payment Schedule

Booking deposit (non-refundable)                            25% 

Payment 2 - 12 months prior to departure               25% 

Balance payment - 6 months prior to departure   50%

Terms & Conditions

All bookings are subject to the provisions in our "Terms and Conditions" and "Payment and Cancellation Terms" found on our website:
Terms & Conditions
Payment & Cancellation Terms

* Please note that a 10% Palau Goods and Services Tax is applied to payments made on board Palau Siren for equipment rental, nitrox, and other miscellaneous items.

Booking a Dirty Dozen Expedition offers you a unique and unparalleled experience, distinct from conventional travel offerings. This exclusive expedition is meticulously crafted to cater to technical divers and dive teams, providing an extraordinary journey evolved from thousands of hours of wreck exploration.

At Dirty Dozen Expeditions we understand and respect the effort you will put into your trip of a lifetime, be it the funds and time spent on equipment and training or time away from family and work - we know how much it means to get your trip just right. We pride ourselves in providing first-hand knowledge and experience of technical diving in every destination we book, and so can offer you the very best advice and guidance on all aspects of your journey.

We believe it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, from direct access to company founder, Aron Arngrimsson, to making life-long friends as part of #teamdd. This is what you can expect from your Dirty Dozen Expedition:

• We are available by email or phone whenever you need to ask questions about your trip, from the moment you sign up until well after you return home;
• Our team have visited and dived all the destinations we book, so you are guaranteed the most accurate and experienced guidance;
• Solo travelers are welcomed and supported within our dive team culture, while established groups are given the freedom to dive and explore as they prefer;
• A Dirty Dozen Expeditions Leader onboard every trip will support and assist guests with daily expedition life;
• Safety is at the forefront of every expedition and we pride ourselves on being industry leaders in the use of ’splash checklists’, gas management procedures, and other onboard safety protocols;
• We offer our customers a FREE Human Factors in Diving (Fundamentals) training course with every booking;
• The option to pre-pay for onboard consumables to avoid hefty bills at the end of your trip;
• Access to preferential Trip Insurance rates with our preferred partner, DiveAssure;
• Expedition members are invited to 2 team Zoom meetings before every expedition, one to
  assist with long-term planning and one to answer final queries shortly before departure;
• A team WhatsApp group is set up 12 months before each trip to support planning, answer
  questions, and develop teamwork and camaraderie in the run-up to the expedition;
• Many of our trips feature special guests, certification agencies, or manufacturers, giving you the opportunity to meet and dive with some industry greats!
• Every team member receives a complimentary expedition t-shirt and water bottle, as well as novelty stickers and postcards as a souvenir of your time with #teamdd;
• Many trips feature a photographer/videographer who will document your time onboard and underwater to provide long-lasting memories.
  

And this is all on top of the standard trip inclusions listed further down the page!

We believe in transparent pricing with as many inclusions as possible to avoid unexpected charges at the end of your trip. While our trip price may appear higher than some other operators, this should help you plan for the realistic costs of this type of dive expedition and avoid nasty surprises down the road.

We hope you agree that booking with Dirty Dozen Expeditions will provide you with an experience quite unlike any other, and that we are the premier choice when it comes to technical diving expeditions.